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 centre, 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

    Disneyland
    • Families
    • Group
    • Photo

    Disneyland Park, built in 1955 by Walt Disney, features 8 themed areas that are teeming with amusement rides, colourful 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 colour 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

    Map
  • 2

    Oak Canyon Nature Center

    Fascinating hour-long tour of the nature reserve

    Oak Canyon Nature Center
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Families

    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 Programme 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

    Map

    photo by Tracie Hall (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 3

    Universal Studios Hollywood

    Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

    • Families
    • Group
    • Photo

    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 Defence 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 filmsets, 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

    Map
  • 4

    Anaheim Ducks hockey game

    Your favourite players at the Honda Center

    Anaheim Ducks hockey game
    • 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 film 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 amphitheatre-style venue.

    Location: 2695 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA

    Phone: +1 714-704-2400

    Map

    photo by Don Ramey Logan (CC BY 4.0) modified

  • 5

    Adventure City

    Theme park with rabbits, chickens, and sheep at the petting farm

    Adventure City
    • 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 centrepiece is an elegant 1940s carousel with 20 wooden horses and benches.

    Visitors aged 4 and above can climb a 7-metre-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

    Map

    photo by Jeremy Miles (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 6

    Desert Hills Premium Outlets

    Big discounts on designer brands at this outlet mall

    Desert Hills Premium Outlets
    • Shoppers

    Desert Hills Premium Outlets has more than 150 stores selling clothing, jewellery, 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

    Map

    photo by Prayitno (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 7

    City National Grove of Anaheim

    A 3-course dinner and a show of your choice

    City National Grove of Anaheim
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    The City National Grove of Anaheim hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from music concerts, stand-up comedy and theatre shows to conventions, expos and fancy galas. Check out what’s coming up in the programme.

    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

    Map

    photo by Justin Higuchi (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 8

    Huntington Beach

    Sensational sunsets at Huntington Beach Pier

    Huntington Beach
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Group
    • Photo

    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 snorkelling and swimming, as well as sunbathing on the clean sands.

    Huntington City Beach’s centerpiece is its 563-metre-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

    Map
  • 9

    Anaheim local craft breweries

    A multitude of taprooms to suit every taste

    Anaheim local craft breweries
    • 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, film nights and even a blood drive on their calendar.

  • 10

    Anaheim Packing District

    Live music every weekend

    Anaheim Packing District
    • 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-storey 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

    Map

    photo by Sam Howzit (CC BY 2.0) modified

Penny Wong | Compulsive Traveller