Top 10 Things to Do near Disneyland

When your travels bring you to Southern California for some time at Disneyland®, make sure you allow for extra days to explore beyond the park. Whether you drive from San Diego (85 miles) or Los Angeles (35 miles), or arrive via plane into John Wayne Airport (13 miles), there’s so much to explore near Disneyland® and in the surrounding cities. All the spots below are less than 10 miles from Disneyland® and perfect to add to your extended Orange County vacation itinerary!

Rollercoasters at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

1. Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park) 6 Miles Away

Visitors to Knott's Berry Farm of all ages love the roller coasters, costumed characters and award-winning entertainment that make up this 160-acre theme park. While the youngest visitors tend to flock to Camp Snoopy to meet the whole Peanuts gang, thrill-seekers will love the adrenaline-fueled rides like Supreme Scream, GhostRider and the park’s newest addition and the west coast’s first dive coaster—HangTime. Don’t miss all the boysenberry treats throughout the park and the classic fried chicken at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

2. Outlets of Orange (Orange) 4.5 Miles Away

Shop ‘til you drop at this one-stop spot for all your favorite brands like H & M and Polo Ralph Lauren. Savvy shoppers know that this is the place to go to save a few bucks as it has favorite discount stores like Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. There’s even a massive skate park and bowling alley at the Outlets of Orange!

Pirates and captain holding necklace at Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, CA

3. Dinner Shows (Buena Park) 6 Miles Away

Whether you opt for swordplay and horsemanship at Medieval Times, or swashbuckling antics on the high seas at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, you’ll love the fully-immersive dinner theater options offered in Buena Park. Looking for upscale entertainment? Then check out Buena Park’s newest dining experience - Teatro Martini. The vaudeville show features unique variety acts and a 5-course meal.

4. Anaheim Packing District (Anaheim) 2 Miles Away

This 1919 citrus packing facility houses dozens of dining spots from waffles to hot pot to authentic Syrian cuisine. Come hungry to the Anaheim Packing District as you’ll want to have room for bubble tea, gourmet gelato popsicles and shaved snow. Don’t miss the super-secret speakeasy.

Water slide at Knott's Soak City in Buena Park, CA

5. Knott's Soak City (Buena Park) 6 MILES AWAY

When the heat is on, splash down at Knott’s Soak City water park-- just across the street from the Knott’s Berry Farm. Float around the lazy river before you check out the giant wave pool and 22 water slides. Little ones will get a kick out of the massive dump bucket at the Beach House and slides just their size.

6. Downtown Disney (Anaheim)

Stroll through Downtown Disney right near the Disneyland® entrance where you can find boutique shopping and loads of dining options like the epic CrazyShakes at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes. Spend some time enjoying live music at the Splitsville Kingpin Stage while you bowl, or at Flambeaux’s Jazz Club for some sounds of the Big Easy.

Two women looking at statues at Bowers Museum

7. Bowers Museum (Santa Ana) 6 Miles Away

Bowers Museum and its accompanying Kidseum are the place to go to get your fill of art from Native American artifacts to Mexican pottery to ancient artifacts from China.

Father, daughter, and son with ipads at Discovery Cube

8. Discovery Cube OC (Santa Ana) 6 Miles Away

Explore all the hands-on exhibits at this top children’s science center and museum in Orange County. Learn about healthy cooking, what life was like when dinosaurs ruled the Earth and what it feels like to be inside a rocket launch at Discovery Cube OC.

Band performing with crowd at House of Blues

9. House of Blues (Anaheim) 2 Miles Away

Rock out to your favorite band and dig into Southern-inspired eats at this Anaheim hot spot, House of Blues. Sundays bring the always-entertaining performers of the Gospel Brunch along with all-you-can-eat chicken, waffles and other Southern favorites.

10. Flight Deck (Anaheim) 4 Miles Away

Don your flight suit and experience the rush of flying a Boeing 737 or a fighter jet at this flight simulation experience at Flight Deck. Go through pilot training before you try your skills at takeoff and landing.

Buena Park Hotels Make Your Stay Easy

You’ll want a convenient home base for your extended vacation and Buena Park has tons of options for you. With hotels like the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel and Holiday Inn Buena Park, you’ll have a convenient shuttle to get you where you need to go around town. Bonus for those travelling with kids: the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel offers in select rooms the most adorable Snoopy tuck-in service that is something the kids won’t soon forget.

Massive suites and easy access to all the area’s adventures are what’s in store when you book your stay at Courtyard Marriott Buena Park, Hampton Inn & Suites or the Fairfield Inn & Suites. If you’d rather save your money for the amusement parks and epic dining, the Good Nite Inn and Best Host Inn offer budget-friendly accommodations.

All of these Buena Park hotels are just a short drive to Disneyland® and Orange County’s amazing beaches. CLICK HERE to check out ‘suite’ hotel deals. To start planning your Southern California vacation today, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide HERE.