what to do in anaheim

What to Do in Anaheim Journey to a land of make-believe (actually several lands of make-believe) for a day of family-friendly fun at Disneyland® Park (1313 Harbor Blvd.), one of California’s top tourist attractions. See ghosts materialize in a haunted house, cruise through a mysterious tropical jungle or encounter singing Caribbean pirates. With more rides, shows and special-effect-filled parades than you can shake your mouse ears at, Disneyland is a truly unforgettable destination.

Start your engines and zoom through the desert landscape where the movie Cars springs to life in Radiator Springs Racers, one of the premiere rides at Disney California Adventure® Park (1313 Harbor Blvd.), the other half of Disneyland Resort. The park celebrates the Golden State’s breathtaking scenery in themed lands that include Hollywood Land, Grizzly Peak and Pacific Wharf.

Find the perfect Disney souvenir in the Downtown Disney® District (1530 S. Disneyland Dr.), also part of Disneyland Resort. You won’t have to pay to enter, yet you’ll feel like you’re in a theme park with the Disney touch always visible. Shop at the World of Disney superstore, dine at a host of restaurants and for entertainment, there are movie theaters and a bowling alley.

Marvel at Garden Grove’s Christ Cathedral (13280 Chapman Ave.), a massive, glass-and-steel church that’s been one of the top attractions near Anaheim since its 1980 unveiling. Originally dubbed Crystal Cathedral, the eye-catching structure shines in the California sun thanks to thousands of mirrored glass panes. An equally unconventional stainless steel bell tower soars skyward beside the cathedral.

Lose yourself among the art exhibits collected from around the world at the Bowers Museum (2002 N. Main St.), a top attraction near Disneyland in nearby Santa Ana. Pre-Columbian pottery, West African masks, Chinese figurines and paintings by California artists are some of the works displayed within the museum’s Mission-style building.

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Explore the complicated life and legacy of America’s 37th president at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum (18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.), a top attraction near Anaheim in Yorba Linda. Peek into the farmhouse where Nixon was born or snap a selfie in replicas of the White House East Room or Oval Office as they appeared during his administration.

Feel the rush as you hurl through twists, turns and sudden drops aboard an intense roller coaster at Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park (8039 Beach Blvd.) in Buena Park. If you like your rides on the frightening side, this top attraction near Disneyland is the place, but there’s a variety of tamer rides as well as Camp Snoopy, which aims to please little kids.

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Catch an awesome wave—or just watch the pros—in Huntington Beach, aka “Surf City USA.” The city celebrates California surfing culture at museums and the Surfing Walk of Fame. Feel the sand, sea breeze and sunshine as you stroll along the beach or enjoy fantastic views from the city’s famously long pier.

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Blow your budget at sprawling South Coast Plaza (3333 Bristol St.) in Costa Mesa. Acres of upscale retailers include Cartier, Gucci, Hermès and Van Cleef & Arpels, to name just a few. Marching from one boutique to another can make a shopper hungry, but have no fear: dozens of restaurants ensure visitors won’t need to go far for a bite to eat.

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Fall in love with the picturesque ruins of the Great Stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano (26801 Ortega Hwy.) in San Juan Capistrano. The beautifully landscaped grounds include fountains, the iconic bell wall and charming adobe buildings more than 200 years old. No wonder swallows travel thousands of miles to return here every year.