Great family fun awaits you in Anaheim, California! There is a lot more magic in Anaheim than just Disneyland and the Los Angeles Angels. Here is how to have a family fun vacation with all Anaheim and Orange County have to offer.
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Where To Dine in Anaheim
In addition to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim is at the cutting culinary edge offering Instagam-worthy confections at the Anaheim Packing House.
Dining with the family on vacation can be a challenge trying to accommodate everyone’s preferences, wants and needs, however, consider managing it by allowing everyone to select a meal at a local restaurant. Trust me, this will actually be kind of fun and interesting.
Here are some popular restaurants to select from.
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a favorite. Located at Anaheim Garden Walk, 321 W Katella Avenue their hours are Sunday through Thursday from 11 am until 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am until 11 pm. They have a nice kid’s menu.
Disneyland’s Blue Bayou
Disneyland’s Blue Bayou is an adult favorite. Step into New Orleans for a moment of Bayou energy and cuisine. The hours vary and after dinner, take in Nightlife In N’awlins. This has been a favorite experience since 1967. They are located at 1313 Disneyland Drive, New Orleans Square inside of Disneyland. The menu will definitely have you feeling as though you are front row and center on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
In n Out Burger
In n Out Burger is a must when in California. Everyone loves In n Out Burger. They are famous for having the freshest fast food long before fresh food was popular. They do not use freezers, heat lamps, or microwaves. The regular menu is awesome and the secret menu is just as dynamic. The hours vary by location. Anaheim has about multiple locations.
Pokinometry
Pokinometry is a fresh favorite. This is for all the fish lovers who like it raw. The name Poke + Sushi is how they came up with Poki. Located at 184 S Harbor Boulevard their hours are Monday through Friday from 11:30 am until 9:00 pm and Saturday through Sunday from 11:30 am until 8:30 pm. Explore their menu to see what great creations you can imagine.
La Palma Chicken Pie Shop
La Palma Chicken Pie Shop is one of my favorite places to dine in Anaheim. The restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1953 and specializes in delicious chicken pot pies. They also serve a variety of other comfort food dishes including macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
The Catch
The Catch is another great place to eat in Anaheim. This seafood restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring everything from fresh fish tacos to grilled steaks and lobster tails. The atmosphere is modern yet relaxed, making it a great spot for both date nights or family dinners.
Tortilla Jo’s
Tortilla Jo’s is a great Mexican restaurant located in Downtown Disney. The menu features all of your favorite Mexican dishes like fajitas, burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas as well as specialty cocktails like margaritas and sangria. They also have live music on the weekends which makes for a fun evening out with friends or family.
Pizza Press
Pizza Press is an ideal spot for pizza lovers looking for something new and different in Anaheim. This build-your-own pizzeria allows you to customize your own pizza by choosing from a wide selection of toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, onions, peppers, and more! You can also choose from their signature pizzas if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options!
Iron Age Japanese Steakhouse
Iron Age Japanese Steakhouse is the perfect place to go for those seeking an interactive dining experience in Anaheim! This teppanyaki restaurant serves up delicious Japanese cuisine prepared right at your table by skilled chefs who will entertain you with their culinary theatrics while you enjoy your meal!
Where To Stay in Anaheim
Where to stay can also enhance your vacation. You want to make sure you have a family-friendly option to relax and enjoy when you are not exploring the city.
VRBO is an excellent option if you prefer a home-like feel or consider the Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort and Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort (both are Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels).
What To Explore in Anaheim
Family fun vacations are made for living life and creating family fun memories to last a lifetime and generation after generation. With this in mind, here are some fun attractions to explore.
Angels Stadium
Angels Stadium has a very nice history as all major stadiums do. Originally known as Anaheim Stadium when they opened in 1966 the stadium underwent a $100 million dollar renovation which began in October 1996. The end goal was to convert it back to a baseball-only stadium and make it state of the art. You must tour it to fully appreciate the history. Located at 2000 E Gene Autry Way. 
Disneyland
Disneyland and California Adventure are loads of family fun as always. You get two parks in one at Disneyland. The one thing you are sure to appreciate when visiting a Disney park is the Disney Magic you experience while there.
Be sure to see the nighttime parade known as the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland and the Guardian of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout at Disneyland California Adventure. Located at 1313 Disneyland Dr they are spread across 85 acres of fun.
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney is tons of fun as well. Take in a few hours of the day and experience Disney life without all the rides but as an adult with dining, shopping, and events.
Honda Center
Honda Center is a major piece of fabric in the sports and entertainment world. This venue is known throughout the country for its state-of-the-art facility and history. Home to the Anaheim Ducks this venue does not miss a beat and hosts several dynamic events.
Whether you are looking for the perfect concert or the best of the best sporting events it will be found at the Honda Center 9 times out of 10. Located at 2695 E Katella Avenue.
Shop at the Anaheim GardenWalk
This outdoor shopping center is home to over 40 stores and restaurants, making it the perfect place to find souvenirs or grab a bite to eat. From local boutiques to popular brands like Sephora and Anthropologie, you’ll be sure to find something that catches your eye here!
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm is another great amusement park located near Anaheim that offers tons of fun for all ages! From roller coasters like Xcelerator and Silver Bullet to family-friendly attractions like Camp Snoopy and GhostRider, there’s no shortage of thrills here! Next door is there water park, Knott’s Soak City
Relax at Yorba Regional Park
Those looking for more laid-back activities during their stay in Anaheim can head over to Yorba Regional Park where they can enjoy activities such as fishing or boating on one of its many lakes or simply take a leisurely stroll through its lush green spaces!
Catch a Show at The Grove Theatre
Located just steps away from Disneyland Park entrance gates stands The Grove Theatre which hosts everything from Broadway musicals to comedy shows throughout the year – perfect if you’re looking for an evening out while visiting Anaheim!
Learn About Local History at Muzeo Museum & Cultural Center
Those who want to learn more about local history while visiting Anaheim should make sure they check out Muzeo Museum & Cultural Center which houses exhibits focusing on Orange County’s rich cultural heritage including Native American artifacts as well as works by local artists!
Get Some Thrills at Adventure City Theme Park
Last but not least there’s Adventure City Theme Park which offers plenty of thrills for all ages – from kiddie rides such as Tilt-A-Whirl and Bumper Cars to larger attractions like Sky Tower Ferris Wheel it has something for everyone here making it perfect if you have young kids along with you during your visit!
These are the many things to explore in Anaheim. Exploring and falling in love with Anaheim will never be a challenge.
Get Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
Book Flights
I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! My second favorite site to find flights is Momondo, another great site for finding cheap flights.
Book a Place to Stay
I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.
If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO.
Rent Clothes
Rent clothes for your trip with Travel Style Expert for only $50 a month! The first 30 days are free!
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available.
When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If I am going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean I use Apple Vacations.
Rent a Car or Take a Lyft
More often than not Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Discover Cars.
