by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe (and Anaheim resident)

The start/finish point for many of the USA tours, the city is nestled right in the heart of the OC (Orange Country) and is easily most famous for being the home of Disney. The palm tree-lined avenues are pure California and there are a whole host of activities with arms reach.

Most tours meet, finish and stay at the Stovall’s Best Western Inn (official site), literally across the road from Disneyland. The more adventurous however will enjoy the rides in the neighboring Disney California Adventure Park while all the rides of Knotts Berry Farm are also close by. Tickets are most easily purchased from the hotel reception.

The sheer size of and scale of almost everything in the USA is what strikes most people first on their first visit to the States. California is no exception with most things in the state spread over a vast distance while everything from the cars to the food is big, big, big. Public transport, while very accessible, is infrequent and can be a time consuming experience. If you want a little more freedom you can rent a car and drive yourself otherwise there are loads of great sightseeing tours operating from the hotel and Anaheim Resort district.

All the excitement of Los Angeles is only a short drive up the famous Californian freeways making places like Universal Studios, Hollywood, Venice Beach and Santa Monica close by and most easily accessible by day tours that can pick you up and drop you off at the hotel.

Theme Parks and Rides

Southern California is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world and is an absolute smorgasbord for anyone who loves their rides and attractions. Anaheim, of course, is most well known for being the home of the one and only Disneyland but there are many, many more parks in the Anaheim and near by Los Angeles.

Disneyland

Welcome to the happiest place on earth! Disneyland (official site), Anaheim, was opened by Walt Disney himself in 1955, Disneyland is one of Americas, if not the worlds, most famous landmarks and attractions. The park is split into four different lands – Fantasyland, Adventure land, Frontierland and Tomorrowland – each with their own shops, rides and restaurants.

Disney’s California Adventure

Located right next door to Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure Park (official site) is Disney’s newest theme park having opened in 2001. Bigger rides and shows highlight the diverse state of California with areas such as Sunshine Plaza, Golden State, Paradise Pier and Hollywood Pictures Backlot.

Knotts Berry Farm

California’s first theme park, Knotts Berry Farm (official site), is also located in Anaheim and is famous for it’s rollercoasters and rides.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Roughly an hour from Anaheim, just north of Los Angeles is Six Flags Magic Mountain (official site), the Mecca for hard core rollercoaster addicts in California. With more than 15 rollercoasters 6 Flags Magic Mountain is widely reputed to have the ‘best coasters on the planet’ featuring the legendary Goliath and Tatsu – this is a must for the thrill seekers.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios (official site), Hollywood, is one of the most popular attractions in Southern California. You’ll spend the day exploring film sets and movie-themed rides as well as shows and a behind the scenes look at how movies and TV are made.

Food

Downtown Disney is home to the House of Blues and a number of other restaurants and places to eat. There are also restaurants and places to eat along Katella Avenue all within a very short walk of the Stovalls Inn while for the more adventurous, the very popular Medieval Times (official site) Medieval Times is also nearby.

Sports

Also within easy reach of your Anaheim base is the home stadiums of the 2007 Stanley Cup winning Anaheim Ducks (official site) NHL Ice Hockey team and Anaheim Angels (official site) Major League Baseball team, true pieces of Americana.

Shopping

The Downtown Disney area provides some boutique shopping while bigger retail adventures can be had nearby at ‘The Block’ shopping mall, again, both within easy reach.

Nightlife

While Anaheim is certainly not well known for it’s nightlife, the Downtown Disney area is a great place to hang out at night with shopping, restaurants, ESPN Zone sports bar and a House of Blues (official site) Bar that has live entertainment and is packed with people every night of the week.

Local bars are also close by in the area of Downtown Fullerton, roughly $20 taxi ride away. Some favorites include ‘Heroes’ and ‘The Rockin Taco’.

Beaches

Anaheim is located in the world famous Orange Country, famous beaches its beaches and the lifestyles of the rich and the famous. Some of the most famous beaches along the coast near Anaheim include Newport Beach and ‘surf city’ Huntington Beach.

• LA International Airport (LAX)