[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One mention of Anaheim and Disneyland springs to mind.
But this Californian city offers far more than just the Mouse House.
If you choose to stay at Anaheim you’ll be surprised by how much this city has to offer. Sport, beaches, shopping and easy access to LA bucketlist attractions such as the Hollywood sign, Universal Studios and Santa Monica – Anaheim has it all.
Here’s six reasons why you should stay in Anaheim for your family holiday.
1. Theme Parks
Disneyland has come a long way from the original park built in 1955 by Walt Disney himself. With Cinderella turrets, colourful parades and new Marvel-themed lands, the most famous theme park in the world is one of the biggest reasons to come to Anaheim.
But Disneyland Resort is not the only themepark here.
Nearby in Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm has grown into a huge amusement park with a waterpark, Snoopy-themed rides and famous fried chicken.
Adventure City is smaller-scale and less expensive, with plenty of thrills to be had on the Balloon Race, Drop Zone or Freeway Coaster.
You could spend an entire week here exploring all the theme parks alone.
2. Sports
Anaheim is the stomping ground of two major sports teams, the LA Angels of Anaheim baseball team and the Anaheim Ducks ice hockey side.
You can tour their home bases and buy tickets to watch a game. All without leaving Anaheim.
3. Beaches
Why not soak up some Californian beach vibes?
It takes 45 minutes at most to drive from Anaheim to the coast. Make the most of the surf spots, fishing, whale-watching, malls and boutiques on a day trip. The six closest beach cities to Anaheim are Huntington, Newport, Seal, Laguna, Dana and San Clemente.
4. The Center City
Families exploring Center City Anaheim will find some unexpected gems. Foodies will salivate over the Anaheim Packing District. It offers two levels of bars, restaurants and independent eateries.
At Center Street Promenade, you’ll find street fairs, farmers markets and museums. When the kids get hungry, there’s plenty of easy options here. Try Cervantes Mexican kitchen, Pour Vida Latin style eats, Healthy Junk’s vegan options and then Hungarian sweets from House of Chimney Cakes.
5. Shopping and rainy days
For luxury, high-end delights, try South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa and Fashion Island in Newport Beach.
For family fun, stick to The Outlets at Orange where you’ll find Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, NIKE, Bloomingdales, Banana Republic and more. Amid the retail, you’ll find Lucky Strike Bowling, Vans Skatepark, an IMAX theatre and the Thrill It Fun Center with indoor rockclimbing, ropes challenges and laser tag. The outlet also has family rooms for breastfeeding mums.
6. Day trips
Anaheim is a great launching point from which to target Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, the Limestone Canyon Park, Southern Californian wine country, SeaWorld in San Diego and even Catalina Island by ferry.
Feeling inspired? Like the sound of San Fran? Loving Los Angeles with kids?
Read up on the Six Must See Cities in USA including Denver, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Or head to Visit Anaheim to find out much more.
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Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.