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Anaheim is one of Southern California’s most-visited cities thanks to its two major attractions, the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center. The city has many more fun sights to see, many of which are family-friendly and sure to keep the kids entertained. Let’s take a look at 19 must-see Anaheim attractions to inspire your next visit.
1. Disneyland Resort
- Website: disneyland.disney.go.com
- Address: 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 12 am daily
The original Disneyland Park was created by Walt Disney to be the “Happiest Place on Earth” and is what attracts the majority of tourists to Anaheim. It sits on a larger complex that also contains the Disney California Adventure Park, which has even more thrilling rides.
The resort is one of the most renowned and popular theme parks in the USA, so be sure you don’t miss out on the magic. Don’t forget to check out the Downtown Disney District, which is an unticketed area packed with Disney-themed eateries, bars, and entertainment venues.
2. CtrCity Anaheim
CtrCity (Central City) is the historic core of downtown Anaheim. This trendy neighborhood just north of Disneyland is packed with stylish boutiques and cool cafes and restaurants. Drop by Oyakama Kobo Bakery & Cafe for delicious Japanese-style treats.
3. Anaheim Packing District
- Website: anaheimpackingdistrict.com
- Address: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA
The Packing District is comprised of three heritage buildings — a former Packard car dealership, a former marmalade factory, and a former citrus-packing house. The latter is now a renowned food hall where you can pick up delicious specialty food and drinks. Check hours with individual vendors to be sure they’re open when you visit.
4. Anaheim GardenWalk
- Website: anaheimgardenwalk.com
- Address: 400 Disney Way, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 11 am – 1 am daily
This pedestrianized entertainment district is packed with shops, eateries, and entertainment venues. You can go bowling, see concerts, try your hand at a flight simulator, and even go clubbing all in one place. Be sure to drop by the House of Blues to see some incredible live music acts.
5. Angel Stadium
- Website: mlb.com/angels
- Address: 2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Monday to Saturday
Angel Stadium of Anaheim is home to the famed Los Angeles Angels. You can catch home games between April and October, but fans of Major League Baseball will love the behind-the-scenes insights of a guided tour of the stadium.
6. Anaheim Convention Center
The ACC is the largest convention center on the West Coast, and it hosts a huge variety of conventions and expos throughout the year. There’s little to see inside the convention center unless you’re attending an event there, but the surrounding area is lined with bars, restaurants, stores, and hotels.
7. Fullerton Arboretum
- Website: fullertonarboretum.org
- Address: 1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton, CA
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily
California, known as the Golden State thanks to its abundance of sun, is renowned for its cultivated gardens and Fullerton Arboretum is one of the best in Orange County. More than 3,000 plant species thrive across 25 acres.
8. Honda Center
- Website: hondacenter.com
- Address: 2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA
The Honda Center is home to the Anaheim Ducks, but even if you don’t follow the National Hockey League you’re sure to find a sporting event here that appeals to your tastes. This indoor stadium regularly hosts wrestling matches, basketball games, touring concerts, and comedy shows.
9. Yorba Regional Park
- Website: ocparks.com/yorbapark
- Address: 7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: Spring & Summer: 7 am – 9 pm / Fall & Winter: 7 am – 6 pm
This 140-acre landscaped park is lined with winding paths and trails for walking and biking. Ducks and other waterbirds hang out on the four lakes, and there are playgrounds, picnic tables, horseshoe pits, and volleyball nets available, so you can spend hours here under the sun.
10. Knott’s Berry Farm
- Website: knotts.com
- Address: 8200 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Monday to Thursday / 10 am – 10 pm Friday to Sunday
Knott’s Berry Farm began life as a roadside berry stand, but it has since evolved into a huge amusement park with some of California’s best rollercoasters. Look out for Summer Night celebrations with live music and food trucks. When the weather’s really hot, head to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark to cool off.
11. Craft Beer & Breweries
California has played a huge role in the craft beer movement, and Anaheim boasts some of the state’s best craft breweries. Here are three must-visit Anaheim breweries for fans of craft beer.
Unsung Brewing
- Website: unsungbrewing.com
- Address: 500 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Monday & Tuesday / 2 pm – 10 pm Wednesday & Thursday / 12 pm – 12 am Friday / 10 am – 12 am Saturday / 10 am – 8 pm Sunday
This award-winning brewery stands out not just for its superhero theme, but for its delicious IPAs and lagers. You’ll find its tasting room and pilot brewhouse just across the road from the Anaheim Packing House.
Golden Road Brewing Anaheim
- Website: goldenroad.la/anaheim
- Address: 2210 E Orangewood Ave, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily
Golden Road thrives on innovation and is constantly working on new beers in its state-of-the-art brewery. This family-friendly brewpub is located just across from Angel Stadium so be sure to drop by before or after a game.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Website: karlstrauss.com/visit/anaheim
- Address: 2390 E Orangewood Ave #100, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 11 am –10 pm Friday & Saturday / 11 am – 9 pm Sunday to Thursday
Karl Strauss Brewing Company started life in San Diego in 1989, and it played a huge role in kicking off the craft beer industry in Southern California. This brewery has won 121 medals and counting, so be sure to sample their tasty IPAs.
12. Pearson Park
- Address: 400 N Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 5 am – 10.30 pm daily
Pearson Park lies just north of CtrCity, and it’s a peaceful haven with excellent amenities, including a swimming pool, a playground, a soccer facility, and picnic benches. Look out for outdoor concerts at its amphitheater.
13. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
- Website: muzeo.org
- Address: 241 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Wednesday to Sunday
The Muzeo Museum showcases the history and creative culture of Southern California. There are permanent and temporary exhibits on display, and while there are admission fees for the galleries of regional artworks, the Carnegie Gallery is free, and it features an impressive walk-through history of the city.
14. City National Grove
- Website: citynationalgroveofanaheim.com
- Address: 2200 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA
City National Grove is an events center near the Santa Ana River. It hosts more than 250 concerts each year and has a huge variety of shows on its schedule, including Broadway performances. In the past, the Grove has welcomed Stevie Nicks, Prince, and Ray Charles.
15. Oak Canyon Nature Center
- Address: 6700 E Walnut Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 7 am – 5.30 pm daily
Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 58-acre stretch of parkland lined with easygoing trails. Kids will love learning about local wildlife at the John J. Collier Interpretive Center. Oak Canyon is close to Yorba Regional Park, so visiting both in one day is easy.
16. Ralph B. Clark Regional Park
- Address: 8800 Rosecrans Ave, Buena Park, CA
- Opening Hours: Spring & Summer: 7 am – 9 pm / Fall & Winter: 7 am – 6 pm
This regional park consists of 100 acres of beautiful countryside that includes open grassland and large trees that provide valuable shade. There’s a fishing lake, an amphitheater, basketball and tennis courts, ball fields, volleyball nets, and lots of benches and picnicking facilities.
17. Medieval Times
- Website: medievaltimes.com
- Address: 7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
Medieval Times offers thrilling entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy a traditional medieval-era dinner while knights joust and battle for the Queen’s honor. This is a fun way to enjoy a four-course meal while watching impressive horsemanship and theatrics.
18. Adventure City
- Website: adventurecity.com
- Address: 1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA
- Opening Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Saturday, Sunday & select holidays
Adventure City is a smaller, quieter alternative to Disney and Knott’s Berry Farm, and its rides and attractions are best suited to young children. Don’t miss out on the Express Train for a fun trip around the park, and check out the petting farm to make some new furry friends.
19. Day Trips from Anaheim
Anaheim’s central location makes it an excellent base for sightseeing across the wider Southern California area. The coastal highways make for scenic road trips, so hop in the car and cruise to some popular locations.
Catalina Island
It takes an hour to reach Catalina Island by boat from San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, or Newport Beach. This beautiful island provides opportunities for snorkeling and diving in its coral reefs.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach is known for its epic waves that hammer against the coastline and offer lots of fun for experienced surfers. There are miles of golden sand to enjoy and long boardwalks lined with bars and restaurants for a relaxing day in the sun.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is another popular destination for surfers because it sees huge waves roll in from the Pacific. The town is also known for its impressive pier extending 1,850 feet out into the ocean and providing fantastic panoramic coastline views.
Long Beach
There are yet more beautiful beaches and marinas in Long Beach, plus a sophisticated atmosphere and a thriving shopping scene. See sea otters, turtles, penguins, and sharks at the Aquarium of the Pacific, or check out fine art and a fabulous sculpture garden at the Museum of Latin American Art.
Hollywood
You can’t afford to miss Hollywood on your visit to California. There’s plenty to do and see here, but if you’re a fan of film, then be sure to join a tour of the city’s movie studios and sets. Don’t forget to capture a photo of the famous Hollywood sign.
San Diego
San Diego marks the southernmost point of California and it’s where the United States of America meets Mexico. When you visit its museums and art galleries, there’s a lot to learn about San Diego’s Spanish and Mexican history. Plus, the world-famous San Diego Zoo lets you witness wildlife from all over the world.
Plan Your Anaheim Itinerary
These are Anaheim’s best attractions, but which ones will you manage to see on your next visit? Get started planning your itinerary to squeeze as much as possible into your trip.
