Discover the best places to eat, explore, and unwind near our Anaheim Vacation House.
From Disneyland to beach days and L.A. day trips, this Anaheim vacation rental travel guide can help you plan your perfect Southern California trip.
Where to Eat & Explore Near Our Anaheim Vacation Rental: Local Gems You’ll Love for a SoCal Getaway
Yes, Disneyland is amazing—but there’s much more to discover just minutes from your stay (and beyond).
If you’re planning a trip to Southern California, Anaheim is one of our favorite places to call home base—and this trip was no exception.
Anaheim Vacation Rental Review
We stayed in the Fullerton area with Anaheim Vacation House, specifically at Property 48 (see more here).
The home was spacious, sparkling clean, and had everything we needed for our family of five to spread out and settle in. [Be sure to check out the video for a full tour!]
As much as we love hotels, there’s something about waking up, making coffee in your pajamas, and having a full kitchen to prep breakfast or late-night snacks that feels right.
We stocked up on groceries, had a few easy dinners, and appreciated being able to do laundry mid-trip (because vacation with kids = laundry).
The house also had a hot tub (and pool), the perfect way to unwind after a full day at the parks or explore L.A.
We’ve talked about all the pros to staying at a vacation rental while in the Anaheim area.
And let’s not forget the location: you’re just minutes from Disneyland, close to Knott’s Berry Farm, and it’s super convenient for beach days, shopping trips, and quick drives into L.A.
The neighborhood was quiet and family-friendly while still being close to everything we had planned.
One of the biggest perks of staying with Anaheim Vacation House is that you’re just minutes from Disneyland, making it easy to go back and forth from the parks for a mid-day break or evening fireworks.
It’s also centrally located in the SoCal region, which made it super convenient for taking day trips to Los Angeles, visiting the beach, or heading to nearby attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm or shopping in Costa Mesa.
We had a wonderful time at Property 48. I loved the seamless check-in using my phone (as well as checking out). We also loved having the space to sprawl out, which once you start vacationing with kids, you understand the importance of having space.
Another bonus of staying with Anaheim Vacation House is that they think of EVERYTHING! No need to bring your stroller, pack-in-play, or high chair.
They have all those things, board games, a ping-pong table, and more. This property also has a swing/playset, perfect for families with small kids. And if you do have small kids, no worries about the pool.
It’s secure, with an alarm on the patio door and safety gates around the pool area.
During our 9-day Southern California trip, we made Anaheim our home base and explored everything—from local food favorites to museums in L.A., coastal shopping, and late-night taco runs.
Here’s our personal guide to where to eat, shop, and explore—all minutes away or an easy drive out.
Local Eats We Love (All Near Anaheim/Fullterton Area)
In-N-Out Burger
This is a family tradition—our first stop when we land in L.A. We usually make two to three trips during our stay (no shame!). The Double-Double and Animal-Style fries always hit the spot. 10/10
Popping Yolk Café
This brunch gem features beautifully plated dishes and bold flavors.
It’s great for eggs benedict, soufflé pancakes, and a solid morning start.
Broken Yolk Café
It is affordable, satisfying, and consistently delicious. Our family has eaten here before, and it is one of our top brunch spots in the area.
The portions are generous, the menu is extensive, and the value can’t be beat. We give it an 8.5 out of 10.
Sunbliss Café
Their Dubai Chocolate Cold Brew is next-level. Rich, smooth, and the perfect pick-me-up between stops.
And if you want a healthy snack or light breakfast option, their granola bowls are worth trying! 10/10
House of Chimney Cakes
These dessert creations are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Soft serve, chimney cake, and fun toppings are essential for any sweet tooth. 7/10
Okayama Kobo Bakery & Café
If you love fresh-baked pastries, you’ll want to swing by this bakery. We always leave with a box full of goodies. Everything is baked fresh daily, and it shows.
This time, we tried the chocolate emoji, Koba Kuma, and the salt & butter rolls (my favorite ones).
I also had the strawberry matcha, and it was excellent—refreshing and perfectly balanced. 10/10
Sip & Savor
Located in Downtown Fullerton, this coffee shop is a great stop for craft lattes and good vibes.
I tried the tiramisu latte, and it was terrific—smooth, sweet, and a perfect mid-day treat.
Milk & Cookies
Another delicious treat spot we discovered in Downtown Fullerton. Don’t sleep on their oatmeal raisin cookie. It was soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced—my personal favorite.
Soup Shop
If you’re craving a comforting bowl of ramen or pho in Anaheim, you have to check out Soup Shop on Euclid.
It’s a hidden gem serving flavorful, satisfying bowls that hit the spot—especially after a long day of exploring. We give it an 8.5/10.
Pepz Pizza
On one of our chill nights in, we grabbed pizza from Pepz. It had a solid crust and generous toppings—we gave it a 7/10.
It’s a great option for families or larger groups looking to eat in.
Things to Do Near Anaheim (Beyond the Parks)
Anaheim Packing District
A historic food hall filled with global flavors. This spot is perfect for casual meals or group dining, from street tacos to sushi.
It’s one of our favorite spots to visit while vacationing in Anaheim because every family member can try something different. (A few of our fave spots are 206 BCE Noodles, Georgia’s)
Beach Day Vibes
Our family has visited Huntington and Newport Beach over the years, and they continue to be our go-to spots for coastal fun.
Whether you’re looking to walk the pier, grab tacos with a beach view, or soak in the sun, there are many things to do in and around these areas. They’re just a short drive from the Anaheim/Fullerton area—perfect for a relaxing beach day break from the parks!
Knott’s Berry Farm
We visited Knott’s Berry Farm a few years ago and had a great time. It’s another fun, family-friendly theme park with classic rides, roller coasters, and yummy treats (hello, boysenberry everything!).
Knott’s is a great place to go without straying too far from Anaheim if you’re looking to take a break from all the Disney fun.
Catch a Game or Show
Angel Stadium and the Honda Center are nearby, so it’s easy and fun to catch a ballgame, concert, or event.
Nature Breaks
Get outdoors at Oak Canyon Nature Center or Yorba Regional Park. They’re great for hikes, bike rides, or a low-key afternoon picnic.
We also took a scenic drive to Palm Springs to visit Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a bit of a trek from Anaheim, but it’s worth it.
The landscapes are breathtaking, and it’s such a peaceful spot to take in the beauty of the desert.
Anaheim = The ideal location
Another great perk of staying near Anaheim? You can take a day trip to Universal Studios Hollywood!
We went during a previous visit to SoCal, and it’s a must-do—especially if you’re a fan of Harry Potter or are excited to explore Super Nintendo World.
It’s an epic experience for kids, teens, and adults alike and makes for a fun-packed day outside the city.
Another reason we love Anaheim? It’s an easy drive into Los Angeles for a day or two of food, art, and culture. Here’s what we fit into one of our L.A. day trips—and you can too!
1–2 Day L.A. Itinerary (Tried + Loved)
ThriftCon
During our time in L.A., the boys wanted to check out ThriftCon—and it did not disappoint! It’s a massive space filled with vintage clothes, sneakers, accessories, and rare finds. They scored some cool vintage tees and jackets and loved the entire experience. This is worth putting on your radar if you’re into thrifting or retro fashion.
Brunch at Alta (West Adams)
This spot is such a vibe. It’s a Black-owned restaurant with incredible food, music, and a laid-back feel. Our family gave it a solid 9/10.
Record Store Hopping
If you’re into vinyl, don’t miss Amoeba Music and EST today in Hollywood. Both had great selections and fabulous, cool finds.
Art & Culture Stops
We explored the Broad Museum and the California African American Museum, two inspiring, can’t-miss spots for art and culture lovers.
Shopping in the Melrose District
Melrose is always fun to spend an afternoon looking for trendy shops, vintage pieces, and Instagrammable finds.
Quick Stop at Santa Monica Pier
It’s iconic, breezy, and always worth a stroll for the views, snacks, and arcade vibes.
Visit the Dunes (Inglewood)
No trip is complete without stopping by The Dunes if you’re an Issa Rae fan.
Our youngest son, Zayd’n, is a fan of Insecure, so this was a must-see.
Coffee at Hilltop
We’ve been to this café, which Issa Rae co-owns, and it did not disappoint.
The coffee is fantastic, and the vibe inside the shop is relaxed and inspiring—worth the stop.
I picked up a Hilltop mug as a souvenir the last time we were here.
Dinner at Leo’s Taco Truck
Their al pastor tacos are legendary, and they lived up to the hype.
They are 9/10 and 100% worth it. We will be back the next time we’re in the L.A. area.
The Original Farmer’s Market (Fairfax & 3rd)
It’s perfect for a mid-day snack, shopping, and soaking in the laid-back L.A. vibe. There are tons of foodie stalls and small shops. This is also a spot where you may find celebrities (if you’re into celebrity watching).
Disneyland: New Magic & Familiar Favorites
Of course, no Anaheim trip is complete without a day at Disneyland—and this time, we were especially excited to experience what’s new in the parks.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
This brand-new reimagined ride takes you through the Louisiana bayou with Princess Tiana and her friends. It opened in late 2024 and features incredible animatronics, a lively soundtrack from The Princess and the Frog, and a thrilling 52-foot drop.
It’s visually stunning and a must-do for any Disney fan.
Dinner at Naples Ristorante e Bar
After a magical day in the parks, we ended the evening at Naples in Downtown Disney.
I’ve eaten here several times, and it never disappoints. The wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, and friendly service make this spot a favorite for our family. I give it a 9/10 every time.
Anaheim makes the perfect home base for a SoCal vacation.
Whether you’re doing theme parks, coastal getaways, L.A. art crawls, or food-fueled adventures, everything is within reach—and at the end of the day, you get to come home to a comfortable, spacious rental that feels like your own.
Ready to start planning your own Southern California getaway? Book your next stay with Anaheim Vacation House.
Use this guide as your go-to resource for the best places to eat, explore, and experience everything Southern California offers for a wonderful vacation.
Whether you’re doing theme parks, coastal getaways, L.A. art crawls, or food-fueled adventures, everything is within reach—and at the end of the day, you get to come home to a comfortable, spacious rental that feels like your own.
So come to Disneyland, but stay for the food, the culture, the beaches, and the memories waiting to be made across Southern California.
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