10 Best Things to Do in Anaheim

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 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.

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 Program is an hour-long weekend hike through Oak Canyon Nature Center. It costs $5 per family, and includes a live animal demonstration by the park’s naturalist.

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. 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.

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 movie 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. 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.

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 visitors can cuddle with rabbits, chickens, and sheep at the petting farm. Tickets to Adventure City cost about $20 for unlimited access to all rides and shows, except the climbing wall and arcade.

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. Located on Seminole Drive, Desert Hills Premium Outlets is about an hour’s drive from central Anaheim.

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. 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.

Anaheim Brewery is a 19th-century brewery located within the Anaheim Packing District. Reopened in 2011, this pre-Prohibition venue features a tasting room where you can watch the brewing process and drink fresh beer straight from the tanks. If the weather is good, crowds often flock to Anaheim Brewery’s beer garden, which is located on the northern end of Farmer’s Park.

A corndog is basically a skewered sausage that’s dipped in a thick cornbread batter and deep-fried until golden. This street snack is commonly sold by vendors in Anaheim’s many theme parks and markets. Many claim Corn Dog Castle at Disney California Adventure Park serves the best corndogs in Anaheim. An original corndog costs around $9 each, and comes with a side of sliced apples or chips.