Anaheim Attractions Offer Fun and Excitement for the Entire Family

Picture: One of the best Anaheim Attractions is actually not in Anaheim, but Buena Park!. The Ghost Rider rollercoaster hits speeds of over 60 mph at nearby Knott's Theme Park.

Aguidetoanaheim has compiled the following list of Anaheim attractions, Orange County attractions, and Southern California attractions to help make sure that if you're looking for attractions that provide fun and adventure, you'll never run out of things to do and see. This list not only covers Anaheim Attractions but also includes popular attractions in nearby cities worth visiting. If there is one thing that Southern California has plenty of it has to be attractions. There is literally no limit to the things you can do, see, visit, and experience. World-class attractions, theme parks, museums, theaters, gardens, and beaches, the list of things to do could go on and on. So what we’ve done is fine tune this list of Anaheim attractions and beyond to represent only the most popular attractions in Anaheim and around Southern California. Be sure to check back often as there are always many exciting Attractions coming on board.

Anaheim, Orange County, and Southern California Attractions

Adventure City

1238 S. Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 92804
714/236-9300
This pint sized theme park was created exclusively for children between the ages of 2 and 12. Adventure City offers 17 attractions and activities in all including face painting, puppet shows, children’s theater, a petting zoo, and a 25 foot rock climbing wall. The park is open daily but hours vary. Exit the 91 fwy at Beach Blvd and go North. The park is approximately 2 miles past Knott’s Berry farm.
View Anaheim / Buena Park Area Hotels

Autry Museum of Western Heritage

4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323/667-2000
Three words describe The Autry Museum of Western Heritage POPULAR, UNUSUAL, and FUN! The Autry Museum is a world-class center located in Los Angeles' historic Griffith Park adjacent to the L.A Zoo. The center is devoted to preserving and interpreting the rich history and traditions of the American West from its prehistoric roots to its Gold Rush days and notions created by Hollywood. The Center houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Western history and art including authentic chaps, spurs, guns, and saddles used by real cowboys. The Autry Museum also has various changing exhibitions throughout the year. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 10 am - 5pm, with extended hours on Thurs. to 8 pm. Group reservations need to be made one week in advance. Location: North on I-5 Fwy. to Golden State Fwy. (remains the I-5); exit at Zoo Dr. for Griffith Park and follow signs. View Los Angeles Area Hotels

Balboa Fun Zone

600 E. Bay Street
Newport Beach, CA 92661
949/673-0408
Established in 1936 the “Zone” looks like a miniature old fashioned boardwalk of an era gone by. Visitors can stroll the walkway which offers rides, shops, cotton candy, and candied apples. Be sure to see the historic pavilion and take a harbor cruise to fully appreciate what the area has to offer. Drivers can also take the car ferry over to Balboa Island to shop, eat and sightsee. Ferry service is continuous. For harbor tour information call the number listed. Take the 55 freeway south which ends into Newport Blvd. Take Newport Blvd to W. Balboa Blvd. Turn left on Bay Street.
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Bowers Museum of Cultural Art

2002 N. Main St
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714/567-3600
The Bowers Museum believes that learning about people through their arts will lead us to a greater understanding of ourselves as well as a fuller appreciation of the marvelous diversity of the human family. The Bowers Museum celebrates this diversity by preserving and presenting the arts of world cultures. Exhibits include “Roman Glass: Reflections on Cultural Change,” featuring more than 200 glass vessels dating from the late 2nd Century BC to the early 7th Century AD. Also featured is “Remington Russell and the language of Western Art,” which provides an in depth look at the paintings and sculptures of Frederick Remington and Charles Russell. The Bowers Kidseum, a unique “kids-only” experience that provides hands-on cultural arts exploration for children, is located only one block away. Call for pricing information. View Anaheim / Santa Ana Area Hotels

Crystal Cathedral

13280 Chapman Ave
Garden Grove, CA 92840
714/971-4069
Designed by famed architect Philip Johnson, the Crystal Cathedral has been hailed as “the most spectacular religious edifice in the world.” The cathedral resembles a four-pointed star, with 10,000 panes of glass covering the web-like, translucent walls and ceiling. It is home to the annual Glory of Christmas and Glory of Easter pageants, whose cast includes live animals, flying angels and incredible special effects, all performed inside the 2,890-seat cathedral. The Glory of Easter runs from Mar.30-Apr. 14; the Glory of Christmas runs from Nov. 23-Dec. 30. Hours: the visitor center is open Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sun. services are 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., with a Hispanic service at 1 p.m. View Anaheim / Garden Grove Area Hotels

Discovery Science Center

2500 Main St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714/542-CUBE (2823)
The Discovery Science Center is fun for guests of all ages. Visitors can explore over 100 hands-on exhibits divided into eight themed areas. Treat your eyes to a stimulating 3-D Laser Show then get rocked by a huge earthquake. After challenging a tornado to a game of one on one you can relax and stretch out on a bed of nails. Use your imagination to build a Martian rover, dance across a musical floor and more! Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Reservations recommended for groups of 50 people or more. I-5 Fwy. South to Main Street. Location: Discovery Science Center is on the corner of Main Street and I-5 Fwy. in Santa Ana. Look for the giant cube!
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International Surfing Museum

411 Olive Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714/960-3492
Of course a city nicknamed Surf City USA should have a museum dedicated explicitly to surfing and it does. The International Surfing Museum has a collection of artwork, jewelry, vintage surfboards and paddleboards and even skateboards. After you take in all the surfing history, head to the beach and try the sport for yourself. The museum is open during the afternoons either daily in the summer and Wednesday through Sunday for rest of the year. Small admission charge for visitors. Take the 55 freeway south to the 405 freeway north. Exit Beach Blvd south. Turn right at PCH and turn right again on 5th Street. Left on Olive. View Huntington Beach Area Hotels

Knott's Soak City U.S.A.

8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
714/220-5200
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There’s a new city of fun at Knott’s Theme Park. Soak City U.S.A. is a separate admission water park right next door to Knott’s. Themed after Southern California in the 1950’s Soak City offers new and exciting ways to get wet! Challenge Bonzai Falls, shoot the curl on Tidal Wave Bay, or pray for mercy on Malibu Run. Then slide over to more family fun on Sunset River and Gremmie Lagoon, an interactive water wonderland. No one can resist the awesome Toyota Beach House. A three story place to play with over 200 ways to get soaked. Soak City U.S.A. is seasonal and open April 13-September 30. View Anaheim / Buena Park Area Hotels

LEGOLAND California

One LEGOLAND Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760/918-LEGO (5946)
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At LEGOLAND kids rule supreme! With over 40 fun filled rides and adventures even parents can join in on all the fun. Ride the Dragon Coaster for a tour of the King’s Castle, take a Safari Trek through Africa, or power-ski through water blasts at AQUAZONE. Now open, LEGOLAND's Techno Coaster, a ride you won't soon forget. At LEGOLAND you'll discover just how cool it is to be a kid! Located 30 minutes north of San Diego. Call for park hours. Location: Take I-5 South - Exit Cannon Rd. in Carlsbad - Follow signs to park. View Carlsbad / San Diego Area Hotels

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
562/590-3100
The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is a world-class marine aquarium celebrating the astonishing treasures of our planet's largest, most diverse and spectacular body of water, the Pacific Ocean. Take a journey through three regions of the Pacific Ocean showcasing dozens of breathtaking exhibits. You’ll come face to face with over 12,000 fascinating ocean inhabitants including 550 different species. Now you can experience the Aquarium’s newest exhibit Jellies: Phantoms of the Deep. You’ll be mesmerized by these mysterious and rare creatures. The aquarium is a milestone in design, architecture, and technology for the 21st Century. Hours: Open Daily - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except Christmas Day). Location: Take the I-5 Fwy. north. Transition to I-710 Fwy. south/Long Beach. Exit Shoreline Dr.
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Medieval Times

7662 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, 90622
800/899-6600
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Medieval Times is an adventure unlike anything you have ever experienced. Each performance within the 70,000 square-foot castle is a recreation of an 11th century medieval banquet in which YOU are the featured guest. Brave knights perform live on horseback amidst cheers and jeers as they compete in medieval tournament games, sword fighting and jousting. Each Knight is dressed in brilliant costumes that are authentic in every detail. Menu includes appetizer, fresh vegetable soup, roasted chicken, spare ribs, herb-basted potatoes, pastries and choice of two rounds of beer, wine cocktail or soft drinks. The facility has a capacity of 1,100+. Group rates and travel agent commissions available. Call for reservations and show times. Dress casual. All major credit cards accepted. View Anaheim / Buena Park Area Hotels

Movieland Wax Museum

7711 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
714/522-1154
Open since 1962, Movieland Wax Museum proudly presents the world’s finest movie themed attraction of it’s kind. Visit with over 292 wax stars in 115 realistic recreations of exact sets and scenes from movie making history. Each star portrayed is life size with uncanny characteristics and likeness. Every star’s facial features, bone structure, skin tone and hair color are recreated precisely. Original costumes and props are used whenever possible to ensure authenticity. Some mannequins are so authentic, you will swear that they are breathing or blink! Be sure to bring your camera and get a picture with such classic stars as Julie Andrews, John Wayne and Bette Davis. Current celebrities include Tom Selleck, Michael Jackson and Gloria Estefan. Hours: Sunday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more. Location: I-5 Fwy. north to 91 Fwy. west, and exit on Beach Blvd. Go south one block.
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Queen Mary

1126 Queens Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90802
562/435-3511
The Queen Mary in Long Beach is the grandest ship from a bygone era that you may ever have a chance to go aboard. This historic ship, hotel and attraction, offers a variety of tours, activities and fun for the whole family! Tour the luxurious Queen Mary on your own or with a guide, shop at the Main Hall, eat at one the award-winning restaurants and stay aboard if you like in your own, original first-class stateroom. Now some say the old boat is haunted so for the brave of heart you may want to take the special tour that takes you into the bowels of the ship in search of playful spirits and spooky apparitions. In addition, you will definitely want to go aboard the authentic Cold War-era Russian Foxtrot-class submarine, code name: “Scorpion,” moored next to the Queen Mary. Hours: Summer months: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Winter months: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Location: I-710 Fwy. ends at the entrance to Queen Mary parking lot.
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Raging Waters

111 Raging Waters Drive
San Dimas, CA 91773
909/802-2200
This is the place for you if you want thrills, excitement, and family fun all rolled into one attraction. Raging Waters is the largest water park this side of the Mississippi and offers a smorgasbord of slides, chutes and lagoons. Favorites include El Nino the ride, the 109 foot high Extreme 2, the Black Hole, Volcano FantaSea and Neptune’s Fury. The park is open weekends April, May and September and daily June through August. Discounts are available after 4pm and parking is extra. The park is located in San Dimas off the 210 freeway. View San Dimas / Pomona Area Hotels

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace

18001 Yorba Linda Blvd
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
714/993-5075
The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace sits on nine lavish acres encompassing 22 high-tech Presidential Museum galleries, movie and interactive video theaters, the spectacular First Lady’s Garden, the President’s faithfully restored 1910 birthplace, and the flower ringed memorial sites of President and Mrs. Nixon. The exhibits offer a dramatic ride through half a century of California, United States and world history. See rare and priceless gifts of state that President Nixon received from various world leaders, along with the “rolling fortress” a bullet proof limousine that carried not only President Nixon, but was also the car for Presidents Johnson, Ford and Carter as well. And be sure not to miss the 1300 exquisite rose bushes in the White House-styled gardens. There is also a unique Presidential Gift Shop to browse through. Group tours and after-hours special events are welcome. Hours: 10-5 Mon.-Sat.; 11-5 Sun. View Yorba Linda / Fullerton Area Hotels

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum

7850 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
714/522-1155
Ok, now this place is a little different but everything in this “odditorium” is real and authentic. There are no fakes, or are there?....Believe it or Not! If you know anything about Robert Ripley of Ripley’s Believe it or Not fame then you know that he always went after the strange and unusual. Nothing is ordinary in this place. See things like the Last Supper made entirely out of toast or a piece of art made entirely with lint from your clothes dryer. You have to see it to believe it! Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Location: Take I-5 Fwy. to the 91 (Artesia) Fwy. west. Exit Beach Blvd. and turn left onto Beach Blvd. View Anaheim / Buena Park Area Hotels

San Diego Wild Animal Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd
Escondido, CA 92027
760/747-8702
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A visit to the 2,000 acre San Diego Wild Animal Park is a journey through Africa and Asia without leaving San Diego! Varieties of animals roam together in vast expanses similar to their native homelands. Ride the Wgasa Bush Line Railway which travels past herds of elephants, zebras, giraffes and many other exotic creatures as it takes you on a journey through this vast park. The Heart of Africa is a 32-acre safari walk through the African wilderness. Nairobi Village features Lorikeet Landing where guests may feed colorful Australian birds plus an interactive play area for kids and live animal shows. Be sure not to miss the park’s newest attraction Condor Ridge. For the first time ever witness the power and grace of these huge endangered birds. Location: Take the I-5 Fwy. south to Hwy. 78 east, to the I-15 Fwy. south. Take the Via Rancho Pkwy. exit and follow the signs. View San Diego Area Hotels

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, CA 92103
619/231-1515
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Lions, Tigers, and Bears oh my! The World-Famous San Diego Zoo located in beautiful Balboa park is an international animal experience with something for the whole family. See giant pandas, koalas, hippos, elephants, Komodo dragons and thousands more animal species as you tour this wonderful park. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live at the Zoo, which is also a renowned botanical garden. New at the Zoo is Ituri Forest, a mysterious African rain forest where adventurers encounter forest buffalos, hippopotamuses, okapis, spotted-neck otters and a variety of birds and monkeys. But there is more to see and do than just look at the animals. Be sure to visit the Children's Zoo, and see the various animal shows. For the not-so-faint-of-heart the Reptile House and the Skyfari is just for you. Reservations for groups of 15 or more. Location: Take the I-5 Fwy. south to the Pershing Dr. exit and follow the signs. View San Diego Area Hotels

SeaWorld Adventure Park

500 Sea World Dr
San Diego, CA 92109
619/226-3901
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At SeaWorld Adventure Park in San Diego you'll discover an ocean of familiar friends, ever-changing attractions, hot new shows, and more. Visit Sea World's newest attraction, Cirque de la Mer. This electrifying performance on water combines mysterious creatures, acrobatics, music and special effects. Be sure to check out Pirates 4-D, an in-your-face 3-D movie adventure with an extra element added. Brave Ship Wreck Rapids but bewareyou will get wet! Don’t forget to ride Wild Arctic. This attraction brings you whisker-close to polar bears, beluga whales, walruses and seals during an exciting helicopter ride. “The Shamu Adventure” features spectacular killer whale behaviors and audience participation segments and not to forget the star of the show Shamu! Other adventurous attractions include Penguin Encounter, Shark Encounter and Rocky Point Preserve. From mid-June through Labor Day, enjoy extended hours and a “Rockin’ Summer Nights” entertainment lineup. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; extended summer hours, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Facilities for night parties, picnics, and special events are available for groups of 100 or more. Location: 1.5 hours south of Anaheim via I-5 Fwy. south. Exit west off I-5 onto Sea World Drive.
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Six Flags Magic Mountain

2601 Magic Mountain Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355
661/255-4100
If thrills and awesome roller coasters are what you’re looking for then Six Flags Magic Mountain is the theme park for you. Ride the all new Goliath if you dare, a 255 foot plunge into total darkness while reaching speeds of 85 miles per hour. This is just the beginning of the heart-pounding rides you won’t find anywhere else but here. There are also rides for the youngsters as well. Hop on over to Bugs Bunny World where kids and parents alike can share in the fun. Top off an action packed day with hours of live shows, shops and restaurants and it all adds up to a day of fun that you won’t soon forget. The park is open daily starting April 1-September 10 and December 16-January 7. The park is closed Christmas Day. Park opens at 10am daily but hours vary so call for schedules. Groups of 10 or more can receive a discount, call for information. View Valencia Area Hotels

Universal Studios Hollywood

100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
818/622-3036
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Only Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park offers the real Hollywood experience with fun, fantasy and excitement for the whole family. Imagine riding to the moon with E.T., seeing a live sea war in Waterworld, and experiencing an 8.3 earthquake all in the same day. Don't stop there the day is young. You can speed through time on Back To The Future-The Ride, have your worst nightmare come true when a man-eating T-Rex attacks you on Jurassic Park-The Ride and now see the all new Curse of the Mummy’s Tombif you dare! Park hours: June 1 through Labor day weekend - 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Location: From Anaheim, take the I-5 Fwy. north to the 101 Hollywood Fwy. north. Exit at Lankershim. View Universal City Area Hotels

Wild Bill's Wild West Dinner Extravaganza

7600 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90622
714/522-4611
Experience ‘How the West was Fun!’ Wild Bill’s takes you back to the late 1800’s for an exciting look at a traveling Wild West show. Enjoy two fun filled hours of non stop action, music, and comedy plus you’ll enjoy some of the finest vittles this side of the Pecos. You’ll meet Wild Bill, Miss Annie, trick-roper Bonnie West, the Wild West Indian Dancers and a comedic magician as they perform for you and the family. And don’t forget the all-you-can-eat chicken and rib dinner, including all the fixin’s with beer, wine and soda. Located 15 minutes north of the Anaheim Convention Center. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Call ahead for rates and reservations. View Anaheim / Buena Park Area Hotels


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