The Anaheim GardenWalk has had a long and winding journey since it opened in 2008. This was known as an outdoor mall when it opened back then; it is described today as a destination for “eatertainment”, art, and nightlife.
Many major-name restaurants, performance venues, and art galleries do business here, and the national brands represented at GardenWalk include Johnny Rockets, the Cheesecake Factory, and AMC.
Anaheim GardenWalk may have started out as a retail shopping site, but has evolved into something much bigger. With nearly 500,000 square feet of attractions (including the House of Blues and proximity to the Disneyland Resort) it’s no surprise that Gardenwalk has survived in spite of some rough times.
A Brief History of Anaheim GardenWalk
Anaheim Gardenwalk opened in 2008, during the Great Recession. Some say it’s no surprise that the project suffered given its timing. Indeed, the Orange County Register reported Gardenwalk defaulting on a $210 million construction loan in 2010.
There was also a struggle to keep retail occupancy–it was only at 50% of its total capacity in 2011. By 2014 many of the retail operations there had closed–at least where fashion is concerned.
But in spite of these troubles, the outdoor mall wasn’t going away; one major development in GardenWalk’s favor happened in 2017. The House of Blues, formerly located at Downtown Disney, reopened in Anaheim GardenWalk, taking over a suitably large space previously occupied by UltraLuxe Cinemas.
The House Of Blues tends to make for a good draw of tourists and live music-loving locals, and the venue is known for its famous Gospel brunch. In addition to the House of Blues, today the GardenWalk facility includes fitness centers, a bowling alley, and many restaurants.
You’ll find national chains here from the California Pizza Kitchen to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Anaheim GardenWalk also features local art attractions including galleries, plus a group of murals created by local artists on a rotating basis.
The entire GardenWalk facility was sold in 2019 for some $80 million; at the time, the Orange County Register reported at the time about plans to expand the operation by selling time share units on top of its parking garage.
This as more development was being planned in the area at the time; conditions were definitely ripe for all the businesses in the area to get a boost from the greater interest in putting more businesses in the area.
What To Know About Anaheim GardenWalk
This facility is known for being arts-friendly; so much so that it has won Best-Of accolades from Orange Coast Magazine. There are galleries, pop-up galleries, and much more.
One Orange County newspaper reported a 2017 effort that involved nearly 20 large murals at sizes as large as 14 by 20 feet. The 2017 project was done by local artists for free, with donated materials and supplies. It’s just one example of the types of creativity encouraged at GardenWalk.
Today you can get a good look at the work of some 30 local artists along the GardenWalk Art On The Walk tour that stretches across the property. Visitors are encouraged to take photos of these murals and post them on social media; hashtagging with the name of the artist is a common courtesy when doing so.
Artists, vendors, and retailers operate in the GardenWalk space regularly, but if you are considering a pop-up event on the property, you will be required to coordinate your efforts and have the approval of GardenWalk organizers first. No unapproved soliciting, sales, or vending is permitted.
This facility is also home to seasonal events featuring local artists and other vendors. The annual Halloween Carnival is a great example of this; running every weekend in October, this free-to-the-public event features a dozen food trucks and more than 50 vendors.
Visiting Anaheim GardenWalk
Anaheim GardenWalk is located at:
400 West Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
Website: https://anaheimgardenwalk.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenwalk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGardenWalk
Hours for this facility will vary based on the retailer–there are no standard operating hours for the facility as a whole.
What Not To Bring
The rules at Anaheim GardenWalk are typical; no weapons, skateboards, rollerblades, or obscene graphics on clothing or backpacks. Decorative masks are not permitted. No open-flame items or barbecues are permitted, and no recording devices can be operated on the property without prior clearance.
Pet Policy
Individual retailers have their own policies, but in general when visiting the GardenWalk there is no specific prohibition in the Code of Conduct for the facility against pets, service animals, comfort animals, etc. It may be necessary to call ahead to facilities like the House Of Blues or the AMC Theater to learn what retailer-specific rules may apply.,
Parking At GardenWalk
The six-story parking garage at Anaheim GardenWalk features hourly rates, and drivers should know there is a $30 lost parking ticket fee–do NOT lose your ticket! The first hour is complimentary and the hourly rate is charged for both full and partial-hour use after the first free hour. Valet parking may be available.
Which Retailers Are At Anaheim Gardenwalk?
Shops and restaurants may come and go frequently from outdoor mall-type destinations like Gardenwalk, but at press time shops, venues, and restaurants operating at the site include but are not limited to:
- 9 Lives 4 Mew
- AllMyTea Cafe
- AMC Anaheim GardenWalk 6
- Anaheim GardenWalk Parking
- Anaheim House of Jerky
- Argo Pets Gift & Supplies
- Billy Beez
- Bowlero
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Café Bulba
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Casa De Pancho Mexican Grill & Cantina
- CaseMac Wireless
- ChaPlus Modern Tea Room
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Dara Beauty
- Factory Xtreme
- FiRE + iCe Interactive Grill + Bar
- Flightdeck Simulation Center
- Foundation Room Anaheim
- Heat Ultra Lounge
- House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
- Huckleberry Breakfast & Lunch
- Johnny Rockets
- King Coffee
- Kip Barry’s Cabaret and Magic Café
- La Michoacana
- STC Center
- UFC FIT
- World of Asia
- YiYa Formosa
Among the restaurants in the GardenWalk you will find many willing to deliver from this location. These locations participate in one of the many delivery services now operating under names like Uber Eats, DoorDash, GrubHub, etc.
Many of the same restaurants participate in a GardenWalk Happy Hour with varying hours. Some operate a happy hour until 10PM, others end much earlier. Call the restaurant or bar in advance to learn what current options are and how long they last. Many of the companies in the GardenWalk cater to vegetarian and vegan patrons and you can call ahead for that information too.
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