Anaheim is a great city. I have lived in and around Anaheim for my whole life, so I am proud to be considered one of the top Anaheim real estate appraisers. There is so much to do in Anaheim. Whether you want to go to a theme park, a baseball game, a hockey game, go out and eat great food, do some shopping, or go to a convention – Anaheim has you covered. With so much to do, it is easy to miss some gems. Here is my list of the top 5 things to do in Anaheim.
1. Disney
Yes, Disney has to go on the list (I mean seriously, can you imagine a list of things to do in Anaheim that didn’t include Disney?). It could fill the whole list, but I thought it would be more helpful if I just gave it a combined spot. So, this spot includes Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney (and all of the restaurants there), and the hotels. Some tips to enjoying Disney:
- If you are going to the parks, get there 30-45 minutes before they open and get in the line to get in. If you go to the most popular rides first thing in the morning, there is almost no line. This way you can go on two or three “good rides” before it gets crowded.
- Disneyland Hotel has a great Santa Claus for taking pictures with Santa. You can call the hotel and find out what times he will be available. If you get there 15-20 minutes before one of his shifts start there will be almost no line.
- The Paradise Pier Hotel is the least distinguished of the three hotels that Disney has in Anaheim, but it offers the best view. If you get a room on the right side of the hotel, you can watch the World of Color out the window (and if you turn on the television to the correct channel, you can listen to it too). It also offers a deck for spectacular fireworks viewing.
2. Flightdeck
Fighter jet simulators with huge screens? Check. The ability to have dogfights with a bunch of friends? Check. A full 737 simulator? Check. Mini flight simulators for kids’ birthday parties? Check. Flightdeck is a super fun experience. You need to make reservations, so make sure to call 714-937-1511 beforehand to schedule your time. I have never done the 737 simulator, but the fighter jets are a blast and the kids birthday parties are a huge hit.
3. Anaheim Packing District
The Anaheim Packing District is a fun place to go walk around, people watch, and get some really good food. I know that when this place opened, people from Anaheim (and those from around Anaheim) really appreciate having a place that they can come, hang out with friends, listen to live music and eat really good food. It also doesn’t hurt that the place looks amazing. It is in a refurbished citrus packing house (hence the name) along with a few other old buildings which gives it a special kind of character missing from any newly constructed areas. There are over 20 artisan eateries, live music every weekend, and don’t miss Han’s Homemade Ice Cream!