25 Best Things to Do in Anaheim, California

Last Updated on July 30, 2026 by Daniel Globe

Anaheim welcomed a record 26.5 million visitors in 2025, but the city offers much more than a single famous resort. You can spend a day in Disney parks, catch a baseball or hockey game, explore a restored citrus-packing district, hike through oak woodland, visit family museums, or use Anaheim as a base for nearby Orange County attractions. The best plan depends on your budget, your group, and how many full days you have.

Anaheim welcomed a record 26.5 million visitors in 2025, according to Visit Anaheim, showing how the city has grown into a year-round destination for theme parks, sports, dining, conventions, and local culture.

How to Choose What to Do in Anaheim

Start by deciding what kind of day you want. Theme-park fans should focus on the Disneyland Resort or nearby Knott’s Berry Farm. Families with young children may prefer Adventure City, Discovery Cube, or Great Wolf Lodge. Food-focused visitors can build an afternoon around the Packing District and MAKE Building, while sports and music fans should check the schedules at Angel Stadium, Honda Center, House of Blues, and Anaheim ICE.

Best for	Start with	Time to allow
First-time families	Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure	One full day per park
Toddlers and younger children	Adventure City or Discovery Cube	Half day
Food and drinks	Anaheim Packing District and MAKE	Three to five hours
Sports and concerts	Angel Stadium, Honda Center, or House of Blues	One evening
Free or low-cost outdoors	Oak Canyon Nature Center or Yorba Regional Park	Two to four hours

Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park opened on July 17, 1955, and now includes nine themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Frontierland; New Orleans Square; Bayou Country; Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; Fantasyland; Mickey’s Toontown; and Tomorrowland. Its mix of classic rides, character experiences, parades, nighttime entertainment, and newer attractions makes it the city’s signature experience.

Plan for a full day. A valid ticket and a park reservation may be required for the same date and park, depending on the ticket type, so review the official reservation calendar before buying travel arrangements. Arrive before opening, place your highest-priority rides first, and use the Disneyland app for wait times, mobile food orders, showtimes, and Lightning Lane options.

Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure Park blends Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories with thrill rides, family attractions, seasonal food events, and nighttime entertainment. Popular areas include Cars Land, Avengers Campus, Pixar Pier, Grizzly Peak, and Hollywood Land.

1. Start with your priorities: Radiator Springs Racers, WEB SLINGERS, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, and the Incredicoaster often draw strong demand.
2. Check height requirements: Families can avoid disappointment by reviewing restrictions before entering a queue.
3. Plan around entertainment: Showtimes and seasonal festivals can shape the best route through the park.

A Park Hopper ticket can allow same-day access to both Disney parks under the current ticket rules, but first-time visitors usually get more value by giving each park its own day. Confirm the latest hopping rules in the Disneyland app or on the official ticket page.

Downtown Disney District

Downtown Disney District is the Disneyland Resort’s outdoor dining, shopping, and entertainment area. You do not need a theme-park ticket to enter, although security screening and paid parking rules apply. It works well for an arrival evening, a break from the parks, or a meal with Disney atmosphere.

Dining and Nightlife

The dining lineup changes as the district expands. In July 2026, Disney’s official directory listed 27 dining options, including Din Tai Fung, Earl of Sandwich, Naples Ristorante e Bar, Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, Céntrico, Paseo, Parkside Market, and Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby. Table-service reservations are wise for popular dinner times, while quick-service counters are easier for flexible plans.

• Choose shareable dishes if your group wants to sample more than one restaurant.
• Allow extra time before a park reservation or ticketed event because security lines and walking time vary.
• Review current parking validation rules before assuming a meal will cover the full parking charge.

Shops and Entertainment

World of Disney is the main destination for Disney merchandise, while other stores carry collectibles, apparel, beauty products, toys, and gifts. Live music and seasonal entertainment appear on select dates. Because tenants and construction zones change, use the current official map instead of relying on an old store count.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm is in nearby Buena Park, a short drive from the Anaheim Resort area. The park combines major roller coasters, family rides, live entertainment, Peanuts characters, and an Old West Ghost Town. Seasonal events such as the Boysenberry Festival, Knott’s Scary Farm, and Knott’s Merry Farm can substantially change the experience.

Knott’s uses cashless payments at most locations, with cash-to-card kiosks available for guests who arrive with cash. Check the operating calendar because hours, ride availability, and event admission rules change by season.

1. Ride high-demand coasters early or late in the day.
2. Check whether a seasonal event needs a separate ticket.
3. Review the current parking rate and bag rules before leaving Anaheim.

Anaheim Packing District

The Anaheim Packing District brings together the two-story Packing House food hall, Farmers Park, the historic MAKE Building, and the Packard Building. The Packing House occupies a restored 1919 citrus-packing facility and now holds independent restaurants, bars, dessert counters, and small shops.

Take one lap before ordering. The vendor mix covers cuisines such as Indian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Cajun, hot pot, grilled cheese, pastries, ice cream, cocktails, and craft beer. Seating is communal and can be tight at weekend meal times, so visit earlier if you have a large group.

Adventure City

Adventure City is a compact family amusement park in Anaheim designed around younger children and shorter visits. Its official site lists 17 rides, shows, and attractions, including a vintage carousel, train, small coasters, a petting farm, and play areas. General admission was listed at $32.95 for ages one and older in July 2026, with free parking; verify the current rate and operating day before going.

Family Rides and Shows

The small footprint makes Adventure City easier to navigate than a major theme park. Admission covers unlimited use of most rides, shows, and attractions, while the climbing wall and arcade require separate payment. Online tickets are recommended because some days sell out.

• Freeway Coaster: a mild family coaster with height and supervision rules.
• Adventure City Express Train: an easy all-ages ride around the park.
• Petting farm and shows: slower activities that help break up ride time.

Toddler-Friendly Attractions

Parents of toddlers should review each attraction’s height and adult-rider rules in advance. The carousel, train, play spaces, and animal area provide options for children who are not ready for coasters. Bring sun protection and schedule a meal or quiet break before overtiredness sets in.

Flightdeck + Rogue Racing Simulation Center

Flightdeck + Rogue Racing offers immersive fighter-jet, Boeing 737, and race-car simulator experiences in Anaheim. Packages typically include instruction followed by simulator time, so this is more structured than an arcade visit.

Choose a package based on age requirements, comfort with motion, and how much instruction your group wants. Reservations are strongly recommended. Spectators may have limited viewing access depending on the package and current venue rules.

1. Review the package length and participant requirements.
2. Arrive early enough for check-in and the briefing.
3. Tell staff about motion sensitivity or accessibility needs before the session.

House of Blues Anaheim

House of Blues Anaheim sits at Anaheim GardenWalk and hosts touring artists, local performers, themed events, and restaurant programming. The complex includes a multi-level music hall, Restaurant & Bar, and Foundation Room spaces decorated with folk art and Southern-inspired design.

Most concert details are event-specific. Check whether your show is general admission or seated, review age restrictions, and confirm the bag policy before arrival. A restaurant reservation does not automatically include admission to a concert.

Angel Stadium and Los Angeles Angels Baseball

Angel Stadium is home to the Los Angeles Angels and is one of Anaheim’s most recognizable landmarks. A game can fill an afternoon or evening with baseball, ballpark food, promotions, and views of the field beneath the Big A.

Game-Day Experience

Arrive early if you want time for batting practice, team shops, family activities, or a promotional giveaway. Stadium tours are available on selected dates and may include areas that are not open during a normal game, but schedules can change around team operations.

1. Check the promotion schedule before choosing a game.
2. Use the official ballpark guide for permitted bags, food, and security rules.
3. Allow extra travel time when Honda Center has an event on the same night.

Tickets and Seating

Official tickets, group options, premium seating, suites, and a 3D seating map are available through MLB. Mobile tickets are managed through the MLB Ballpark app. Lower levels provide closer views, while upper sections can offer a wider field perspective at a lower price. There is no general-admission lawn, so select an assigned section that fits your budget and shade preference.

Honda Center: Anaheim Ducks and Concerts

Honda Center hosts Anaheim Ducks hockey, concerts, family shows, and special events. Official capacity varies by setup: 17,732 for hockey, 18,609 for basketball, and up to 19,578 for a center-stage event.

The venue does not operate a universal zero-bag rule. For Ducks games, permitted bags must generally be no larger than 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches; non-Ducks events use a different size limit, and some shows set stricter rules. Always open the specific event page before arrival.

Anaheim GardenWalk

Anaheim GardenWalk is an open-air dining and entertainment complex near the Disneyland Resort. House of Blues is its best-known anchor, and the property also includes restaurants, nightlife, art displays, and activity venues. The tenant mix has changed over time, so use the current directory rather than relying on an old count of restaurants or attractions.

Plan	Best use	Tip
Dinner	Pre-show or post-park meal	Reserve popular restaurants
Live music	House of Blues event	Check age and bag rules
Evening walk	Art and outdoor atmosphere	Confirm closing times

Discovery Cube Orange County

Discovery Cube Orange County is a hands-on science museum in Santa Ana, not Anaheim. It is a practical half-day trip for families who want interactive learning without committing to another theme park.

Exhibits and seasonal programs cover science, engineering, health, the environment, and imaginative problem-solving. The Orange County location is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with listed closure dates and holiday exceptions. Check current exhibits and ticket prices before leaving.

1. Start with the most popular interactive exhibit before school groups arrive.
2. Look for sensory-friendly mornings and limited-time programs.
3. Allow extra time for traffic between the Anaheim Resort area and Santa Ana.

Bowers Museum

Bowers Museum in Santa Ana presents art and cultural history through permanent collections and rotating international exhibitions. Its galleries include Indigenous arts of the Americas, California history, Asian art, Pacific art, paintings, decorative arts, and special loans from major institutions.

Museum Highlights and Exhibits

Because featured exhibitions change, build your visit around the current calendar rather than an old list. The museum’s 2026 schedule includes rotating textile, watercolor, and global art exhibitions. General admission and featured-exhibition tickets may be priced separately.

• Read the exhibition description before visiting to understand what is included with general admission.
• Allow at least two hours for the main galleries.
• Use respectful, collection-specific terms rather than treating many cultures as one broad category.

Family Programs and Events

Bowers offers selected family festivals, art classes, school programs, lectures, performances, and guided experiences. Dates vary, so check the program calendar. Families with young children should verify which galleries and activities are open on the day of the visit instead of assuming Kidseum programming is always available.

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is in downtown Anaheim and uses a modern main gallery plus the historic Carnegie Library complex. The original article’s description of Muzeo as a restored 1910 church was incorrect; the Carnegie building opened as a library in the early 1900s.

Muzeo focuses on rotating art, history, science, and cultural exhibitions, along with concerts, workshops, receptions, and community events. In 2026, its schedule includes exhibitions tied to Disneyland history as well as art and jazz programming. Because the galleries change frequently, confirm the current show, admission, and opening hours.

1. Pair Muzeo with lunch at the Packing District.
2. Check whether a plaza event is free while the gallery requires a ticket.
3. Allow time to see both the main gallery and historic buildings when open.

Oak Canyon Nature Center

Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 58-acre natural park in Anaheim Hills with about four miles of trails through oak woodland and coastal sage scrub. A year-round stream, native plants, wildlife habitat, picnic areas, and the John J. Collier Interpretive Center make it a calm alternative to the Resort District.

Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. The interpretive center has more limited hours, and parking is limited. Entry and parking are free, though donations support programming. Wear shoes with traction, carry water, and stay on marked trails.

Yorba Regional Park

Yorba Regional Park is a 140-acre, mile-long park in Anaheim beside the Santa Ana River. It has four lakes, extensive picnic space, playgrounds, paved bicycle paths, sports areas, fishing, and a connection to the Santa Ana River Trail.

1. Use the paved paths for walking, jogging, or cycling.
2. Reserve a group shelter for large gatherings.
3. Bring a valid California fishing license if required for your age.

Vehicle entry fees apply and are higher on weekends and some holidays. Dogs must be leashed, swimming and wading are prohibited, and bicycles must stay on paved trails.

The Packing House Food Hall

The Packing House is the best-known part of the Anaheim Packing District. The restored citrus building has two levels of vendors and communal seating, so it works especially well for groups that cannot agree on one cuisine.

Take a lap before ordering, then split up and meet at a shared table. Current merchants include independent food counters, dessert shops, bars, and specialty retail. Live music and special events appear on selected dates. Parking can fill during peak meal times, so review the district’s alternate parking guidance before arrival.

MAKE Building: Pali Wine, Unsung Brewing, Stone Groove, and Union Burger Society

The historic MAKE Building at 500 South Anaheim Boulevard was built in 1917 as the Crawford Marmalade Factory. Its current merchant directory lists Pali Wine Company, Unsung Brewing Company, Stone Groove Stillhouse, and Union Burger Society. Jav’s BBQ, named in the original article, is no longer listed as a current tenant.

Pali Wine Tasting

Pali Wine Company serves Central Coast wines and shareable food in a relaxed tasting-room setting. A flight is useful for comparing styles, but ask about the current menu, reservation policy, and event schedule before visiting.

• Share a flight if you want to taste without committing to full glasses.
• Ask staff which wines are produced from Pali’s estate vineyards and partner sites.
• Use a designated driver or rideshare when combining wine, beer, and spirits stops.

Union Burger Society and Stone Groove Stillhouse

Union Burger Society provides the building’s current burger-focused food option, while Stone Groove Stillhouse combines house-made spirits, cocktails, chef-driven plates, and an analog music concept. Together they replace the outdated Jav’s BBQ recommendation while preserving the MAKE Building’s food-and-drink mix.

Unsung Brewing Taproom

Unsung Brewing Company remains listed at MAKE and serves a rotating range of craft beer. Tap availability and events change, so check the brewery’s current channels before making it the anchor of a crawl.

1. Order a smaller flight to compare styles responsibly.
2. Pair drinks with food from another MAKE tenant.
3. Do not rely on the former ART shuttle for transportation; the service ended in March 2026.

Anaheim Craft Breweries Crawl

Anaheim has a strong craft-beer scene, with established names such as Bottle Logic Brewing, Noble Ale Works, Anaheim Brewery, Unsung Brewing, Monkish Brewing’s Anaheim location, and other neighborhood taprooms. A good crawl groups nearby stops instead of crossing the city after every drink.

Choose two or three breweries, check each day’s hours and food options, and arrange a sober driver or rideshare. Anaheim Regional Transportation buses are no longer operating, so older brewery guides that recommend the ART shuttle are outdated.

Great Wolf Lodge Southern California

Great Wolf Lodge Southern California is in Garden Grove near Anaheim. Its indoor water park covers 105,000 square feet and is kept around 84 degrees year-round. The resort also offers themed suites, daily family activities, dining, an arcade, and add-on attractions.

A major renovation is continuing through 2026, so some spaces and dining outlets may be affected. Water-park access is included for registered overnight guests, and a limited number of day passes may also be sold. The original claim that the park is exclusive to hotel guests is no longer accurate.

Water Park and Pools

The park includes slides, pools, children’s play areas, and calmer attractions for different ages. Review height and supervision requirements before promising a specific ride to a child. Day-pass availability and prices vary by date.

Family Suites and Amenities

Themed suites can make the hotel stay part of the attraction, but compare the total price after parking, taxes, food, and optional activity passes. Free daily activities are included, while arcade games, MagiQuest, and other dry attractions may cost extra.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Medieval Times Buena Park combines a staged tournament with jousting, sword fighting, horsemanship, falconry, and a four-course meal. It is a ticketed dinner show rather than a walk-in restaurant, and reservations are strongly recommended.

1. Arrive before showtime because the castle opens early for check-in, photos, and pre-show activities.
2. Review the menu and request available dietary accommodations in advance.
3. Do not assume front-row seating is included; premium seating depends on the ticket package.

Pirates Dinner Adventure

Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park presents an interactive pirate story with acrobatics, combat, music, ships, and a three-course dinner. The show runs around a lagoon-style stage and encourages audience participation.

General admission does not automatically guarantee the first or second row. Those seats are tied to selected upgrades or packages. Review the current show length, pre-show access, age guidance, and menu before booking.

Experience	Best for	Planning tip
Live stunts	Families and groups	Book early for weekends
Interactive story	Children who enjoy participation	Prepare noise-sensitive guests
Three-course meal	Dinner and entertainment together	Confirm dietary options

Sky Zone Anaheim Is Closed; Try Anaheim ICE at The Rinks

The former Sky Zone Anaheim location is closed, so it should not be presented as a current attraction. The official Sky Zone page directs visitors to find another park, with Huntington Beach among the nearby operating options.

Anaheim ICE at The Rinks remains open in downtown Anaheim and offers public skating, skate rentals, lessons, figure-skating programs, and hockey. Public-session times change, and some sessions sell out, so check the daily calendar before arriving.

1. Skate: choose a public session and reserve when available.
2. Learn: enroll in a class if you want structured instruction.
3. Watch or play hockey: review current league, camp, and event schedules.

The Outlets at Orange and South Coast Plaza

The Outlets at Orange is in the city of Orange, a short drive from Anaheim. It combines outlet and value-focused stores with restaurants and entertainment. Store openings, sales, and hours change, so use the current Simon directory.

South Coast Plaza is in Costa Mesa and focuses on luxury retail, dining, art, and events. Its current site describes more than 230 boutiques, not the outdated figure of more than 270 stores used in the original article. Pair it with nearby Segerstrom Center for the Arts or the Orange County Museum of Art if you want a broader cultural day.

Day Trips to Huntington Beach and Catalina Island

Huntington Beach has 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline, a paved beachfront path, the Huntington Beach Pier, surfing, beach volleyball, dining, and sunset walks. Drive time from Anaheim varies sharply with traffic, so avoid promising a fixed 30-minute trip.

Catalina Island requires more planning. Ferries depart from mainland ports such as Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point rather than Anaheim. Once on the island, visitors can explore Avalon or Two Harbors, kayak, snorkel, hike, take boat tours, or relax near the water.

1. Choose Huntington Beach for a flexible half-day or full-day coastal outing.
2. Reserve Catalina ferry tickets before booking island activities.
3. Leave extra time for the drive to the terminal, parking, check-in, and the return ferry.

Plan Your Anaheim Trip

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays outside major school breaks usually bring lighter crowds than holiday weekends, although special events can reverse that pattern. Summer has long operating hours but more heat and demand. Spring and fall can be comfortable for outdoor activities, while winter brings holiday entertainment and occasional rain.

Always check the calendars for Disneyland, Knott’s, Angel Stadium, Honda Center, and local festivals. A low-crowd date at one attraction may still coincide with a convention, playoff game, or major concert elsewhere in the city.

Getting Around Anaheim

Anaheim Regional Transportation, commonly called ART, concluded service on March 31, 2026. Current options include OCTA buses, Metrolink and Amtrak connections at ARTIC, hotel shuttles, rideshare, taxis, walking within compact districts, and private vehicles.

Public transit works best when your hotel and destination sit on a direct route. A car or rideshare is usually more practical for Oak Canyon, Buena Park dinner shows, Garden Grove, Santa Ana museums, Costa Mesa, and the coast. Check live schedules rather than old blog posts that still mention ART routes.

Parking

Disneyland Resort standard theme-park parking was $40 for a car or motorcycle in July 2026 at Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, or Toy Story. Downtown Disney uses the Simba Lot with separate hourly rates and purchase-based validation. Do not rely on unverified street-parking shortcuts near residential areas or businesses that prohibit theme-park parking.

Other venues set their own rates and validation rules. Adventure City offers free parking, Oak Canyon Nature Center offers free limited parking, Yorba Regional Park charges a vehicle-entry fee, and event parking around Angel Stadium and Honda Center depends on the event.

How Many Days Do You Need?

• Two days: one Disney park per day.
• Three days: both Disney parks plus downtown Anaheim, a sports event, or a family attraction.
• Four to five days: add Knott’s, museums, outdoor parks, or a coastal day trip.
• Six or more days: include a slower resort day, Catalina Island, or several Orange County neighborhoods.

Accessibility and Family Planning

Review official accessibility pages before buying nonrefundable tickets. Theme parks, museums, arenas, and dinner shows use different mobility, companion, sensory, and service-animal policies. Families should also check height rules, stroller restrictions, nursing spaces, quiet areas, and re-entry policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there affordable family-friendly hotels near Anaheim attractions?

Yes. Anaheim has budget motels, suite hotels, and larger family resorts near the Disneyland Resort and along Harbor Boulevard. Compare the total cost after parking, resort fees, breakfast, and transportation. A slightly higher room rate can be cheaper overall if it includes parking and lets you walk.

What is the best way to get from LAX to Anaheim?

For most groups, a prebooked shuttle, private transfer, rideshare, or rental car is the simplest option. LAX lists authorized scheduled buses and ride-app services, but travel time varies greatly with traffic. Public transit is possible but usually requires transfers and more time.

Are there public transportation options within Anaheim?

Yes, but the system changed in 2026. ART buses ended on March 31, 2026. OCTA buses still serve Anaheim, and ARTIC connects with Metrolink, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, buses, taxis, and private transportation. Check current route maps before choosing a hotel based on transit.

Is Anaheim safe for solo travelers at night?

Many visitors travel alone without problems, but conditions vary by block and time. Stay in busy, well-lit areas, avoid isolated shortcuts, keep valuables out of sight, use a verified ride, and tell someone your plan. For an emergency, call 911.

Where can I park for Disneyland?

Use the official Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, or Toy Story parking locations, or stay at a hotel that permits guest parking and walking to the parks. Standard Disney parking was $40 in July 2026. Avoid unauthorized business lots, residential streets with restrictions, and outdated advice about ART park-and-ride lots.

Can you visit Anaheim without going to Disneyland?

Yes. Build a trip around the Packing District, Muzeo, Angel Stadium, Honda Center, House of Blues, Anaheim ICE, Oak Canyon Nature Center, Yorba Regional Park, breweries, and nearby Orange County museums or beaches.

Do you need a car in Anaheim?

Not for a Disneyland-focused stay at a walkable hotel. A car or rideshare becomes more useful for Anaheim Hills, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and ferry terminals. Compare rental and parking costs against the number of rides you expect to take.

Conclusion

Anaheim can support a full Orange County vacation, not just a quick theme-park stop. Give the Disney parks enough time, then balance big-ticket attractions with local food, museums, sports, music, and outdoor spaces. Check official operating calendars, transportation updates, and parking rules before each day, especially because several services and tenants changed in 2026.

Sources

1. Visit Anaheim: 2025 Tourism Record — supports the 26.5 million visitor figure and current tourism context.
2. Disneyland Resort: Disneyland Park — supports the current themed lands, attractions, and planning guidance.
3. Orange County Transportation Authority — confirms that Anaheim Transportation Network service ended March 31, 2026, and outlines current transit options.
4. Anaheim Packing District Merchant Directory — confirms current Packing House, Packard, Farmers Park, and MAKE tenants.
5. City of Anaheim: Oak Canyon Nature Center — supports acreage, trails, habitats, and visitor information.
6. OC Parks: Yorba Regional Park — supports acreage, lakes, trails, recreation, and entry-fee information.