11 Best Things to Do for Couples in Anaheim

The coastal city of Huntington Beach is close to Anaheim, making it a good choice if you want to enjoy a day at the beach. It’s often packed with surfers looking to hit the waves on sunny days, but you also get to enjoy snorkelling and swimming, as well as sunbathing on the clean sands. Huntington City Beach’s centrepiece is its 563-metre-long pier, which offers expansive views of the ocean. Huntington Beach is located about 21 miles south of central Anaheim, about 30 minutes away by car.

The 26-acre Fullerton Arboretum is one of Orange County’s largest botanical gardens. Located on Associated Road, it dates back to 1976 and functions as a natural resource for ecological and horticultural education. It is divided into 4 main exhibits, with a total collection of 4,000 unique and rare plant species. A historical landmark here is the late-19th-century Heritage House, an Eastlake-style cottage with displays about the medical practice and life of Dr George C. Clark, Fullerton's pioneering physician.

Anaheim’s craft brew scene dates back to 1870 and has since created one of the best cities to enjoy unique beers in Orange County. The most popular venue is the Anaheim Brewery, a 19th-century brewery that’s known for its German-style wheat beer, Anaheim Hefeweizen. Experimental beer connoisseurs may enjoy sampling Bottle Logic Brewing’s award-winning Lagerithm dark lager and the No Spaces, No Symbols sweet stout with Ghanaian cacao nibs.

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center features seasonal exhibitions that cost at least $3.50 per entry, though you get to enjoy free admission to the Carnegie Gallery. Located in the Carnegie Library, the permanent “Anaheim: A Walk Through Local History” exhibition showcases various archaeological findings from Anaheim and Orange County, including 19th-century citrus-farming tools, fossils, and ancient Native American jewellery. Muzeo Museum also hosts the Trash Artist Challenge, an annual sustainable art competition, where students are encouraged to create artwork out of recyclable materials.

Laguna Beach is a coastal town with a vibrant art scene and miles of sandy beaches in southern Orange County. Summertime is the best time to visit as you get to enjoy annual events such as Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival and the Pageant of the Masters. Surfing is a popular activity at Laguna Beach, especially in areas such as Victoria Beach and 1000 Steps Beach (named after its long stairway leading to the surfing spot).

The House of Blues Anaheim is where you get to enjoy a variety of live acts, from burlesque and stand-up comedy to hip-hop and rock concerts. Even if you’re not planning to catch a gig during your visit, the venue has an onsite restaurant and bar that serves Southern-inspired dishes such as pulled-pork barbeque, jambalaya, and fried chicken. Every Sunday morning, House of Blues Anaheim hosts a Gospel Brunch experience that features an all-you-can-eat buffet and live performances by local artists.

Bowers Museum, with its collection of over 120,000 works of art, is where you get to learn about indigenous cultures from all over the world. Its permanent exhibits are dedicated to Native Americans, West Africans, and Pacific Islanders, as well as the history of Orange County. Gallery talks and tours are typically available in the afternoon, though we advise you to check with the museum for availability. Admission to the Bowers Museum costs $13 per adult ($15 on weekends) and $10 per child age 12 and above ($12 on weekends).

Lucky Strike Orange County features 24 bowling lanes and a full-service bar in its main area, plus a VIP room that has 6 lanes and a projection screen. A popular spot for bowling enthusiasts (adults and children alike), this family-friendly venue also offers an extensive menu of cocktails and American classics such as waffles, sandwiches, and burgers. Located within The Outlets at Orange, Lucky Strike Orange County is within a 5-minute drive of the Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park spans over 1,200 acres in east Orange County, about a 30-minute drive of central Anaheim. Hikers get to enjoy miles of interconnecting trails that lead up to vantage points overlooking mountain vistas, Villa Park Dam, and the Santiago Creek. These paths are also popular among mountain bikers and seasoned joggers looking to test their endurance at Santiago Oaks Regional Park. If you prefer a relatively easy way of exploring the park, go for the Santiago Creek Trail as it’s a 1.4-mile loop that’s fairly flat and takes you to the neighbouring Irvine Regional Park.

The City National Grove of Anaheim hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from music concerts, stand-up comedy, and theatre shows to conventions, expos, and fancy galas. If you don’t mind the extra cost, the City National Grove of Anaheim offers a 3-course dinner and show package for selected concerts. You can also opt for the City National Bank Crystal Package, which gives you Tier 1 premium seating, VIP parking, and access to the luxurious lounge.