A trip to Disneyland® (aka the Happiest Place on Earth) in Southern California is every child’s dream, but the fun doesn’t end once you leave Disneyland® Resort and Disneyland® Park in Anaheim. There are plenty of other kid-friendly attractions less than 15 minutes away in and near the neighboring towns of Anaheim and Buena Park, and securing tickets in advance—or combining admission to Disneyland with a nearby park—reduces the stress of long ticket lines. At Knott’s Berry Farm, kids can ride rollercoasters and meet Snoopy and the Peanuts crew. Next door, Knott’s Soak City has waterslides and a wave lagoon. Finish your day at Medieval Times Buena Park with an evening of feasting and jousting. Hollywood is just 32 miles (52 kilometers) northwest, and families can experience the magic of Tinseltown during studio tours of Universal Studios Hollywood and Warner Bros. Hollywood Studio. Spot celebrities in Beverly Hills on a bus tour of Rodeo Drive, take a horseback ride up to the famous Hollywood sign, or discover Los Angeles on a sightseeing tour of the city. Or take a beach break on the sunny California coast. Between Santa Monica and San Diego, you can kick back at Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, or Newport Beach in Orange County. From Newport Beach, take a whale-watching or deep-sea fishing cruise, or catch the ferry for tours of Catalina Island. If you are visiting during Memorial Day weekend, don’t miss the famous Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.
The busiest season in the Anaheim and Buena Park area is summer, when schools are out and families head in masses to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s best to visit in fall when crowds are less, and flight and hotel prices go down. Another great time to visit is late spring, particularly in March, when top attractions are still less busy, and you can catch Anaheim’s annual two-day Civil War reenactment event.
If you’re staying in Anaheim without access to a car, a great way to get around is the Anaheim Regional Transportation service (also known as ART). Day passes are available and affordable, and this service stops at more than 15 spots near popular attractions like Disneyland and the Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Plus, ART also has daily routes heading to Buena Park, so it’s an option for travelers looking to skip taking taxis or rideshares.
For travelers exploring without kids, go beyond the theme parks and opt for more adult-worthy fun. In downtown Anaheim, spend an evening at Strong Water Anaheim, an intricately decorated, ship-themed bar and dinner restaurant with a separate menu of more than 20 artisan rums, or see a show at House of Blues Anaheim. You also can test your skills at the nearby American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park in Santa Ana, just a short drive from both Buena Park and Anaheim.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 13 | Tours 144 | Reviews 2,457 |
Anaheim is known by many as the city that Disneyland® calls home, but it’s also famous for its sports teams, the Los Angeles Angels and Anaheim Ducks, which both have stadiums in Anaheim. The city is one of the largest in Orange County—a county recognized for its beautiful beaches.
...MoreYes, even if you’re not a die-hard Disney® fan or sports enthusiast, Anaheim has plenty to offer travelers and is well worth visiting. From the prohibition-inspired speakeasy, the Blind Rabbit, to the outdoor oasis that is Oak Canyon Nature Center, the city is sprinkled with hidden gems to enjoy, too.
...MoreYes, you can do Disneyland® in a day, but you will miss out on a lot. For 1-day visits, go between Jan. and early Mar. when the park is less busy. If you’re going to visit both Disneyland® and Disney® California Adventure Park, plan at least a day for each.
...MoreAnaheim to Legoland in Carlsbad is a little more than 60 miles (97 kilometers), which takes more than an hour to drive—and that’s without any dreaded California traffic. If you want to make the trip without driving, try taking a bus or train, but it'll take about 2.5–3 hours.
...MoreBuena Park is known for its popular attractions, particularly Knott’s Berry Farm theme park and Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Most travelers pop into the city to visit one (or more) of its attractions and then head to a nearby beach town or other resort area.
...MoreThe good news for beach lovers is that Huntington Beach is only about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Buena Park, making it the closest one to the city. Newport Beach and Laguna Beach are also fairly close to Buena Park, so you'll have your choice of coastal cities.
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