Anaheim

Go beyond Disney to discover Orange County treasure

Anaheim isn’t just all about the mouse, even though Disneyland’s Mickey is the town’s most famous resident. Under the sun-kissed California sky, and just minutes from the vast blue waters of the Pacific, Southern California’s Anaheim is a perfect playland for the young and the young at heart.

Situated just 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles along Interstate 5, Anaheim and neighboring communities play host to a treasure-trove of amusement parks, restaurants and creative attractions. Despite the tourist-friendly developments, the city hasn’t lost touch with its earthy Orange County roots.

Find Magical Moments at Disney

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle magically soars above the horizon, surrounded by a colorful assortment of thrill rides, food venues and fantasy landscapes. Costumed characters wave to little ones as older children give the thrill rides a whirl. Disneyland has been a family favorite since the park opened in 1955. Over the years, the park has found ways to continue to reinvent itself and attract more visitors, even those traveling without children. Today, the park is home to several dozen rides, entertaining shows, and top-notch restaurants, all with the magical backdrop of Disney.

Step back in time with a walk down Main Street. Behind colorful Victorian facades, gift shops, restaurants and novelty stores entice pedestrians, evoking a quintessential Disney welcome. Long known for its impeccable hospitality, the park is well-organized and teeming with enchantment and charm.

Carterhawk

You’ll travel through time and around the world with a day at Disneyland. Adventureland offers a tropical tour through jungle landscapes, while Frontierland harkens back to the Old West days. The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster quickens pulses as it whizzes along its undulating tracks. New Orleans Square conjures up the spirit of the 1800s in the Big Easy, with graceful architecture and a distinctly Cajun vibe. Become a buccaneer with a ride through the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Critter Country is a favorite on hot days, with the Splash Mountain log flume ride. This careening ride ends with a cooling splashdown. Fantasyland is perhaps the most iconic area of the park, as Dumbo flies overhead and teacups spin into infinity. The world of the future can be explored at Tomorrowland, with Space Mountain as a perennial favorite.

Adjacent to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the Golden State along with the franchise’s new favorite characters. Explore a classic beachside boardwalk with a tour of Paradise Pier, or head back to the elegant days of early Tinsel Town in Hollywood Land. The park’s popular Cars Land re-creates Route 66’s Radiator Springs from Pixar’s classic animated film, “Cars.”

More Theme Park Adventures

If you don’t get your fill of theme park thrills from Disney, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s not the only game in town. Knott’s Berry Farm, just 8 miles west of Disneyland in Buena Park, has been welcoming visitors since the 1930s. First operating as a fruit stand and then a restaurant, the park grew to become an entertainment attraction a decade later. The park packs plenty of thrill rides, but it still clings to the wholesome family image that manifests itself in the hearty meals served to patrons. Don’t miss Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, which serves up biscuits, fried chicken and apple pie.

While in Anaheim, families will find a gaggle of attractions in Adventure City, a quaint park that caters to the preschool crowd. Several small amusement rides and a petting zoo dish out lots of fun. Parents will like the reasonable admission fee and family-friendly atmosphere.

Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau

Fun for Foodies

If you come to Anaheim hungry, this Orange County mecca will surpass your expectations. Start with a stop at a farmers market to pick up some of the agricultural favorites the region is known for. You’ll get a taste of the California sunshine with a bite of locally grown citrus.

Downtown Anaheim’s Packing District entices visitors to a thriving food and entertainment complex. Towering palm trees and historic Spanish architecture complete the scene, while restaurants serve up fare to please any palate.

For More Information

Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau

855-405-5020

www.anaheimoc.org

California Tourism

877-225-4367

www.visitcalifornia.com