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Anaheim
A naheim’s appeal has grown well beyond its costumed characters, castles and rides. The home of the famous Disneyland Resort also offers up a diverse array of attractions catering to every passion: world-class sports and entertainment venues, a vibrant food hall and community space, enticing nightlife, luxe hotels and bespoke experiences, just for starters. Its dizzying entertainment options solidify Anaheim’s “Made to Play” motto. Of course, the upcoming opening of the OCVIBE District—billed as Orange County’s new downtown—will only underscore Anaheim’s rep as the beating heart of the region.
Here’s a look at the many ways to play on your Anaheim getaway.
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The Viv Hotel
Anaheim Ducks playing at Honda Center
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Food & nightlife scene
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Plan your trip
ARTIC Train Station
Hotel Lulu
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View of Disneyland from The Viv Hotel
Medieval Times
WonderCon cosplayers
Golden Road Brewing Anaheim (left); Strong Water (right)
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Rooftop bars with fireworks views
For a memorable evening out, combine two wonderful experiences—delicious cocktail sipping and fireworks viewing—at a rooftop bar. (Fireworks shows are subject to Disneyland Resort schedules.) RISE Rooftop Lounge at the Westin Anaheim is an upscale option that serves craft cocktails and arguably provides one of the best views of Disneyland Resort. The highest-set rooftop bar in Anaheim, Parkestry Rooftop Bar & Lounge at the JW Marriott also offers stellar fireworks views, plus a seasonal menu of small plates. Top of the V at the Viv Hotel has a Spanish-influenced food menu (think paella, croquetas and even a cheese and Ibérico platter)—making it a great choice if you'd like drinks and dinner with your fireworks show.
Dig into magical meals
For the epicurious types, a stop at the Anaheim Packing District is a must. Once a Sunkist citrus packing facility, the Anaheim Packing House is a historic landmark that now harbors over 20 eateries. This, together with surrounding buildings and Farmers Park, make up the famed dining district in downtown Anaheim. THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon, a MICHELIN Guide-listed steakhouse, was also named Restaurant of the Year for the city of Anaheim; and Poppy & Seed, also MICHELIN Guide-listed thanks to James Beard semifinalist chef Michael Reed, has a unique greenhouse setting and a garden-fresh menu. In Garden Grove, Smoke Queen Barbecue wins raves for its tender brisket and pulled-pork, plus Asian-influenced entrees like the Panang curry rice bowl. Indeed, international flavors abound in Anaheim, like in the restaurants of the Little Arabia enclave. Try expertly spiced kebabs, made-from-scratch falafel or savory stuffed pastries baked to a golden crust. Or make a day of visiting the Little Saigon area, sampling pho, banh mi sandwiches and sweet treats as you explore. Try Bib Gourmand restaurant Pho 79 while you're there.
Built for fans of all kinds
Anaheim's transformation into a hub for people and their passions began with the opening of Disneyland in 1955. Its appeal only grew from there as the Anaheim Convention Center, Angel Stadium and the Honda Center all followed.
Today, the city is a major destination for spectator sports events, like Los Angeles Angels Major League Baseball games and Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League games. Fun fact: Anaheim is also a global hub for volleyball, having been the training site for the U.S. National team for years. Fittingly, when the 2028 Olympics come to Los Angeles, Anaheim's Honda Center will be the hub for men's and women's indoor volleyball events.
More fun at your fingertips
While they're certainly a top attraction, theme parks are not the only way families can have a blast in Anaheim.
Experience the thrill of flying a supersonic fighter jet at Flightdeck+Rogue Racing. Or, if you've ever dreamed of tearing up the race track in one of the world's fastest cars, the simulation center lets you do so in an immersive, yet completely safe F1 racing experience. Catch equestrian pageantry, drama and a feast fit for a king at Medieval Times. Do a twirl—or take a lesson—on the rink at Anaheim ICE - The Rinks. After action-packed days, enjoy some serenity under the open sky at Oak Canyon Nature Center, where you'll find trails through oak woodland and coastal sage scrub, plus a pretty stream amid three adjoining canyons.
All the fun you can imagine
A family trip to Anaheim is a feast for the senses—from the colorful, whirling theme park rides to the diverse flavors of its restaurants to the unbridled roar of fans at its two major stadiums. Because the city is so easily navigable on foot, by bike or via shuttles and rideshare, you can skip car rental fees and spend that money on memorable experiences instead.
The Downtown Disney District, for example, is a pedestrian-friendly entertainment, food and shopping hub that connects Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Soak up intergalactic thrills on Space Mountain, sail across exotic rivers on the Jungle Cruise ride and meet your favorite superheroes at Avengers Headquarters. Then, between theme park jaunts, catch live music on the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage, sip award-winning brews at Ballast Point Brewing Co. or bowl a game at Splitsville Luxury Lanes—no entry ticket required.
Anaheim comes alive at night, with a wide variety of taverns, breweries, lounges and bars to hop between. On the craft brew scene, Radiant Beer Co. makes exceptional IPAs and lagers, served up in an inviting taproom atmosphere. Bottle Logic Brewing is one of California's most celebrated breweries, known for its experimental releases and creative barrel-aged stouts. As a bonus for beer nerds, the taproom has a fun and quirky science theme. Unsung Brewing Company, on the other hand, is an intimate venue with comic book-inspired decor; its rotating seasonal beers and lagers are a big draw, too. Brewery X, meanwhile, is Anaheim's megaplex of breweries, with a huge indoor-outdoor campus, an events calendar that includes trivia nights and watch parties plus pizza and burger food trucks. Those who prefer a good Mai Tai should check out tiki bars like James Beard Award nominee Strong Water, with its immersive sunken-treasure ship atmosphere; or Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel.
Craft breweries and tiki bars
Whatever it is you're fascinated by, there's likely an event that celebrates it in Anaheim. VidCon brings together digital creators of all kinds—from YouTube sensations to TikTok mega-stars to Instagram's most famous—and connects them with fans. For gaming enthusiasts, BlizzCon is a mega-event offering contests, special events and hands-on play of the Blizzard brand's popular fantasy games. And then there's the highly anticipated biennial D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. The 3-day gathering includes immersive experiences and evening showcases, like the star-studded Disney Legends Award Ceremony—plus panels, presentations and exclusive shopping opps. During the WonderCon event, the Anaheim Convention Center fills up with comics, original art, toys and collectibles. Meanwhile, fans get a look behind the scenes of the creative process via panels featuring comic-makers, actors and film professionals.
A convention for every fan
The family-friendly diversions go well beyond Disney in Anaheim. Families with young children appreciate the tike-friendly coasters, carousels and other not-so-scary rides at Adventure City—all of which come at a budget-friendly price tag. Knott's Berry Farm—California's oldest theme park—is another beloved option. Known for its Old West-style ghost town replica and its kid-friendly Camp Snoopy themed area—plus seasonal events like Knott's Scary Farm around Halloween—it's another spot you'll want to visit during your Anaheim trip.
Those who love water fun can get their splash on at seasonal outdoor water parks like Adventure Lagoon and Knott's Soak City, or hit the heated indoor pools, water slides and interactive play areas at Great Wolf Lodge Garden Grove, open year-round.
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Knott's Soak City
Los Angeles Angels fans
Anaheim Packing House
Adventure City
Great Wolf Lodge Garden Grove
Luxury & bespoke experiences
Fireworks over Disneyland
When you're looking to plan a getaway with an extra dose of fabulousness, look no further than Anaheim's elevated and bespoke experiences. For Disney goers, a private VIP tour for up to 10 guests includes custom itinerary-making with the help of a personal guide—even across multiple parks—and door-to-door service in a private vehicle. For Ducks fans, the 5,200-square-foot Impact Club offers members unparalleled amenities and behind-the-scenes access, including an ice-level restaurant and lounge, proximity to players and a private concierge service. Legacy Club membership, meanwhile, gives fans luxury seating and perks for virtually every event at the Honda Center. Book suite seats at the Honda Center or Angel Stadium for a premium experience, with inclusive food and beverage packages available to delight your whole party. Music lovers can upgrade to VIP tickets at House of Blues for priority entrance, private tables and exclusive lounge access, or purchase Foundation Room membership to enjoy benefits year-round.
VIP and bespoke experiences
VIP Tour at Disneyland Resort
Luxe stays
Whether your vibe is easy-breezy or ultra-luxurious, you can find accommodations to match in Anaheim. Among the city's top-tier hotels is the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, which offers chic and spacious family-friendly suites (including bunk beds and full living rooms), a fantastic Italian restaurant plus a colorful flower garden, just a short walk from Disneyland. The AAA Four Diamond Westin Anaheim Resort is also steps from Disneyland, and offers a polished, yet still family-friendly atmosphere. Many park-view rooms offer views of the fireworks, and on-site restaurants like the California-inspired Tangerine Room delight guests with fresh and healthy dishes. The Disneyland Hotel, on top of its beloved classic Disney flair, also features one of the best pool complexes in the city, with monorail-themed water slides to delight young ones and easy walkability to both Downtown Disney and the parks. Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and The Viv Hotel, Anaheim, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel are two more top choices if you're looking for upscale accommodations in Anaheim.
The Viv Hotel
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Book a concert at the Honda Center to hear big-name acts—from throwback rock bands to Latin American superstars to Grammy-winning pop artists. Visit House of Blues, Anaheim, to check out genres for every taste—from emo to rockabilly, from cumbia to heavy metal. Or try your hand (and feet) at square dancing at The Ranch. Even more entertainment is on the way with the arrival of the OCVIBE development, including a 5,800-seat concert venue. Its Katella Commons, a 50,000-square-foot, two-story market hall, will feature 21 chef-driven restaurants and six bars and lounges. It's set to open in early 2027.
Unique nightlife
House of Blues, Anaheim
Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
Poppy & Seed
Little Arabia Lebanese Bakery and Cuisine
Smoke Queen Barbecue
View of Disney's fireworks from RISE Rooftop Lounge
RISE Rooftop Lounge
Gremmie Lagoon at Knott's Soak City
JW Marriott Anaheim Resort
Anaheim ICE - The Rinks
Disney California Adventure® Park
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park | credit: Joshua Mellin
