Anaheim

Best time to visit Anaheim

Spring (March to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Anaheim, as the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The crowds are lighter compared to summer, especially during weekdays, making it an ideal time to visit Disneyland and other attractions. Spring also brings blooming flowers and pleasant outdoor conditions.

Summer (June to August)
Summer in Anaheim is warm and bustling with activity. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C, making it the peak tourist season. The summer months offer a vibrant atmosphere, with numerous events and activities, but be prepared for larger crowds, especially at popular attractions like Disneyland. Early mornings and evenings can be more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another excellent time to visit Anaheim. The weather is similar to spring, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Crowds start to thin out after Labor Day, and the theme parks often feature special fall events, like Halloween celebrations at Disneyland. The cooler temperatures make it enjoyable to explore both indoor and outdoor attractions.

Winter (December to February)
Winter in Anaheim is mild compared to many other parts of the U.S., with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This season sees fewer tourists, making it a good time to enjoy shorter lines at Disneyland and other attractions. However, some days can be cooler and wetter, so it’s a good idea to pack layers. The holiday season also brings festive decorations and events throughout the city, adding a special charm to your visit.

Discover Anaheim

There are generally two myths that tend to persist about the city of Anaheim: it’s known as the town that Disneyland built and it’s often regarded as part of Los Angeles. However, Anaheim was founded in the mid-19th century by a group of Bavarian grape farmers and lies about an hour or so south of L.A. The settlers named it after the nearby Santa Ana River and the German term for ‘home’. So, Whilst Disneyland can’t take the credit for the actual construction of the city, it can certainly take great pride in catapulting it to the world-famous holiday destination it is now.

Walt Disney was 53-years old when he realised his dream of building a park where "age relives fond memories of the past and youth may savour the challenge and promise of the future”. And so on 17th July 1955, the gates opened to the “happiest place on earth” and the prototype for theme parks around the globe was born. Disneyland transformed the city's tourism industry and seventy years on remains California’s leading attraction. Today, it is joined by sister theme park, Disney California Adventure along with Downtown Disney, and the thrill seeking rides at Knotts Berry Fam along with fantastic shopping, dynamic restaurants, trendy beach towns and a year-round climate.

Things to do in Anaheim

Disneyland Park
Whilst newer and larger parks may grace the world’s stage of entertainment, Disneyland is proud to carry the mantel as the original prototype for the modern-day theme park. But far from resting on its laurels, Disneyland remains fresh and moves with the times with exciting new attractions joining all those classic favourites. It remains the most loved theme park in the world, full of exciting rides, festivals, parades, shops, and restaurants. Divided into the nine extravagantly themed lands—Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Adventureland, this vibrant park has so much fun-packed entertainment on offer for all people of all ages. It’s still a great place for families and it’s going to be hard to tear yourself away.

Disney’s California Adventure
With the ever-growing popularity of Disneyland, it was a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ Disney would create another park. In 2001 Disneyland was joined by sister theme park, Disney’s California Adventure, dedicated to the history and culture of the state of California and known for its thrilling rides which appeal to older children Divided into seven “lands” – Buena Vista Street, Cars Land, Grizzly Peak, Paradise Gardens , Pixar Pier, San Fransokyo Square and Hollywood Land – the park celebrates the Golden State in style and combines all the magic you expect from a Disney theme park with the very best that California has to offer.

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Things to do in Anaheim

Knotts Berry Farm
Disney may be credited with putting Anaheim on the global map but just fifteen minutes away is Knotts Berry Farm - opened in 1940, it is America’s first ever theme park. Once a working boysenberry farm, Knotts Berry Farm has grown into a 21st century entertainment complex with a focus on adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. Be sure to make time for Knott's Soak City theme park just next door, which offers up 10 California beach-themed acres with water rides and a huge wave pool designed for thrill seekers of all ages. Do note that the water park is only open during the main season.

Shopping
When not relaxing poolside at your hotel or visiting the thrilling theme parks, Anaheim boasts an array of shopping. Shop in the Disney themed stores and pick up your favourite cuddly character or pick up a bargain at the Outlets at Orange, home to over 120 stores including well-known brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s.

Beyond the theme parks...
If you are spending several days in Anaheim, it’s a good idea to have a break from the theme parks, despite potential protests from younger members of the family! You are staying right in the heart of Orange County and won’t be disappointed by a visit to one of the hosts of beautiful beach towns and their wide sandy beaches. Drive out to Newport Beach, Laguna Beach or Huntington Beach, or you could even head south to visit the stunning city of San Diego. The theme parks will be there when you get back.

Top tips for Anaheim holidays

Due to its prime and convenient location, Anaheim serves as your home base to all of Southern California’s attractions. You can discover the quaint and charming cities that dot the region, the pristine beaches, or if you’re after even more theme parks, there’s always Universal Studios in Hollywood and SeaWorld in San Diego. We’ve compiled a list of handy hints to get the most out of your holiday in Anaheim

• Go FASTPASS for free
  If you're planning a trip to Anaheim, California, particularly to the world-famous Disneyland Resort, don't miss out on the opportunity to take advantage of the FASTPASS system. It's a free service that allows you to skip the regular lines at some of the most popular attractions, saving you precious time so you can experience more of the magic.
  
• Let us do the legwork
  There can often be long queues to purchase entrance tickets into any of the parks on the day. Instead, just advise which theme parks are of interest to you at the time of booking and American Affair will organise your tickets.
  
  
• Getting around
  All though some of the hotels in Anaheim offer complimentary transportation to the theme parks to help you get around, we do recommend for comfort and ease hiring a car so you can drive out to the restaurants, outlet mall and beaches.

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Top tips for Anaheim holidays

• Travel light
  When visiting any of the theme parks, try to bring as little with you as possible. A backpack or bum bag are not always convenient as they can get in the way of the rides. Instead, you may want to try a small bag with a long strap that you can slip over your head and across your body. If you find that you are carrying too much once you get into the park, check to see if you can rent a locker.
  
  
• Check the weather
  Sunny summer days can be hot, whereas May and June mornings can be cool and cloudy. Check the weather forecast so that you can take the appropriate clothing.
  
  
• Pace yourself
  We all know just how much fun theme parks can be, but they can be equally exhausting. It’s very easy to cover a mile for every hour you spend in the park so try and pace yourself by taking regular breaks or even head back to the hotel for an hour or two in the afternoon. That way you can recharge your batteries and stay the course.