Between LA And Irvine Is A Vibrant City With Theme Parks, Hiking Trails, And Family Fun

If you're planning to visit Southern California, chances are you may be trying to see at least one or two of the state's top 10 tourist attractions, such as Disneyland. But while outsiders may assume the theme park is in Los Angeles, it's actually in the vibrant city of Anaheim, about half an hour south of LA and 20 minutes north of Irvine by car. And while Disneyland may be the main attraction in Anaheim, the fact is that the city offers a wide variety of amenities and activities — so, even if you're not interested in visiting the famous theme park, you and your family could still plan a vacation here and never run out of things to do.

For example, if you're looking to enjoy the SoCal weather, check out some of the various hiking trails and parks throughout the city, including Boysen Park, which features a grounded fighter jet from the Korean War. There are also other theme parks to choose from, in case you need a break from Mickey and the gang. Overall, whether you and your family love thrilling attractions, delicious food, or natural green spaces, you can find it all in Anaheim.

It's impossible to talk about Anaheim as a family-friendly city without mentioning its Disney resort. But while Disneyland gets all the attention, keep in mind that Disney's California Adventure theme park is literally across the street. So when planning your trip, consider getting a Park Hopper ticket so you can go back and forth and experience them both. That said, not everyone may be eager to deal with the high prices and the crowds, which may cause the park to turn guests away, even with a reservation. In that case, Anaheim does offer alternatives. 

First, there's Adventure City, a smaller theme park that caters to toddlers and younger children, up to about 10 years old. Next, if you're visiting during the summer, there's The Adventure Lagoon, a floating water park with an obstacle course and slides. For families that enjoy playing mini golf, Camelot Golfland claims to be the largest course in the country and offers other attractions like go-karts, an arcade, laser tag, and bumper cars or boats. 

But what if you want to have fun in the California sun without spending a ton of money? For that, it's time to check out the city's parks and green spaces. In central Anaheim, places like Boysen Park and Pearson Park feature playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic facilities. If you're more into hiking, the Anaheim Hills neighborhood is the better option. There, you'll find Yorba Regional Park, a 140-acre space next to the Santa Ana River, or Deer Canyon Park, which spans over 100 acres and offers both hiking and equestrian trails. Finally, Oak Canyon Nature Center features 4 miles of hiking trails and scenic oak woodlands that provide optimal shade.

At first, you may assume the best way to reach Anaheim would be to fly into Los Angeles' LAX. However, a better option is to fly into Long Beach Airport (LGB), which is not only closer (a roughly half-hour drive compared to 45-plus minutes from LAX) but also one of the most efficient and traveler-friendly U.S. airports. Because Anaheim houses Disneyland Resort, there are tons of hotels and accommodations throughout the city, although most of them are clustered around the theme parks to cater to the Disney crowds. This also means that the area surrounding the resort can get pretty crowded with traffic, so be aware when getting around during your visit. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that you can still get the Disney experience without paying for a park ticket. Downtown Disney District is a tourist-friendly property that's open to the public and features live shows, stores selling all kinds of Disney merchandise, and tasty restaurants. Even if you do go to one of Anaheim's Disney parks, it's still fun to wander through this area.

Speaking of restaurants, you can find all kinds of cuisine throughout Anaheim. Two options to elevate your vacation include the Anaheim White House Restaurant and the Anaheim Packing District. The former is a decadent Italian-style steakhouse operating in a historic 1909 mansion. Note that while it does serve a children's menu, the fine-dining atmosphere may not be appropriate for small children. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Packing District is an upscale food hall located in a former citrus-packing warehouse that also features live music and events.