From Personal Travel Manager, Tanya Patterson.
As much as I love Disneyland, there’s actually more to Anaheim than just Disneyland Resort, the Happiest Place on Earth. Having experienced the destination firsthand, it’s clear that a 7 day stay offers the perfect balance.
Three unforgettable days in the parks, with the rest of your time uncovering everything else this dynamic Southern California city has to offer.
Anaheim is exceptionally well positioned for sports enthusiasts. One of the standout advantages is how easy and affordable it is to access major U.S. sporting events. Both the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Angels play just 10–15 minutes from the Disneyland Resort precinct, making it effortless to catch a live game. Beyond that, a simple one-hour train journey connects you to downtown Los Angeles, where you can experience world class events including the FIFA World Cup, as well as NFL and NBA games.
Food lovers will find Anaheim has quietly transformed into a true culinary hotspot. The city has welcomed an exciting wave of James Beard Awards and Michelin Guide-recognised chefs and bartenders, creating a diverse and high-quality dining scene. Standout experiences include Strong Water for its immersive tiki bar atmosphere, Poppy & Seed for elevated garden-to-table dining, Stone Groove Stillhouse is the city’s first audio stillhouse, and Broken Spirits Distillery. Long time favourites like the Anaheim Packing House continue to impress, while rooftop bars across the city offer a unique perspective, some even with views of Disneyland fireworks on select evenings. Add to that more than 20 craft breweries, and Anaheim becomes a destination in its own right for food and drink.
For those wanting to experience California’s iconic coastline, Anaheim is also an ideal base. While a full Pacific Coast Highway journey can be time intensive, I’ve found that a one day coastal drive from Anaheim delivers just as much impact. Within a short 20–30 minute drive, you can begin a scenic route taking in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach, all in a single day, hugging the coastline and enjoying some of Southern California’s most breathtaking ocean views.
Looking ahead, Anaheim is on the brink of an exciting new chapter. The $4+ billion OCVIBE precinct is set to open its first phase in late 2026/early 2027, it will be the city’s largest development since Disneyland itself. Located just 10 minutes from the resort, it will introduce a vibrant new hub featuring “Katella Commons,” a high-end dining collective, alongside entertainment venues and theatres. It’s set to create an entirely new “downtown” energy within Anaheim.
Beyond these highlights, there’s even more to explore. A day trip to Catalina Island offers a completely different coastal experience, while guided excursions into Los Angeles make it easy to visit attractions such as Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and Universal Studios Hollywood, all without needing to relocate your base from Anaheim. Shopping is plentiful, I personally enjoy the Outlets @ Orange, and for those seeking cultural and educational experiences, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Bowers Museum, and Discovery Cube Orange County are all excellent options, particularly for families.
Seasonal events also add an extra layer of magic to any visit. Celebrations around Halloween, Christmas, Lunar New Year, and various food festivals bring the city to life throughout the year.
All up, Anaheim is far more than just a gateway to Disneyland, it’s a vibrant, well-rounded destination that truly rewards those who take the time to explore beyond the parks.
If 7 days isn’t enough, why not stay longer. Talk to our Personal Travel Managers who can guide you every step of the way.
Images courtesy of Visit Anaheim
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
