Anaheim is a small town located in Southern California. One of the things it is famous for is Disneyland, which attracts millions of people worldwide.
Besides Disneyland, there is a myriad of things that people can do in Anaheim, as you will see in this article.
If you plan to visit Anaheim, you will have the time of your life. While the town is relatively small, there is always something fun to do.
What’s more, there is something for everyone. Whether you want to connect with nature, learn some history, try different foods, go hiking, or visit amusement parks, Anaheim has you covered.
1. Have An Amazing Time At Disneyland
Going to Anaheim and not visiting the world-renowned Disneyland would be a crime. The theme park attracts millions of visitors every year from around the globe.
The park, built in 1955, has 9 main theme parks:
- Tomorrowland
- Critter Country
- Mickey’s Toontown
- Fantasyland
- Adventureland
- Frontierland,
- Main Street, U.S.A
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- New Orleans Square
I had such a good time at Mickey’s Toontown and Star Wars Lands, being a Star Wars fan myself.
You can be sure to create memorable moments with your loved ones at Disneyland. Everybody is bound to have fun, no matter their age.
2. Stroll Downtown Disney District
Anaheim’s downtown district is only a stone’s throw away from Disneyland. There is much to do and learn here.
For instance, we learned about the town’s historical roots thanks to the buildings, such as the Packing House, and friendly people who did not mind telling us about the town’s origins.
The town is a vibrant shopping, entertainment, and dining haven. If you are a foodie, you will enjoy this place as it presents delicious cuisines from different places worldwide.
Some of the stores you will find here include:
- Sephora
- World of Disney
- Pandora
3. Indulge Your Food Urges At The Anaheim Packing House
The Anaheim Packing House is a historic food hall with an assortment of restaurants and shops.
Besides catching a glimpse of Anaheim’s history, you will enjoy a large selection of foods.
This is because there are 20 artisanal eateries and bars, each offering a unique culinary experience.
Established in 1919, the Packing House was enlisted into the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. Besides eating, there are other entertaining activities you can enjoy, such as live music and performances on the main stage.
If you visit during summer like I did, you will have a chance to watch movies under the stars, which is very dreamy.
4. Visit Knott’s Berry Farm
Originally a small berry farm in the 1920s, Knott’s berry farm is currently one of the most famous amusement parks in California. It boasts over 40 thrilling rides, such as rollercoasters and water rides.
Some of the rides I enjoyed include:
- The Xcelerator roller coaster
- The GhostRider wooden coaster
- Calico River Rapids Water ride
The Knott’s Berry Farm is divided into themed areas inspired by California’s culture and history.
An example is the Old West Ghost Town, which is set in the 1800s and pays tribute to the county’s Hispanic origins in Fiesta Village.
5. Watch A Live Game At The Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Also referred to as the Big A, Angel Stadium is a dual-purpose stadium in Anaheim and the home of Major League Baseball.
It was built in 1966 and is one of the few dual-purpose stadia in the US.
Make sure you sure to catch a baseball game here during your visit.
With a seating capacity of 45,000, you will be among many spirited and energy-ridden spectators in what will be an experience of a lifetime.
Besides baseball, the stadium hosts festivals and concerts at different times of the year. Lastly, there is a store inside the stadium where I picked up a few cool souvenirs.
6. Visit The Honda Center
This multipurpose indoor arena is the home of the Anaheim Ducks, a hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL).
You should stop by for a game if you are a hockey fan. The Honda, or the Pond, as it is affectionately called, was put up in 1993.
Besides hockey, there is a myriad of other events that take place in this state-of-the-art arena. Some notable events that have taken place here include:
- Stanley Cup Championship Games
- The Harlem Globetrotters
- WWE wrestling matches
If you are an RnB fan, you would be delighted to learn that Mariah Carey and TLC have performed here.
7. Explore The Yorba Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park will be a perfect spot if you want to unwind and connect with nature. Sitting on 140 acres of land, there is an extensive area to walk around and have a picnic with your family or friends.
Its scenic trail stretches for up to 20 miles, offering you the chance to explore the tranquil atmosphere of the park and its surrounding areas.
One of my favorite bits about the park is that it has a stream which is a result of four connecting lakes. As such, there are aquatic animals, such as ducks, and visitors are allowed to fish.
This park is, without a doubt, the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
8. Go Hiking At The Oak Canyon Nature Center
This nature center is a combination of canyon views and oak woodland, which explains its name.
Spread over 58 acres of land; the Oak Canyon Center has three canyons and 4 miles of hiking trails. The trails are gentle and perfect for hiking beginners.
The center features a variety of events and educational programs at different times of the year. These include bird-watching expeditions and guided nature hikes.
If you are into golfing, you will be delighted to learn that there are also golf courses in the center. Additionally, picnics with your loved ones are allowed in the fields.
9. Learn Something New At The Bowers Museum
If you want to learn about the history of art and culture, you should make a stop at the Bowers Museum. The museum was established in 1939 and holds interesting displays from the world’s first civilizations.
For instance, you will find 5000-year-old Chinese artifacts and art depicting the Sacred Realms of India.
There are also timeless relics that tell the story of California and its first inhabitants. Besides its permanent art collection, the museum features rotating exhibitions and special events throughout the year.
Examples of notable exhibitions featured in the Bowers Museum include:
- Art of the Samurai: Selections from the Tokyo National Museum
- Gods and Gifts: Treasures from the Vatican Ethnographic Museum
10. Visit The Anaheim Convention Center
The Anaheim Convention Center is the biggest convention center on the West Coast, sitting on 1.8 million square feet of space. It is an entertainment and sports arena fit for everyone, as different activities occur here.
Whether you are a foodie, music junkie, or entrepreneur, you will have an unforgettable experience here. The inside and outside of the building provide an amazing photo background, so you should take advantage of that.
Lastly, if you come here at night, you will get a perfect vantage point for Disney fireworks.
11. Learn The History Of Anaheim At Founder’s Park
Last but not least, you can take a historical stroll through the centuries at the Founder’s Park. It contains some of the first buildings in Anaheim.
The first building in the park, the Mother Colony House, was built in 1857. The second building, the Woelke-Stoffel House, was built in 1894.
At this park, you will get in touch with the town’s history and learn a little about the architectural styles of more than a century ago. The buildings in the park were enlisted into the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.
Final Thoughts
Anaheim is a beautiful place to visit. It is the home of Disneyland and other interesting places. The people here are also warm and friendly.
It is advisable to check in advance to make sure that the places you want to visit are open and also to check the fees charged for access.
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