Anaheim is known around the world as home to America’s most famous attraction: the truly magical theme park, Disneyland. The attraction opened its gates in the 1950s, putting Anaheim on the map as the centre for holidays for families from around the world, providing wholesome entertainment and fun for visitors of all ages.

Adventure City
Also located in Anaheim, Adventure City is an affordable alternative to Disneyland and offers up fun and excitement on a smaller scale. This theme park is a mini-city with nine amusement rides, interactive shows, games and an arcade. There’s also a petting zoo that the younger kids will enjoy and plenty of food and treats for all.

Disneyland
The original Disney theme park was opened in Anaheim in 1955 by Walt Disney himself and continues to be one of the most visited and well-loved attractions of its kind in the world. The park is home to classic Disney characters that include Mickey Mouse and Snow White, among others and comprises several themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Main Street USA, New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland. Overall, the park features 60 major rides and many shops and eateries. The entertainment options are endless and the action is truly non-stop: there are parades and shows and spectacular fireworks displays held every night.

Disneyland California Adventure
Situated next door to Disneyland, on a 55-acre site, the Disneyland California Adventure is a major attraction in its own right. There are three themed areas here: the Golden State, Hollywood Pictures Backlot and Paradise Pier. A number of rides are on offer for visitors’ enjoyment as well as a fascinating display of California’s aviation heritage.

Discovery Science Center
Kids have the opportunity to learn about history here, along with having a hands-on experience with a number of visionary gadgets from Victorian times. The Center’s operations cover most of the 11-acre site, and include four buildings dating back to the 19th century. Adults who enjoy history will certainly find plenty of interest here also, as the various buildings are loaded with artefacts that include costumes, crafts and historically-interesting documents.

Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park
This was a working farm in the early part of the 20th century, and has been developed over time to its current status as one of the area’s major attractions. It doesn’t attract as many visitors as Disneyland, but certainly does appeal to anyone who enjoys the thrill of roller coasters.

Knott’s Soak City USA Water Park
Located adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm, this is a wonderland of water rides that is open seasonally. The theme here is southern California beaches in the 1950s. Some of the most popular attractions include 16 slides and tubes in varying configurations, an enormous wave pool that holds three-quarters of a million gallons of water and also a long, lazy artificial river.

Take in one of the coolest places around and visit Disney Ice. This is the official the home training facility for Anaheim’s Mighty Ducks, a member team of the National Hockey League. The facility is open daily for skating sessions and broomball and can be hired out for private games on the ice, as well as private parties.

Check out where the music at the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. This live music venue boasts an eclectic line-up of musical styles and a chance to try out some old-fashioned southern cooking. It’s particularly popular on Sundays, for its Sunday Gospel Brunch. The place is casual, so there’s no need to wear your ‘Sunday best.’ Kids will be sure to enjoy it here, and there’s a menu just for them.

Indulge yourself at the Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa. This pampering haven is hidden away in a canyon about 45 minutes from Orange County by car and provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The spa has been open for more than a century, drawing visitors to its mineral waters that are known for soothing the body and the spirit. Sixteen pools are featured here, along with the spa facilities, massage and salon treatments. ‘Club Mud’ brings in a lot of spa visitors, as it is Southern California's only mud bath that features red clay. An underground cave-like setting (known as The Grotto) has been added recently, where spa-goers can enjoy body-moisturising treatments.

Stroll along the new Anaheim Garden Walk, the newest major addition at the Anaheim Resort, where you’ll come across numerous attractions that will delight the family, including designer retail shops, a range of restaurants and an aquarium.

Visit Joe’s Automotive Museum and live out your automobile fantasies. There are displays of hot rods, customised cars, race cars and classics that are all part of the extensive collection at Joe's. On the museum walls you’ll see murals dedicated to the life and times of the automobile in California.