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Disneyland Parks and House of Blues

Five Things to Do in Anaheim

Anaheim, CA is one of Orange County’s brightest jewels. Full of entertainment, warm weather, and fun, it’s an ideal spot to visit any time of year.

Go to Disneyland: The big one, of course, is to head over to Disneyland. Its two parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, are home to many beloved childhood icons, rides, shows, and shopping experiences.

At Disneyland Park, visit the homes of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy in Toontown. Walk through Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Fantasyland, or head over to New Orleans Square to ride the famous Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion rides. Once the sun sets and the kids have turned in, head over to

Along with the classic characters, Disney California Adventure Park is home to all the Pixar attractions. Talk turtle with Crush from Finding Dory, join the Monsters, Inc. crew in Mike & Sulley to the Rescue, and become honorary toys with the 4D game Toy Story Midway Mania. More than that, discover how the movies are animated at Animation Academy and Sorcerer’s Workshop.

Explore Downtown: Full of awesome little boutiques and restaurants, downtown Anaheim is not to be missed. Many old buildings have been renovated and converted into new businesses. For example, the Anaheim Packing House is now an amazing contemporary food hall without forgetting its roots. One of the few remaining packing houses from the early days of Orange County, the hall is filled with the original vintage labels. Then take the trolley to Center Street Promenade, where visitors can relax at outdoor cafes, trendy boutiques, art shows, farmer's markets, and so much more.

For a splash of culture, head over to some of Anaheim’s ethnic neighborhoods. Of particular note is Little Arabia. Known for its popular hookah lounges and restaurants, it’s also the best place to find baklava, kebabs, shawarma, falafel, and more authentic Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Listen to Music at House of Blues: Home to the best live music, rock club, and nightclub in the city, the House of Blues is filled with an electrifying atmosphere. Anaheim’s venue is especially noteworthy because it’s the flagship for the new style of all House of Blues. With four stages, guests can see everything from big-name musicians, up-and-coming performers, comedians, and karaoke. Feed the belly as well as the soul at the restaurant and bar, which boasts flavorful signature dishes and a daily happy hour.

Sundays are far from a day of rest at the House of Blues. Reserve a spot at the Gospel Brunch to see live entertainment from local talent performing both contemporary and traditional gospel music. Best of all, it includes an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring breakfast favorites, a carving station, southern classics, and delightful desserts.

Visit a Brewery: Anaheim has strong Bavarian roots, so it’s no surprise that there are no less than fifteen breweries in Anaheim, and all of them have unique brews to taste. From ales to stouts to craft beers, there’s enough variety on tap to please casual drinkers and beer connoisseurs alike.

In the Packing District downtown, Anaheim Brewery is a revived pre-Prohibition brewery that specializes in traditionally-made beers. For the adventurous palate and curious mind, head over to Bottle Logic for experimental beers. Anyone who wants great food to go with their brew should grab a seat at Phantom Ales, where a weekly-changing menu paired with ales, ciders, and mead leaves mouths watering. There are even four more breweries planned for the near future; Brewheim, Silo Brewing, Electrica Craft Brewery, and Leisuretown.

Events at the Sports Centers: A must for any baseball fan, the Angels Stadium of Anaheim has been home to the Los Angeles Angels since the team moved to Anaheim in 1965. This ballpark has been the host of the 2002 World Series and boasts amenities like dugout level seating and three club restaurants. It’s a place where super-fans can gather together and cheer their team on to the championship.

The Honda Center, while primarily housing hockey games for the Anaheim Ducks, regularly hosts games for the Harlem Globetrotters and WWE live shows. For the non-sports fan, it’s also the venue for concerts and performances of stars like Ariana Grande, Maroon 5, and Disney on Ice.

-By Ettractions Digital Content Editor, ALLISON BENNETT

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