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 center, 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, colorful characters, live music, and street parades. Located on Disneyland Drive, it’s one of the largest and most famous 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. Disneyland is a riot of color and joy, with fun for everyone.
Location: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 8 am to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 8 am to midnight
Phone: +1 714-781-4636
Disneyland
2. Oak Canyon Nature Center
Fascinating 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. Family tickets are very affordable, and include 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
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 Defense 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: Monday–Wednesday from 9 am to 7 pm, Thursday–Friday from 9 am to 8 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 800-864-8377
Universal Studios Hollywood
4. Anaheim Ducks hockey game
Your favorite 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 for fast-paced thrills and non-stop action. Be ready to cheer and roar with the crowd.
The NHL season takes place from October to April, and the team’s home games attract up 17,000 spectators to the amphitheater-style venue.
Location: 2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA
Phone: +1 714-704-2400
Anaheim Ducks hockey game
5. Adventure City
Theme park 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 centerpiece is an elegant 1940s carousel with 20 wooden horses and benches.
Visitors aged 4 and above can climb a 7-meter-tall rock climbing tower, while younger guests can cuddle with rabbits, chickens, and sheep at the petting farm. Tickets to Adventure City include unlimited access to all rides and shows, except the climbing wall and arcade.
Location: 1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92804, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 714-236-9300
Adventure City
6. Desert Hills Premium Outlets
Big discounts on designer brands at this outlet mall
Good for: Shoppers
Desert Hills Premium Outlets has more than 150 stores selling clothing, jewelry, 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.
If you’re up for a shopping trip and you love a bargain, this is the place to go. 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
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 theater shows to conventions, expos, and fancy galas. Check out what’s coming up in the program.
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: Show times vary
Phone: +1 714-712-2700
City National Grove of Anaheim
8. Huntington Beach
Sensational sunsets at Huntington Beach Pier
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
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 snorkeling and swimming, as well as sunbathing on the clean sands.
Huntington City Beach’s centerpiece is its 563-meter-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 local craft breweries
A multitude of taprooms to suit every taste
Good for: Nightlife
It doesn’t matter if you prefer a light lager or a rich stout, Anaheim boasts a remarkable craft beer scene for all. It’s hard to name the best breweries in Anaheim because they’re all epic, but we’ll try.
Brewheim is notable for its passion for creating top-quality brews with fruity twists, perfect for summer sipping. The award-winning and independent Unsung Brewing Company has an incredibly fun superhero theme that seeps into their collection of hybrids, IPAs, lagers, and more. Finally, Brewery X prides itself on serving an eclectic range of craft beers while bettering its community, which is why you’ll always find live music, yoga sessions, movie nights, and even a blood drive on their calendar.
10. Anaheim Packing District
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-story citrus packing warehouse dating back to 1925.
While the building still stands in testament to its history, 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: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 714-533-7225
Anaheim Packing District
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
