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.
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.
Have an adventure at Adventure City! This theme park has a lot of exciting rides and attractions. Watch a performance at the Children's Theater, take a ride on the Freeway Coaster, win a prize at the arcade and hug a rabbit at the Petting Farm. This theme park is a fantastic attraction where you can bring your whole family, though the majority of the rides are geared towards children rather than teens and adults.
Located behind Disneyland across Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim GardenWalk is a lively complex that offers a combination of dining and shopping experiences. Majority of the restaurants here are renowned establishments such as Roy's, Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. For a lively outing with friends, you can visit the Bowlmor Lanes bowling alley. Furthermore, the center includes stores like Skechers and Sunglass Hut. While the selection may be modest, it is adequate to warrant a leisurely stroll through the center.
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.
Located close to Treasure Island Park, Goff Cove is a relatively secluded beach, offering stunning views, tide pools and gentle waves. The beach is perfect for simply soaking up the rays away from the hordes of tourists or going for a swim. This sandy cove has also been declared a marine sanctuary, so snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters is also a great idea. If you decide to visit Goff Cove, keep a lookout for climate updates as the beach can be closed during rough weather.
Greenbar Distillery, located in the middle of Arts District, is widely known for their organic craft spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey and rum, as well as several bitters. The distillery provides guided tours and private tours for enthusiastic visitors where the guides explain the entire history of distillery, their equipment and about their own process of making. They also host several tasting sessions for their extensive range of products and provide a selection of samples for you to choose and take home. The specialties of the taproom are their Fruitlab Ginger Liqueur, the Spiced Rum, and the vanilla infused vodka. They also provide cocktail-making lessons for interested visitors; so you can show off your newly acquired skills by shaking up some good margaritas for your friends. Moreover, a tree is planted by them for each bottle of spirit or bitters that is sold which serves the purpose of giving back to the environment.
The elevated location of Overlook Park provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including rolling hills and distant mountain ranges, making it a popular spot for nature and photography enthusiasts. With its well-maintained pathways and lush greenery, this park invites individuals and families to enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and moments of relaxation. The park features amenities such as benches, picnic tables, and open spaces, making it an ideal place for gatherings and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat to unwind or a spot to enjoy the beauty of nature, Overlook Park is the place to be.
Bommer Canyon is a preservation zone that is home to numerous endangered animal and plant species. It is situated within the Irvine Ranch, a National Natural Landmark. Trails wind through the canyon, catering to hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts alike. This preserve also has spaces for hosting wedding receptions and other events. The area is also home to historic landmarks, including old cattle ranch structures, providing a glimpse into the region's ranching history. Whether you're seeking a peaceful nature walk, a challenging hike, or a place to observe local flora and fauna, Bommer Canyon offers a delightful retreat for people of all ages.