Anaheim, California, is best known for Disneyland, but there’s so much more to explore beyond the theme parks! If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, outdoor adventures, delicious dining, or vibrant nightlife, Anaheim has something for everyone. From theme parks and sports to local breweries and hidden gems, this extensive guide covers the best things to do in Anaheim for every kind of traveler.

Things to Do in Anaheim

1. Visit Disneyland Resort

No trip to Anaheim is complete without visiting Disneyland Resort, which includes Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Top Attractions in Disneyland Park:

• Sleeping Beauty Castle – The iconic symbol of Disneyland.
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Ride Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance.
• Indiana Jones Adventure – A thrilling, immersive dark ride.
• Space Mountain – One of the best roller coasters in the park.

Top Attractions in Disney California Adventure Park:

• Avengers Campus – Home to Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure.
• Pixar Pier – Enjoy the Incredicoaster and Toy Story Midway Mania.
• Cars Land – Race through Radiator Springs Racers.

2. Explore Downtown Disney District

If you want Disney magic without a park ticket, Downtown Disney is a free-entry shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

Best Things to Do in Downtown Disney:

• Eat at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes – Famous for their massive milkshakes.
• Shop at World of Disney – The ultimate store for Disney fans.
• Watch live entertainment – Street performances and live music.
• Build your own LEGO creation at The LEGO Store.

3. Catch an Anaheim Ducks or Angels Game

Sports fans can cheer for local teams at Anaheim’s major stadiums:

• Honda Center – Home to the Anaheim Ducks (NHL).
• Angel Stadium of Anaheim – Watch the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) play a home game.

4. Visit Knott’s Berry Farm

Located just 10 minutes from Anaheim, Knott’s Berry Farm is a fantastic alternative to Disneyland with thrilling rides, fun attractions, and an Old West theme.

Top Attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm:

• GhostRider – One of the longest and fastest wooden roller coasters in the U.S.
• HangTime – A thrilling dive coaster with steep drops.
• Calico River Rapids – A fun water ride for hot days.
• Knott’s Boysenberry Festival – A food festival celebrating the boysenberry, which was first cultivated here.

5. Enjoy Outdoor Adventures at Yorba Regional Park

For a break from the theme parks, head to Yorba Regional Park, a beautiful 140-acre park with lakes, trails, and picnic areas.

Activities at Yorba Regional Park:

• Bike or walk along the Santa Ana River Trail.
• Rent a pedal boat and cruise on the lake.
• Have a family picnic or BBQ.
• Let kids play on the playgrounds.

6. Visit Anaheim Packing District

The Anaheim Packing District is a historic citrus-packing warehouse turned food hall, filled with unique eateries, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Best Places to Eat at Anaheim Packing House:

• The Kroft – Famous for their poutine and comfort food.
• Popbar – Customizable gelato on a stick.
• Urbana Mexican Gastronomy – Modern Mexican cuisine with delicious cocktails.
• The Blind Rabbit – A hidden speakeasy for craft cocktails.

7. Explore the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

If you love history and art, visit Muzeo, a local museum featuring rotating exhibitions on art, history, and culture.

What to See at Muzeo:

• Historical artifacts from Anaheim’s past.
• Modern art exhibits featuring local and global artists.
• Cultural exhibitions that highlight Anaheim’s diversity.

8. Discover Adventure City – A Hidden Gem for Families

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Adventure City (@adventurecity)

If you have young children, Adventure City is a smaller, budget-friendly theme park with fun rides and attractions.

Top Attractions at Adventure City:

• Rewind Racers – A unique forward-and-backward roller coaster.
• Rescue 911 – A kid-friendly interactive fire truck ride.
• Petting zoo and arcade games.

9. Enjoy Craft Beer at Local Breweries

Anaheim has a booming craft beer scene with fantastic breweries offering unique and locally made beers.

Best Breweries in Anaheim:

• Bottle Logic Brewing – Known for creative, experimental beers.
• Unsung Brewing Co. – A superhero-themed brewery with bold flavors.
• Golden Road Brewing – A great place to relax with outdoor seating.
• Karl Strauss Brewing Company – A well-known brewery with classic craft beer.

10. Take a Day Trip to Huntington Beach

If you want to hit the beach, head to Huntington Beach, just 30 minutes from Anaheim.

Things to Do at Huntington Beach:

• Surf at the “Surf City USA” beaches.
• Walk along the Huntington Beach Pier.
• Visit Pacific City, a beachfront shopping and dining area.
• Enjoy a bonfire at one of the beach fire pits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Anaheim

1. What Are the Must-See Attractions in Anaheim?

The City offers a mix of theme parks, cultural attractions, and outdoor spaces. Here are the top must-see attractions:

• Disneyland Resort – Home to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
• Downtown Disney District – A lively area with shops, dining, and live entertainment.
• Knott’s Berry Farm – A theme park with thrilling rides and an Old West theme.
• Honda Center – Catch an Anaheim Ducks NHL game or a live concert.
• Angel Stadium of Anaheim – Home of the Los Angeles Angels MLB team.
• Anaheim Packing District – A trendy food hall with a variety of eateries and live music.
• Yorba Regional Park – A peaceful outdoor space with trails, lakes, and picnic areas.

2. What Are the Best Theme Parks in Anaheim?

Anaheim is famous for its theme parks. Here are the top ones to visit:

Disneyland Resort

• Disneyland Park – The original Disney park, featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
• Disney California Adventure Park – Home to Avengers Campus, Pixar Pier, and Radiator Springs Racers.

Knott’s Berry Farm (10 minutes from Anaheim)

• GhostRider – A thrilling wooden roller coaster.
• HangTime – California’s first dive coaster.
• Calico River Rapids – A fun water ride with scenic views.

Adventure City (For young kids)

• A small, budget-friendly theme park perfect for families with kids under 10.

3. What Are Some Fun Things to Do at Night?

Anaheim has a great nightlife scene, from bars and live music to night markets.

Best Things to Do at Night:

• The Blind Rabbit – A hidden speakeasy with craft cocktails.
• House of Blues Anaheim – Live music, dinner, and drinks.
• Anaheim Packing House – A vibrant food hall with bars and late-night dining.
• Top breweries like Bottle Logic and Unsung Brewing.
• Downtown Disney District – Enjoy late-night shopping, bars, and street performances.
• Go to a night game at Angel Stadium or Honda Center.

4. What Are the Best Outdoor Activities in Anaheim?

If you want fresh air and outdoor fun, Anaheim has parks, hiking trails, and beaches nearby.

Outdoor Activities in and Around Anaheim:

• Yorba Regional Park – A great spot for picnics, biking, and paddle boating.
• Santa Ana River Trail – A scenic bike and walking trail.
• Oak Canyon Nature Center – A hidden gem with hiking trails and wildlife.
• Huntington Beach (30 minutes away) – Enjoy surfing, beach volleyball, and bonfires.

5. What Are the Best Shopping Spots in Anaheim?

Anaheim has great places to shop, from Disney souvenirs to luxury brands.

Where to Shop in Anaheim:

• Downtown Disney District – Disney merchandise, LEGO Store, and more.
• The Outlets at Orange – Designer brands at discount prices.
• Anaheim GardenWalk – A mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• MainPlace Mall – A large shopping center with department stores and boutiques.

Final Thoughts

Anaheim is so much more than just Disneyland. Whether you’re a theme park lover, foodie, sports fan, or outdoor adventurer, there’s something for everyone in Anaheim.