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How To Spend a Week in Anaheim
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
From flavoursome feasts and boutique breweries to world-class sports and high-end shopping malls, Anaheim offers plenty from Disneyland Resort and beyond.
Though synonymous with the magic of Disneyland Resort, the city of Anaheim has so many more incredible things to see and do. Add a few non-Disney days to your Anaheim itinerary to experience everything this SoCal gem has to offer, from sun-kissed islands to hidden speakeasies.
Perfect for first-timers and return visitors alike, read on to discover our guide to spending seven days in Anaheim.
Day 1: Check-in and rooftop dining
Touchdown at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and make your way to Anaheim, home to a world-class selection of hotels and resorts. For family-friendly comfort within a 15-minute walk of Disneyland Resort, Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground is an excellent choice, with a garden pool and waterpark for the little ones. Or check into Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, a stylish sanctuary offering a lavish club lounge and multiple restaurants and swimming pools.
Once you’ve settled into your hotel room, head to a rooftop restaurant for dinner with views of Disneyland Resort’s nightly fireworks show. Indulge in Spanish-inspired fare at Top of the Viv, savour Californian tapas at RISE Rooftop Lounge, or tuck into contemporary bites at The FIFTH. Then toast your first night with a tropical cocktail at the award-winning Strong Water Tiki Bar.
Day 2: Spend a day at the “Happiest Place On Earth”
No trip to Anaheim is complete without multiple days at Disneyland Resort. Today, spend your day among iconic attractions like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World, and meet your favourite Disney characters, including Goofy, Donald, Mickey and Minnie, at the original Disneyland Park. Be sure to explore some of Disneyland Resort‘s newest experiences too, including Adventureland Treehouse, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
In addition to the parks many themed restaurants and cafes, Downtown Disney District hosts a plethora of additional international options. Immerse yourself in 1980s New York at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, savour Mexican street food at Tiendita or fuel up on Italian at Naples Ristorante e Bar. Then return to the park in the evening for a front-row view of the fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty castle.
Day 3: Explore Anaheim’s craft brewery trail and catch a local game
Anaheim is home to a stand-out craft beer scene, with more than 20 craft breweries located within just minutes of each other. Walk between venues as you sample Southern California-style golden ales, refreshing pilsners and rich stouts at brewpubs like Golden Road and Villains. Be sure to include a lunch stop at Brewery X, whose hop-forward brews and hard seltzers are among the finest.
Return home for a nap – optional but likely needed! – before gearing up for a night of bright lights and big hits at Angel Stadium, home to the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. Grab a hot dog and foam finger to cheer on the home team. Depending on the season, you could opt to visit Honda Center instead and watch the Anaheim Ducks take on NHL competitors in a thrilling game of ice hockey.
Head to nearby Little Saigon next for a taste of the city’s authentic Vietnamese food. It’s hard to make a wrong choice in this delicious neighbourhood, but head to local favourites like Quan Mii, Pho 79 and Brodard Chateau for generous portions of steaming pho, sizzling shaken beef and crispy banh xeo (savoury turmeric pancakes).
Day 4: Spend a day at Disney California Adventure Park
Return to Disneyland Resort today for fun at the Disney California Adventure Park. Challenge Lightning McQueen to a race around Radiator Springs, test your superpowers on the Avengers Campus and experience immersive paragliding at Soarin’ Around The World. And no visit is complete without a ride on the Pixar Pal-A-Round ferris wheel, an icon of the park.
Refuel between rides at themed restaurants like Smokejumpers and Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill or experience the Golden Age of Hollywood at glamorous Carthay Circle Restaurant, an Art Deco movie theatre-turned-restaurant offering retro cocktails and a sophisticated modern menu that spotlights local flavours and ingredients.
Day 5: Day trip to Catalina Island
Slow things down again today at Catalina Island, a sun-kissed SoCal gem where Marilyn Monroe once lived. Unwind like a starlet in a luxury cabana on the golden shores of Descanso Beach Club, spend the morning enjoying water sports – from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to diving expeditions – or practice your swing at Catalina Island Golf Course.
Sample the island’s incredible seafood offerings during a leisurely lunch at Bluewater Grill, where the fresh catch takes centre stage in dishes like seafood paella, cioppino and lobster roll sandwiches. The ocean-to-plate cuisine is best paired with an exclusive Bluewater draft beer or signature cocktail, made using a house made aged rum.
Alternatively, Harbor Reef Restaurant offers classic seafood dishes in a refined setting – look out for the swordfish flag on the pier in summer to know whether local line-caught swordfish is sizzling on the grill.
Return to shore and spend the evening exploring Anaheim GardenWalk, a haven of art, dining and entertainment. Stroll past murals and seasonal installations before sitting down to dinner. Choose from favourites like P.F. Chang’s, Johnny Rockets and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. or enjoy an immersive dining experience at Fire + Ice Interactive Grill.
Day 6: Explore Old Towne Orange and shop up a storm
Your final full day in Anaheim comes with a choice – head on a shopping spree through vintage and high-end boutiques, or tick off another theme park with a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm or Universal Studios Hollywood.
If opting for the former, head to Old Towne Orange, dubbed the ‘antique capital of California’. Spend the morning exploring historic boutiques, collectable stores, art galleries and vintage tearooms before visiting Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar for a long lunch. With a focus on fresh and organic local ingredients, the menu is a delightful assortment of produce-driven fare – from black truffle mac and cheese and local beet salad to pork belly tacos and fried chicken and waffles.
After lunch, head to the Outlets of Orange, an open-air mall with more than 120 outlet stores, before continuing to luxury shopping destinations like South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island.
For dinner, visit Anaheim Packing House, home to more than 30 artisan restaurants and bars, offering everything from Korean comfort food to Mexican gastronomy.
Peak past the wall of sake barrels to find The Blind Rabbit, a moody speakeasy and gastropub offering a curated selection of pub favourites with an extensive selection of beer, wine and house cocktails. Pali Wine Co’s charming Anaheim outpost is also a perfect place to sample local drops.
Day 7: Checkout and onward travel
After a final buffet breakfast, it’s time to check out and head on your way. Whether you’re exploring more of California, heading to another state or returning home, we guarantee the memories of your magical week in Anaheim will stay with you.
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This article was produced in partnership with Visit Anaheim.
