Top 26 Things to Do in Anaheim: Your Ultimate Guide

A visit to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim means immersing yourself in the heart of magic. Meet beloved Disney characters, marvel at remarkable attractions, and enjoy spectacular parades and fireworks. With two fantastic theme parks, beautiful hotels, and a vibrant downtown, the charm of Disney is right at your doorstep. Don't miss the insider experience of hidden Mickeys scattered throughout the park. Near Disneyland, the vibrant Anaheim GardenWalk offers great dining, shopping and entertainment.

Experience the magic of Disney up close at the "Disney California Adventure Park". Enjoy extraordinary performances, breathtaking rides and meet your favorite Disney characters. Delight in the Radiator Springs themed area and admire the twinkling lights of the stunning Pixar Pier at sunset. For a touch of thrill, don't miss the Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Neighboring Disneyland Park is just a stone's throw away and promises even more enchanting adventures.

Visit Knott's Berry Farm in Anaheim for a captivating mix of old-fashioned charm and thrilling rides. This popular theme park features classic attractions like Ghost Town and the Timber Mountain Log Ride. Don't miss the unique Boysenberry Pie, a local specialty. Nearby is Soak City, a fantastic water park that will keep you cool!

Visit the Angel Stadium of Anaheim and experience an authentic piece of American baseball culture. Here you can watch the Los Angeles Angels play their exciting games while enjoying typical stadium food. The roar of the crowd echoing in the outdoor baseball stadium embodies the spirit of a typical American pastime. Don't miss the iconic "Big A" in the parking lot, a remnant of the old stadium. Just a stone's throw away is the Honda Center - where you can play field hockey or attend a concert after the game!

Experience the magic of Disney without stepping foot in the parks in Anaheim's vibrant Downtown Disney District! This bustling outdoor complex offers an exquisite selection of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Indulge in themed restaurants like Rainforest Café or shop for exclusive Disney merchandise.

Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Honda Center in Anaheim, a world-class entertainment and sports venue. In the heart of Anaheim, it hosts rousing National Hockey League games with local team "Anaheim Ducks" and captivating concerts by international music stars. Don't miss the exclusive "Diamond Club" restaurant privilege. After your visit, take a short drive to Angel Stadium, another sports landmark!

Experience the magic of Cars Land in Anaheim, a breathtaking take on the beloved Pixar animated film Cars! Here you'll become part of the story, roaming Radiator Springs, boarding a thrilling race car ride and meeting your favorite characters in person! It's all about attention to detail here - even traffic cones serve as lights! Don't miss the neon lights at dusk! Nearby is the captivating Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT for fans of Marvel. A memory you will never forget!

A must-see for foodies, the Anaheim Packing District offers a variety of gourmet eateries with unique cuisine, all housed in a renovated citrus packing house. Enjoy food from around the world, live music on weekends, or relax at the secret pub, The Blind Rabbit. Just steps away, you'll find local produce, yoga classes, and a local art gallery at Farmers Park. Boredom is not an option here!

Venture into the heart of nature at Santiago Oaks Regional Park! The extensive trails are great for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding and offer fascinating views of orange groves and the famous Anaheim Hills. Don't miss the "Oak Trail," which runs through the area's oldest grove. Just a stone's throw away are Irvine Regional Park and Peter's Canyon, with its rustic and classic Wild West landscapes that make this visit a triple delight. Indeed, a hidden gem in Anaheim!

Launch into hyperspace and enter a lush new galaxy! Experience the Star Wars saga up close and personal in Anaheim at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, a unique interactive space. Meet your favorite characters, sample themed food in Oga's Cantina, or build your own droid. The real wonder? The 14-acre site that was once an orange grove and is now a bustling spaceport. Don't forget neighboring Disneyland Park and California Adventure for even more thrills. Embrace the power and experience a truly breathtaking adventure!

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Southern California could be the highlight of your trip to Anaheim! Immerse yourself in a paradise of water fun with slides for thrills, lazy rivers for relaxation seekers, toddler-friendly play areas and much more. It's your birthday? Experience the ritual of the "birthday potion"! Recover in the resort's suite when the fun is over. When you've dried off, visit nearby Knott's Berry Farm for a classic roller coaster ride or a boysenberry culinary adventure. Adventure is around every corner in Anaheim!

At the Bowers Museum, you'll find a slice of culture amid the glitz of Anaheim. Here you can discover art from around the world, from Native American works to the vibrant colors of Frida Kahlo. Admire Chinese jade pieces and explore the world of antiquity through an impressive collection of antiques. Don't miss the Walk of the Gods exhibit and stop by Tangata for a delicious lunch. Just minutes away is downtown Anaheim, where you can enjoy the local dining scene after your museum visit.

Immerse yourself in the serenity of Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim's quiet retreat. Framed by four lakes, the park is a haven for bird watching and canoeing, and its 140 picnic tables make it a draw for a peaceful outdoor meal. Explore the Santa Ana River Bike Trail, which is connected to the park and offers breathtaking views. An added bonus is its proximity to the exciting Adventure City amusement park, a must-see for kids and adults alike.

Unleash your inner naturalist at Fullerton Arboretum! This 26-acre botanical garden, just a short drive from Anaheim, is a lush oasis with more than 4,000 unique and exotic plant species. Wander off the beaten path among towering Hawaiian tropical plants and ancient forests. Guides offer insightful tours, or you can take a walk on your own. Don't miss the Heritage House, a Victorian-era gem. Just around the corner, you can admire the wonders of the mini-Mesozoic era at the fashionable "Desert Collection," reminiscent of Jurassic Park.

A visit to STC Anaheim GardenWalk is not just a shopping experience, it's an experience! This open-air entertainment and shopping center in Anaheim is a feast for the senses, offering a variety of unique restaurants, vibrant nightlife, a bowling alley and a state-of-the-art movie theater. For those seeking more art and less commercialism, GardenWalk also features art exhibits by local artists. Disneyland is just a short walk away, making GardenWalk the perfect place for fun and relaxation after a long day at the park.

Visit the Orange County Zoo and experience California's rich biodiversity. Nestled in the serene setting of Irvine Park, the zoo is home to a variety of animals native to the Southwest, including black bears, mountain lions and bald eagles. The petting zoo is a great place to see barnyard animals, a real hit with younger guests. Near the zoo, you'll find a scenic miniature train ride and paddle boats that offer the perfect mix of fun and knowledge.

Discover the tranquil oasis of Ralph B. Clark Park, specially designed for lush picnics and breezy walks. This park is a birdwatcher's paradise and is home to numerous native birds. Enjoy fishing in the well-maintained pond filled with rainbow trout. Don't miss the interpretive center, which houses a wonderful collection of Ice Age fossils. And while you're in the area, be sure to take a trip to Buena Park, just a short drive away, with experiences like Knott's Berry Farm and Pirate's Dinner Adventure.

A must-see in Anaheim is Adventure City, an amusement park that offers a more intimate, family-friendly experience compared to its giant counterparts. Its smaller size offers just the right thrills for younger kids without being overwhelming. Don't miss the 1946 Carousel and the thrilling Rescue 911 ride! Plus, get a glimpse of local history at the Hobby City Doll and Toy Museum right next door! Adventure City is truly the place to create wonderful family memories.

Why should you visit "it's a small world" in Anaheim? Simple: it's iconic! This globe-trotting classic at Disneyland takes you on a whimsical boat tour of over 100 enchanting cultures, with mesmerizing music and vivid imagery. After this enchanting nighttime ride, you'll feel truly connected to the world. And remember, to avoid the crowds, take the ride during the exciting daytime parades. Just a stone's throw away, the roller coaster "Space Mountain" awaits you and will enchant you with its glittering eyes.

Escape to the hidden gem of Anaheim, Oak Canyon Nature Center! Nestled in the Anaheim Hills, it offers 58 acres of undisturbed parkland with scenic trails that wind through coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands. Observe native wildlife under a shady canopy or visit the John J. Collier Interpretive Center, a charming mini-museum with live animal exhibits. An added thrill: You're just a stone's throw from the Disneyland Resort! Pack a picnic, put on your hiking boots, and discover the wild side of Anaheim!

Visit the Discovery Science Center in Anaheim, where scientific wonders unfold in a playful setting. It's a haven for the young and inquisitive, with more than 100 interactive exhibits to pique the curiosity of kids and adults alike. Don't miss the 10-story-high cube that towers like an enigmatic landmark. An insider's tip is the fascinating earthquake simulator. Just a few steps away, you can immerse yourself in nature at the Santa Ana Zoo, a perfect next stop.

Immerse yourself in the magical realm of Sleeping Beauty Castle, a breathtaking masterpiece in the middle of Disneyland Park, Anaheim. Discover a beautiful fairy tale in an enchanting castle with vivid dioramas illustrating the saga of Princess Aurora. See fairy tales come to life visually and audibly, and relive your fondest childhood memories. It's a hidden gem for Disney fans, as few know about the "high point" from which you can overlook Fantasyland. Just a stone's throw away, don't miss the iconic "Matterhorn Bobsleds" - a thrilling roller coaster ride!

The Santa Ana Zoo, just minutes from Anaheim, is a hidden gem with more than 350 fascinating creatures. This intimate zoo offers up-close encounters with exotic animals, including monkeys and an array of vibrant birds. In addition to seeing the animals, you can also explore the Zoofari Express, the famous "Fifty Monkey" Ferris wheel, or the Amazon's Edge rainforest. The nearby Bowers Museum, a famous center for world cultures and arts, is a perfect cultural complement to your zoological adventure.

Escape the California heat at Knott's Soak City, Anaheim's largest water park! Enjoy 23 acres of thrilling waterslides, a relaxing Lazy River and wave pools for all ages. Don't miss the thrilling "Pacific Spin," a six-story funnel of fun. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at one of the many picnic areas.

Visit Pearson Park, a historic gem of Anaheim, and relax in the lush green spaces, swim in the pool, or enjoy the famous Pearson Park Amphitheater. Kids will love the wading pool and playground! Don't miss the beautiful gardens with a variety of plants and a tranquil pond. In the nearby Anaheim Packing District, just a short walk from Pearson Park, you can check out the local dining scene and enjoy a variety of gastronomic offerings.

Embark on an enchanting journey with the Pirates of the Caribbean, combining fantasy and fun. This original Disneyland landmark offers an immersive journey with lifelike Audio-Animatronics pirates who amazingly intone traditional sea shanties. Look out for Captain Jack Sparrow sneaking around the corner for added fun! After your adventure, why not take a short walk to the quirky Haunted Mansion? Hear ghostly echoes and discover supernatural oddities - it's just around the corner.