Fun things to do in Anaheim outside of Disneyland

Photo Credit: Anaheim Orange County
Visitor & Convention Bureau

There are plenty of fun things to do in Anaheim outside of Disneyland. Whether it’s going to a sporting event, experiencing the local arts and culture, sightseeing or thrill seeking, Anaheim and the surrounding area has it all.

Sporting events

Local professional sports teams include the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Ducks play at the Honda Center mid-October to mid-April. The Angels play early April to early October at the Angels Stadium. Both venues are also great places to catch a concert or special sporting event. Check the events calendar on each website for more info.

Arts and culture scene

Anaheim has a strong arts and culture scene. Enjoy a concert by the Orange County Symphony, a performance by the Anaheim Ballet, or a play or Broadway musical at the City National grove of Anaheim.

Muzeo is a new museum in Anaheim that encompasses self-guided audio podcasts, interactive elements, interchangeable displays and world-class traveling exhibits. 

A great place to take in the local scene is the Anaheim Packing District, formerly known as the Anaheim Citrus Packing House. In the early 1900s, farmers would gather here to unload their trucks of citrus to be washed, graded and packed into wooden crates for shipping. Nearly 100 years later, the The Packing District has been restored and transformed into a mix of restaurants and a farmers market. It also features community spaces that are used for anything from yoga classes to live music. Cozy up to the giant fireplace or spread out a blanket for a picnic on Farmers Park, which features plenty of greenspace, as well as a community garden and olive grove. 

Sightseeing

In addition to exploring historic areas in downtown Anaheim, there are great sightseeing opportunities within a short driving distance. In about 30 minutes, you can be on the coast, where a unique opportunity to go whale watching awaits. Take any number of guided tours out on the water to look for California gray whales, blue whales (the largest mammal on earth), sea lions, dolphins and other wildlife.

Every March, Dana Point hosts the Festival of Whales, which features a lecture series, kids’ expo, fishing clinics, art lessons in the wild with Wyland, and of course, whale watching. During the festival, whale watching trips depart every hour on the hour. There are morning and sunset trips available, as well as a 2 ½ hour Deluxe Catamaran adventure.     

Thrill seeking

Two thrilling experiences in Anaheim include the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center and K1 Speed Indoor Cart Racing. 

The Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center has 8 fighter jet simulators and a flight simulator based on the Boeing 737-800. “Flying” one of these planes gives you the chance to experience what it’s like to complete aerial maneuvers at 600 knots and engage in air-to-air combat. For those who don’t want to fly, a great experience still awaits. Relax in the Officers Club where you can keep tabs on the “pilot” on any one of 10 large LCD screens. Pilots must be at least 11 years old to fly any of the simulators.

At K1 Speed Indoor Cart Racing, the go-kart tracks have been designed by professionals and are fully enclosed so you can zip around the course rain or shine. K1’s high-performance electric karts are capable of approaching 45 MPH, which should satisfy your need for speed. Drivers must be at least 4 feet tall to participate.

My Castle House

With so many fun things to do in Anaheim, you'll enjoy heading back to relax in your beautiful Disneyland vacation rental home by My Castle House. We offer 14 wonderful properties in the Anaheim, Ca., area, all convenient to area attractions. All of our Disneyland vacation rentals are well-appointed offering the comforts of home and the ability to prepare your own meals in fully equipped kitchens. Relax in the pool – all of our castles have one – and get a good night’s rest in any one of our incredible themed rooms.