In 2019, 18.67 million people visited Disneyland in Anaheim. In addition to the other Disney parks around the world, this makes the Disney parks the most visited theme parks in the world. While Anaheim is known for being home to Disneyland and California Adventure Park—and a trip to these parks is one of our favorite activities—there’s more to the city than wild attractions and character meet and greets.
Some of the best summer activities are the ones that few people know about. If you’re looking for things to do in Anaheim that are off the beaten path, here are three of our favorite hidden gems in the city.
The Anaheim Packing District
If you love food as much as we do, you’ll love the Anaheim Packing District. With local merchants selling homemade food, a vintage market, and events, this upscale food court is a hotspot for a bunch of summer activities. There are so many options for food—like Japanese-style crepes, fish and chips, fresh Indian food, Thai, and gelato—that you’ll find something to satisfy any craving.
Whether you want to enjoy some great food or live music, there are so many fun events to experience, too! They are always adding to their events calendar, so be sure to check in often to find anything you may be interested in.
Oak Canyon Nature Center
Oak Canyon Nature Center—a 58-acre natural park in Anaheim—features some of the best hiking trails in the area. Offering a stream that runs throughout the park all year round, native wildlife, and three adjoining canyons, this is one of the greatest places to explore to experience a few of the most beautiful scenes California has to offer.
The park is not only open to the public seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, but it also has the John J. Collier Interpretive Center, which is open on the weekends for visitors to enjoy. This museum has live animal and natural history exhibits. Perfect for beginners who have just begun hiking and more-experienced hikers alike, Oak Canyon has something for everyone.
Flightdeck Simulation Center
Have you ever wanted to see what it would be like to fly in an authentic military flight? Well, thanks to the Flightdeck Simulation Center, now you can do just that without the risk. They have the option to control a Boeing 737 or fighter jets in their flight simulator, allowing visitors to experience completing aerial maneuvers and air-to-air combat. Not only will they train you before the experience, but they also provide in-flight instructions.
Consistently voted as one of the best things to do in Anaheim, this flight simulation is sure to give you an adrenaline rush.
OC Parks Events
This summer in Orange County, the OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema Film Series are back! From June 18 to September 10, there will be 10 free concerts and 13 free movie showings. The concerts will be on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m., with the music beginning at 6:00 p.m. The movie nights will be on Fridays at 6:00 p.m., with the movie beginning at sundown. Visit the website to see a schedule of the events.
No matter what you want to experience this summer—great food, nature, or thrills—you’ll find a variety of things to do in Anaheim.
Pacific Palms Apartment Homes offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Anaheim, California.
Image courtesy of Anthony N. on Yelp