Popular Anaheim Area Attractions

From the Anaheim Convention Center to iconic family-friendly attractions, theme parks and more, Portofino Inn & Suites Anaheim is one of the best-located hotels for families and groups who want to explore the area. Take a visit to the zoo or get hands-on at the Discovery Science Center. There’s no shortage of fun things to do for visitors of all ages. 

Anaheim Convention Center

The Anaheim Convention Center houses 815,000 square feet of exhibit space. This makes it the largest exhibit facility on the West Coast. The ballroom is one of the largest available in any convention center at 38,058 square feet. Anaheim first became a meetings and conventions destination in 1967 with the construction of the domed arena, which stands on Katella Avenue. Since those early days, the Anaheim Convention Center has gone through three major expansion projects plus several cosmetic renovations to update the Center. The recently completed expansion is a complete transformation of the Anaheim Convention Center structure and surrounding campus.

Anaheim Brewery Tour

Quench your thirst for craft brews on the self-guided Anaheim Brewery Tour. Complete with 15 unique breweries, there is sure to be a beer to satisfy all taste buds. Download the Anaheim Brewery Map and sample what California has to offer.

Anaheim Packing District

Packed with plenty of unique merchants, history and charm, Anaheim’s Packing district should be a stop on everyone’s list. This downtown, cultural gem boasts delicious bites, live music and a variety of craft brews. The historic Packard Building and former Car Showroom, Farmers Park and restored citrus Packing House make up the Anaheim Packing District. Additionally, you can explore Cooks Chapel, a community kitchen private event venue, and The Backyard, an outdoor event area with a fireplace and an orange grove.

Discovery Science Center

Imaginations twist and fly through more than 100 hands-on exhibits at Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Exhibits include Virtual Volleyball, a Bed of Nails, a Shake Shack and Dino Quest – the World’s First Interactive Dinosaur Adventure! Now Open – Discovery Science Center has partnered with the Anaheim Ducks to showcase The Science of Hockey, a permanent exhibition that explores physics, physiology and flying pucks! This attraction is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Bowers Museum

Orange County’s largest museum, the Bowers Museum offers exhibitions, lectures, art classes, travel programs, children’s art and music education programs as well as other community events. The museum’s guiding philosophy is to help people learn about other cultures through their arts and offer a greater understanding of ourselves as well as an appreciation of the world in which we live. 

Santa Ana Zoo

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park in Santa Ana, California is a 20-acre site focusing on the animals and plants of Central and South America. One of the most popular attractions at the Santa Ana Zoo is the Zoofari Express children’s train, a 14-gauge locomotive that provides guests with an animal adventure through the zoo.

International Surfing Museum

The International Surfing Museum located in Huntington Beach is dedicated to Duke Kahanamoku, who is generally regarded as the person who popularized the modern sport of surfing. It is home to a collection of some interesting artifacts in the history of surfing, including a display of historic surfboards, surf and movie posters and trophies.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Have fun observing and learning about California elephant seals, harbor seals and fur at this nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and release of marine mammals stranded along the Orange County coastline. Admission is free. 

Whale Watching

The deep nutrient waters surrounding Newport Harbor is considered some of the most fertile in Southern California and along Orange County Beaches. These waters attract all types of marine life. Many of the tours are designed just for viewing these fascinating creatures, including killer whales, giant blue whales, dolphins and seals. Newport Landing and Davey’s Locker offer great deals for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Peter Blake Gallery

This nationally and internationally acclaimed gallery opened in 1993 with a philosophy that a gallery shouldn’t just be about retail. It specializes in showcasing the contemporary and modern works by established and talented emerging California artists. Exhibits rotate monthly.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Experience the culture of early California at Mission San Juan Capistrano. The historic landmark and museum features audio tours, fun exhibits and historical re-enactments. The mission is set in ten acres of gardens, fountains and preserved adobe architecture. 

The Queen Mary

The RMS Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner and flagship of the Cunard Line that sailed the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967 and is now a Long Beach icon. This ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is permanently berthed in Long Beach, California, serving as a museum ship and hotel. The Queen Mary offers daily tours of the ship as well. Whether you are interested in art deco design, history, the Queen Mary’s World War II service or paranormal investigations, these unique tours will give you an in-depth look at the ship’s past.

Things To Do In Anaheim