Introduction

 

When I decided to take a little escape to Southern California, I chose Anaheim, California as one of my stops—and I’m so glad I did. With its mix of theme-park magic, vibrant downtown scene, sports energy, craft food and drink culture, and a surprising amount of hidden gems, Anaheim delivers far more than just the usual “Disney trip”. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with family, this city has something for everyone. Below I’m sharing 12 of the best and fun things to do in Anaheim, ranked in no particular order, that made my trip unforgettable—and I hope they’ll inspire your itinerary too.

 

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1. Visit Disneyland Park

This is the big one. If you’re in Anaheim, heading to Disneyland Park (and/or the adjoining Disney California Adventure Park) is almost mandatory. From the iconic castle to immersive rides and themed lands, you’ll find child-like wonder whatever your age.
Tips from personal experience:

• Go early to beat some of the crowds.
• Prioritize your must-rides and check wait times via the official app.
• Consider spending one full day just for the park—and if you have more time, allocate another day to absorb and revisit favourite attractions.

2. Explore the Anaheim Packing District

 

 

 

After all the thrills, you may want a nice break—and the Anaheim Packing District offered exactly that for me. The historic citrus-packing house converted into a gourmet food hall is super fun.
What I loved:

• A huge variety of cuisines all under one roof—great if your group has mixed tastes.
• Walkable downtown vibe: shops, cafes, craft breweries nearby.
• A more local flavour away from the theme-park hustle.

 

3. Hit the Craft Breweries

 

 

 

If you enjoy a good brew, Anaheim’s craft beer scene surprised me in a good way. The city is more than just the parks—it’s also a growing “beercation” destination.
My recommendation: Visit an outdoor-friendly brewery in the late afternoon. Chill lawn games, flight of beers, maybe live music—it’s one of those hidden gems.

 

4. Cheer at Angel Stadium

 

 

 

Getting into the local sports spirit? A game at Angel Stadium (home of the Los Angeles Angels) gave me a lively & authentic Anaheim experience.
Tip: Even if you’re not a hardcore baseball fan, catching a game is fun—cheering, stadium food, festive atmosphere. And if your trip isn’t on a game day, consider a stadium tour or just soaking in the ambience.

 

5. Discover Nature at Oak Canyon Nature Center

 

 

 

Yes, Anaheim has nature too! I went for a hike at Oak Canyon Nature Center and found a peaceful escape from the bustle.
Why go:

• 58 acres of canyons and trails offer scenery and quiet breaks.
• Great for families, hikers, nature lovers wanting a change of pace.
• Pack comfortable shoes and water!

 

6. Get Spooked (or Test Your Nerve) at Mission Escape Games

 

 

 

I tried an escape room while in Anaheim—what a rush! Located close to many resorts, this is a fun indoor option.
Highlights:

• About an hour of puzzle-solving with your group.
• Great way to break between outdoor activities or theme parks.
• Ideal for adults, older kids, mixed groups.

 

7. Mini-Golf Fun at Camelot GolfLand

 

 

 

Looking for something low-key but still fun? I loved Camelot GolfLand: mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats—it ticks multiple boxes.
Good for: Families with kids, mixed groups, or an afternoon when you want something fun but not full throttle.

 

8. Have a Foodie Day—International Eats & Food Halls

 

 

 

Anaheim’s cuisine scene goes beyond burgers and theme-park snacks. From authentic international fare to trendy food halls, I found some delicious gems.
My tip: Head to downtown Anaheim (Packing District, Center Street Promenade) in the evening. It’s walkable, lively, and full of flavour.

 

9. Visit Muzeo Museum & Cultural Center

For a change of pace, I visited Muzeo Museum & Cultural Center—a great cultural stop in the city.
Why include it: If you’ve done theme parks and want a quieter, reflective activity, this museum offers rotating exhibits and a nice indoor space.

 

10. Enjoy the Evening at Anaheim GardenWalk

 

 

 

When the sun starts to set, I found myself drawn to Anaheim GardenWalk—a lively pedestrian area with shops, dining, entertainment.
Evening plan suggestion: Grab dinner, walk around, maybe catch a live music show or just soak the atmosphere.

 

11. Go to Knott’s Berry Farm (nearby fun)

 

 

 

While technically a bit outside Anaheim (in nearby Buena Park), I found Knott’s Berry Farm worth the drive for more theme-park fun.
Why go: If your Disney day is done or you want a second day of thrills, this park offers a mix of family friendly and adrenaline rides.

 

12. Find Hidden Spots & Local Vibes

 

 

Finally, one of my favourite things was simply wandering and discovering the lesser-known spots of Anaheim—local coffee shops, art walks, historic houses. For example, there’s the historic Woelke-Stoffel House and Founders Park in Anaheim.
Why it matters: These quieter moments gave me a richer sense of the city beyond the tourist hotspots. If you have downtime, just explore a neighbourhood, grab coffee, people watch.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Anaheim exceeded my expectations. It’s not just “go to Disneyland and leave” (though that alone would make for a great trip), but a full-blown destination with diverse experiences, all packed into one place.
Here are my personal takeaways:

• Plan your big park day(s) early and secure tickets ahead of time.
• Mix in low-key experiences (brewery, food hall, nature centre) so your trip doesn’t always feel like a whirlwind.
• Stay somewhere central—being close to the attractions and downtown means you can rest in midday and pick up the pace later.
• Consider transportation/time: Even though Anaheim has so much, some spots (like Knott’s) require a short drive or rideshare.
• Embrace the local gems: I loved that I could swap out one afternoon of theme-park mania for a craft beer and local coffee shop. It felt refreshingly real.

If I were to revisit, I’d carve in more beach time (Orange County is nearby) and maybe take a day trip to the hills. But for what it offered, Anaheim hit the sweet spot of excitement + relaxation.

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