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Anaheim: The Heartbeat of Southern California Adventure

Discover Anaheim: A blend of magical theme parks, rich culinary experiences, and exciting sports scenes in sunny Southern California.

Anaheim, located in the sunny state of California, is a city that promises an unforgettable experience for tourists of all ages. Known globally as the home of Disneyland Resort, Anaheim is where fantasy meets reality, offering an array of thrilling rides, enchanting shows, and beloved Disney characters. It's not just a place for kids; adults too can find joy and nostalgia in the magical atmosphere of Disneyland. Beyond Disneyland, Anaheim boasts a vibrant downtown area known as the Anaheim Packing District. Here, visitors can indulge in diverse culinary delights, explore unique shops, and enjoy live music in an inviting communal setting. The historic Anaheim Packing House, a restored citrus packing facility, is a must-visit for food enthusiasts, offering gourmet treats from around the world. For sports fans, Anaheim is home to the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball and the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League. Catching a game at Angel Stadium or the Honda Center provides an authentic taste of American sports culture. Moreover, the city's close proximity to other Southern California attractions, such as the beautiful beaches of Orange County and the bustling city of Los Angeles, makes it an ideal base for broader exploration.

Local tips in Anaheim

  • Buy Disneyland tickets in advance to avoid long lines and secure your preferred dates.
  • Visit the Anaheim Packing District during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and get the best dining experience.
  • If planning a trip to the beach, consider Newport Beach or Huntington Beach, both less than a 30-minute drive from Anaheim.
  • Use the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) system for convenient travel between hotels, Disneyland, and other local attractions.
  • Check the schedule for events at Angel Stadium and Honda Center to catch a game or concert during your visit.
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Neighbourhoods in Anaheim

Disneyland Park | Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort

Anaheim, California | Expedia

Anaheim Resort

Downtown Disney, at Disneyland Resort ...

Downtown Disney District

Anaheim GardenWalk | Visit California

Anaheim GardenWalk

Popular Attractions in Anaheim

  • Disneyland Park

    Discover the magic of Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California - where dreams come true in a world of thrilling attractions and beloved Disney characters.

  • Disney California Adventure Park

    Discover the enchantment and thrills at Disney California Adventure Park, where Disney stories come to life in an unforgettable amusement experience.

  • Knott's Berry Farm

    Discover the excitement of Knott's Berry Farm, a premier theme park in California, filled with thrilling rides and family-friendly entertainment.

  • Downtown Disney District

    Experience the vibrant charm of Downtown Disney District, a shopping and entertainment haven filled with magical moments and unique finds.

  • Paradise Gardens Park

    Experience the enchantment of Paradise Gardens Park, a vibrant amusement park in Disneyland California Adventure, perfect for families and thrill-seekers.

  • Pirates Dinner Adventure

    Join the swashbuckling adventure at Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, where thrilling performances and delicious dining create unforgettable family memories.

Popular Experiences in Anaheim

When is the best time to go to Anaheim?

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Popular Hotels in Anaheim

Local Phrases

    • HelloHey there
      [hey thair]
    • GoodbyeSee ya
      [see yuh]
    • YesYep
      [yep]
    • NoNah
      [nah]
    • Please/You're welcomeSure thing
      [shoor thing]
    • Thank youThanks
      [thaynks]
    • Excuse me/SorryPardon me
      [pahr-dn mee]
    • How are you?How's it going?
      [hows it goh-ing]
    • Fine. And you?Doing great. You?
      [doo-ing grayt. yoo?]
    • Do you speak English?Do you speak English?
      [do yoo speak ing-glish?]
    • I don't understandI don't get it
      [eye dohnt get it]
    • I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
      [can eye chek out the men-yoo?]
    • I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
      [am ve-juh-tear-ee-an]
    • Cheers!Cheers!
      [cheers]
    • I would like to pay, pleaseI'm ready to settle up
      [eye-m reh-d-ee too set-el up]
    • Help!Help!
      [help]
    • Go away!Leave me alone!
      [leev mee uh-lohn]
    • Call the Police!Call the cops!
      [call the cops]
    • Call a doctor!Get me a doctor!
      [get mee uh doc-ter]
    • I'm lostI'm lost
      [eye-m lost]
    • I'm illI'm not feeling well
      [eye-m not fee-ling well]
    • I'd like to buy...I'm interested in...
      [am in-ter-eh-sted in]
    • I'm just lookingJust browsing
      [just broh-zing]
    • How much is it?What's the price?
      [whats the pr-ice?]
    • That's too expensiveThat's pricey
      [thats pr-eye-see]
    • Can you lower the price?Can you do better on the price?
      [can yoo doh bet-ter on the pr-ice?]
    • What time is it?What's the time?
      [whats the time]
    • It's one o'clockIt's one
      [its one]
    • Half past (10)Ten thirty
      [ten thur-tee]
    • MorningMorning
      [morn-ing]
    • AfternoonAfternoon
      [af-ter-noon]
    • EveningEvening
      [ee-ve-ning]
    • YesterdayYesterday
      [yes-ter-day]
    • TodayToday
      [toh-day]
    • TomorrowTomorrow
      [toh-mor-row]
    • 1One
      [wun]
    • 2Two
      [too]
    • 3Three
      [three]
    • 4Four
      [for]
    • 5Five
      [five]
    • 6Six
      [siks]
    • 7Seven
      [sev-en]
    • 8Eight
      [ate]
    • 9Nine
      [nine]
    • 10Ten
      [ten]
    • Where's a/the...?Where can I find...?
      [where can eye find]
    • What's the address?What's the address?
      [whats the ad-dress]
    • Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
      [can yoo show mee on the map]
    • When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
      [whens the nekst bus]
    • A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
      [a tick-et to]

History of Anaheim

  • Anaheim was founded in 1857 by fifty German families who were originally winegrowers. They named the city 'Anaheim,' a blend of 'Ana' from the nearby Santa Ana River and 'Heim,' a German word meaning home. These settlers bought 1,165 acres of land and began planting vineyards, leading to Anaheim's early reputation as a wine-producing colony.

  • In the 1880s, a blight known as the 'Anaheim disease' devastated the vineyards, leading to the collapse of the local wine industry. The residents then shifted their focus to growing oranges, and Anaheim soon became a significant part of Southern California's booming citrus industry.

  • Anaheim was incorporated as the second city in Los Angeles County on March 18, 1876. The establishment of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century further spurred the city's growth, attracting more settlers and leading to the development of new industries and infrastructure.

  • On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its doors in Anaheim, forever transforming the city. Created by Walt Disney, this iconic theme park became a major tourist destination and brought significant economic growth to the region. Disneyland's success also fostered the development of hotels, restaurants, and other tourist-related businesses in and around Anaheim.

  • Opened in 1967, the Anaheim Convention Center has become one of the largest and most significant convention centers in the United States. It has undergone multiple expansions and has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the NAMM Show and the D23 Expo, further establishing Anaheim as a major hub for tourism and business.

  • The Honda Center, originally known as the Arrowhead Pond, opened in 1993 and became the home of the Anaheim Ducks NHL team. The Ducks brought professional ice hockey to Orange County and have been a significant part of Anaheim's sports culture, even winning the Stanley Cup in 2007.

  • Angel Stadium, originally opened in 1966 as Anaheim Stadium, is the home of the Los Angeles Angels Major League Baseball team. The stadium has been a central venue for sports and entertainment in Anaheim, hosting numerous baseball games, concerts, and other events over the decades.

  • In recent years, Anaheim has seen significant urban development and revitalization efforts. Projects such as the Anaheim Packing District—a restored historic citrus packing house turned food hall—have become popular attractions. The city's ongoing investments in infrastructure and community spaces continue to enhance its appeal as a vibrant and dynamic destination.

Anaheim Essentials

  • Anaheim is located in Orange County, California. The closest major airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), approximately 14 miles south of Anaheim. Alternatively, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is around 35 miles northwest of Anaheim and offers a larger selection of international flights. From either airport, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft to reach your destination in Anaheim. Additionally, the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) provides train and bus services, including Amtrak and Metrolink, which connect Anaheim to various parts of California.
  • Once in Anaheim, you have multiple transportation options. The Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) system provides convenient shuttle services to popular destinations, including Disneyland Resort, Anaheim Convention Center, and other nearby attractions. Public buses operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) are also available. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to explore beyond Anaheim. Alternatively, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and convenient for shorter trips within the city.
  • The official currency in Anaheim, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. Contactless payment methods, such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, are also commonly accepted. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or in situations where card payment may not be an option.
  • Anaheim is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to exercise standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, and always be aware of your surroundings. Some areas in nearby Santa Ana and parts of Anaheim near Ball Road and Euclid Street have reported higher crime rates, so extra caution is recommended in these neighborhoods. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded areas to avoid petty thefts.
  • In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Anaheim has well-equipped medical facilities, including Anaheim Global Medical Center and UC Irvine Medical Center. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Additionally, the Anaheim Police Department is available to assist with any safety concerns.
  • Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, especially for theme parks and outdoor activities. Avoid overly revealing clothing in family-friendly environments. Religion: Do respect all religious customs and places of worship. Many religious sites welcome visitors but expect respectful behavior. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transportation vehicles. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake. Californians are generally informal in their interactions. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and various food trucks. Don't forget to tip, as gratuity is customary in the United States, with 15-20% being standard in restaurants.
  • To experience Anaheim like a local, visit the Anaheim Packing District, a historic food hall offering a variety of culinary delights. Catch a baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim or enjoy a concert at the Honda Center. For a more relaxed atmosphere, spend some time in Yorba Regional Park or the Oak Canyon Nature Center, where you can enjoy walking trails and natural scenery. Engaging with locals, who are often friendly and enthusiastic about their city, can also enhance your experience.