Anaheim

Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. It is best known for being the home of Disneyland. Its second claim to fame is hosting the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks and Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels.

Understand
Anaheim was founded in 1857, when the ranchero Juan Pacífico Ontiveros sold part of his land to 50 German-American families who had looked for an area to grow grapes. Throughout its early existence, Anaheim was a rural community, and orange groves and other cash crops dominated the landscape. That changed in 1955, with the opening of Disneyland, attracting tourist interest in the area, which was followed by increased population and economic growth.

While the city of Anaheim stretches across roughly around State Route 91 (the Riverside Freeway), the tourist core centers around the Disneyland Resort property, located in the south-central part of the city. The Angels and Ducks play about east of the Disneyland Resort.

By car
The 5 goes directly through Anaheim and can be reached from Los Angeles on the 5 or 91 East. In rush hour, it may be faster to use Route 91 even if it is longer as it is less congested. The 57 Freeway also runs down the Eastern side of Anaheim and is the quickest way to reach that side of the city from the cities just north of Anaheim or from Diamond Bar, Pomona, or Ontario areas. If you are not familiar with Southern California traffic plan on it being congested even outside of peak times and many drivers driving very aggressively. Try to keep your calm even in stressful situations.

By plane
The closest commercial airports are John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana followed by Long Beach Airport, while the Los Angeles International Airport  is the largest one in the area. Ontario airport is also a popular choice as it is not much further than LAX, often with far less traffic and hassle.

For those who rent a car or take a taxi, travel time from SNA is about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. From LAX, the trip takes about 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. A taxi from SNA costs about $40; from LAX, about $70.

For most people who don't rent a car, shared shuttle van service is an economical option. The shuttle will make multiple stops, but you will be delivered right to the door of your hotel. From LAX, the cost is about $16 per person one way/$32 per person round trip, plus tip. From SNA, the cost is about $10 per person one way/$20 per person roundtrip, plus tip.

By train or bus
, or ARTIC, is Anaheim's central train and bus station. The station is located at 2626 East Katella Avenue, near the Honda Center and Angel's Stadium.

The transit connection to Disneyland is actually best at the Fullerton Amtrak/Metrolink station in the city's pleasant downtown area. From there it's just short a ride on OCTA line 43 (towards Costa Mesa) to Disneyland along Harbor Blvd. From the Anaheim Station (ARTIC) OCTA line 430 specifically serves as a shuttle from ARTIC to the Disneyland Resorts as it goes around all sides of the park. The line 50 (towards Long Beach) only passes by Disneyland along the south side on W Katella Ave.

You can also get to Disneyland on Metro bus 460 from Downtown Los Angeles, a semi-express bus that is a fairly slow but direct ride; and RTA bus 200 from San Bernardino and Riverside which travels primarily on Hwy 91.

Do
There are two professional sports teams that play in Anaheim:

Eat
There are lots of places to eat in and around Disneyland.

Drink
Despite being one of the most popular destinations for tourists in California, Anaheim has very little to offer in terms of nightlife. Most nightlife destination are restaurant bars or dive bars. Those looking for a more exciting nightlife should travel to the nearby areas of Downtown Fullerton (10-15 min) or Newport Beach (20-25 min).

Sleep
There are many of hotels, motels and inns all around Disneyland for all budgets and tastes. See the Disneyland article for accommodations within Disneyland Resort.

Stay safe
Anaheim is considered one of the safest cities in the United States considering its size. Anaheim has a low rape and murder rate, although the rape rate has been growing, along with the national average. By far, the most dangerous crime is aggravated assault. Common sense must be used after dark, and never travel alone. Anaheim was mostly spared during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

Go next

 * Buena Park's E-Zone, the home of Knott's Berry Farm can easily be reached from Anaheim via Orange County Transit Authority buses. From Disneyland, travel west on Katella Avenue to Stanton, then north on Beach Boulevard to Buena Park.
 * Los Angeles and San Diego are accessible from Anaheim via Amtrak and Metrolink at the Anaheim railway station.