Looking for some fuel to keep up your energy while sightseeing? Then swing by the Anaheim Packing District for a truly movable feast! Conveniently located right down the street from Disneyland, this former orange-packing plant now serves as a massive dining venue, where locals and tourists alike come to dine and people-watch. With dozens of eateries representing every kind of cuisine, it’s the perfect place for everyone to grab a meal. It’s like the food court of your wildest dreams!
Right next to Disneyland Park is an open-aired world of dining, entertainment and shopping that’ll keep you busy all day long. With plenty of family-friendly options, the LEGO Store is perfect for younger visitors, while Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop lets you indulge in some vintage Americana. For dinner and a show, look no further than Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, and for the timeless Disney souvenirs, make sure to stop into the World of Disney. Best of all, you don’t need to have a Disneyland ticket to visit Downtown Disney — it’s totally free!
Just 30 minutes south of downtown Anaheim lies Huntington Beach, is a sought-out surf spot that attracts surfers. Whether you’re after a foamboard or prefer the thrill (and extra challenge and speed) of a fiberglass board, this is definitely an experience to try out! After catching some waves, end your day with a walk down the famous Huntington Pier — at 1,850 feet long, it’s one of the longest on the entire West Coast.
Stretching for miles along Orange County’s Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach is a haven (and just one of many in the area) for aquatic adventure that offers something fun and exhilarating to everyone — while the surfers can hit the Pacific itself, kayakers can thrive in the protected canals and Intracoastal waterways. Simply rent your own kayak or join a guided tour to learn about the geography and history of the area along the way from a friendly guide — either way, you’ll have a whale of a time!
Often overlooked in favor of Disney, Knott’s Berry Farm has emerged from humble beginnings as a (yep, you guessed it) berry farm to transform into an internationally-renown theme park that will entertain the whole family for hours on end. Boasting an impressive collection of thrill rides, not to mention shows, shops and restaurants galore (including the famous Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant), it has lots to offer those who want their fun with a side order of history.
Whether you’re in the market for a brand new outfit or simply looking to window shop, South Coast Plaza is guaranteed to have something of interest. With over 250 stores and well over a dozen eateries, this popular shopping mall attracts people from all walks of life. Need more convincing? With over 2,800,000 square feet of retail space, this Costa Mesa shopping complex is officially the largest on the entire West Coast!
Pretty as a picture and the pride and joy of its owners, this family-run farm grows in excess of 60 different fruits and veggies throughout the year — giving visitors the chance not only to sample the freshest of crops, but also to join in on the fun with a range of tours and picking activities!
If you’re the kind of person who loves spotting wild animals in their natural habitat, whale watching is absolutely one of the essential things to do in Orange County. Frequently welcoming Mother Nature’s gentle giants, Dana Point Harbor is home to some truly stunning marine wildlife, with a variety of group tours and private charters available to witness nature wave its magic from the comfort of your own boat. Don’t forget your camera!