Top 8 Things to Do in Anaheim, CA (2024)
Anaheim At-A-Glance
| Population | 345,940 |
|---|---|
| Area | 50.88 mi² |
| Best known for | Disneyland, of course |
| Character | Very busy central hub, with a large Latino population |
In our opinion, Anaheim is the crown jewel of Orange County. Home to Disneyland, the world’s most famous theme park, Anaheim is rich with history, full of restaurants, and just a short drive from other popular SoCal destinations like Los Angeles.
If you’re considering a visit, here are some recommendations:
1. Visit the Anaheim Packing House
The Packing House is a gourmet food court that feels like you’re inside a greenhouse. You can find a wide variety of cuisine here—everything from Tandoori chicken to pizza. It’s a great place to try a little bit of everything. If you come on a weekend, you can usually catch some live music right in the middle of all the action.
The Packing House once belonged to the Sunkist orange company and was a facility where oranges were packed onto freight trains.
The Packing House is the main draw of the Packing District, a section of town that is also home to the following attractions:
MAKE - A building across the street that contains Pali Wine Co., Unsung Brewery, and Tacos El Gringo.
The Packard Building - A former Packard car showroom, now home to:
Monkish Brewing - Formerly Anaheim Brewery, this brewery that originated in Torrance features a clean minimalist aesthetic and an old school hip hop soundtrack.
En Familia - A new restaurant serving modern Mexican cuisine.
2. Stroll down Center Street Promenade
The Center Street Promenade is a small street just a few blocks from the Packing House with some popular dining establishments.
Center Street Promenade in Anaheim, CA: What to Expect (2024)
3. Mini golf at Camelot Golfland
Despite many of the surrounding businesses coming and going, Camelot Golfland remains a steady fixture right off the 91 freeway. According to their website, they are the largest miniature golf course facility in the country.
In addition to golf, you can also enjoy the arcade or laser tag.
A great option for a date or family outing.
4. Eat at one of the most popular restaurants in Anaheim
Cortina’s Pizza - A local favorite Italian quick service restaurant. While you wait for your food, stop by next door and browse the selection of authentic Italian groceries.
The White House - This Italian steakhouse is an iconic Anaheim restaurant.
The Ranch - Anaheim’s most famous steakhouse listed in the Michelin guide.
Kareem’s - Kareem’s is one of our favorite restaurants in Anaheim’s Little Arabia.
Puesto - Award-winning tacos and beer.
5. Have a drink at a bar in Anaheim
Hammer Workshop & Bar - Located in the Packing House, this is a charming bar with a tin roof serves up some delicious craft cocktails. They usually have a projector displaying the day’s biggest sporting events.
Juke Joint - Anaheim’s most well-known dive bar is located on Anaheim Boulevard just a few blocks from the Packing District. Known for cheap drinks, unpretentious vibes (is there such thing as a pretentious dive bar?), and pool/arcade games.
The Blind Rabbit - This speakeasy is located on the bottom floor of the Packing House. Reservations are highly recommended as the space is small. The cocktails here are expertly crafted and with minimal light, the setting is fabulous for an intimate date.
Strong Water - Brought to you by the owners of the Blind Rabbit, Strong Water is our favorite tiki bar in Orange County. Just like the Blind Rabbit, reservations are highly encouraged.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the truly outstanding craft beer scene in Anaheim. These recommendations deserve their own page.
6. Check out Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney is a retail plaza next to the theme park with shops and restaurants. There’s no admission charge but there is a parking fee.
7. Visit Anaheim Gardenwalk
Anaheim GardenWalk is similar to Downtown Disney in that it offers a blend of dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences. It’s located just a short walk from the park.
