Whereas Disneyland lovers have seemingly had Anaheim on their radar for a while, different vacationers could not understand that this Orange County vacation spot presents sun-kissed attracts past amusement park rides.
That mentioned, even in case you’re not a Disney diehard, it is fairly powerful to not sense the palpable pleasure when surrounded by so many excited people. (You’re feeling the playfulness within the air from the second an entrance safety information rifles via your backpack, asking with a twinkle in his eye, “That is not a poison apple, is it?”)
Whether or not you are craving tasty native meals, hotel-based Zen, sporting outings (go NHL’s Anaheim Ducks!) or lively escapes to the close by coast, we have compiled a balanced Anaheim itinerary that may enchantment to each member of your occasion.
At this AAA 4-Diamond resort, The Westin Anaheim Resort’s rooftop presents best views of Disneyland’s magical fireworks show — Photograph courtesy of Westin Accommodations & Resorts
Getting there
These arriving by air could select LAX for extra flight choices, or you’ll be able to determine to keep away from L.A. site visitors and stick with smaller John Wayne Airport (or SNA), positioned lower than 20 minutes from Anaheim’s fundamental resort hub.
Disney-area inns
The Westin Anaheim Resort includes a attractive pool and health heart, best for individuals who stick behind for some self-care whereas the others go to Disneyland — Photograph courtesy of Westin Accommodations & Resorts
Whereas resort choices line the lengthy avenues surrounding Disneyland, Marriott Bonvoy presents two family-friendly choices that place an emphasis on wellness, too – The Westin Anaheim Resort and Element Anaheim Resort Convention Center. Each are positioned inside strolling distance of the park’s entrance (with Ingredient being barely nearer). The perfect information? If Disney just isn’t your whole focus, the properties supply loads of different methods to savor the times.
The Westin Anaheim Resort, a AAA 4-Diamond resort, creates an elevated, uber-comfortable expertise by greeting you with the model’s acquainted White Tea scent and pampering you with true-to-their-name Westin Heavenly® Beds. The massive out of doors pool and sizzling tub show main perks, whereas the guest-exclusive RISE Rooftop Lounge is a perfect place from which to sip tasty cocktails or equally flavorful mocktails, whereas taking in Disneyland’s nighttime fireworks spectacle (at the moment operating on an abbreviated schedule).
The resort locations an emphasis on one’s wellness, whether or not you order a superfood-charged bedtime snack from the “Sleep Properly” menu, begin the day with a guided stroll or run or reap the benefits of an impressively-equipped 24-hour health heart. Highlights there? Two Peloton bikes plus a state-of-the-art restoration system that makes use of Hypervolt percussion gadgets, able to therapeutic massage away any stress or stress.
Ingredient Anaheim Resort Conference Heart delights households with bunk beds, separate TV areas and mini-kitchens during which to arrange easy meals — Photograph courtesy of Ingredient Accommodations
Close by, Ingredient Anaheim Resort Conference Heart is especially interesting to these with children in tow, and friends eager to reap the benefits of longer stays. The resort delights households with its out of doors heated pool and patio with grills, plus suites that includes bunk beds, separate children TV areas and mini-kitchens during which to arrange meals — and hopefully lower down on journey bills. Friends can gas day by day with a hearty morning buffet that options wholesome choices, from egg white scrambles and roasted veggies to entire fruits and a make-your-own parfait yogurt station.
If Disney just isn’t on the agenda, otherwise you select to interrupt up the times, discover motion within the 900-square-foot Movement Health Heart. Or you’ll be able to construct your personal Anaheim biking journey with the model’s complimentary Bikes to Borrow program, which incorporates digital maps. Alternately, stroll over to Anaheim Gardenwalk, a pedestrian strip alongside which to eat, drink, store, peruse the artwork of 30-plus talents or catch a nighttime live performance at House of Blues Anaheim.
(When grabbing rideshares round city, notice that Marriott Bonvoy and Uber not too long ago teamed up for a collaboration that enables members to earn factors towards free nights when requesting choose rides and ordering meals supply through Uber Eats.)
The happiest place on earth
Disneyland friends (ages 3 and older) want a legitimate ticket and a theme park reservation for a similar day and similar park they select to go to — Photograph courtesy of Corinne Whiting
You do not essentially should be a “Disney particular person” to benefit from the magic of immaculately-manicured Disneyland, a website that opened July 17, 1955, and is the one park that Walt ever set foot in. The people-watching is spectacular and the early-morning anticipation contagious, as Mickey-clad households and pal teams rely down in unison, ready for the entrance gates to open. (Downloading the app earlier than arriving is extremely really helpful, to assist plan out your day.)
Star Wars followers will need to instantly get within the queue for the magnificent attraction Rise of the Resistance. Different must-see points of interest and experiences vary from Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Haunted Mansion and Indiana Jones Journey to Pirates of the Caribbean, Matterhorn and dazzling, indoor rollercoaster Area Mountain.
Mealtime magic
The Anaheim Packing District showcases cuisines from across the globe — Photograph courtesy of Anaheim Packing District
Guests will not need to miss the Anaheim Packing District, house to 4 historic landmarks and the two-acre Farmers Park. The principle attraction? The Anaheim Packing Home, one of many final remaining citrus packing warehouses in Orange County, which has been traditionally preserved and remodeled right into a bustling market corridor.
Right here, vegans flock to Healthy Junk (for Mediterranean and superfood bowls, an array of pizzas and wings with Buffalo or BBQ seasoning), Mini Monster for boba teas, Mangal for Syrian fare, Rolling Boil for warm pot choices, White Elephant for contemporary Thai dishes and Pie Gap for, you guessed it, a tempting unfold of savory and candy pies. Just a few blocks northwest of the Packing Home, discover Heart Road Anaheim, a promenade lined with extra retail and culinary gems.
Within the night, cozy up underneath the warmth lamps and twinkle lights of Poppy & Seed, a pleasant house throughout from the Packing Home. On this fashionable greenhouse setting, the place you’ll be able to peek into the herb backyard contributing to your desk’s flavorful dishes, cordial servers convey out dishes ready by the group of Michael Reed – a classically skilled, award-winning chef and restaurateur who has spent 16 years cooking for eating places throughout New York and Los Angeles. (Extremely welcoming co-owner Kwini Reed may pop by your desk, too.)
Standout dishes embody the grilled shrimp, farmers market carrots, jerk confit duck leg, native black cod and a melange of salads spotlighting the backyard’s seasonal bounty. As for libations, we suggest the refreshing Strawberry Fields, product of Drakes Vodka, strawberry, lime, mint and soda, or the Birds of Paradise, one other homage to your SoCal environment.
Puesto serves scrumptious Mexican fare each day from midday until 10 p.m. — Photograph courtesy of Anne Watson
Again on the Westin Anaheim Resort, The Tangerine Room is a hip, relaxed house sending out healthful California-inspired fare, from ahi poke to pan-seared New Zealand Ora salmon with pea puree, pee-wee potatoes, blistered kale, cherry tomatoes and charred scallion salsa verde.
Steps away, family-owned and operated restaurant Puesto options delectable tacos and cocktails in a sublime house designed by Basile Studios. At this vibrant eatery, Tacoteur Eric Adler shares the Puesto story that facilities round tacos; as first-generation Mexican Individuals, the household has been totally immersed of their tradition’s cooking since childhood.
Nowadays, the fare is impressed by their travels and incorporates contemporary, native elements from this area, too. Attempt the fervour fruit and mango shrimp ceviche, the carnitas or hen al pastor tacos and refreshing cocktails, just like the cucumber margarita.
Coastal excursions
Discover the shoreline on a Pedego Electrical Bike, or take a surf lesson to spend time in Pacific Ocean waves — Photograph courtesy of Pedego Electrical Bikes
Enjoyable awaits on and close to the SoCal seashores positioned half an hour away (or extra, relying on site visitors). The surf curious could take classes and get into the waves with Corky Carroll’s Surf School, which has been providing classes in Huntington Seaside since 1996.
Or if biking is extra your factor, head to E-bike clothing store Pedego, with certainly one of its outlets set in Corona Del Mar, a trendy seaside neighborhood in Newport Seaside. Let a information prepared the ground as you zoom via flower-lined streets, previous upscale properties and completely manicured parks, onto a tiny automotive ferry and towards a seaside path, the place lunch and low treats await at Dory Deli.