United States
Overview
Anaheim is the home of the original Disneyland, and most visitors come only for that. Around it, Orange County has more than theme parks: a food hall in an old citrus packing house, the Latino and arts scene of downtown Santa Ana, and beaches like Huntington and Newport 25 minutes away.
German immigrants founded Anaheim in 1857 as a winemaking colony; the name means "home by the Santa Ana River". After a vine disease, the area turned to orange groves, which gave Orange County its name. On 17 July 1955 Walt Disney opened Disneyland here, the first Disney park, and the area changed forever. Disney California Adventure opened next door in 2001. Santa Ana, founded in 1869, is the county seat and has one of the largest Latino communities in California.
How long to stay: 2 to 3 days for the parks, plus 1 day for Santa Ana and the beaches.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
Orange County, Southern California, about 40 km southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Santa Ana is 10 km south of Anaheim; Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are 25 to 30 minutes away.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | $90–130 (motels) | $200–320 | $450+ (Disney hotels) |
| Food | $40–60 | $70–110 | $150+ |
| Park ticket | $104–224 | $104–224 | $250+ (Park Hopper, Lightning Lane) |
| Daily total | $235–415 | $375–655 | $850+ |
Things to Do
The only Disney park Walt Disney walked in himself. Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street U.S.A. and original rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion are classics. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is a highlight.
Price: one-day tickets from about $104 to $224 depending on the date · Tip: buy tickets online, use the Disneyland app to see wait times and stay for the fireworks.
The second park, with Pixar Pier, Cars Land, the Avengers Campus and World of Color, a night water show.
Price: same pricing as Disneyland; a Park Hopper lets you visit both on the same day.
A free shopping and restaurant street between the parks and the hotels.
Price: free to enter.
A 1919 orange-packing house turned into a food hall with more than 20 stalls, next to a park.
Price: free · Tip: a great dinner option after the parks.
In nearby Buena Park, the park that started as a berry stand in the 1920s, famous for its boysenberry jam, fried chicken and roller coasters.
Price: about $60–100 online.
The historic centre has Fourth Street (Calle Cuatro), with Mexican shops and bakeries, the artists' village and an art walk on the first Saturday of each month. The Old Orange County Courthouse (1901) is a red sandstone landmark.
Price: free.
In Santa Ana, a museum with art from around the world, native Californian culture and big travelling exhibitions.
Price: about $15–25.
"Surf City USA" has a long pier and surf culture; Newport has Balboa Island, harbour cruises and the Wedge. Getting there: 25 to 30 minutes by car.
Transit Tips
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John Wayne Airport (SNA): the easiest; Uber or Lyft to Disneyland about $30–45.
LAX: Uber about $70–110, or a shared shuttle van; leave plenty of time for traffic.
By train: Amtrak and Metrolink stop at ARTIC station in Anaheim.
ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation): shuttles between hotels, Disneyland and the convention centre; buy a day pass.
Uber and Lyft: best for Santa Ana and the beaches.
Keep in mind that park tickets are dated and prices change by day. Mid-week in January to early March or September is the cheapest.
Helpful Words
A few basics in English can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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