We're heading out there for a week in May, primarily for Disneyland, but the wife and I want a day sans little one to explore other parts. Any suggestions for things to do?

2/16/2014 4:53:29 PM

Maybe go see an Angels game or go to Knotts Berry Farm? Anaheim, at least around the resort district, is obviously pretty touristy. The good thing is that there are tons of things to do in other parts of Southern California. We stayed in Anaheim for a week last summer. When we weren't at Disneyland, we drove to LA and San Diego among other places. You can't go wrong with any of the beaches in Orange County either.

2/16/2014 5:02:23 PM

i guess i was thinking is there like a central "hub" with lots of shops/bars within walking distance of each other? we're contemplating san diego also, but may just want to stay within shouting distance of disney in case something arises with our daughter

2/16/2014 5:05:19 PM

There's Gardenwalk near the corner of Katella and Harbor which is an open air shopping center with restaurants and bars. PF Changs and Cheescake Factory are the kind of places you'll find there.

Then there's Downtown Disney obviously. It has all the shopping and dining options you'd expect. If you're not staying on property, I suggest staying on or near Harbor. You'll be closer to everything you want to do and you will have access to the resort's pedestrian entrance. From there you can enter the resort for free and either enter the parks or walk through the esplanade past the parks into Downtown Disney.

2/16/2014 5:17:10 PM

yeah we're staying at disneyland hotel, which is right beside downtown disney i think. wife really wants to do the ellen show, so we may make burbank our day trip

2/16/2014 5:26:23 PM

Yeah, you're at the very end of Downtown Disney. If you want to drink, but don't want to walk too far, check out Trader Sam's. It's a pretty sweet tiki bar next to the hotel's pool.

2/16/2014 5:34:12 PM

Anaheim itself is pretty dumpy. If you've got a car, make the 45 min drive to Laguna Beach and drive up and down PCH. Thank me later

2/16/2014 6:39:28 PM

^He's not wrong. The PCH is pretty awesome.

[Edited on February 16, 2014 at 8:44 PM. Reason : h]

2/16/2014 8:43:52 PM

^, ^^ PCH

2/16/2014 8:54:31 PM

Six Flags Magic Mountain is within driving distance.

2/17/2014 1:08:42 AM

the getty is an absolute must


venice beach boardwalk
santa monica pier

2/17/2014 3:28:32 AM