Spanning 58 acres (23 hectares), the Oak Canyon Nature Center is a beautiful oasis of nature in the city. The sanctuary, flanked by three canyons is home to a diverse array of animal and bird species. Well-marked hiking trails offer a great opportunity to discover the park's many wonders. Stop by at the John J. Collier Interpretive Center to learn more about the natural features and history of the place.
Disney's magic kingdom, Disneyland Park in Anaheim is the original theme park. A labor of love designed by Walt Disney himself, it is the only one of the franchises to have been built directly under his utmost care. Since its grand opening in 1955, this theme park has become renowned as a place where dreams come true, where ogres, dragons, and wizards roam, and where dazzling visions of the future get realized. Due to substantial growth and development throughout the years, this whimsical wonderland now includes eight playfully themed lands like Critter Country and Mickey's Toontown. Here, fairytale princesses and Mickey Mouse greet visitors of every age and welcome them into a world of thrilling experiences where magical lands come to life and where imagination knows no bounds.
Noble Ale Works is a microbrewery located right next to Angels Stadium. The tasting room is bedecked with Anaheim Angels paraphernalia, from banners to signed jerseys. At the tasting room, you can sample 12 beers on tap, most of them being their special seasonal beers, however, the regular year-round beers are available too. Beers on tap rotate often, so multiple trips can result in different experiences every time. With a commitment to quality and a laid-back vibe, Noble Ale Works is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the local craft beer scene in Anaheim.
If you have long dreamed of piloting an airplane or a fighter jet, then a trip to Flightdeck Air Combat Center will be a dream come true. Offering simulations in F-16 fighter jets and Boeing 737-700s, visitors get to feel the rush of participating in air combat missions and aerial maneuvers. The center provides a hands-on, immersive experience where participants can engage in air combat missions, test their skills, and feel the adrenaline rush of aerial maneuvers. The friendly staff is well-equipped to prepare you for your first flight and answer any questions you may have before the simulation begins.
This beautiful park is more than a mile long and rests on 175 lush acres of land. With more than 400 picnic tables, this park is ideal for a family outing. There are four lakes with connecting streams for fishing and sailing model boats. There are plenty of pedestrian and biking trails for the more active visitors. For children, there are many sets of play equipment like slides and jungle gyms. This place opens daily at 7 am.
Located in the historic Anaheim Colony, the district includes three principal areas, the Packard Building, Farmers Park and the original Packing House. The Packard Building houses the popular Umami Burger and Anaheim Brewery while the Packing House hosts a myriad of restaurants. The food selection is mind-boggling, from Quiche Lorraine at Pandor to Banh Mi at Saw Leaf. Farmers Park is where the market opens on weekends and oftentimes, you will see live music as well. Overall, the Anaheim Packing District is one of the most entertaining spots in a town that is mostly known for Mickey Mouse.
Downey History Center is an educational center that provides a wealth of historical information, preservation, education and research. Whether you are just curious about Downey's history or are a serious scholar, you will find everything you need. Resources include Downey newspapers dating from 1888, photographs dating from 1870, books and periodicals about Downey, Los Angeles County, California and more. There is also a lot of information on Downey's namesake, Governor John Gately Downey. Call ahead for varying days.
The West Coast Theatre is one of the oldest theaters of the city. It's a part of the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the must-visit places in the city.
Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum is named so because it belonged to Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle, who was one of the first female physicians in the entire county till she died in 1924. Built by Stoughton and George in 1889, the Late Victorian Queen Anne style house now operates as Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum by the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society in honor of the original owner. It open for tours on the first Saturday of every other month, starting from February.
La Tour (French for "the tower") is what locals love to call the mysterious tower jutting next to the cliffs at Victoria Beach. This quaint and browning tower, with rugged stones at its base, seems almost as though it has grown naturally out of the cliffs. For decades locals have wondered about the tower's origin; was it perhaps a lighthouse to guide sailors or really a pirate's haunt? Most people now seem to agree that the tower is nothing but an extension of a former home that perched on the clifftop. It was built in 1926 as a stairway for Senator William E. Brown and his family to access the beach from their home. The single metal staircase found inside the tower seems to confirm this theory. You can only visit La Tour during low tide and that too with permission from the owners, as it stands on private property. However, if you do get a chance to visit, the beach surrounding the tower is one of the most picturesque and secluded spots in the city.