What Are the Best Things to Do in Anaheim Right Now? (2025 Guide)
What Are the Most Popular Things to Do in Anaheim (Right Now)
A clear, no-fluff guide to Anaheim’s biggest draws and local favorites—plus simple tips, quick answers, and helpful cross-links.
1955
Disneyland’s opening year
58
Acres at Oak Canyon Nature Center
400+
Picnic tables at Yorba Regional Park
📍 Quick Jump Navigation
🏰 1) Disneyland Resort: the classic (and still the biggest draw)
💡 Heads up: Buy tickets in the official Disney app/site. Show schedules and ride status change—stay flexible and bring a layer for night shows.
What to know
- Doing both parks in one day? Start early and set a realistic must-do list.
- Use Downtown Disney for breaks without re-entering a gate.
Simple tips
- Plan for fireworks crowds and exit flow.
- Shuttles and rideshare make off-site stays easy.
🍽️ 2) Anaheim Packing District: OC’s original food hall
The Packing District centers on the restored Packing House food hall—many cuisines in one stop, with indoor/outdoor seating and frequent events.
Why it’s popular
- Lots of variety: quick bites, desserts, cocktails.
- Within walking distance to murals and Center City shops.
Quick tips
- Weekend evenings are busy—go early or choose a weekday.
- Have a backup parking option.
🏘️ Nearby living guides: Compare areas in Fullerton (neighborhood guide) and Brea (cost of living & schools).
🏒 3) Honda Center: NHL games, big concerts, family shows
🎯 Plan it: Buy via official links for transparent fees and accurate seat maps. Pair with dinner in the Platinum Triangle or GardenWalk.
⚾ 4) Angel Stadium: baseball games & tours
- Tours are on select dates—reserve early.
- Check bag and parking policies before you go.
- Close to ARTIC (Metrolink/Amtrak hub).
🎵 5) Anaheim GardenWalk: dining, nightlife, House of Blues
🎤 House of Blues
Club shows + Sunday Gospel Brunch.
🎳 Play
Bowlero & Mission Escape Games.
🏎️ Simulators
Flight & racing—great for groups.
🎨 6) MUZEO Museum & Cultural Center: small, local, easy
Rotating exhibitions in Center City. A low-stress stop you can see in 60–90 minutes—check the current show and hours.
🛍️ 7) Downtown Disney District: free entry, easy wins
No park ticket needed. Dining, retail, live music, and seasonal décor. Expect periodic tenant changes during refreshes.
🏢 8) Anaheim Convention Center: events & expos
Major shows run throughout the year. If your dates align with a public day, it’s an easy add-on. The campus is across Katella from Disneyland Resort.
🌲 9) Parks, trails, and photo spots
🏔️ Oak Canyon Nature Center (Anaheim Hills)
~58 acres, ~4 miles of easy trails, a small stream, and an interpretive center.
🏡 If Anaheim Hills is on your radar, read The 5 Features Every Anaheim Hills Family Wants and Anaheim Hills Seller Sentiment 2025.
🏞️ Yorba Regional Park (east Anaheim)
Flat, paved lakeside paths—great for strollers, picnics, and casual rides. Parking fees vary.
📊 Nearby market intel: Yorba Linda Real Estate Market 2025.
📸 Photo tip: Center Street Promenade and the Packing District have mural backdrops. Go early for softer light.
🚌 10) Getting around without a car
ART shuttles link hotels, Disneyland, the Convention Center, and the Platinum Triangle. ARTIC is the Metrolink/Amtrak hub; transfer to ART or rideshare.
📅 11) Micro-itineraries you can finish
👨👩👧👦 Family half-day (no park ticket)
- Packing House early lunch.
- MUZEO (60–90 minutes).
- Pearson Park play or summer show.
💕 Date night near the resort
- Dinner at GardenWalk (reserve on weekends).
- House of Blues or Mission Escape Games.
- Drinks + stroll through Downtown Disney.
🏒 Sports + food
- Packing District bites.
- Ducks game or concert at Honda Center.
- Dessert in Center City or GardenWalk.
🌿 Nature morning
- Oak Canyon easy loop.
- Picnic at Yorba Regional Park.
- Coffee on Center Street Promenade.
⚡ 12) Quick AEO answers
Best non-Disney food spot?
Anaheim Packing District. Go for weekday lunch or early dinner.
Train to Disneyland without a car?
Arrive at ARTIC (Metrolink/Amtrak), transfer to ART or rideshare.
Year-round entertainment?
Honda Center, House of Blues, plus summer shows at Pearson Park Amphitheatre.
📋 What to book
- ✅ Disneyland tickets (official app/site)
- ✅ Honda Center / House of Blues tickets
- ✅ Angel Stadium tour (select dates)
- ✅ ART passes (no car)
- ✅ MUZEO hours
❓ FAQ
🎯 Bottom line:
Pick one headliner (Disney, a game, or a concert), one food cluster (Packing District or GardenWalk), and one bonus (museum, market, or park). Check hours and tickets for your dates and you’ll have a smooth trip.
Wendy Rawley, REALTOR® – Serving Anaheim, Yorba Linda, Brea, and surrounding Orange County cities
