Top Things to Do in Anaheim, California (2026 Guide)

Planning a trip to Southern California often starts with thoughts of a famous mouse, but there are countless exciting things to do in Anaheim that do not require a theme park ticket. This city offers a vibrant mix of historic food halls, outdoor nature spaces, professional sports, and cultural exhibits. Whether you want to escape the massive crowds or add unique local experiences to your itinerary, this guide covers everything you need for a memorable visit in 2026.

Top 10 Things to Do in Anaheim

Disneyland Resort: Explore two world-class theme parks and the free Downtown Disney District.
Knott’s Berry Farm: Visit the historic theme park in nearby Buena Park to ride the newly reopened MonteZOOMa coaster.
Anaheim Packing District: Discover over 30 food vendors inside a restored 1919 citrus packing house.
Oak Canyon Nature Center: Hike peaceful dirt trails and enjoy native wildlife for free.
Angel Stadium: Catch a live Los Angeles Angels baseball game during the spring and summer season.
Honda Center: Watch an Anaheim Ducks hockey game or see major touring musicians perform live.
Downtown Disney District: Shop, dine, and enjoy street performers without buying a park ticket.
Muzeo Museum: View rotating cultural exhibits, including the special Walt Disney Archives show running through November 2026.
Yorba Regional Park: Rent a paddle boat, fish in four lakes, or ride bikes under shaded trees.
Little Arabia District: Sample authentic Middle Eastern bakeries and restaurants along Brookhurst Street.

Theme Parks & Major Attractions

Theme parks drive much of the tourism in Orange County, but visitors have multiple options beyond the main Disney gates. Choosing the right park depends on your budget, thrill level, and available time.

Roller coaster cars moving fast on a track at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park near Anaheim.

Disneyland Resort

The Disneyland Resort features Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and the open-air Downtown Disney District. Disneyland Park opened in 1955 and features classic lands like Fantasyland and New Orleans Square. Disney California Adventure Park highlights Pixar Pier, Cars Land, and the Avengers Campus. Park Hopper tickets range from approximately $174 to $314+ per day for 2026. This destination fits families and Disney fans best, requiring at least one to three days to see both parks fully.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm sits about six miles away from Disneyland in the city of Buena Park. This historic park started as a berry farm and roadside stand before growing into a major thrill destination. In August 2026, the park reopened its famous MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress roller coaster following a twenty-million-dollar renovation. Visitors also enjoy seasonal events like Knott’s Scary Farm in the fall, which features haunted mazes like Inked and Unearthed. Online tickets cost around $65, making it a budget-friendly alternative to Disney.

Adventure City

Adventure City is a small theme park designed specifically for younger children and budget-conscious families. Admission pricing varies, so visitors should check the official website for current rates, and the park features gentle rides, a petting zoo, and a theater. It requires only a half day to explore, making it ideal for toddlers and kids up to age ten.

Theme Park	2026 Price	Best For	Time Needed	Distance from Disneyland
Disneyland Resort	$174+ (Park Hopper)	Disney fans, families	1-3 days	N/A
Knott’s Berry Farm	$65 online	Thrill-seekers, budget	Full day	6 miles (15 min)
Adventure City	Check website	Young kids	Half day	~10 miles

Free & Budget-Friendly Activities

Visiting Southern California does not have to empty your wallet. Several notable attractions charge nothing for admission or offer low-cost entertainment.

Completely Free

Downtown Disney District: Walk around the lively shopping and dining esplanade without paying for a theme park ticket.
Anaheim Packing District: Browse the historic indoor food hall and window-shop local creative vendors.
Oak Canyon Nature Center: Hike peaceful dirt trails and visit the small interpretive center.
Anaheim Founders’ Park: Explore the historical site that marks the original location of the Anaheim Colony.
Pearson Park: Relax under large shade trees in a historic green space near downtown.
Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market: Shop for local produce and handmade crafts during seasonal weekly events.

Under $20

Camelot Golfland: Play a round of themed miniature golf on elaborate castle courses, with pricing to be verified directly with the venue.
The Rinks Anaheim Ice: Join public skating sessions on indoor rinks, subject to current schedule and pricing verification.
Muzeo Museum: Pay for general admission to view rotating history and pop culture exhibits, noting that specific exhibition prices vary.

Under $50

Knott’s Berry Farm: Purchase discounted tickets online for $65 to enjoy a full day of roller coasters and entertainment.
Flightdeck + Rogue Racing: Test your skills inside professional flight simulators with guidance from trained instructors.
Angel Stadium: Buy standard upper-deck tickets to enjoy a classic summer baseball evening outdoors.

Where to Eat & Drink: Anaheim’s Food Scenes

Locals and smart travelers look past standard theme park food to find distinct neighborhood dining districts.

Anaheim Packing District

The Anaheim Packing District centers around a restored 1919 Sunkist citrus packing facility. Inside the main Packing House, over thirty independent food stalls serve everything from gourmet poutine at The Kroft to fried chicken at Georgia’s Restaurant. The nearby MAKE Building houses Unsung Brewing Company for local craft beer enthusiasts. A hidden speakeasy called The Blind Rabbit operates behind a secret door disguised as sake barrels.

Downtown Disney District

The Downtown Disney District offers upscale and casual dining right outside the theme park gates. Paseo serves high-end Mexican cuisine created by a Michelin-starred chef. Céntrico provides open-air dining, while Din Tai Fung serves famous Taiwanese soup dumplings. Black Tap finishes meals with extravagant milkshakes stacked high with candy and cake slices.

Little Arabia District

The Little Arabia District lines Brookhurst Street a few minutes west of the tourist center. This Middle Eastern commercial hub offers authentic bakeries, halal butchers, and grocery stores. Visitors can sample fresh pastries, Lebanese flatbreads, and Syrian meals at family-run restaurants. This area serves as a genuine cultural destination where locals eat rather than a commercial tourist trap.

Craft Breweries

Anaheim hosts a thriving craft beer scene centered around industrial business parks. Brewery X pours craft beverage selections in a large, family-friendly taproom. Bottle Logic Brewing creates complex barrel-aged stouts and hosts community events.

Sports, Concerts & Live Entertainment

Live entertainment fills the calendar across the city’s major entertainment venues.

Platinum Triangle Venues

Angel Stadium hosts Los Angeles Angels baseball games from spring through fall. Summer evening games provide a classic Orange County night out under the lights. The Honda Center hosts Anaheim Ducks hockey games during the winter and major arena concerts throughout the year. The City National Grove of Anaheim hosts smaller touring acts, comedians, and music shows in an intimate indoor setting.

Seasonal Events

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event: Held in August at the Anaheim Convention Center, this gathering brings massive crowds of Disney enthusiasts.
Knott’s Scary Farm: This nighttime Halloween event runs from September through October with haunted mazes and scare zones.
Anaheim Halloween Parade: Downtown Anaheim hosts this historic autumn parade featuring floats and community groups.
ANIME Impulse + K-PLAY! FEST: This August convention at the convention center celebrates Asian pop culture, anime, and K-pop music.

Museums, Culture & Unique Experiences

Culture seekers and curious visitors can step away from roller coasters to explore local history and unique indoor activities.

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

Muzeo Museum sits at 241 South Anaheim Boulevard in downtown. Through November 1, 2026, the museum hosts a special Walt Disney Archives exhibition titled “Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference.” This exhibition gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how live actors helped animators design classic cartoon movements. General admission pricing varies by exhibition, and D23 members receive a twenty percent discount.

Flightdeck + Rogue Racing

Flightdeck puts everyday visitors into realistic flight simulators modeled after military fighter jets and commercial Boeing 737 airplanes. Instructors guide participants through takeoff, landing, and aerial maneuvers. This experience suits older teens and adults looking for an unusual afternoon challenge.

Anaheim Founders’ Park

Anaheim Founders’ Park preserves the agricultural roots of the original Anaheim Colony established in the nineteenth century. Visitors can tour historic homes and learn about the region’s early wine and citrus farming history for free.

Shopping in Anaheim

Shoppers can choose between massive outlet malls, specialty districts, and theme park gift shops.

Outlets at Orange: This open-air outlet mall features over 120 designer stores and brand-name discount shops.
Anaheim GardenWalk: A multi-level outdoor entertainment and dining complex located near the resort district.
Main Place Mall: A traditional indoor shopping mall located a short drive south toward Santa Ana.
Little Arabia Shops: Specialty markets offer imported Middle Eastern spices, sweets, and cultural goods.

Parks, Nature & Outdoor Activities

Southern California weather encourages spending time outdoors in local green spaces and nature preserves.

People hiking on a scenic dirt trail surrounded by green oak trees at Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim.

Oak Canyon Nature Center: This park in the Anaheim hills protects native oak woodlands and dirt hiking trails. Admission and parking are free.
Yorba Regional Park: This linear park features four lakes for permitted fishing, shaded picnic areas, and rental paddle boats. Parking costs a small vehicle fee of $3.
Nearby Beaches: Orange County beaches like Huntington Beach and Newport Beach sit just a thirty-minute drive west of the city.

Anaheim by Visitor Type

Families with Kids

Families do best by balancing expensive theme park days at Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm with free mornings at Oak Canyon Nature Center. Adventure City offers a gentler pace for toddlers.

Adults Without Kids

Adults can skip the theme parks entirely to focus on craft breweries, the Little Arabia food scene, hockey games at the Honda Center, and concerts at the Grove.

Couples

Couples enjoy sunset walks at Yorba Regional Park, romantic dinners at Downtown Disney, and touring the seasonal exhibits at Muzeo Museum.

Ready-to-Use Itineraries

One Day in Anaheim (No Disneyland)

Morning: Hike the dirt trails at Oak Canyon Nature Center.
Lunch: Try local dishes at the Anaheim Packing District.
Afternoon: Explore the Walt Disney Archives exhibition at Muzeo Museum.
Evening: Stroll through Downtown Disney and eat dinner in the Little Arabia District.

Two Days in Anaheim

Day 1: Spend a full day exploring Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure.
Day 2: Visit Knott’s Berry Farm in the morning, tour the Packing District for dinner, and attend a concert at a local venue.

Three Days in Anaheim

Day 1: Experience Disneyland Park from opening to fireworks.
Day 2: Visit Disney California Adventure Park and shop at Downtown Disney.
Day 3: Spend a relaxed day visiting Knott’s Berry Farm, hiking Oak Canyon, and exploring downtown cultural sites.

Practical Planning Tips

Getting Around

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft work well for traveling between major attractions without a car. The main Disneyland resort area is pedestrian-friendly, but renting a car helps if you plan to visit Knott’s Berry Farm or nearby beaches. Disneyland Resort charges $40 per day for standard vehicle parking, while the Packing District provides free lots.

Saving Money

Buy Knott’s Berry Farm tickets online in advance to save nearly half off the front gate price. Eat outside the main resort corridors at neighborhood spots like Little Arabia or the Packing District to lower food costs significantly.

Best Times to Visit

Weekday visits during non-holiday periods feature the lowest theme park crowds. January and February experience lighter tourist traffic, while summer months bring warm weather and peak attendance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What else is there to do in Anaheim besides Disney?

Knott’s Berry Farm offers thrilling roller coasters six miles away. The Anaheim Packing District features local food vendors inside a historic building. Oak Canyon Nature Center provides free hiking trails, and Little Arabia serves authentic Middle Eastern food.

Are there free things to do in Anaheim?

Yes. Visitors can explore the Downtown Disney District, browse the Anaheim Packing District, hike the trails at Oak Canyon Nature Center, and walk through local green spaces like Pearson Park without spending money on admission.

How far is Knott’s Berry Farm from Disneyland?

Knott’s Berry Farm sits approximately six miles away from Disneyland in neighboring Buena Park. The drive takes about fifteen minutes in normal traffic conditions.

Is Anaheim worth visiting without kids?

Adults can enjoy craft breweries, food tours in Little Arabia, concerts at the Honda Center, baseball games at Angel Stadium, and cultural exhibits at Muzeo Museum. The city offers plenty of entertainment beyond theme parks.

What is Anaheim best known for?

Anaheim is best known for the Disneyland Resort, which opened as the original Disney theme park in 1955. It is also famous for Knott’s Berry Farm, professional sports teams, and large convention center events.

Where should I eat in Anaheim besides Disneyland restaurants?

Locals recommend the Anaheim Packing District for casual variety and the Little Arabia District on Brookhurst Street for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Both areas offer better value than tourist traps near the theme parks.