Things to Do in Anaheim — Disneyland & Beyond

Anaheim exists because of Disneyland. Walt Disney opened the park here in 1955 and the city grew up around it. But beyond the Mouse, you’ve got Knott’s Berry Farm, Angel Stadium, the Honda Center (Anaheim Ducks), and all of Orange County’s beaches within 20 minutes.

Best Things to Do at Disneyland Anaheim

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Park — The original. Main Street USA, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The classics never get old, and Galaxy’s Edge (building your own lightsaber, piloting the Millennium Falcon) justifies the ticket alone.

Disney California Adventure — The newer park across the esplanade. Pixar Pier, Cars Land (Radiator Springs Racers is one of the best theme park rides in the world), Avengers Campus, and the Incredicoaster.

Downtown Disney — Free-admission shopping and dining district between the two parks. No ticket needed to eat or shop here.

Tips: Multi-day tickets drop the per-day cost significantly. Genie+ ($25-35/day) lets you skip some lines. Go on weekdays if possible. The parks are less crowded in January-February and September-October.

Knott's Berry Farm Anaheim California

Knott’s Berry Farm

The oldest theme park in California (predates Disneyland). GhostRider wooden coaster, HangTime, Xcelerator, and the Boysenberry Festival (spring). Admission is significantly cheaper than Disney — $60-80 vs $150+.

Knott’s Soak City — Adjacent water park. Open seasonally.

Beautiful Beaches Near Anaheim California

Beaches (15-20 minutes)

Huntington Beach (Surf City) — Wide beach, long pier, surfing, and the International Surfing Museum.

Newport Beach — Balboa Island, the Wedge (bodyboarding spot with massive shore break), and harbor cruises.

Laguna Beach — 25 minutes south. Art galleries, coves, tide pools, and the Pageant of the Masters (live art recreation show in summer).

Vacation Deals

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