Top 20 Things to Do in Anaheim besides Disneyland

Top 20 Things to Do in Anaheim besides Disneyland

Welcome to Anaheim, a city packed with attractions you can’t wait to get your hands on! You’re ready for an Anaheim excursion when you follow our list of the area’s top attractions in addition to Disney-related attractions.

Avoid long Disney lines, and bypass high prices by taking advantage of some of the top-rated attractions found anywhere in California!

Once you know the city, you can stay longer and start booking hotels with in-room kitchens or hotels by Extended Stays America. Whatever you choose, we promise Anaheim is worth it. Learn more on our list of things to do in Anaheim.

• Anaheim Founders Park

Step back in time with a visit to this preserved site immortalizing Anaheim’s agricultural history.

The location consists of two historic buildings – the two-story Anaheim Citrus Era Queen Anne, built in the late 19th century, and the mid-19th century Mother Colony House, one of the city’s earliest structures.

You’ll also find a replica of the 19th-century countryside and a windmill and carriage house from the citrus era. More 19th-century-inspired properties were added, which are used for educational programs, exhibits, and feature restrooms.

And if you need a vintage setting for your special event, Founders Park could be the perfect venue. The park is 2.1 miles (3.37 km) from the Downtown Disney District, which takes approximately 6 minutes by car.

2. Adventure City

Adventure City is a non-crowded, fun destination for everyone, especially those who don’t want to break into Disneyland.

The place boasts 17 rides, including the continent’s first up-and-coming shuttle coaster, Crazy Bus, and the Adventure City Express train, which cruises around the serene amusement town.

The location also features engaging activities for children, including the famous Thomas the Tank Engine, who cooperates with other children to build a train track.

The reasonable admission fee covers all the facilities except the arcade and wall climbing. Parking is free.

Being a 10-minute drive and 5.5 miles (8.85 km) away, the amusement park is easily accessible from the STC Anaheim Gardenwalk.

3. Center St. Promenade

Whether you want to shop for souvenirs or get your hair styled at Barbier, an old barber shop, while sipping locally brewed beer, this hub is a must.

The Center Sainte Promenade, the former commercial center of the city, is now a modern space with a rustic flair. The shopping mall is a short walk from Mickey’s Toontown, which takes 5 minutes (1.6 mi/2.57 km) by car.

You’ll find boutiques, artisan-inspired restaurants, outdoor cafes, and a farmers’ market here. The lively place is also the base for fun events like the Anaheim Halloween Parade and seasonal art shows.

4. Angel Stadium

Start your Anaheim experience with a visit to one of the area’s premier athletics venues! Welcome to the Anaheim Angels’ stadium, where you can watch world-class athletics and competitive displays regularly!

Ideally, you’ll be in Anaheim during MLB season; however, even if you’re in Anaheim during the off-season, you can always take a premium tour of the facilities and maybe even an event at MLB Park! Catching a game at the stadium is truly one of the best things to do around Anaheim.

The stadium is close to Anaheim’s City National Grove, about four minutes away by car. Angel Stadium regularly hosts events when the Angels aren’t continuing their winning ways, so be sure to check online for the latest and greatest happenings on Angels turf!

• FlightDeck Flight Simulation Center

For an exciting virtual experience like you’ve never experienced before, come by the FlightDeck Flight Simulation Center!

This attraction is accessible from Disney California Adventure Park, only 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) away. Here, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor: the opportunity to fly your own and take control as master of the skies.

If you’re at least 11 years old and feel like developing a taste and love for the skies, there’s never been a better time to swing by the FlightDeck Flight Simulation Center in Anaheim!

Here, you can get behind the controls of a wide range of air-worthy aircraft and put your aeronautical knowledge to the test for the best flight ever!

It’s time for you to experience the freedom that allows your feet to leave the soil and take to the Anaheim air, even if you do so from the comfort of the ground!

Come aboard for a certified virtual flight experience by FlightDeck Flight Simulation Center that will leave you begging for more.

6. Honda Center

If first-class adventures are to be found, they will likely be here! Next on the list of places to see in Anaheim is the Honda Center.

This indoor arena, recognized as one of the premier indoor arenas in the region, is first and foremost the home of the Anaheim Ducks, one of California’s representatives in the National Hockey League.

Come to cheer on the Ducks during the season, and count yourself among the lucky fans who can see the Ducks carry on the strong hockey tradition that characterizes the Anaheim area!

Honda Center promises world-class entertainment right in your backyard, from competitive MMA events to top-tier concerts!

The Honda Center also hosts a wide variety of events, both paid and for charity. Check the venue’s website for the latest happenings in Anaheim! The arena is three minutes from Angel Stadium, MLB’s Los Angeles Angels home.

7. Yorba Regional Park

When it’s time to slow down the pace of life for a relaxing stroll in Anaheim, it’s time to acquaint yourself with the local wonder of Yorba Regional Park.

Here, you can lose yourself in peaceful tranquility, relax under the trees spread along the park’s edges, and fall in love with the feeling of the sun’s warm rays on your skin.

There’s always something to enjoy here! The park is also known for its amenities, some of the best you can find anywhere in the Golden State.

For one, Yorba Regional Park has access to several local lakes via a dynamic series of hiking trails.

If you prefer to stay in the heart of the park, there’s always somewhere to assemble, given that the park has benches, picnic tables, and more! Stop for rejuvenation at Yorba Regional Park.

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is 11.6 miles (18.66 km) away, and driving takes approximately 16 minutes.

• Anaheim Packing District

When visiting a new city, there’s always time to see one of the local landmarks. The same is true for Anaheim, and you’ll want to get to the Anaheim Packing District as soon as possible.

The Anaheim Packing District reaps the ideal combination of amazing food and verifiable history. Originally built in 1919, this historic staple was once a citrus-packing house where some of Anaheim’s finest produce was delivered to the masses.

Today, the place still exists with the same purpose: to deliver high-quality food to those who seek it!

As a high-end food court, the Anaheim Packing District is your answer to any appetite, with various culinary options, such as Pandor Bakery, Umami Burger, and Hammer Bar!

Local vendors make the most of the opportunity to impress the locals and visitors at this venue! This Anaheim attraction is close to Disneyland Park, a four-minute drive away.   

9. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

For high-octane fun you won’t miss, check out Sky Zone Trampoline Park the next time you swing by Anaheim!

Featuring a diverse selection of trampolines and environments, Sky Zone Trampoline Park continues the Sky Zone legacy of high-quality fun without compromising on your safety.

Discover how amazing you feel as soon as your feet leave the ground under your power when you make Anaheim’s Sky Zone Trampoline Park your next first-class attraction!

You’ll find that with a little effort, you can jump higher and fly higher than you ever thought possible! I love the feel of the trampoline beneath your feet, and afterward, you’ll find that the whole experience doubles as an authentic workout opportunity!

The park is just a 10-minute drive from the Honda Center. Make this place your next excuse for adventure, as it is one of the fun things to do in Anaheim.

10. Concourse Bowling Center

If your visit to Anaheim is about fun, you have no reason to miss out on Concourse Bowling Center!

Located in the heart of Anaheim, this local hotspot allows you to get acquainted with the art of the game while visiting one of the area’s social hangout staples!

The establishment is within driving distance of Disneyland Resort, which is 7.8 miles (12.6 kilometers) away.

It’s all waiting for you at the Concourse Bowling Center in Anaheim, where excitement and socialization collide!

This contemporary attraction also includes billiards tables, so you can relax between rounds of bowling and enjoy the company of your friends and loved ones!

If you’re looking for onsite dining, count on the venue’s full-service bar and accompanying grill to help you make the most of your visit!

11. Anaheim Ice

Welcome to your latest excuse for a mind-numbingly good time! If you’re looking for a chance to ice skate somewhere near Anaheim, Anaheim Ice is the place.

The ice skating complex is within reach of Pearson Park, which takes approximately nine minutes on foot from North Lemon Street.

The prices are affordable, the state-of-the-art facilities are top-notch, and the entire experience will be an unforgettable lifetime memory!

At Anaheim Ice, you can take advantage of their easy ice skating lessons where you can master your craft.

Or, during their free skate period, you can swing by to score the ice while your favorite songs blare over their speakers!

The building is also one of the major architectural works of renowned architect Frank Gehry for making a good story great.

You need to find yourself at Anaheim Ice the next time you’re anywhere near the area – pick one, and discover the feel of snow beneath your feet!

12. Pearson Park

Discover the charm of Anaheim Sunshine at Pearson Park, only a seven-minute walk from George Washington Park!

Perfect for any of your bike riding or hiking trips, Pearson Park allows each guest to revel in the scenery, the pure California sunshine, and near-perfect weather!

The various natural and physical attractions at this location make for an unforgettable park experience, whether you visit alone or with the whole family!

Pearson Park also hosts various playground and pond facilities, making it a virtual must-see whenever you’re in or near Anaheim. Wide open spaces and wonderful days are in your near future whenever you visit Pearson Park!

13. STC Anaheim Gardenwalk

Shopping. One of the best things you can do on a trip. STC Anaheim GardenWalk, just a five-minute drive from the Anaheim Convention Center, welcomes all your shopping and dining needs!

You can come here to get your souvenirs to bring back home or pay to see the hottest item in town.

You will find a diverse selection of restaurants where you can eat to your heart’s content. You might even get lucky on sales and special deals during your visit!

14. Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market

Farmers’ markets are where you want to get your hands on unique, artisan finds. If that sounds like your thing, visit the Downtown Anaheim Farmer’s Market, a nine-minute walk from Pearson Park on North Lemon Street.

Shopping here is one of the best things to do near Anaheim’s best downtown offerings. Remember, they only open every Thursday, so keep a close eye on their schedule.

You will find an assortment of food stalls that will keep your stomach full. In addition, vendors include crafts that display their expertise through products you’ll want to bring home as a piece of your Anaheim experience!

15. Oak Canyon Nature Center

Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 9-minute drive (4.4 mi/7 km) from the Anaheim Hills Festival, which is where you might want to go if you’re into outdoor activities that aren’t extreme.

The Nature Preserve is a 58-acre (23-ha) park owned and controlled by the city. This John J. Collier Interpretive Center, a museum with national history and animal exhibits, is open only during the weekend.

The picturesque Oak Canyon Nature Center is also a popular wedding venue; some of its areas are truly camera-worthy.

16. Anaheim White House

Being a popular destination among tourists, Anaheim has some of the best restaurants in sunny California.

One is the high-end Italian steak restaurant Anaheim White House, which is only a four-minute walk from Walnut Grove Park.

Dinner is open to reservations, so call ahead and make your night one for the books! How do you like Angus Filet Mignon?

That’s what awaits you at this dining establishment. This is the perfect place to take your sweetheart on a date night. Families are welcome to dine in too!

17. Camelot Golfland

It is not true that you can take your kids and family to Disneyland so that they can have a good time in Anaheim.

The city is brimming with family-friendly destinations! One of them is Camelot Golfland, which is a 15-minute drive from Disneyland Park.

This amusement center has fun activities: an arcade, mini-golf course, laser tag, race cars, and bumper boats.

Your little ones won’t have a dull moment at Camelot Golfland. So, if you are looking for an underdog amusement park, keep this one in mind!

18. Tereux Brewery Tasting Room

Another brewery for beer fans is The Brewery, just a three-minute drive from Anaheim Lake. The specialty of the Brewery Terex tasting room is farmhouse-style wild and sour ales.

If this sounds like something you’d like to try, make your way over to Brewery! Some of their bestsellers are the Flemish Red Ale Oud Tart, Tart of Darkness Stout, Raspberry Sour Blond Ale Rambulous, and many more. Sample a selection from their tasting room and make a night to remember out of it!

19. Mission Escape Games – Escape Room Anaheim

Who says you need to go to Disneyland to get your adrenaline rush? Try one of the unique attractions in Anaheim, mission escape games!

Just 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) from Disneyland Park, it’s an interesting break from the usual things one does on a trip. Dare to try Mission Breakout:

The Ultimate Bank Heist. The Escape Room Center has four different games, so there should be enough fun to fill your day. Bring your friends for the ultimate getaway!

20. Santa Ana River Lakes

Everyone is welcome to visit the Santa Ana River Lakes, a famous Southern California fishing lake, one of the best things to do close to the downtown area of Anaheim.

No fishing license or experience is required. Only a seven-minute drive from the famous Honda Center, the fishing lake opens at 6 am, so you can make this a morning activity to fire up your day.

If your group wants to try something new in Anaheim, this is the place. Sure, fishing is the last thing you’d expect to do on vacation, so you might be surprised how much fun you’ll have. Get ready!

Never a dull moment

Forget anything with the Disney name on it—these attractions are more accessible and affordable and will guarantee that your next Anaheim excursion will be unforgettable.

From Pearson Park to Anaheim Ice and from a trampoline park to delicious steakhouses that will send your expectations out of this world, count on our recommended list of the absolute top attractions in Anaheim for an Old California experience!

And to extend your enjoyment, why not consider staying at one of the nearby hotels or Airbnbs in Anaheim?

Editor’s Note: Due to COVID-19, business hours for these attractions may differ from those listed in this article. Please be sure to check the websites for updated hours.

FAQ about the best things to do in Anaheim

1. What are the top attractions to visit in Anaheim?

Although Disneyland is the number one attraction here, there are plenty of activities to do here, including watching world-class competitions at Angel Stadium, getting a taste of the city’s food scene in the Anaheim Packing District, and watching a hockey game. At Honda Center.

2. What are the best outdoor activities in Anaheim?

Anaheim has lots of green spaces like Yorba Regional Park and Pearson Park. And one of the best outdoor activities to do here, besides having fun at Disneyland, is to take a stroll through these parks, where you can relax, breathe fresh air, and discover natural wonders.

3. What are the best day trips from Anaheim?

If you’ve explored Anaheim and still have time to visit other nearby cities and attractions, you should take a day trip to San Diego, Los Angeles, Catalina Island, or Newport Beach.

4. What are the most popular things to do in Anaheim with kids?

In addition to Disneyland, Anaheim has plenty of kid-friendly attractions that not only will your kid love, but you will too, such as bouncing at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park, ice skating at Anaheim Ice, and tasting the various cuisines Anaheim Packing District.

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