20 Best Things to Do in Anaheim, California

© Disney California Adventure Park

Located on Disneyland Drive, the Disney California Adventure is one of the top Anaheim attractions and a theme park that focuses on the culture and the history of the state of California. Part of the Walt Disney Corporation, the 72-acre park opened in 2001 and is the second park after the original 1955 Disneyland Park located in the Disneyland Resort Complex in Anaheim. Like other Disney parks, the Disney California Adventure Park is divided into several areas.

The entrance to the park is through Buena Vista Street, a recreation of early 1920s Los Angeles. Paradise Pier covers 15 acres and is modeled after boardwalks like the Santa Monica Pier with rides and restaurants. Other areas include A Bug’s Land, Car Land, Hollywood Land, and more.

1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA, Phone: 714-781-4565

© Disneyland Park

Disneyland is a theme park located on Disneyland Drive, one of two Disney themed parks at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Opened in 1955, it is the only Disney park designed and built by Walt Disney, and it was the first of several Disney theme parks. Built on 160 acres, the park features the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, and since it opened, the park has seen more visitors than any other theme park in the world.

Disneyland Park is one of the best things to do in Anaheim, California. Like other Disney parks, Disneyland Park is separated into several areas of themed amusement rides and entertainment venues. Some of these include Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, and Frontierland, among others. Several of these areas have been renovated over the years.

1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-781-4636

© Courtesy of mokee81 - Fotolia.com

Located on South Sinclair Street in Anaheim, the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center replicates the sensation of riding in a cockpit and flying an aircraft. Visitors have several choices of experiences. One is the Boeing 737 flight simulator where guests are able to take the controls in the cockpit and feel what it’s like to fly a commercial airplane.

Another choice is an authentic military flight simulator; there are a variety of programs that give guests the opportunity to get to know the controls and the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon. The center is open from Wednesday through Sunday. The center can be booked for private events such as two-hour birthday parties every day of the week.

400 West Disney Way Ste 196, Anaheim, CA 92802, Phone: 714-937-1511

© CTRCity

CTRCity is a unique cultural destination in downtown Anaheim, located just minutes from the city's iconic Disneyland Resort. The recently-revitalized district is home to a wide variety of unique small businesses and artisan eateries, which can be reached via its Free Rides Around the Neighborhood on-demand electric vehicle transport system. The turn-of-the-century Anaheim Packing House, once home to a citrus packing plant, has been transformed into a two-level dining hall showcasing eclectic restaurants and regular live music performances. Anaheim Brewery serves up pre-Prohibition-style brews, while Okayama Kobo Bakery and Cafe transplants a popular Japanese bakery to the United States. Visitors can also explore maker spaces at MAKE Building, peruse exhibits at the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, or shop for unique thrift store finds at RARE by OC Goodwill.

© Downtown Disney District

Located on Disneyland Drive, the Downtown Disney District is an outdoor area of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Opened in 2001, it is a part of the Disneyland Resort, which also includes Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. The area is popular with local residents as well as visitors who are staying at the resort. Disneyland Hotel’s Adventure Tower and Disney’s Grand California Hotel both face the area.

In addition to the restaurants and the shops, there are other attractions such as the AMC Theaters Downtown Disney 12, entertainment venues like the House of Blues Anaheim and Swing Dancing, and the Walt Disney Travel Company Information Center.

Disneyland Resort, 1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-781-4565

© Honda Center

Located on East Katella Avenue, the Honda Center is an indoor arena formerly known as the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim. Built in 1993, the arena is also sometimes called the Ponda Center and sometimes just Ponda. It is the home of the Anaheim Ducks, which is a National Hockey League team that won the 2007 Stanley Cup Championship, the Los Angeles Kiss, an Arena Football League team, the Big West Basketball Tournament, and the Wooden Legacy Basketball Tournament.

In addition to sporting events, the arena hosts many performances by musicians like Barbra Streisand, Kate Perry, and others, as well as events such as the Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Harlem Globetrotters, and Stars on Ice. More California vacations and California beaches

2695 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-704-2400

© Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill

The smell of delicious, succulent grilled meat will hit you before you enter the spacious, cheerful Wood Ranch dining room, which is typically packed with energetic, laughing families. There are always lots of kids, as Wood Ranch has great kids’ menu, and what adults can expect is truly mouth-watering: hand-cut and perfectly seasoned Certified Angus Beef grilled over oak fire, slow-roasted and then grilled chicken, beef and pork baby back ribs, and all kinds of grilled fish.

Add to that fresh salads and sides such as peanut coleslaw, smashed sweet potatoes or mac and cheese. Their well-stocked bar has excellent signature martinis, choice beer on tap, and a good selection of wines.

8022 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-974-6660,

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Yorba Regional Park, located at the mouth of the Santa Ana Canyon, is a 140-acre park that runs for a mile along the Santa Ana River. It is a popular daytime park with many trails and over 400 picnic tables, some of which are shaded. The bicycle trails connect to the Santa Ana River Trail, which eventually leads to the Pacific Ocean.

There are four lakes connected by streams, and these are popular places for model boat sailing and fishing. In addition to the picnic tables, there are 200 barbecues, volleyball courts, shelters that can be reserved, and much more.

7600 East La Palma, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-973-6615

© Sky Zone Anaheim Indoor Trampoline Park

Sky Zone Anaheim Indoor Trampoline Park is located on North Kellogg Drive in Anaheim. Opened in 2012, it is the first indoor trampoline park in the world. Guests are able to take part in a healthy cardio workout and, at the same, time, have fun doing it.

They can bounce and jump from the trampoline runway into an area filled with 10,000 foam cubes: the Foam Zone foam pit. The park offers a variety of other activities like Ultimate Dodgeball, SkyRobics fitness classes, a SkySlam court, and much more. The park welcomes groups such as camps, boy scouts and girl scouts, and school groups.

1301 North Kellogg Drive, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-693-0250

© PokiNometry

Poki means to cut, section, or slice. Hawaiians invented it and PokiNometry turned it into a science. Their poki consists of a bowl filled with all kinds of raw fish and seafood, from tuna and salmon to shrimp and octopus. The result is something between sushi, sashimi, ceviche, and seafood salad. At PokiNometry, they let you make your own mix.

You choose one of the bases (white or brown rice, salad, wrap, chips), 8 types of fish or seafood, and more than 15 toppings in various degrees of spiciness. Add some salad ingredients like avocado or cucumber, sprinkle the whole thing with a bit of seaweeds, wasabi, spring onion or whatever you like, and you are ready to eat or take your concoction to go. If you are looking for romantic date ideas in Anaheim, this is a great place to try. Everything is very fresh, and whether or not it is delicious depends on what you have mixed.

184 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, California, Phone: 657-208-3488

More California getaways: Top 10 Things to Do in Santa Ana.

© Anaheim Packing District

Located at the intersection of Santa Ana Street and Anaheim Boulevard, the Anaheim Packing District is a restored historic area that features many eateries and hosts outdoor events. Some of the historic refurbished buildings include the Packard Building and the citrus Packing House. There are more than 20 artisan restaurants and cafes that offer diverse cuisines like Indian, Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese, and many more.

There are also breweries, pubs, and wine bars. The district has facilities for private events, and The Backyard is an outdoor area with a fireplace and set in an orange grove. Live music is featured every weekend on the Mezzanine Stage. Farmers Park hosts a farmers market on Sunday as well as outdoor movies.

440 South Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-533-7225

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© The Ranch

Inspired by the famous Crazy Horse Steakhouse and Saloon that closed in the 90’s, The Ranch combines luxurious décor, excellent food, and live country music and dancing. The Ranch is located on the ground floor of the Extron Electronics corporate headquarters in Anaheim, whose owner Andrew Edwards is the heart and brains behind the concept of The Ranch.

The restaurant has more than 53,000 square feet of space for the three kitchens, restaurant, saloon, and private dining and event rooms. The Ranch restaurant offers classic American cuisine prepared with seasonal, fresh local ingredients from Californian farms, ranches, and dairies.

Get the real taste of the superb menu offerings with Colorado Grass-Fed Lamb Chop with Black Eyed Peas, Zucchini, Eggplant, Merguez Sausages, and Taggiasca Olives. The Ranch has an extensive wine and craft beer list, and the bar mixes some excellent innovative cocktails. More California destinations

1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-817-4200

© Reunion Kitchen

Reunion Kitchen is spacious, comfortable, and very pleasant with its cozy upholstered boots and lots of warm wood. It’s the right place to be whether you came with a bunch of noisy friends or having a family celebration. The menu is classic American with everyone’s favorites such as barbecue-glazed meatloaf, baby-back ribs, or pan-roasted salmon cooked to perfection.

There are always at least five Anaheim craft beers on tap, an excellent wine list, and great cocktails. Try their enormous Bloody Mary, which is loaded with olives, horseradish, a jalapeno wrapped in bacon, and a Slim Jim – and a lot of vodka, of course. You can consider it an appetizer.

5775 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-283-1062

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© The Fifth

Located in Grand Legacy At The Park hotel in the heart of the excitement of the Disneyland® Resort, The Fifth is Anaheim’s sole rooftop restaurant and bar, a popular spot for watching a sunset or the happenings in Disneyland with a glass of wine or a cocktail in hand. The place is vast, more than 5,000 square feet of open air filled with comfortable seating around fire pits, with the entire city spread at your feet. The menu is full of interesting choices such as Seared Ahi Street Taco, California Bruchetta, and Cloud Five Dessert. Fully stocked bar offers best local beers and wines and their signature inventive craft cocktails. After 10 pm the place becomes off limits to clients under the age of 21. Frequent live entertainment and live music make this wonderful place even more irresistible.

Grand Legacy at the Park, 1650 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802, Phone: 714-772-0899,

© Adventure City

Adventure City is a theme park located on South Beach Boulevard in Anaheim. Opened in 1994, the park sits on two acres of land and includes several historic attractions like a 1938 miniature railroad called Adventure City Express Train and a 1946 carousel with its 20 horse figures.

The 1950s Tree Top Racers roller coaster was replaced in 2015 by a family shuttle coaster called Rewind Racers. Other rides include a Ferris wheel, a tower drop, a spinning balloon ride, and many more. There are other attractions at the park like an arcade, a children’s theater, a petting farm, and a children’s rock climbing tower called Mount Adventurous.

1238 South Beach Boulevard, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-236-9300

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© Courtesy of Jim Mills - Fotolia.com

The Angel Stadium of Anaheim Tour lets you experience one of the oldest Major League Baseball stadiums in the United States. Known by its nickname “The Big A,” the stadium is located on East Gene Autry Way, and the tour of the facility begins outside the Home Plate Gate on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Since 1965, the stadium has been the home of the world famous 2002 World Champion Los Angeles Angels, and visitors are able to get a behind the scenes look at areas of the stadium that are generally closed to the public. The 75-minute tour includes the stadium field, the dugout, the clubhouse, and much more.

2000 East Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, California, Phone: 714-940-2000

© City National Grove of Anaheim

City National Grove was built in 1998, when it was known as Tinseltown Studios and hosted themed awards shows. The following year it was converted into the Sun Theater concert venue. Today, renamed the City National Grove of Anaheim, the venue can accommodate 1700 people who come to enjoy a wonderful line-up of big-name concerts. Popular with both fans and artists, the venue boasts state-of-the-art sound and light equipment and fabulous catering facilities. If you would like to catch a show or a concert during your visit to Anaheim you can check their website to see what’s on and book your tickets.

2200 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806, 714-712-2700

© Anaheim Public Library

Located on the western boundary of the original Anaheim Colony, Founder’s Park showcases two historic homes on a re-created 19th century farm. Here visitors have the chance to step back in time and explore Anaheim’s agricultural heritage. The historic site covers about one acre of the original settlement, encompassing the 1857 Mother Colony House, the 1894 Woelke-Stoffel House and two newer buildings which have been built in a complimentary style. There is also an orange grove and a windmill, reminding visitors of the critical link between water and agriculture. Visitors can join a guided tour of the property on certain days (please confirm before you visit).

400 North West St, Anaheim, CA 92805, 714-765-6453

© Unsung Brewing Company

Located in Orange County California, Unsung Brewing Company was established by craft brewer Mike Crea with the express intention of creating remarkably flavorful beers that would perfectly pair with great food. A great deal of thought and planning goes into each and every batch brewed and the resulting beers are intended to combine attributes of Midwest heritage with West Coast progression. Their range includes, but is never limited to, IPA’s, ales, ambers and whatever other style pops into the brew-master’s head. Visitors are invited to visit their Tap Room (AKA Palate Sanctuary 001) and experimental brew-house at MAKE in Anaheim.

500 Anaheim Blvd, Unit B, Anaheim, CA 92805, 714-406-3098

© Nataliia/stock.adobe.com

Anaheim Ice is a large indoor ice skating park which boasts an NHL and an Olympic size rink, where ice skating enthusiasts can practice their hobby all year round. Everyone is invited to come and join their daily Open Skating sessions – you can hire your skates on site and there are Skate Mates to help new-comers find their ice legs. If you have never tried ice skating you can sign up for a course of lessons. Skaters who would like to practice figure skating can join the Freestyle Sessions, but they must bring their own special skates. Ice Hockey is available for all ages – from beginners to league.

300 W. Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92805, 714-535-7465