Anaheim is a world-renowned vacation destination, best known for being the home of Disneyland Resort. However, there is much more to Anaheim than just the theme parks. From world-class shopping and dining to exciting nightlife, Anaheim has something for everyone. So if you’re planning a trip here, be sure to check out my list of the top 15 Best and Fun Things to Do in Anaheim, CA. You won’t be disappointed!
Things to Do in Anaheim, California
1. Disneyland Resort
The Disneyland Resort is, of course, one of the top Anaheim attractions and top tourist destinations in the world. The resort consists of two theme parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, as well as hotels and a shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
Disneyland was the first theme park built by Walt Disney and opened in 1955. The park is based on the stories and characters from Disney movies and features classic attractions like the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain.
Disney California Adventure, which opened in 2001, is based on the history and culture of California. The park features attractions like Soarin’ Over California, Grizzly River Run, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It offers a variety of attractions, shows, and dining experiences that are unique to California.
Both parks offer a variety of rides, attractions, shows, and dining experiences for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re visiting Anaheim and only have time for one theme park, I would recommend Disneyland. However, if you have a few days to spend, I would recommend trying out both parks.
2. Angel Stadium
One of the best things to do in Anaheim, especially if you’re a baseball fan, is to catch a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The stadium is home to the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball. The stadium opened in 1966 and has been the home of the Angels since they moved to California in 1996.
Angel Stadium can seat nearly 45,000 fans and offers a variety of seating options, from general admission on the grassy hill to luxury suites with indoor and outdoor seating. There are also party decks, where groups can reserve space and come early to tailgate.
I’m not a huge baseball fan, but I have to say that the experience of watching a game at Angel Stadium was enjoyable. The food options are plentiful, and there is a good selection of beer. The seats are comfortable and offer a great view of the field. I have to point out that the stadium is accessible to fans with disabilities, with features like wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms, as well as Braille and raised-letter signage.
3. The Honda Center
Another one of the top tourist attractions in Anaheim is the Honda Center. This indoor arena is the home to the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL), and it’s also a top concert venue in Southern California.
The Honda Center has a capacity of over 18,000 people, making it one of the largest arenas in the NHL. The arena is also known for its great acoustics, which has made it a popular choice for musicians looking for a top-notch music experience.
I attended a hockey game at the Honda Center and was impressed by the experience. The arena is well-designed, and the seats offer a good view of the action. The concessions are also reasonably priced, and there is a good selection of food and drink options. If you’re looking for a top-notch sporting experience in Anaheim, the Honda Center is a great option.
4. Anaheim Packing District
The Anaheim Packing District is a unique dining and shopping experience in the heart of the city. Housed in a historic citrus packing and storage in Anaheim, the district is now a bustling culinary and nightlife mecca. The district is home to many different types of restaurants, from high-end sushi to taco trucks. There’s also a great mix of bars and nightlife spots, including a bowling alley and karaoke lounge.
One of the most popular spots in the district is The Blind Rabbit. This gastropub features an extensive whiskey list and a variety of small plates perfect for sharing. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, look no further than The Pie Hole. This dessert shop offers a rotating menu of sweet and savory pies, as well as coffee and tea.
In addition to the many dining options, the Anaheim Packing District is also home to several boutiques and shops. The district is located just a short walk from the popular Anaheim GardenWalk, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring.
5. Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center
Located next to Disneyland Resort, Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center is one of the top-rated things to do in Anaheim. This attraction offers visitors the opportunity to experience what it is like to fly a real airplane. You can choose from a variety of different flight simulations, such as fighter jets, helicopters, and bombers.
I was able to fly a Boeing 737, and I have to say, the experience was quite exhilarating. The level of detail in the simulation was top-notch, and I felt like I was really in the cockpit of the aircraft. The staff was also very friendly and helpful, providing instruction and guidance throughout the experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a first-timer, Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center is a great attraction in Anaheim you won’t want to miss. The experience is perfect for families, groups, and couples, and it’s an activity that everyone will enjoy.
6. Anaheim Garden Walk
Anaheim GardenWalk is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening out with friends and family. The complex offers something for everyone, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Some of my favorite places to eat at Anaheim GardenWalk include the Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. For dessert, I highly recommend Sprinkles Cupcakes or Baja Blast from Yogurtland.
For entertainment, you can catch a movie at AMC 20 Theatres or bowl a few games at Bowlmor Lanes. Anaheim GardenWalk is also home to the House of Blues Anaheim, a top live music venue in Orange County.
Whether you’re looking for a place to eat, shop, or be entertained, Anaheim GardenWalk has you covered. The complex is conveniently located within walking distance of the Disneyland Resort and is just a short drive from other top Anaheim attractions.
7. Knott’s Berry Farm
If there’s one thing that Anaheim is known for, it’s Knott’s Berry Farm. The amusement park originally started out as a berry farm and has since turned into a top attraction. The park is home to dozens of rides, including roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and water rides. There are also several shows and attractions to enjoy, including the Calico Mine Ride and Ghost Rider.
One of the most popular areas of the park is Ghost Town, which is a recreation of an old western town complete with a roller coaster that winds its way through the buildings. Other top attractions include log flume and river rapids rides, a 4-D theater, and a high-tech dark ride that takes guests through the world of Snoopy.
One thing that sets Knott’s Berry Farm apart from other theme parks is its focus on top-quality food. The park is known for its fried chicken, which can be found at most restaurants. There’s also a wide variety of other options, including pizza, tacos, and chicken tenders. In general, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Anaheim, Knott’s Berry Farm should definitely be at the top of your list.
8. Yorba Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Anaheim and definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for things to do outdoors. The park spans 140 acres and features a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, four lakes, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, hiking trails, and horseback riding.
One of my favorite things to do at Yorba Regional Park was to go for a walk on the nature trails. The trails are well-maintained, and there’s plenty of shade, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon. There are also several interpretive exhibits, which help explain the different aspects of the park’s ecology.
So if you’re looking for a place to picnic, Yorba Regional Park is a great option. The park has picnic areas with tables, grills, and restrooms. The park also has a playground, making it the perfect place to bring the whole family.
9. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
If you’re looking for something a little different, Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is an excellent option. The museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history and art of Anaheim. The center has rotating exhibitions of art, as well as a permanent collection that includes items from California and Latin America.
Admission is free to the Carnegie Gallery. This space is used to display the history and culture of Anaheim through changing exhibitions. The current exhibition is titled “A Journey through Anaheim’s Past: The Stories of our People, Land, and Community.”
The museum also offers a complimentary guided tour of the gallery, which I would recommend to get the most out of your visit. There are also a variety of educational programs for all ages. These include art classes, cultural celebrations, and lectures.
10. Oak Canyon Nature Center
Located in the Southern California, Oak Canyon Nature Center is one of the top tourist attractions in Anaheim for nature lovers. The nature center spans 58 acres of land, with four miles of hiking trails that wind through the park. Along the way, visitors will encounter a variety of plant and animal life, including some rare species of birds.
The nature center is open every day, and admission is free. Guided tours are available for a small fee and provide visitors with an in-depth look at the many different features of the nature center. There are also a variety of programs and classes available for all ages, which focus on topics like nature photography and bird watching.
Oak Canyon Nature Center is a great place to spend an afternoon surrounded by nature. The hikes are moderate in difficulty, making them accessible for all levels of hikers. And, the scenery is beautiful, with plenty of opportunities to see some amazing animals in their natural habitat.
11. City National Grove of Anaheim
Another of the best things to do in Anaheim is attending a show at the City National Grove of Anaheim. This is a popular spot for both local and national acts, with a schedule packed with top-notch performers.
The venue itself is intimate, with a capacity of just 1,700. That means that there’s not a bad seat in the house, and you’re guaranteed to have an up-close and personal experience with whomever you’re seeing. I was able to see a performance by Temecula, a country music band, and I was thoroughly impressed. I would recommend checking the calendar in advance to see who will be performing during your stay in Anaheim.
The Grove is also home to the Anaheim Ballet and the Orange County Youth Symphony. So if you’re looking for music, culture, or a chance to see some of your favorite artists. It has a bit of everything, which makes it one of the top attractions in Anaheim.
12. Center Street Promenade
As the name suggests, Center Street Promenade is the center of downtown Anaheim. The pedestrian-only walkway is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening wandering and taking in the sights.
Some of the best places that I can recommend include The Hummus Bean. This place has a casual feel, great food, and live music every night. I also love the atmosphere of House of Blues. This restaurant and music venue has a Southern vibe and features live performances most nights of the week.
13. Medieval Times
A truly unique experience, Medieval Times is a dinner theater reminiscent of an 11th-century castle. From the moment you enter, you are transported to a different time and place. The best part is that you eat like a king or queen. The meal includes roasted chicken, herb-basted potatoes, sweet buttered corn, and garlic bread. Beverages are available for purchase.
The show itself is quite entertaining, with knights jousting on horseback and engaging in other feats of strength and agility. The story of the show follows the life of a young prince who is trying to win back his kingdom. There are also beautiful princesses and evil villains, making for an interesting plot.
I had a great time at Medieval Times and would recommend it to anyone looking for an experience that is out of the ordinary. The show is about two hours long, so make sure you’re not in a hurry when you go.
14. Huntington Beach
If you’re looking for a place to soak up the sun in Anaheim, look no further than Huntington Beach. This iconic Southern California beach town is about half an hour’s drive south of Anaheim and is a great spot to spend a day (or two). With its wide, sandy beaches and stunning waves, Huntington Beach is a top spot for surfers and beachgoers.
In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, Huntington Beach offers plenty of activities to keep you busy. Rent a bike or take a walk on the pier, go fishing, visit the local amusement park, or check out one of the many restaurants and shops. There’s also a weekly farmers market and numerous annual events, like the U.S. Open of Surfing, that draw visitors from all over. And with its proximity to other top Anaheim attractions, it makes for a great addition to any trip.
15. Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is another one of the top tourist attractions in Anaheim, and for a good reason. The Aquarium is home to over 11,000 animals, representing more than 500 species of marine life. The Aquarium is committed to ocean conservation and offers many different ways for guests to learn about the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that call it home.
One of the most popular exhibits at the Aquarium of the Pacific is the “Shark Lagoon.” This allows guests to view sharks, rays, and other fish from every angle. Other popular exhibits include the Tropical Pacific Gallery and the Northern Pacific Gallery.
The Aquarium is a great place for guests of all ages and offers a variety of different activities. Families can enjoy the hands-on exhibits, while older guests can learn more about ocean conservation through the many talks and films.
In summary
Anaheim is a great place to visit, with plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a magical adventure at Disneyland Resort or a chance to see your favorite baseball team play, Anaheim has you covered. With top-rated attractions and a variety of experiences to choose from, you’re sure to have a great time when you visit.
