Things to do in Anaheim & Buena Park

Things to do in  Anaheim & Buena Park

Doorway to Disneyland

Kid-friendly attractions like Disneyland® and Knott’s Berry Farm pull incredible numbers of visitors per year, but Anaheim & Buena Park are known for much more than just Mickey Mouse and Charlie Brown. Some of the best things to do in Anaheim & Buena Park include a dinner at Medieval Times, a baseball game at Angel Stadium, and a hike at Oak Canyon Nature Center. Plus, the area offers day trips opportunities to Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and other attractions like LEGOLAND® and SEA LIFE® aquarium in Carlsbad.

Top 13 attractions in Anaheim & Buena Park

Huntington Beach

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Huntington Beach is a classic California beach town located in coastal Orange County between San Diego and Los Angeles. Thanks to endless summer weather, 10 miles of sandy beaches, and the first stateside demonstration of surfing at the Huntington Beach Pier in 1914, the city's moniker is Surf City USA.More

Pirates Dinner Adventure

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Board a replica 18th-century Spanish galleon in Buena Park for the Pirates Dinner Adventure, a family-friendly evening that includes a swashbuckling show and buffet dinner. Enjoy a night of action, comedy, adventure, and romance, complete with dramatic sword play, gravity-defying stunts and acrobatics, fiery pyrotechnics, and dazzling special effects.More

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

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Located in Yorba Linda, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum documents the life and legacy of the controversial 37th president of the United States. Visit the museum—fully renovated in 2016—to engage with interactive displays, new exhibits, multimedia presentations, and replicas of the Oval Office and East Room.More

Knott's Berry Farm

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Knott’s Berry Farm, a 160-acre (65-hectare) amusement park in Buena Park, California, is one of the most-visited theme parks in the United States. The attractions—from dizzying roller coasters to scream-inducing thrill rides—and water park make Knott’s a popular option for family fun in Southern California.More

Disney California Adventure® Park

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Home to a host of Disney®-, Pixar-, and Marvel-themed attractions across eight distinct lands—including Pixar Pier, Hollywood Land, and Buena Vista Street—Disney California Adventure® Park is ideal for younger kids, superhero fans, and adults alike. Meet famous faces such as Elsa and Anna, Black Panther, and Groot; catch the after-dark World of Colors spectacular; and tuck into a Ghirardelli hot fudge sundae.More

Angel Stadium

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The Angel Stadium of Anaheim, home to Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels, ranks among the country’s most scenic stadiums thanks to its prime views of the San Gabriel and Santa Ana Mountains. A standout feature is the California Spectacular, a fake boulder display—complete with an erupting geyser—tucked behind center field.More
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Christ Cathedral

Christ Cathedral

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Designed by postmodernist architect Philip Johnson, the Crystal Cathedral was built in the shape of a four-pointed star and boasts 10,661 windows, seating capacity for 3,000, and an organ with 17,106 pipes. The structure anchors a vast campus of gardens, reflecting pools, fountains, and sculptures, including a Gothic prayer chapel.More

Downtown Disney® District

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For dining, shopping, and entertainment, head to the Downtown Disney® District, located within walking distance of Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park. Open daily, the district’s dining options run the gamut from Mexican and American fare to Cajun and Italian cuisine, while popular shops include the Star Wars™ Trading Post, LEGO® Store, and Sephora. For a spot of entertainment, don’t miss the lively jazz club.More
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Knott's Soak City

Knott's Soak City

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Inspired by the beach towns and surf culture of Southern California, Knott’s Soak City is a great way to beat the summer heat. From dueling tube slides to a relaxing lazy river and a children’s pool area, the whimsical water park is an essential Orange County summer experience for the whole family.More
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Medieval Times Buena Park

Medieval Times Buena Park

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One of America's favorite dinner attractions, Medieval Times Buena Park puts on an evening spectacular filled with pageantry, dramatic horsemanship, breathtaking swordplay, and romance. Guests feast on a 4-course banquet served without silverware in a mock 11th-century Spanish palace, complete with red tile roofs and palm trees.More
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Orange County Coast

Orange County Coast

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Boasting 42 miles (68 kilometers) of sandy beaches, surf breaks, and hiking trails, the Orange County coast is classic Southern California. Fronting the shoreline is a lineup of colorful towns with big personalities, from chic Laguna Beach to Huntington Beach, a laid-back haven that earns its nickname of “Surf City USA.”More
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Bowers Museum

Bowers Museum

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Orange County’s largest museum, the Bowers Museum brings a diverse range of cultures to Southern California. Its collection of 91,000 works of art represent peoples from around the globe and is particularly strong in the areas of Asian, Pacific, Native American, and pre-Columbian art, as well as Orange County history.More

Disneyland® Park

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The original Disney® destination, developed in 1955 by Walt Disney, Disneyland® Park remains a favorite of both kids and adults alike. Known for its nine lands—including Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, and the most recent addition, Star Wars™: Galaxy’s Edge—this is the place to enjoy classic Disney attractions such as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Space Mountain®, and Pirates of the Caribbean®.More

Top activities in Anaheim & Buena Park

Disneyland Resort Tickets

Disneyland Resort Tickets

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Small-Group Hollywood, LA Beaches & Filming Location Tour from Anaheim
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Full-Day Los Angeles Sightseeing Tour from Anaheim
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Universal Studios Round-Trip Transportation from Anaheim
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Hollywood Tour
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Hollywood Tour

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All about Anaheim & Buena Park

When to visit

The busiest season in the Anaheim and Buena Park area is summer, when schools are out and families head in masses to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s best to visit in fall when crowds are less, and flight and hotel prices go down. Another great time to visit is late spring, particularly in March, when top attractions are still less busy, and you can catch Anaheim’s annual two-day Civil War reenactment event.

Getting around

If you’re staying in Anaheim without access to a car, a great way to get around is the Anaheim Regional Transportation service (also known as ART). Day passes are available and affordable, and this service stops at more than 15 spots near popular attractions like Disneyland and the Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Plus, ART also has daily routes heading to Buena Park, so it’s an option for travelers looking to skip taking taxis or rideshares.

Traveler tips

For travelers exploring without kids, go beyond the theme parks and opt for more adult-worthy fun. In downtown Anaheim, spend an evening at Strong Water Anaheim, an intricately decorated, ship-themed bar and dinner restaurant with a separate menu of more than 20 artisan rums, or see a show at House of Blues Anaheim. You also can test your skills at the nearby American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park in Santa Ana, just a short drive from both Buena Park and Anaheim.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PDT (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
13
Tours
141
Reviews
2,649
EN
d5c7ad9e-74d6-44a5-8ba7-51ab2cefb166
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Anaheim known for?

Anaheim is known by many as the city that Disneyland® calls home, but it’s also famous for its sports teams, the Los Angeles Angels and Anaheim Ducks, which both have stadiums in Anaheim. The city is one of the largest in Orange County—a county recognized for its beautiful beaches.

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Is Anaheim worth visiting?

Yes, even if you’re not a die-hard Disney® fan or sports enthusiast, Anaheim has plenty to offer travelers and is well worth visiting. From the prohibition-inspired speakeasy, the Blind Rabbit, to the outdoor oasis that is Oak Canyon Nature Center, the city is sprinkled with hidden gems to enjoy, too.

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Is one day enough for Disneyland Anaheim?

Yes, you can do Disneyland® in a day, but you will miss out on a lot. For 1-day visits, go between Jan. and early Mar. when the park is less busy. If you’re going to visit both Disneyland® and Disney® California Adventure Park, plan at least a day for each.

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How far is Anaheim from Legoland?

Anaheim to Legoland in Carlsbad is a little more than 60 miles (97 kilometers), which takes more than an hour to drive—and that’s without any dreaded California traffic. If you want to make the trip without driving, try taking a bus or train, but it'll take about 2.5–3 hours.

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What is Buena Park known for?

Buena Park is known for its popular attractions, particularly Knott’s Berry Farm theme park and Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Most travelers pop into the city to visit one (or more) of its attractions and then head to a nearby beach town or other resort area.

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How far is the beach from Buena Park?

The good news for beach lovers is that Huntington Beach is only about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Buena Park, making it the closest one to the city. Newport Beach and Laguna Beach are also fairly close to Buena Park, so you'll have your choice of coastal cities.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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