The most famous place in Anaheim is by far Disneyland Park. If you have a free day during your trip to Academy, you should embrace your inner child and spend some quality time at Disneyland! Sail with the pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet your favorite fairy-tale princes and princesses, dive under the ocean, and rocket through the stars!
If you’re feeling extra energetic, purchase the park-hopper pass so you can also explore Disney’s California Adventure Park. Or, if you don’t feel like forking out the cash to buy the expensive tickets, at least visit Downtown Disney District which is a lively promenade featuring distinctive eateries, unique shops, and exciting entertainment! Are you going?
After spending several hours in classes, you’ll definitely want a break from it all the Anaheim GardenWalk is a great place to wind down. The GardenWalk is an outdoor dining, entertaining, and shopping destination just steps from the Convention Center. Enjoy a little retail therapy at the many trendy shops, grab some dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, then grab some drinks and challenge your classmates to some bowling at the popular Bowlmor Lanes.
Want to check out some local vendors and fresh food? Once of the best kept secrets in Anaheim is the Thursday Downtown Anaheim Certified Farmers Market. Each Thursday for more than 19 years the market has been open from 9am to 1:30pm. There are also regular live events that have musical performers. The market is always exciting and well worth attending to grab a healthy lunch.
Also located in the heart of downtown Anaheim, the Anaheim Packing District is made up of several restored buildings and locations, including the Packard Building, Farmers Park, and The Packing House. The Packing House offers a communal gathering place for with more than 20 artisan eateries (including homemade ice cream, Canadian poutine fries, and Southern-style soul food), live music, and much more. There is also a beautiful 2 acre park which offers gardens, grassy areas, a boardwalk, an olive grove, and much more for visitors to enjoy. If you want to get really fancy, check out the speakeasy, The Blind Rabbit, only accessible by a hidden door in the building (you’ll have to make reservations beforehand).
Anaheim has a great local craft beer scene. The local favorite, Noble Ale Works, has just won about all the awards a brewery can win, so you’ll want to be sure to stop by there. Other great places include Anaheim Brewery, Bottle Logic Brewing, Backstreet, and so many more!
Hope you have a great time in Anaheim!
-Dr. Dexter