View from my delux studio @ The Westin Anaheim Resort.
Bedroom with TV facing either bed or lounge.
My room turns out to be a very luxurious and spacious King Deluxe Studio, with a view through glass doors to the Juliette balcony doors opening over the palm-decorated arrival court and that glimpse of Disneyland. A huge lounge area, massive king bed and TV which faces either side, is completed with an equally large bathroom, fabulous walk-in shower and, to my delight, a luscious bathtub. I plan to soak in that for hours… after I explore.
Dinner (and breakfast) is available in the Tangerine Room restaurant, located in the hotel lobby, or why not stop for a pre-dinner cocktail at the lively sports bar right by the entrance? Contemporary yet comfortable, the Tangerine Room strikes the perfect balance between casual elegance and relaxed dining. Its thoughtfully curated food and drinks menus offer plenty of choice at reasonable prices. I love a restaurant where everything on the menu is tempting, and this one certainly delivers.
The Tangerine Room @ The Westin Resort (Supplied)
Rare ahi tuna - delicious!
Dining alone can be fun or fraught. The lovely Deja, my personable server, makes it a fun and friendly experience. My “classic margie” is accompanied by complimentary bread and olives. Soup of the day was roasted spinach and artichoke - my two favourites, and it was absolutely divine. Specialities are steaks (or if you’re homesick, NZ lamb chops), seafood and pasta. How could anyone resist?!
Disney Fireworks from Rise Rooftop Bar @ The Westin
Rise Rooftop (Supplied)
The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly, assisting me with parking even though I hadn't pre-booked it, and kindly providing a loan adapter for my computer when I realised I had brought the wrong one.
The sensational Rise Rooftop Lounge Bar is an exclusive, must-visit location for viewing Disneyland's spectacular fireworks display, which takes place on weekend evenings at 9:30 pm (weather permitting). With a DJ, a full sports bar showing live games, and a menu of shareable favourites including pizza, sushi and seafood, it's the perfect spot for cocktails, a special evening with friends or family, or after-dinner drinks accompanied by the fireworks show. The venue also serves brunch on weekends.
Tip: Reservations for the rooftop are highly recommended. Be sure to check the hotel's website or the Disneyland app in advance to confirm whether the fireworks are scheduled to go ahead.
It's a wonder anyone ever manages to leave this wonderful property, but fortunately, I did... and it was worth it.
Anaheim’s Magical Experience
A visit to Disneyland for one or more days is just the magical starting point but there's so much more you can do here...
Packing House - Food Hall (Supplied)
Authentic pizza from Zero Zero
Just minutes from downtown Anaheim, this is foodie heaven in a funky historic building from the era when citrus was Orange County’s claim to fame. Cruise the fresh food and produce delights from croissants to specialty ice cream, charcuterie to sushi, tacos to Japanese hot dogs. On two levels, with bars and breweries, like Hammer, to provide adult liquid refreshment, you can happily spend half a day or more grazing, sampling the delicious artisanal food options and world class culinary talents that make Southern California world famous.
The Outlets at Orange
Outlets at Orange
Let’s get serious. Who doesn’t love an outlet shopping experience? Anaheim’s open-air Outlets at Orange have you well and truly covered. All the brands, and plenty of bargains to be had, over a huge area. This place has it all: theatres, brewhouses, restaurants, coffee houses and over 120 stores. If you plan to shop while you visit, this is the place to do it and the only outlet mall in Orange County!
Tip: Make sure you leave enough room in your luggage for all the things you buy (and having a plan of what you want is also a good idea before you go!).
Anaheim's Old Town
This historic district spread around an oasis island park with a fountain, is a surprising must-visit and off-the-beaten path gem. Now home to a collection of fabulous funky vintage clothes shops, estate jewellers, unique gift shops and enough cool restaurants, cafes and bars to keep dedicated foodies happy for weeks. We found a former gas station turned into a very cool fifties diner, The Filling Station, with an outdoor garden and a brunch menu with all the favourites.
Browse the bargains, shop for that special souvenir or gift and enjoy a long brunch. Or simply sit at an outdoor cafe and people watch.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Angel Stadium (Supplied)
Sports fans will love the atmosphere and excitement of a game at Angel Stadium, home to Anaheim’s Angels baseball team. There’s nothing like the vibe of the roar of a huge home crowd. Baseball is a national past time and a quintessential part of American culture, sport and pure entertainment.
You don’t need to be a sports or baseball fan to enjoy the exciting atmosphere; it’s big fun for all the family. Our Angels vs Texas Rangers game was won (go Angels!) on the very last ball and the crowd went wild!
Other Anaheim Activities You Will Love
Karmel Connect is the ideal way to get around for tours and transfers (image supplied).
- Visit Catalina Island for a day trip, or stay longer for great seafood, island tours and an old Hollywood style vibe
- Enjoy an ice hockey game in season at the Honda Center (October through June) to cheer on the Anaheim Ducks
- Tour Warner Bros. Studios for a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes where your favourite movies and TV shows are made
- Travel further afield, with one day guided tours to your choice of iconic destination: Hollywood, Santa Monica Venice, Griffith Park, the famous Hollywood sign, Universal Studios and more
Sip & Savour Anaheim – Where to Eat & Drink
Anaheim abounds with restaurants, breweries, bars and distilleries. Here’s a few fabulous ones I tried - find out more: www.visitanaheim.org/luxury/eat-drink
THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon
At this super cool, upmarket western-style steakhouse I could easily imagine seeing Beth Dutton from the Yellowstone TV series at the bar, and the wranglers from the Dutton Ranch raising hell at the saloon and dance hall next door.
A farm-to-table menu included specials and featured something they call ‘large format’ steaks (ie huge, with prices to match). An Australian steak was on the menu for $75. My smaller appetite opted instead for the whole grilled artichoke, wagyu carpaccio and creamed spinach on the side. Each dish was utterly delicious and big serves are the norm.
If you spend at least $100 on the meal (and trust me this is not difficult), the cover charge to the Saloon right next door is waived. A live band was playing covers of the most popular country tunes and the couples dancing had all the moves (country and swing dance) down. Visitors are also catered for, with some dances open to everyone and some popular line-dancing tracks that had everyone up and boot scootin’. SO MUCH FUN.
Spirit of the Music or Still Crazy: Stone Groove Stillhouse
Stone Groove Stillhouse (Supplied). If you love your whiskey & bourbon and music, this is your place.
If you’re a music or spirit lover (bourbon and whiskey especially, or likely both…) here’s a new local Anaheim concept you need to try. Tucked away in the Packing House foodie district next to Make brewery its an innovative and delicious hideaway for indulgent spirit tastings and audiophiles, set to a variety of music genres.
They love music so much they play country, blues, rock and rap to their aging barrels of spirit and swear this gives each a distinct flavour. But go and taste - and listen - for yourself. The food is eclectic but super tasty and the whole experience is uniquely Anaheim.
Old Town dining options
- Finney’s for local craft beer and American food favourites
- Urth Café Orange for mazing coffee and natural bites
- Francoli Gourmet for fantastic Italian food
- The Filling Station - authentic '50s diner
Strong Water Anaheim
Looking for an intimate (bookings essential) but fun escape from theme park crowds? Find this wildly immersive tiki bar and step aboard for a sunken ship adventure. Vintage tiki bar and nautical memorabilia set the classic tiki scene and the signature crafted Mai Tai, creamy Painkiller or the rum-fuelled Buzzin’ Jungle Bird cocktail, James Beard- nominated island-style snacks and moody atmosphere offer the ultimate magical tropical island escape.
Why Anaheim?
With all this fun, magic and fabulousness, Anaheim offers an authentically reimagined experience of Orange County; Disneyland and so much more to do. It’s a top value alternative base to downtown Los Angeles. Great fun for families, couples, groups or even solo travellers. But don’t forget your ears; I now have mine!
Visit Anaheim with Chris Watson Travel
Check out our sample itineraries or let us design one to suit your interests and schedule.
Anaheim is approximately 45 minutes from LAX airport by car or transfer (we recommend Karmel Shuttle) and the nearest local airport is Santa Ana (SNA).
Getting there: Delta Airlines, Qantas and United Airlines have numerous direct flights from most major gateways in Australia.