Anaheim is a popular tourist destination that is most well known for Disneyland. For the last several years, the city has worked to blend the old and the new and create a place for tourists and locals to be proud of and combine numerous tourist attractions to that list.
Anaheim comes from humble beginnings however, the city was founded by 50 German families in 1857 and was incorporated in 1876 to Los Angeles County. Anaheim comes from the German phrase, “home by the river,” which refers to the Santa Ana River. Originally an agricultural town, Anaheim stayed that way until 1955 when the city welcomed Disneyland and tourists flocked to town.
Angel Stadium
2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806
Anaheim has a rich athletics culture and none as memorable as Angel Stadium. Anaheim welcomed their first major league sport in 1966 with the Angels. This baseball stadium has been home to the Angels since day one and is now the fourth oldest active MLB stadium in the league.
The Big A is a California landmark which can be found on the eastern point of the parking lot. Sitting at 230-feet tall, the Angel Stadium “A” is a symbol of a win and the catch phrase, “Light That Baby Up.” The halo atop of the A is also a historical landmark. The A halo symbolizes greatness from the Angels. Not only have the Angels played here, so did the Rams from 1980 to 1994, the Long Beach 49ers from 1977 to 1982, and Cal State Fullerton from 1970-71 and 1983 just to name a few. This is sure to be a hit with the whole family for a baseball game and the history the stadium holds.
In the off season, we like to attend other events here as well, including Monster Jam and Supercross, and there are sometimes other events throughout the year like family fun runs and marathons, and music festivals like SoCal Harvest.
Anaheim Packing District
440 S Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
Inside the former Sunkist citrus packing house, is a fully renovated food hall. Originally built in 1919, the citrus packing house was restored and repurposed after falling into disarray and reopened in 2014 to serve the community artisan eats. The Packing District is made up of the Anaheim Packing House and Packard Building, Farmers Park as well as the newest addition, the MAKE building.
The Packing district is an artisan eatery that offers a plethora of cuisines ranging from Mexican food at Urbana, Vegan options at Healthy Junk to Soul food at Georgia’s Kitchen and craft cocktails at Hammer Bar. The artisan options keep expanding and in recent years has included the MAKE building with options such as PALI Wine where customers can have various wine makes, be comfortable and mingle, and Unsung Brewing Company gives craft beer a whole new atmosphere where super heroes meet alcohol! One of our favorite spots here is the Blind Rabbit – a speakeasy style bar with small bites. We got right in with a reservation, but it is small so if you are a walk-in, expect to wait for available seating.
If you’re in the area be sure to check out the Packing District.
Honda Center
2695 E Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806
The Honda Center is home to the Anaheim Ducks, where hockey is set beneath palm trees and perfect weather. Officially opened in 1993 and originally named the Arrowhead Pond, the Honda Center is the second of two professional arenas in Anaheim owned by the city. The arena cost $123 million to construct and seats 18,336.
In 2006, after the sale of then Arrowhead Pond and subsequent rebranding, Anaheim and new owners, the Samuelis, began the process of updating the arena. The home of the Anaheim Ducks now features high end club-level restaurants, dubbed the Grand Terrace Project with updated facilities and featuring Shock Top and Jack Daniels, but the upgrades aren’t stopping there.
ocV!BE, set to open in 2024, is the latest expansion plan to make Anaheim a tourist destination not only for Disneyland, but for sports. This new development is going to revolutionize the city and create the ultimate sports destination. ocV!BE will put emphasis on health and wellness with numerous walking paths, two hotels, 10 acres of parks, a 6,000 square foot concert venue, 1500 residential apartments, and much more. Honda Center, with the addition of ocV!BE, will be the place to be in Anaheim.
Currently, Honda Center is a great place to watch hockey games, see your favorite musician live, enjoy championship professional bull riding, and catch a meal in one of the many upscale dining destinations. Be sure to check the Honda Center out!
Oak Canyon Nature Center
6700 E Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92807
Anaheim is so much more than just tourist destinations, and Oak Canyon Nature Center is proof of that. Oak Canyon Nature Center sits on 58-acres in Anaheim Hills and gives the community the ability to enjoy wide open space in nature. Running through the park is a year-round stream that intertwines with three adjoining canyons which consist of four miles of hiking trails. This is a great destination for families with younger hikers as the trails are easy to navigate and we brought our stroller along on several occasions.
Special events and wedding venue spaces are available to rent for a beautiful natural setting on your special day. Receptions however, are not available at Oak Canyon Nature Center because of their invasive nature.
Children between 8 and 12-years-old can participate in O.A.K.S. Day Camp where campers learn more about nature, arts & crafts, and make new friends. Once children turn 12 to 14-years-old, they can sign up for Wilderness Survival Camp where campers can learn about surviving in nature, how to build shelter, archery, and First Aid.
If you are in the area be sure to check it out!
Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney is one of the most popular shopping and restaurant venues in the area, just steps away from Disneyland and California Adventure.
As part of the expansion of the Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney District opened January 12, 2001 alongside Disney California Adventure and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. The Downtown District features various restaurants and stores which have changed and updated over the years.
Whatever you decide to do in Anaheim, it will be an experience to remember, whether it be upscale dining, local hiking or professional sports, this Orange County city won’t disappoint!
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