Photo Credit: Visit Anaheim
From revitalized neighbourhoods and cultural hubs to a burgeoning brewery and culinary scene, there is more to discover in Anaheim than what meets the eye. A lot of people visit Anaheim to experience the best place on earth – Disneyland and California Adventure Park. I went to Anaheim a few years ago for my Bachelorette party we had a really great time.
Below are a few fun places to go to explore the city and indulge a little.
Anaheim Brewery
Photo Credit: Visit Anaheim
However, as the saying goes “It takes a lot of good beer to make great wine,” Anaheim was once home to a number of historic breweries now the boom is back and is quickly evolving into a world-class brewery destination; with a dozen open now and more to come.
Leading the city’s craft beer movement are Anaheim Brewery, Bottle Logic Brewing, Noble Ale Works, Phantom Ales, Hoparazzi Brewing Co., and Golden Road Brewing.
Since Disney Land doesn’t have a drop of alcohol, drop the kids off somewhere and enjoy a nice cold brew.
Website: http://www.anaheimbrew.com/
Anaheim Packing House
Photo Credit: Anaheim Packing House
Anaheim has revitalized historic buildings for modern uses such as the famous and historic Anaheim Packing House, a stunning contemporary food hall that used to serve as a citrus packing plant for Sunkist.
The two level Packing House features a large central atrium with communal dining surrounded by cafes and kiosks of varying sizes as well as outdoor picnic gardens and a building-length dining porch looking out to the outdoor marketplace, Farmers’ Park.
Some popular merchants inside include:
The Kroft
Pop Bar
Cafecito Organico
Website: http://anaheimpackingdistrict.com/
Anaheim GardenWalk
Photo Credit: Visit California
Anaheim GardenWalk is an outdoor dining, entertainment and shopping destination situated in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District just steps from the Disneyland Resort and Anaheim Convention Center. I came here a few time to eat dinner at some of the more popular American chain restaurants. As a Canadian, we don’t have those chain restaurants available to us unless we go to the states.
Some restaurants:
The Cheesecake Factory
California Pizza Kitchen
P.F. Chang’s
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
McCormick & Schmick’s
Website: http://www.anaheimgardenwalk.com/
Center Street Promenade
Photo Credit: Visit Anaheim
The outdoor cafes, trendy boutiques and Good Food Hall in this hipster hangout in downtown Anaheim will surprise you. Savor Pour Vida Latin Flavor’s chef-driven concept. Dine at the Gypsy Den vegan-friendly eatery. Go literary with the Ink & Bean coffee saloon and workshop. Even the barbershop, Barbeer, serves beer.
Website: http://centerstreetanaheim.com/
Honda Centre
Photo Credit: NHL.com
Honda Center is the premier sports and entertainment venue in Southern California. It is home to the NHL Anaheim Ducks and hosts a variety of family shows, top-billed concerts, popular sports and entertainment events throughout the year.
Check ahead of time if there are going to be any games or concerts playing when you’re in Anaheim.
Website: http://www.hondacenter.com/
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Photo Credit: Visit Anaheim
Angel Stadium is baseball’s fourth-oldest active Major League Baseball stadium, behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Dodger Stadium. It has been the home of the Angels since their move from Los Angeles following the 1965 season. The stadium is often referred to by its unofficial nickname The Big A and has hosted the 1967, 1989, and 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Games.
They are open for tours for 75 minutes that include:
A trip down to the field at Angel Stadium
A visit into the Angels Dugout
Walk through the Visitors’ Clubhouse
A close up look at the Mike Scioscia interview room
An exclusive look at the Gene Autry Suite, Broadcasting booth, the Press Conference room, as well as a Dugout Suite
A fun tour for baseball fans no matter which team you cheer for.
Website: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/
Disneyland
For young and old, big and small – it’s the happiest place on earth. Its fun building memories with your family that last a lifetime as you discover the wonder of this magical, fantastical world. When you enter one of the Lands that comprise Disneyland Park, stories come to life around you, immersing you in tales from some of your favourite Disney films.
My favourite rides:
Indiana Jones Adventure
Jungle Cruise
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Website: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/disneyland/
California Adventure Park
Discover the Disney stories and characters you love in ways you’ve never imagined. Supercharge your Disney experience in this engaging park where new adventures with familiar faces are constantly unfolding before you. Of the two Disney Parks, this one is my favourite because the rides are more thrilling.
My favourite rides:
California Screamin’
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Mickey’s Fun Wheel
I remember us going back and forth between California Screamin’ and Tower of Terror. Also, make sure you don’t leave without a churro, corn dog and turkey leg.
Website: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/destinations/disney-california-adventure/
There’s definitely lots to see and do in Anaheim, so check out all these cool places when you book your trip.
For more inspiration, check out Visit Anaheim.
More food reviews on Foodology.