Southern California Los Angeles
Film studios, beach towns and hilltop views spread across a vast, sunny basin — a city you plan by neighbourhood, not by map.
Things to see in Anaheim & Disneyland
Three Disney stops, one rival park and three reasons to head for the Orange County coast.
1. Disneyland Park
The original, opened in 1955 and continually added to since. Themed lands radiate from Sleeping Beauty Castle: Fantasyland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland and newer areas based on film franchises. It is smaller and more intimate than its Florida counterpart, with many rides found nowhere else.
2. Disney California Adventure Park
Directly opposite Disneyland’s gates, with lands themed on California, Pixar films and superhero franchises, a waterfront pier with a big wheel and roller coaster, and a large night-time water show. It serves alcohol and generally has bigger thrill rides.
3. Downtown Disney District
A pedestrian street of shops, restaurants and entertainment linking the two parks with the Disney hotels. Entry is free and no park ticket is needed, though you pass through security screening. Lively in the evening.
4. Knott’s Berry Farm
A berry farm and chicken-dinner restaurant that grew into a theme park from the 1940s. It has a recreated Old West ghost town, a strong collection of roller coasters and noticeably lower prices than Disney. The Halloween and Christmas seasons are local institutions.
5. Huntington Beach
“Surf City USA”: a long, wide beach, a pier stretching 560 m (1,850 ft) into the ocean, a surfing museum and a beachfront path for cycling. International surf competitions are held here each summer.
6. Laguna Beach
The prettiest town on the Orange County coast, with a string of small coves between cliffs, tide pools at low tide, art galleries and a clifftop park. Parking is difficult on summer weekends; a free trolley runs through town in season.
7. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Founded in 1776 and known as the “Jewel of the Missions”, with gardens, the ruins of a great stone church destroyed by an earthquake in 1812 and a chapel where Junípero Serra said Mass. It is famous for the cliff swallows said to return each spring.
Destinations
Combine it with
Southern California 
Southern California San Diego
California’s easy-going southern city: a great urban park, a world-famous zoo, sea lions on the rocks and about 110 km of beaches.
Deserts Palm Springs & Joshua Tree
A mid-century desert resort beneath 3,000-metre peaks, and an hour away a national park of giant boulders and spiky Joshua trees.
Plan your trip
Book tours in Anaheim & Disneyland
Compare real-time prices and availability on GetYourGuide. Most tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours ahead.