Anaheim, in California, will offer you fun, history, and local flavor. Sure, Disneyland grabs all the headlines, but the city’s got a lot hiding just beyond those castle gates.
A baseball game at Angel Stadium… Or maybe a walk through the Anaheim Packing District, looking for something new to eat…
Families, friends, solo travelers… There’s really something for everyone here. Anaheim actually started back in the 1850s as a farming colony, and you can still find bits of that history in its older neighborhoods and restored buildings.
These days, the city’s bursting with parks, museums, music venues, and trails for anyone who wants some fresh air.
Hotels and resorts? Pretty easy to find, whether you want to stay near the theme parks or in a quieter place.
In this travel guide, I’ve put together 10 of the best things to do and see in Anaheim. There’s Disney magic, sure, but also local favorites that really show off the city’s personality.
Every place has a story. And Anaheim is best when you take your time and just explore…
Let’s begin!
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Keep in mind: Our articles may contain errors, despite our best efforts. So, do thorough research before deciding on a travel destination.
1. Disneyland Resort
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The Disneyland Resort is a big entertainment area in Anaheim with two theme parks, hotels, and a dining district. Disneyland Park opened in 1955 and was the first park built by Walt Disney.
Next door, Disney California Adventure opened in 2001 and celebrates stories from California, Pixar, and Marvel. Together, they make a full day or multi-day visit easy. You can stroll through Downtown Disney for shopping, snacks, and live music without a park ticket.
The Matterhorn Bobsleds was one of the first steel-tube roller coasters in the world.
If you want to stay nearby, there are several places right on the property, like Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel.
Just outside the resort, you’ll find many comfortable options, including Hilton Anaheim, Anaheim Marriott, and Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance.
The area is walkable, and local shuttles help you get around. Between the parks, hotel pools, and easy dining choices, you can choose a pace that fits your group. It’s good for families, friends, and anyone who enjoys rides, shows, and themed spaces.
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2. Angel Stadium of Anaheim
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Angel Stadium is home to the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. The ballpark first opened in the 1960s and has seen changes over time, including a period when it shared space with football.
Today, it’s a friendly place to catch a game, try ballpark food, and enjoy the local sports vibe. Many fans enjoy arriving early to watch batting practice or explore team history displays. On non-game days, you might find special events or tours.
The big “A” sign with a halo near the parking lot has been a local landmark for decades.
If you’re staying nearby, look for places in the Anaheim Stadium and Orange area, such as Ayres Hotel Orange, ALO Hotel by Ayres, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim Orange.
These properties offer quick drives to the ballpark and easy access to major freeways. You can also reach the stadium from hotels closer to Disneyland by rideshare or short drives. It’s a good add-on to a trip if you like live sports, classic game-day energy, and relaxed evenings.
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(Angel Stadium, Anaheim, California, USA – Photo by kaleb tapp)
3. House of Blues Anaheim
House of Blues Anaheim is a music venue and restaurant known for live shows, casual bites, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s located at Anaheim GardenWalk, so you can pair concerts with dinner, shopping, or a pre-show stroll.
The brand started in the 1990s and often hosts a mix of rock, blues, pop, and local bands. Many guests enjoy the Foundation Room for a lounge-style feel before or after the show. House of Blues venues commonly display folk art and blues history across their walls and stages.
For nearby stays, consider Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center, Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, and JW Marriott Anaheim Resort. These hotels make it easy to walk to the venue or grab a quick ride.
Tickets are usually available online, and weekday shows can be more relaxed. If you like music and want an easy night out, this place offers a simple plan: dinner, a show, and dessert on the walk back.
It’s also good for groups because the venue area has many food choices and comfortable seating zones.
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(Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA, USA – Photo by kaleb tapp)
4. Anaheim Packing District
The Anaheim Packing District is a food hall and community space built inside a restored citrus packing house. The building dates back to the early 1900s when Anaheim was known for oranges and agriculture.
Today, you’ll find a wide range of eateries, coffee bars, and dessert stands under one roof. It’s an easy place to try small dishes, share plates, and try something new without a big commitment. On weekends, you might catch live music or local events.
The Packing House was part of Anaheim’s shift from farming to modern dining and arts, showing how the city mixes old and new.
For places to stay nearby, look at The Anaheim Hotel, SpringHill Suites Anaheim Maingate, or the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel. Downtown spots are a short drive, a rideshare, or even a bike ride away.
The area around the Packing District also has historic homes and murals, so a walk before or after eating adds a little exploration to your visit.
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5. Yorba Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park is a long, green park along the Santa Ana River in Anaheim. It has lakes, picnic areas, bike paths, and shady places that work well for families and groups.
The park connects to the Santa Ana River Trail, which makes biking or walking simple and safe away from traffic. You can bring a picnic, rent a bike nearby, or just relax under trees with a book.
Over the years, this river corridor has helped shape local communities, offering water, wildlife, and space for recreation. Birdwatchers often see ducks, herons, and other species around the lakes.
For places to stay, check options in Anaheim Hills, such as Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim Hills and Residence Inn Anaheim Hills Yorba Linda. These hotels offer quick access to the park and nearby dining.
Parking is simple inside the park, and you’ll find restrooms and playgrounds spaced out across the grounds. If you want a break from theme parks and city noise, this area fits well into your day.
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6. MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center
MUZEO is a museum and cultural center in downtown Anaheim with rotating exhibits on art, history, and community stories. The space often features traveling shows and regional topics, so each visit can feel different.
It’s near historic buildings and public art, which makes a museum day easy to pair with a short walk. MUZEO also hosts workshops and family-friendly activities during certain weekends.
Anaheim’s downtown grew up around the early colony days, and museums like MUZEO help share the city’s path from farming to modern neighborhoods.
For nearby stays, you can look at the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, The Anaheim Hotel, or Hilton Anaheim, all a short ride away. Parking options include nearby lots and street spaces, and you’ll find cafes within a few blocks.
It’s a good choice if you want indoor time, learning, and a slower pace between busier attractions. Check the exhibit calendar before you go, since themes change across the year and can match specific interests like design, photography, or local heritage.
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7. Anaheim Brewery and Craft Beer Scene
Anaheim’s craft beer scene is friendly and growing, with breweries like Anaheim Brewery and Noble Ale Works leading the way. Tasting rooms often feature small-batch styles, seasonal releases, and easy flights for sampling.
Many are within short drives of the resort area, making an afternoon brewery hop simple. Anaheim Brewery pays tribute to early brewing roots in the city and pours approachable lagers and ales. Noble Ale Works is near the stadium district, and it’s a popular pre- or post-game stop.
Beer and citrus farming once lived side by side in this region, showing how food and drink followed local agriculture.
For lodging, look at Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center, Embassy Suites Anaheim Orange, or the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel.
Rideshares are common, and parking is usually easy at tasting rooms. If you’re new to craft beer, ask the staff for a light flight to explore styles. It’s an easy way to add a social evening to your trip without a tight schedule.
8. Anaheim GardenWalk
Anaheim GardenWalk is an outdoor dining and shopping area a short walk from the resort district. It’s a practical place for dinner, live music, or visiting venues like House of Blues. The open-air design makes it good for an evening stroll with family or friends.
Over the years, GardenWalk has added new restaurants and entertainment spots, reflecting how Anaheim continues to grow its nightlife and casual hangouts. Public art and event pop-ups show up seasonally, so the scene can change from month to month.
Nearby hotels include JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, Hyatt Regency Orange County, and Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance.
Parking garages are on-site, and orientation is easy for first-time visitors. If your group wants choices, GardenWalk gives you different menus, patios, and sweets in one place. It goes well after a park day when you want something simple, flexible, and close to your room.
9. Oak Canyon Nature Center
Oak Canyon Nature Center is a peaceful spot in Anaheim Hills with trails through oak woodlands and a small creek. The area is home to birds, reptiles, and local plants, and you might see wildlife on quiet mornings.
Trails range from easy to moderate, and the nature center building shares exhibits about the local ecosystem. This canyon reflects the natural side of Anaheim, which started as a farming community and still keeps pockets of open space.
Volunteers and staff help with classes, clean-ups, and outdoor programs during certain seasons. For places to stay nearby, check Residence Inn Anaheim Hills Yorba Linda and Fairfield Inn by Marriott Anaheim Hills.
These hotels offer quick drives to the trailhead and dining in the Anaheim Hills area. Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, since shade changes by time of day.
If you want a break from crowds, this is an easy walk with fresh air and good views. It works well for families and small groups.
10. Historic Anaheim Colony District
The Historic Anaheim Colony District shows a look at the city’s early days, with preserved homes, churches, and civic buildings. The area reflects the original colony founded in the 1850s by German-speaking settlers focusing on vineyards and cooperative farming.
Today, you can walk quiet streets, see different architectural styles, and visit nearby parks. Founders’ Park, with restored Victorian-era houses, is a short ride from the district and offers guided insights on certain days.
Anaheim’s name blends “Ana” from the Santa Ana River and “heim,” a German word for “home.”
For places to stay, consider The Anaheim Hotel, SpringHill Suites Anaheim Maingate, and the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel. Downtown cafes and small shops make it easy to pair a morning stroll with lunch.
Parking is usually in the street or small lots. If you enjoy local history and slower walking, this district helps connect the city’s past to its present…
Until next time…