Walt Disney established the legendary Disneyland theme park in 1955, and it's been making dreams come true ever since. While it looks a bit different today, the classics are still the best. My favorite is the Indiana Jones Adventure. The rolling boulder gets me every time!
The toned and ridiculously fit athletes on the USA National Volleyball team train right here, in skimpy summer wear. 'Nuff said.
Even though the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim were founded by The Walt Disney Company in 1993 (based on the awesome movie) the team is anything but tame. The only thing we haven't seen from them yet is the Flying V.
In addition to serving as the home stadium for the Ducks, the Pond (yes, we still call it that even though Honda technically owns it now) has also seen A-list artists like Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and Jay-Z, and sports like Mixed Martial Arts.
... than at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim. This ballpark has been the home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for decades. Mickey Mantle hit his last game-winning homer here, so who knows, you might get lucky as well. Don't forget your glove.
Honda Center not big enough for you? With 1.6 million total square feet, the Anaheim Convention Center is the largest convention center on the entire West Coast. That's a lot of leg room.
As the oldest city in the Orange County, Anaheim is no stranger to history and interesting culture. The aptly named MUZEO is the perfect place to explore topics like Imperial Russian art or the impact of the leather jacket on fashion. Still not satisfied? Stroll by the Anaheim Colony and Historic Palm districts downtown. Bonus points if you can find all four Anaheim Colony monuments.
If all the excitement of the city has you craving some open space check out Yorba Regional Park, where you can stroll along paths bordering four lakes and 140 acres of dog-friendly heaven.
Remember when I said that the Pond hosted Gwen Stefani? Well it's no surprise, considering that her first band No Doubt got started right here in Anaheim in 1986, and broke onto the music scene six years later. Now if only they came back to play more home concerts.
The Santa Ana Winds, a scouring current of air that descends from the hills once a year causing confusion and heat waves. Sounds bad on paper, but talk to some of the locals and you'll get the sense that Anaheim just wouldn't be the same without it.
With all of these attractions it's no wonder Anaheim has some awesome food. Treat yourself to Ahi tuna at The Catch Restaurant, or some ribeye steak and dancing with a date at the Ranch Restaurant. Whatever your preference, quality grub is never too far away.
Sure, a lot of cities have annual Halloween parades, but has yours been going on since 1924? Ours has. With almost 30,000 people in attendance every year, this parade is definitely a can't-miss.
On Thursdays year-round the city hosts the downtown Farmers' Market & Craft Fair, where you'll always find fresh local foods, handmade gifts, and even live music!
That's right! Anaheim features it's own Walk of the Stars, complete with athletes, composers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. With a bit of time and luck, you'll find names like Gene Autry and Walt Disney memorialized in granite.
In the event that the Magic Kingdom becomes. a little too magical, never fear: We have Adventure City, perfect for families and younger children. In addition to the fun rides and totally reasonable admission price, the parking is free!
With all the hotels near Disneyland competing for your business, you'll want to search for the best deal possible. Our recommendation? Ditch the chains like Marriott and Best Western and try the Candy Cane Inn for the best combination of price and comfort.
With all the flashy tourism, sometimes you need a reminder of where all of it got started. We'll take care of that. Some of our streets are named for early pioneer women, so if you ever find yourself strolling on Claudina, Sabrina, or Wilhelmina Street, don't forget to pay silent homage to the ones who made it all possible.
... nightlife, that is. For the best night out in the city, don't miss Happy Hour at the Anaheim GardenWalk shopping center. And be sure to stop by Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for some of their famous Shrimp Shack mac & cheese.
If you've got a thing for Bavarian brew, then the Anaheim Brewery is the thing for you. Big on both quality and history, this landmark brewery has been serving up suds since 1870.
Anaheim has golfers of all abilities more than covered. To get the kids involved, head over to Dad Miller Golf Course to enroll them in a junior golf camp. Those of you looking to do some serious work on your long game should check out the swanky Mediterranean-style Anaheim Hills Golf Course.
For those of you who can't really imagine that idea, waste no more time and slide on over to Anaheim's Yoga Mat, where your mind and body become one. Ohhmmm.
The word "Anaheim" was first coined by early Germanic Settlers, and translates to "home by the Santa Ana River". After a spin on your bike on the Santa Ana River Trail, you'll understand why the landmark was such an inspiration.
With a violent crime rate that is 15% lower than the California average, Anaheim is considered one of the safest cities in America. Just another perk of living near the "Happiest Place On Earth."
Think In-N-Out has good burgers? You obviously haven't been to Knowlwood, home to the world's best hamburger since 1957. Trust me.
OK, how interesting can a movie theater get, really? Head on over to the most awesome theater in the county, UltraLuxe Anaheim Cinemas, to get your answer. Adults can order beer and wine from the 21+ section seats-which are adjustable, by the way. Whaaaaat?
Few have heard of Club 33, and fewer still have seen it. This exclusive club is hidden somewhere in New Orleans Square, and is the only place in the park where drinking is allowed. With an initiation fee of $25,000, chances are you'll never step foot inside. But if you spot people wearing walking away from New Orleans Square wearing a wistful look of awe, you'll know exactly what caused it.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user peasap
