ANAHEIM — RITA KELLY
When people think of Anaheim they usually think of Disneyland — what else should people know about it? Anaheim historically was acres and acres of orange groves. Where Disneyland Resorts is now, used to be all orange groves. There is a lot of history in Anaheim, maybe not the exciting history of the Wild West or the gangsters of New York, but still an important agricultural history.
Do you have any good advice for visiting Disneyland?
Try to come during the off-peak season — January-March or early November
— and during the middle of the week is best. There are fewer people in the parks, meaning shorter lines and a better chance for a visit to the park. Of course, if you come a bit later in November you have the chance to see all of the beautiful holiday decorations.
Where is a good place to stay?
If visitors want to stay in Orange County, but closer to the ocean, the Hyatt at Huntington Beach is good. If they are looking to stay in Anaheim, the awardwinning boutique hotel, Anabella, is walking distance from the parks.
What are some of the best traditional American diners in the area?
Ruby’s Diner off Lincoln in Anaheim is a local favourite. There is also In-N-Out Burgers in Anaheim, where they have been serving the highest quality burgers, fries and shakes since 1948. Some claim it’s the best chain restaurant for burgers in the south-west. Be sure to ask for animal-style fries.
Can you recommend any other great restaurants?
The Anaheim Packing District. There are multiple food vendors and craft brewery bars in one location — like a hipster food hall.
Where’s good for a few drinks?
The Blind Rabbit at the Anaheim Packing House is a 1920s-themed speakeasy and has award-winning cocktails and delicious food. Reservations are needed as it’s so small, and there’s a dress code (nothing fancy, just no shorts, flip flops, baseball caps or T-shirts with logos). Every other month they do a tiki-themed night at the bar called Mahalo Mondays.
What are some of your top picks for shopping in Anaheim?
There aren’t a lot of high-end shops in Anaheim, but in Orange, a neighbouring city, there are shopping outlets. For luxury shopping, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is renowned as a major global shopping destination and home to more than 250 boutiques, restaurants and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Are there any good beaches nearby? There are great surfing beaches at Huntington Beach, a great relaxed beach with plenty of parking at Balboa Island Pier, and great lagoon swimming at Mother’s Beach in Long Beach. Midway between Los Angeles and San Diego is Laguna Beach, an 11km stretch of sand and surf that offers a year-round retreat for art lovers, nature enthusiasts and beachgoers. Where’s a good place to watch some live sports?
For hockey fans, the Anaheim Ducks play at the Honda Centre in Anaheim. For baseball fans, the Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles play at the Angel’s Stadium in Anaheim.
Does Anaheim have any good museums or art galleries?
The Muzeo museum in Anaheim, or Santa Ana’s Bower’s Museum and Discovery Centre.
Where would you go for theatre or live music?
The House of Blues in Anaheim has just reopened at the Anaheim Garden Walk and is the go-to place for live concerts or events. For theatre, check out the Segerstrom Centre for the Arts in Costa Mesa.
Are there any good hikes in the area? The best hikes can be found in Anaheim Hills, Laguna Hills or Irvine. Anaheim is only about a twohour drive (without traffic) from Joshua Tree National Park — amazing desert hikes and rock climbing for those interested.
Any other insider secrets?
The fireworks at the Disneyland Park are incredible and you should watch them before you leave the park. If you are not planning a trip to the park, the fireworks are large so you can see them anywhere near the Disneyland Resort. Some guests at offsite hotels can see them from their room or you can choose to have dinner somewhere in Downtown Disney and then walk to the Esplanade, which is also a great place to see the show. If you are going to Disneyland and are on a budget, keep a packed cooler of food in your car and use the designated picnic area with tables, chairs and umbrellas in the park to have lunch — you will save money but still enjoy the atmosphere of the happiest place on earth.
The CHOC Children’s Foundation “Walk in the Park” is the one and only walk to take place inside Disneyland Resort where Disney characters cheer you on along the way. Online registration begins on May 9 for the August 27 walk this year ( chocwalk. org). As part of The Travel Corporation’s ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives, Contiki USA employees participated in the CHOC walk in 2016.
Rita Kelly is based in Anaheim as Contiki USA’s Vice-President Marketing and Communications.