Shake Things Up With These Unique Outings
Looking to switch up your routine? Home to plenty of entertainment destinations such as Disneyland® Park, Honda Center and Angel Stadium, Anaheim and its neighboring cities are brimming with fun and exciting things to do—especially for a memorable date or hanging out with friends and family.
So, whether you’re a local who wants to relax and unwind or an adventure-seeker who’s just passing through, Anaheim offers plenty of exciting activities to enjoy with your favorite people. From classic baseball games to charming coffee dates, here are eight outings that prove this Orange County city has something for everyone.
Home Runs and Rooftop Fireworks
Enjoy America’s favorite pastime by catching a baseball game at Angel Stadium! Cheer on the home team while indulging in classic ballpark concessions like an ice-cold beer, Nashville hot chicken tenders or the iconic Helmet Nachos. After the game, take the JW Marriott elevator up to Parkestry Rooftop Bar for dinner and creative cocktails. Parkestry offers live music performances Thursday through Saturday from 7-10 p.m., and if you time it right, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of Disneyland® Park’s fireworks (typically starting at 9:30 p.m.). Parkestry also has two happy hours, Sunset Happy Hour (Tuesday through Saturday, 6-7 p.m.) and Late-Night Happy Hour (Tuesday through Saturday, 10 p.m. to midnight).
Pixar Pals and Jousting Royals
Experience the enchantment of Pixar from April 26 through August 4 at Pixar Fest! This festive celebration is packed with fun and excitement for all ages—think parades, firework displays, dance parties and meet-and-greets with Pixar characters. This exciting celebration will take place at the Disneyland® Resort—don’t miss out on this epic event! After a day at the festival, travel way back in time with a visit to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Enter the world of knights and royalty with an immersive dinner and a show where there will be some guaranteed horsing around.
Bottomless Brunchin’ and Board Games
Mimosas, Benedicts and outrageously delicious fried pancakes—these are just three of the many reasons why you and your favorite foodies should head over to Mimosas for brunch in Anaheim. Aside from specialty mimosas (like prickly pear, hibiscus and lavender), Madres Brunch also offers a mouthwatering selection of chilaquiles, omelettes, French toast and more—and if you’re feeling decadent, try the Brunch Burger! After fueling up, head over to GameCraft Brewing for some post-brunch fun. With a wide selection of craft beers and an array of games, including board games, trivia and tabletop classics, you’re guaranteed some friendly competition. Be sure to check out GameCraft Brewing Anaheim’s Instagram to see if they have anything organized (like trivia night or a festival) when you visit!
Local Insight: Looking for a delicious pick-me-up? Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe (just a 10-minute drive from GameCraft Brewing) almost always has a line out the door, but the Japanese baked goods and delicious coffee are so worth it. And on April 21, the bakery’s seasonal Asian craft market Takumi Alley is taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.!
Tee Time and Food Hall Favorites
For kids and kids at heart, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon than being on the green—the putt-putt green, that is. Head over to Camelot Golfland for a fun-filled miniature golf date where you can navigate whimsical obstacles that are sure to make you smile (no matter how tough some of those holes can be). While we love the mini golf course, Camelot Golfland also offers other activities like playing in the arcade and laser tag. After working up an appetite, we recommend making your way to Anaheim Packing District for a snack, a drink or a delicious meal. Some of our favorite spots in this upscale food hall include Hammer Workshop & Bar, Urbana Mexican Gastronomy, ADYA and Mini Monster Cafe, but truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any of the vendors here!
Local Insight: Be sure to check Anaheim Packing District’s calendar of events to see which musicians will be performing live music that day!
Fine Dining and Electrifying Entertainment
For something extra special, treat your significant other to an elegant dinner at the historic Anaheim White House, where you can indulge in exquisite Italian steakhouse cuisine in a romantic setting perfect for a date. Owned by the renowned Chef Bruno Serato, this iconic Anaheim restaurant occupies a historic old home and prides itself on its regal decor, unmatched service and, of course, a menu featuring a selection of caviar and decadent dishes like lobster ravioli, frog legs, fresh pastas and more.
Post-dinner, head to the Honda Center to enjoy a can’t-miss performance from the arena’s amazing line-up of entertainers, including Gabriel Iglesias (Apr. 19), Janet Jackson (Jun. 9), Jennifer Lopez (Jul. 13) and USHER (Nov. 18).
Local Insight: For foodies looking to take your classic dinner-and-drinks date to the next level, make your way to the Anaheim Packing District’s Poppy & Seed, then walk over to The Blind Rabbit speakeasy (you’ll want to make reservations for both).
Waffles, Fries and Science Guys
If you’re tired of first dates at a movie theater, consider something a bit more fun and interactive. Start your date with lunch at Chick-N-Out, a tasty spot for fried chicken sandwiches, loaded fries and a whole lotta heat (if you want it). Once you’ve filled up on brain food, take a drive out to the Discovery Cube. Whether you frequented the museum as a kid or it’s your first time, the Discovery Cube is the perfect place to learn something new together. The museum is definitely geared toward kids, so be prepared for fun, vibrant and easily digestible exhibits and plenty of exciting events like Bubblefest. And ocean lovers, be sure to check out the recently added Sea Lab exhibit!
Peaceful Picnics and Pixie Dust
Escape the hustle and bustle with a peaceful pre-Disney picnic at Aloe Greens Park. Ideal for those who prefer a more low-key atmosphere, this tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop for quality time together, whether you’re on a date, spending time with friends or out as a family. Of course, Disneyland® Park is never anything short of magical, but if you’re looking for an extra-special reason to visit, mark your calendars for Season of the Force (Apr. 5-Jun. 2), Pixar Fest (Apr. 26-Aug. 4), Bats Day (May 5), Pride Nite (Jun. 18 and 20), Plaza de la Familia (Aug. 23-Nov. 2), Disney Gay Days (Sep. 13-15) and more.
Fantasy Fun and Fishing
For a trip down the rabbit hole, step inside the quirky and colorful Requiem Cafe, where suspended lanterns, draping florals and funky mood lighting set the scene for an immersive experience. This queer-owned, fantasy-themed destination caters to everyone from anime fans to gamers and comic book lovers. Order one of their specialty lattes, like the Banana Brulee or the matcha-based Emerald Weapon, before heading to your next stop: Huckleberry Pond. Here, you can take a walk and people-watch, lounge in the sun or spend the rest of the day fishing—no need to bring any equipment! Fishing poles can be rented for just $10, and visitors pay per pound on the fish they catch!
Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.
