Things to do in  Anaheim & Buena Park

Thanks to its year-round summer weather, miles of sandy beaches, and enviable waves, Huntington Beach’s moniker is Surf City USA. Luckily for non-surfers, you don’t need to be good on a board to appreciate this quintessential Southern California beach town. Take a sunset walk along the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, and you’ll see why even short-term visitors can’t help but acclimate to the city’s laid-back lifestyle.

Board a replica 18th-century Spanish galleon in Buena Park for the Pirates Dinner Adventure, a family-friendly evening that includes a swashbuckling show and buffet dinner. Enjoy a night of action, comedy, adventure, and romance, complete with dramatic sword play, gravity-defying stunts and acrobatics, fiery pyrotechnics, and dazzling special effects.

Knott’s Berry Farm, a 160-acre (65-hectare) amusement park in Buena Park, California, is one of the most-visited theme parks in the United States. The attractions—from dizzying roller coasters to scream-inducing thrill rides—and water park make Knott’s a popular option for family fun in Southern California.

Boasting 42 miles (68 kilometers) of sandy beaches, surf breaks, and hiking trails, the Orange County coast is classic Southern California. Fronting the shoreline is a lineup of colorful towns with big personalities, from chic Laguna Beach to Huntington Beach, a laid-back haven that earns its nickname of “Surf City USA.”

Located in Yorba Linda, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum documents the life and legacy of the controversial 37th president of the United States. Visit the museum—fully renovated in 2016—to engage with interactive displays, new exhibits, multimedia presentations, and replicas of the Oval Office and East Room.

The Angel Stadium of Anaheim, home to Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels, ranks among the country’s most scenic stadiums thanks to its prime views of the San Gabriel and Santa Ana Mountains. A standout feature is the California Spectacular, a fake boulder display—complete with an erupting geyser—tucked behind center field.

Home to a host of Disney®-, Pixar-, and Marvel-themed attractions across eight distinct lands—including Pixar Pier, Hollywood Land, and Buena Vista Street—Disney California Adventure® Park is ideal for younger kids, superhero fans, and adults alike. Meet famous faces such as Elsa and Anna, Black Panther, and Groot; catch the after-dark World of Colors spectacular; and tuck into a Ghirardelli hot fudge sundae.

For dining, shopping, and entertainment, head to the Downtown Disney® District, located within walking distance of Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. Open daily, the district’s dining options run the gamut from Mexican and American fare to Cajun and Italian cuisine, while popular shops include the Star Wars™ Trading Post, LEGO® Store, and Sephora. For a spot of entertainment, don’t miss the lively jazz club.

One of America's favorite dinner attractions, Medieval Times Buena Park puts on an evening spectacular filled with pageantry, dramatic horsemanship, breathtaking swordplay, and romance. Guests feast on a 4-course banquet served without silverware in a mock 11th-century Spanish palace, complete with red tile roofs and palm trees.

Designed by postmodernist architect Philip Johnson, the Crystal Cathedral was built in the shape of a four-pointed star and boasts 10,661 windows, seating capacity for 3,000, and an organ with 17,106 pipes. The structure anchors a vast campus of gardens, reflecting pools, fountains, and sculptures, including a Gothic prayer chapel.

Orange County’s largest museum, the Bowers Museum brings a diverse range of cultures to Southern California. Its collection of 91,000 works of art represent peoples from around the globe and is particularly strong in the areas of Asian, Pacific, Native American, and pre-Columbian art, as well as Orange County history.

Inspired by the beach towns and surf culture of Southern California, Knott’s Soak City is a great way to beat the summer heat. From dueling tube slides to a relaxing lazy river and a children’s pool area, the whimsical water park is an essential Orange County summer experience for the whole family.

Every Thursday, the Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market offers a vibrant, community-driven smorgasbord of flavor. Located on Center Street Promenade, the market pairs fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and food vendors with live music and family-friendly activities, making this a spot to shop and hang out. It’s a great way to support local farmers and enjoy the diverse flavors of Anaheim.

Home to the Anaheim Ducks—a National Hockey League team—the Honda Center is best known for its sporting events, although the 18,000-seat venue hosts all sorts of festivities, from family shows to concerts, local fairs, and more. Opened in 1993, the Honda Center is the anchor of Anaheim’s brand-new entertainment district.

The original Disney® destination, developed in 1955 by Walt Disney, Disneyland® Park remains a favorite of both kids and adults alike. Known for its nine lands—from the original Fantasyland and Adventureland to the newer Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—this is the place to cross paths with classic Disney® characters and experience attractions such as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain rollercoaster, and Pirates of the Caribbean cruise.