Luxury Escapes Guide to Anaheim

There’s nothing worse than not being able to choose what cuisine you want to eat when travelling. Thanks to the arrival of the Anaheim Packing District and their ever-expanding roster of merchants, you don’t have to settle. More than just a simple food court, this food hall is a gastronomic temple that stretches from full-service restaurants to niche eateries - plus there’s a bar and a speakeasy. Tucked behind a wall in the corner of the building, follow the rabbit down the hole to The Blind Rabbit. The name and style of this hidden gem is a wink to the Prohibition era, whilst the rotating list of seasonal cocktails are slung with care and showmanship. In between savouring sips, nibble on light bar bites such as duck confit mac and cheese. 

When the sun sets in Anaheim, there’s no better place to be than a rooftop bar and restaurant –maybe it’s the high-and-mighty vibes but toasting to good company is just more fun amongst the clouds. These open-air spaces offer you a front-row seat to Disneyland, so close that you can even hear screams from the rides in the distance. Once you make your ascent, you’re welcomed with twinkling lights, charming al fresco seating and delicious menus. But the real show starts when the fireworks illuminate the sky over Sleeping Beauty’s castle –not a bad way to enjoy a drink or two. Head to The FIFTH, RISE, Parkestry and Top of the V for immaculate vantage points of the magic. 

Aloha and ahoy! The glamour of retro and shipwrecked tchotchkes have made a comeback in a big way in the form of tiki bars. These mysterious and adventurous watering holes offer up more than just delicious libations they offer an immersive experience, handed over by friendly folk in floral-printed shirts, while tropical music plays on repeat. There are two hot spots in town: Strong Water and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Head to the sunken treasure ship of Strong Water to sip on their signature drink, the Zombie King, served up in a disgustingly gruesome tiki mug. Or play intrepid explorer for the evening with a visit to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar made famous from Disney’s Jungle Cruise. Bring a daring friend with you to savour the ‘Uh Oa’ – legend says this fruity Polynesian concoction is cursed by the tiki goddess of disaster. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…

This alfresco open-air mall combines some of life’s greatest things: eating good food and fresh air. After dark is when things really come alive – fire pits light up the street and entertainment venues turn their music on when the lights turn off. The best place to experience food, music and art at its best is at House of Blues. Southern dishes reign supreme, – think shrimp Po’boys in soft French bread, smoked brisket sandwiches and fried chicken. Stay in after dinner and dance the night away to live music or their resident DJ. 

There’s another place to get your foodie fix of Disney-themed items: Downtown Disney District. Wander the bustling open-air promenade, filled with the sweet sounds of street musicians and let your nose lead the way. Tuck into an Italian feast of pure perfection at Naples Ristorante e Bar; indulge your sweet tooth with a scoop of ice cream at Salt & Straw or watch all the action from Ballast Point Brewing Co., satiating your thirst with their delectable array of craft beers on tap. The best bit? You don’t need a ticket to the parks to enjoy this magic-filled strip. 

While it may not have been the originator of the iconic fried chicken and waffles combination, Roscoe’s Famous Chicken & Waffles has done more for the craze than most other restaurants. Opened in 1975 by Harlem native, Herb Hudson, the soul-food restaurant chain has home to many arguments over its near-50 years of trading: should the chicken and waffles be eaten separately? Drenched in maple syrup and hot sauce? Or maybe by curving the waffle around the crunchy morsels and eating it like a taco? Whatever your preference, the wide-ranging offering means you can experiment, or try something completely new! If you’re not a fan of either, the menu is filled to the brim with soul food staples including chicken chilli, mac and cheese and, of course, corn bread.

Lazy afternoons call for leisurely strolls, and the best place for it is under the palm tree-flanked sidewalks of Center Street Promenade. Hop between freshly made pastries at Okayama Kobo, Pour Vida’s uniquely crafted tacos and health-conscious comfort food at Healthy Junk. If none of those options tickle your fancy, at the end of the street you’ll find ‘Good Food’ – an aptly named foodie mecca where you’re sure to find something to tantalise your tastebuds. Whether you’re in a sweet state of mind, or need an espresso hit, this snazzy street perfectly mirrors the delightful melting pot of cultures that California is known for. 

Indulge in an unforgettable culinary adventure at Anaheim White House, where exquisite Italian cuisine meets stunning Colonial-style architecture. This iconic restaurant is more than just a place to dine; it’s a lavish experience that will leave you wanting more. As you step into the grand 1909 mansion, you’ll be transported to a world of opulence and sophistication, where antique decor and grand chandeliers set the scene for extravagant plates of food, including creamy lobster ravioli, the signature salmon chocolat and T-bone steaks. The extensive wine list, with a range of vintages from around the world, is the cherry on top, with sommeliers on hand to offer the perfect pairing.

Nestled in Anaheim’s downtown area, Poppy & Seed is the crown jewel in the city’s brunch scene. Bursting with charm and character, the light-filled space features sleek wooden accents and colourful murals, making it a very popular Insta spot. From classic avocado toast to the sweet and savoury French toast with bacon and maple syrup, the menu features both inventive and classic takes on brunch dishes. Pair your meal with a refreshing iced latte or a smooth and creamy cappuccino for the ultimate experience.

California is known for its thriving craft beer movement, and Anaheim is no exception. Whether you prefer a more traditional brew or a bold sour, you don’t have to travel far to find a spot to share a refreshing drop with friends, especially considering Anaheim is home to more breweries than any other city in Orange County. Sample Anaheim’s best by embarking on the La Palma Beer Trail, a string of innovative breweries within walking distance of each other. To truly take advantage of Anaheim’s crafty suds, sign up for the Anaheim Brew Pass and enjoy exclusive savings at some of the best spots in town. After all, is there anything more refreshing than an ice-cold beer in sunny Orange County? 

In a city where the sun has a remarkable influence on local fashion, South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island offers a world-class shopping experience. Set beneath the towering palm trees of Newport Beach with panoramic ocean views, Fashion Island is an open-air centre packed with specialty shops, more than 30 restaurants, luxury brands, movie theatres and signature events. For an all-encompassing retail experience, head to South Coast Plaza and its 250+ prominent boutiques, critically acclaimed restaurants and the celebrated Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The impressive line-up includes Gucci, Hermès, Cartier, Harry Winston, Saint Laurent and more.

If you’re flying out late from LAX, there’s bound to be some downtime between checking out of your hotel and hopping on the plane. Make the most of your last hours in the city with a Shop Until You Drop Tour to Citadel Outlets. Perhaps the only outlet mall constructed as an Assyrian Castle straight out of Babylon, the building exists as a shrine to contemporary style. Fashion-forward shoppers and tastemakers can scour Prada, Miu Miu and Gucci and more in search of their newest piece at a great price. With transfers from your hotel to the outlets, complimentary luggage storage, all-day access to the VIP Lounge with Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks, as well as return transfers to the airport, you’ll swan into the airport feeling relaxed and ready for your onward flight.

You’re always walking on a red carpet with a VIP Tour at Warner Bros. Studios or Universal Studios Hollywood. Step into the spotlight with an exclusive stroll through Universal Studios backlots, where TV shows like Seinfeld and The X-Files and films like Inception were filmed. Then, step into the A-listers’ inner sanctum by tucking into a lunch prepared by the crew’s executive chef. Perhaps a particular boy wizard has captured your heart, or you fancy a coffee at Central Perk? Head to Warner Bros. Studios for unprecedented access into exclusive areas. Whether you’re a film aficionado or simply curious what goes on behind the scenes, a VIP tour is packed with all the lights, camera and action. 

Great balls of fire! Trade the ordinary world for a set of wings and see if you’re maverick enough to be a Top Gun with Flight Deck. After you’ve dressed the part, you’ll hit the classroom for training lessons on aerial tricks, shooting and dodging your worthy opponents in an ultra-realistic military flight simulator. Take your seat in the cockpit, adjust your headset then launch from an aircraft carrier in your F/A-18 - when you hear ‘Fight’s On, Fight’s On’ it’s all systems go. Soar up and swoop down, taking every care to stay out of the line of fire. All that’s left to do is feel the need, the need for speed.