10 Best Things to Do in Anaheim
What is Anaheim Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Anaheim are mostly catered to families looking to hit up the city’s theme parks and nature reserves. You can spend hours enjoying hundreds of amusement rides, meeting lovable mascots, taking part in street parades, and admiring fireworks displays.
There are plenty of dining options and markets in the city centre, while adults can explore Anaheim’s many breweries, many of which date back to the pre-Prohibition years. If you’re up for an adventure, the city is teeming with canyons and woodlands with panoramic vantage points. Read on for our guide to Anaheim’s most famous landmarks.
What are the best things to do in Anaheim?
1. Disneyland
One of the world’s largest theme parks
Good for: Families, Photo, Group
Disneyland Park, built in 1955 by Walt Disney, features 8 themed areas that are teeming with amusement rides, colourful characters, live music, and street parades. Located on Disneyland Drive, it’s one of the largest theme parks in the world. Thrill seekers can enjoy exhilarating rides at the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, while families with young kids can explore the Sleeping Beauty Castle and meet Disney princesses at the Royal Hall.
Location: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 8 am to midnight, Friday–Saturday from 9 am to midnight
Phone: +1 714-781-4636
Disneyland
2. Oak Canyon Nature Center
Join the hour-long tour of the nature reserve
Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure
Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 234,700 sq m nature reserve with 3 canyons and about 4 miles of trails that are suitable for hiking and jogging. The park is home to a variety of plants, including western poison oak, California buckwheat, and California live oak. Families can enjoy many activities, especially in summertime. The Discover Nature Family Program is an hour-long weekend hike through Oak Canyon Nature Center. It costs $5 per family, and includes a live animal demonstration by the park’s naturalist.
Location: 6700 E Walnut Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 714-998-8380
Oak Canyon Nature Center
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
Drink butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Good for: Families, Photo, Group
Universal Studios Hollywood features many themed rides that are inspired by Hollywood blockbusters such as Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, and Transformers. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is where fans of the famous films can explore many parts of Hogwarts, such as the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, Dumbledore’s office, and the Room of Requirement. The Studio Tour is a popular attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood as you get to visit original movie sets, including The Bates Motel from Psycho and the town square from Back to the Future. Read more
Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 800-864-8377
Universal Studios Hollywood
4. Anaheim Ducks hockey game
Cheer for your favourite players at the Honda Center
Good for: Families, Group
The Anaheim Ducks is a national ice hockey team that was founded by The Walt Disney Company in 1993 following the success of the 1992 movie The Mighty Ducks. If you’ve never been to watch a hockey game before, make your way to the Honda Center on East Katella Avenue. The NHL season takes place from October to April, and the team’s home games attract up 17,000 spectators to the amphitheatre-style venue.
Location: 2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA
Phone: +1 714-704-2400
Anaheim Ducks hockey game
5. Adventure City
Play with rabbits, chickens, and sheep at the petting farm
Good for: Families
Adventure City on South Beach Boulevard is one of Anaheim’s most visited theme parks. It dates back to 1994, and features about 15 themed rides, live shows, and activities for visitors of all ages. The theme park’s centrepiece is an elegant 1940s carousel with 20 wooden horses and benches. Visitors aged 4 and above can climb a 7-metre-tall rock climbing tower, while younger visitors can cuddle with rabbits, chickens, and sheep at the petting farm. Tickets to Adventure City cost about $20 for unlimited access to all rides and shows, except the climbing wall and arcade.
Location: 1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92804, USA
Open: Monday – Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday – Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 714-236-9300
Adventure City
6. Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Enjoy big discounts on designer brands at this outlet mall
Good for: Shoppers
Desert Hills Premium Outlets has more than 150 stores selling clothing, jewellery, sportswear, beauty products, and bags from designer and high street brands. As these items are mostly off-season, you get to enjoy attractive bargains on luxury names such as Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Kate Spade, Helmut Lang, and Jimmy Choo. Located on Seminole Drive, Desert Hills Premium Outlets is about an hour’s drive from central Anaheim.
Location: 48400 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230, USA
Open: Monday – Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 951-849-6641
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
7. City National Grove of Anaheim
Enjoy a 3-course dinner and a show of your choice
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
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.
Location: 2200 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA
Open: Box office: Monday – Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 12 pm to 4 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +1 714-712-2700
City National Grove of Anaheim
8. Huntington Beach
Watch the sunset at Huntington Beach Pier
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget, Group
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.
Location: Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
Huntington Beach
9. Anaheim Brewery
Enjoy fresh beer at the Beer Garden
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Anaheim Brewery is a 19th-century brewery located within the Anaheim Packing District. Reopened in 2011, this pre-Prohibition venue features a tasting room where you can watch the brewing process and drink fresh beer straight from the tanks. If the weather is good, crowds often flock to Anaheim Brewery’s beer garden, which is located on the northern end of Farmer’s Park.
Location: 3830, 336 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
Open: Monday – Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 7 pm
Phone: +1 714-780-1888
Anaheim Brewery
10. Anaheim Packing District
Enjoy live music every weekend
Good for: Food, Nightlife
The Anaheim Packing District consists of a farmer’s park and 3 buildings housing a variety of restaurants, cafes, breweries, and wine bars. Here, you can find the Anaheim Packing House, which was once a 2-storey citrus packing warehouse dating back to 1925. Today, it’s a gourmet food hall with 20 eclectic food options, ranging from Indian and Vietnamese to French and Italian. Every weekend, you get to enjoy live bands performing on the Mezzanine Stage at 1pm and 7pm.
Location: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 714-533-7225
Anaheim Packing District
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