Anaheim travel guide
Anaheim Tourism | Anaheim Guide
You're Going to Love Anaheim
Located in southern Los Angeles, Anaheim is one of America's finest tourist destinations, mainly thanks to the presence of Disneyland California. Disney's massive entertainment complex draws 18 million visitors annually, and while it's a good reason to visit Anaheim in itself, it is a mere fraction of what the city has to offer.
Anaheim's city center is an oasis of calm away from both LA and Disneyland. In pedestrianized areas like Center Street, you can shop at farmers' markets, window shop for crafts and designer clothing, and dine al fresco in Hawaiian, Mexican, or Italian eateries.
Sports fans can watch the Ducks in the NHL or the Angels in Major League Baseball, while all visitors can take the Orange County Line into LA to sample the city's nightlife and tourist attractions. Whether you just want to visit Disneyland or you need a base to explore LA, Anaheim is ideal.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Anaheim
1. Disneyland California
Disneyland revolutionized family amusement parks with its themed zones, the chance to meet children's heroes, and its huge choice of attractions. These days, it's one of LA's greatest family destinations. With rides like the Peter Pan Flight, Splash Mountain, and the Indiana Jones Adventure, there should be something for everyone.
2. The Ducks and the Angels
Anaheim is one of California's great sporting cities. You can catch the Ducks competing in the NHL at the Honda Center, or cheer on the Angels in Major League Baseball, so schedule your visit to coincide with the season of your favorite sport.
3. Plenty of Family Attractions
It's not all about Disney. There are smaller family amusement parks like Knott's Berry Farm and Adventure City, as well as the Aquarium of the Pacific, which is home to more than 12,000 animals. Once you've met Mickey and Goofy, there's still much more to see and do.
4. The Chance to Watch a Medieval Tournament
One of Anaheim's more unusual attractions, the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Buena Park provides a totally unique two-hour show, including mounted knights, hand-to-hand sword fighting and damsels in distress.
5. Festivals All Year Round
September's Fest of Ales celebrates the town's vibrant craft brewing scene. There's a spectacular Halloween Parade in the fall, and a Greek Food Festival in May. Whatever time of year you visit, you'll find an event going on.
What to do in Anaheim
1. Disney California Adventure Park: The Ultimate Family Destination
This brainchild of Disney and Pixar is Californian through and through - every thrill ride, performance, and decoration is somehow based on West Coast culture. From Hollywood to the laid back beach, this theme park is designed to embellish your stay in California. Cars Land brings the Pixar movie to life, Pacific Wharf combines California's most beloved waterside sights from up and down the coast, and Grizzly Peak celebrates the state's famed wilderness - to name just a few highlights.
2. Disneyland Park: Old School Disney
The original 1955 Disneyland of the LA area is still very much alive and kicking. Generations of children have returned to Sleeping Beauty's castle, and children of yesterday love to bring their own kids back. Rides like the Pirates of the Caribbean, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain never cease to thrill with their immersive fantasy sets. Kids never forget their first trip to Disneyland, where their favorite movies come to life!
3. Downtown Disney: The Heart of Fantasy Town
The themed fun is never-ending in Anaheim's Disney Park complex, and Downtown Disney is an entertainment zone for all ages. The iconic Disney Monorail brings visitors straight to the fun, where an abundance restaurants and shopping opportunities await. Among favorite stops are the Lego Imagination Center, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and the Rainforest Café.
4. Angel Stadium of Anaheim: The Big A
The Los Angeles Angels find their home in Anaheim, at this iconic Baseball stadium. This is one of the oldest stadiums in the game, opened in 1966, and from hamburgers to home-runs, visitors are bound for an all-American experience. A massive "Big A" sign greets fans at the entrance, with an enormous halo that lights up when the home team wins big. This local venue also hosts high-profile performers the likes of Madonna and the Rolling Stones!
5. Honda Center: The Pond of Anaheim
The counterpart to the historical Angel Stadium is this massive indoor complex, host to hockey and basketball games as well as massive concert events. The home team of the Honda Center are the Disney-sponsored "Mighty Ducks" - based on the live-action movie from the 1990s. The name of this team adds yet another level to the immersive Disney experience that has taken over Anaheim, and catching a game is full of family fun.
1. Disney California Adventure Park: The Ultimate Family Destination
This brainchild of Disney and Pixar is Californian through and through - every thrill ride, performance, and decoration is somehow based on West Coast culture. From Hollywood to the laid back beach, this theme park is designed to embellish your stay in California. Cars Land brings the Pixar movie to life, Pacific Wharf combines California's most beloved waterside sights from up and down the coast, and Grizzly Peak celebrates the state's famed wilderness - to name just a few highlights.
2. Disneyland Park: Old School Disney
The original 1955 Disneyland of the LA area is still very much alive and kicking. Generations of children have returned to Sleeping Beauty's castle, and children of yesterday love to bring their own kids back. Rides like the Pirates of the Caribbean, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain never cease to thrill with their immersive fantasy sets. Kids never forget their first trip to Disneyland, where their favorite movies come to life!
3. Downtown Disney: The Heart of Fantasy Town
The themed fun is never-ending in Anaheim's Disney Park complex, and Downtown Disney is an entertainment zone for all ages. The iconic Disney Monorail brings visitors straight to the fun, where an abundance restaurants and shopping opportunities await. Among favorite stops are the Lego Imagination Center, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and the Rainforest Café.
4. Angel Stadium of Anaheim: The Big A
The Los Angeles Angels find their home in Anaheim, at this iconic Baseball stadium. This is one of the oldest stadiums in the game, opened in 1966, and from hamburgers to home-runs, visitors are bound for an all-American experience. A massive "Big A" sign greets fans at the entrance, with an enormous halo that lights up when the home team wins big. This local venue also hosts high-profile performers the likes of Madonna and the Rolling Stones!
5. Honda Center: The Pond of Anaheim
The counterpart to the historical Angel Stadium is this massive indoor complex, host to hockey and basketball games as well as massive concert events. The home team of the Honda Center are the Disney-sponsored "Mighty Ducks" - based on the live-action movie from the 1990s. The name of this team adds yet another level to the immersive Disney experience that has taken over Anaheim, and catching a game is full of family fun.
1. Disney California Adventure Park: The Ultimate Family Destination
This brainchild of Disney and Pixar is Californian through and through - every thrill ride, performance, and decoration is somehow based on West Coast culture. From Hollywood to the laid back beach, this theme park is designed to embellish your stay in California. Cars Land brings the Pixar movie to life, Pacific Wharf combines California's most beloved waterside sights from up and down the coast, and Grizzly Peak celebrates the state's famed wilderness - to name just a few highlights.
Where to Eat in Anaheim
Top-quality Hawaiian fusion food is on offer at Roy's and Palapa (where you can find a huge range of cooked seafood and sushi dishes). Mi Casa is the best Mexican restaurant in town, Umami Burger cooks up innovative and delicious burgers, while Calivino blends fine wines and superb Italian food. Expect to pay around $10 for a burger and upwards of $20 for a full meal.
When to visit Anaheim
Whether you are visiting for Disneyland or not, head to Anaheim outside high tourist season to avoid the worst of the crowds. Between March and May, school isn't out yet, and the weather will be fine. Fall is another good time to go. The crowds will be receding, and there are events in town like the Fest of Ales to enjoy.
How to Get to Anaheim
Plane
The nearest airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is about 30 minutes away by taxi. Airlines like United, American, and Southwest all fly into the airport. Visitors can catch a shuttle bus from the airport into town (ticket prices start at $10 per person one way). Failing that, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about an hour away.
Train
Anaheim Station is a stop on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service, which runs from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, and it's also on the Los Angeles regional rail network. The Orange County Line can take you to Anaheim from Union Station in about 40 minutes.
Car
Driving to Anaheim is easy as the city is just off Interstate 5, providing easy access from Los Angeles and San Diego. If you are coming from the east, take Interstate 15, and Interstate 10 from Arizona or Nevada.
Bus
Anaheim Bus Station (located at 2626 E Katella Ave) is on the Greyhound national bus network, so you should be able to catch services from most parts of the country. If you are coming from LAX, the Disneyland Resort Express is another option. It takes an hour and costs $20.
Airlines serving Anaheim
Where to stay in Anaheim
Downtown Anaheim - Downtown Anaheim is a prosperous, lively neighborhood that is a short walk from the Disneyland resort. Visitors can shop for organic food at the local farmers' market, join Art Crawls to see the works of local painters, and sample local brews at the Fest of Ales (held in September).
Popular Neighborhoods in Anaheim
Disneyland California - Disneyland is a neighborhood in its own right, and it dominates the area. Anyone who loves Disney cartoons will enjoy Main Street U.S.A., the tropical jungles of Adventureland, exciting rides like Peter Pan's Flight and Splash Mountain, as well as themed areas devoted to Star Wars and Finding Nemo.
Platinum Triangle - if you want to watch the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL or the Angels in MLB, Platinum Triangle is the place to go, as it's home to Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. It's also a great place to socialize thanks to wine bars like Calivino Wine Pub and seafood restaurants like The Catch.
Where to stay in popular areas of Anaheim
Most booked hotels in Anaheim
How to Get Around Anaheim
Public Transportation
For journeys around the city and into neighboring parts of LA, Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) buses will do the job. Local fares are $2 and express buses cost $4, but the prices are lower if you buy an OCTA bus pass. A day pass costs $4, while seven-day passes are $25. If you are traveling to Disneyland, you can take Anaheim Resort Transportation buses (which also head to the sports stadiums). Day passes cost $5 and three-day passes are $12.
Taxi
Expect taxis in Anaheim to cost around $2.85 for the meter drop, then $2.70 for every subsequent mile, although you can save money by traveling with Uber. Their cheapest vehicles in Anaheim tend to charge as little as $0.90 per mile (as long as you reach the minimum fare of $5.15).
Car
Renting a vehicle in Anaheim can make visiting LA or the coast more convenient, but it's not vital for visiting Disneyland or the local sports venues. If you do choose to rent a car, you'll find companies like Avis and Enterprise in Anaheim itself. Expect to pay upwards of $15-20 per day.
Best car hire deals in Anaheim
Intermediate SUV
5 Adults, 3 Bags
$75/day
Intermediate
5 Adults, 3 Bags
$86/day
The Cost of Living in Anaheim
Shopping Streets
Anaheim has a number of shopping options for fashion lovers and bargain hunters. The best shopping street in town is Center Street Promenade, where you'll find everything from gourmet cheese shops, unique jewelry items at J.Mac, men's shoes at Heart & Sole, and the town's farmers' market every Thursday. For a more conventional shopping mall, try the Outlets at Orange, which features brands like Aldo, DKNY, and Shoe Palace.
Groceries and Other
The best place to purchase fresh, delicious groceries is the Thursday farmers' market on Center Street Promenade, but if you can't get there, you'll find supermarkets like Super King, Walmart, and Albertsons in the Anaheim area. La Bodega is also a great Mexican grocery store, and Wholesome Choice stocks organic produce. Expect to pay around $3.50 for a gallon of milk and just over $1.30 for a pound of apples.