Disneyland Resort
Two parks, Downtown Disney and the fireworks that define Anaheim nights. Weekday mornings in January and September are the calmest of the year.
Read the Disneyland guideAnaheim visitor guide
Things to do in Anaheim
Anaheim is far more than the parks. This is the local shortlist — the attractions worth your day, the neighborhoods each one sits in, and the practical tips that keep a visit from turning into a parking-lot story.
Top attractions
Knott's Berry Farm
America's first theme park, 15 minutes up Beach Blvd. Better thrill coasters, half the price, and boysenberry everything.
Read the Knott's guide
Anaheim Packing District
A 1919 citrus packing hall with 20+ food stalls, live music most nights, and Farmers Park across the street.
Angel Stadium & Honda Center
Angels baseball April through September, Ducks hockey October through April, plus arena tours and concerts year-round in the Platinum Triangle.
Little Arabia
The Brookhurst corridor is the largest Arab-American commercial district in the U.S. — bakeries, shawarma, hookah lounges and late hours.
Anaheim GardenWalk & Downtown Disney
Two walkable, no-ticket-required strips for dining, bowling, movies and shopping just outside the park gates.
Oak Canyon Nature Center
58 acres of oak woodland with four miles of free trails in Anaheim Hills — the antidote to a theme park day.
Downtown Disney after dark
Free to enter, open late, and the easiest place to end a night without a park ticket.
Neighborhoods to explore
Anaheim spans nine ZIP codes and about 50 square miles. Where you base yourself changes the trip more than anything else.
Iconic · Family
Anaheim Resort
Disneyland, GardenWalk and the Convention Center. Walkable, hotel-dense, busiest year-round.
Historic · Foodie
Downtown / Packing District
Center Street Promenade, the Packing House and MAKE building — the local night out.
Urban · Modern
Platinum Triangle
Stadium, arena, high-rises and the ARTIC transit hub. Best for sports weekends.
Cultural · Culinary
Little Arabia
Brookhurst between Ball and Katella. Come hungry, come late.
Suburban · Scenic
Anaheim Hills
Canyon trails, sunset views and quiet patios 20 minutes east of the parks.
Historic · Craftsman
The Colony
Anaheim's original 1857 townsite — heritage homes and shaded walking blocks.
Want the ZIP-by-ZIP breakdown? See the full Anaheim neighborhood guide.
Local tips
Timing
Theme parks are quietest mid-week in late January, early May and September. Avoid holiday weekends and any big convention week.
Parking
Park once. Disneyland's Mickey & Friends structure connects by tram; Downtown and the Packing District have free lots with 3-hour limits.
Tickets
Buy park tickets online in advance — gate pricing is always the most expensive option. Angels and Ducks tickets drop close to game time.
Getting around
ARTIC connects Metrolink and Amtrak; the free ART shuttle loops the Resort District. Rideshare pickup zones are signed at every major venue.
Weather
Summer afternoons run 90°+ with high UV. Plan indoor stops from 1–4pm and check the live conditions dashboard before you head out.
Check live Anaheim weather, air quality and traffic before you head out.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Anaheim besides Disneyland?
Top non-park activities include exploring the Anaheim Packing District, watching an Angels baseball game at Angel Stadium, dining along Little Arabia's Brookhurst corridor, hiking at Oak Canyon Nature Center, and browsing Downtown Disney and Anaheim GardenWalk without a ticket.
How far is Knott's Berry Farm from Anaheim?
Knott's Berry Farm is about 7 miles northwest of the Anaheim Resort District, roughly a 15-minute drive up Beach Boulevard in Buena Park.
Where should I eat in Anaheim?
Anaheim's best food neighborhoods are the Packing District (food hall stalls), Little Arabia (Middle Eastern shawarma and bakeries), the Downtown/Colony area (Center Street Promenade), and the Resort District (character dining and chain restaurants).
What is the best time of year to visit Anaheim?
Late January, early May, and September are the calmest months for theme parks. Summer is hot and crowded, while holiday weeks are the busiest. Check local convention schedules because hotel prices spike during big events.
Is Anaheim walkable?
The Anaheim Resort District, GardenWalk, and Packing District are fairly walkable. Outside those areas, most locals drive. The free Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) shuttle, rideshare, and rental cars make it easy to get around without your own vehicle.
Does Anaheim have beaches nearby?
Anaheim is inland, but Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are roughly 20 miles southwest — about 30 minutes by car on a clear day. They are the closest coastal options for a beach day.
LocalAnaheim.com is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Disneyland Resort, Knott’s Berry Farm, or the City of Anaheim. Hours and pricing change — confirm with each venue before you go.