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 (100 miles away) or Los Angeles (20 miles away), or arrive via plane into John Wayne Airport (18 miles away), 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 - 7 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 (4 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 bowling alley at the Outlets of Orange!

Pianist at Beach Boulevard Club in Buena Park, CA

3. Dinner Shows (Buena Park - 5 Miles Away)
Whether you opt for swordplay and horsemanship at Medieval Times, or swashbuckling antics on the high seas at Pirates Dinner Adventure, you’ll love the fully-immersive dinner theater options offered in Buena Park. Guests can also step through the entrance of the classy Beach Boulevard Club and get transported to the prohibition days of the 1920s. As you mix and mingle with your friends, enjoy the smooth soundtrack of the club’s talented dueling pianists.

4. Anaheim Packing District (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 slides 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. Koreatown (Buena Park - 6 Miles Away)

Buena Park’s Koreatown is a vibrant enclave brimming with Korean culture, dining, shopping, and entertainment. At its heart lies The Source OC, a bustling shopping and entertainment hub that immerses you in authentic Korean flavors and experiences. Be sure to check out our Foodie Guide to The Source OC for an insider’s look.

6. Bowers Museum (5 Miles Away)

Bowers Museum showcases art and artifacts from cultures around the world in 9 permanent collection exhibitions and rotating featured exhibitions. As the largest and one of the oldest museums in Orange County, Bowers has been voted ‘Best Museum’ in Orange County for the past 30 years by OC Register Readers (2023). Partnering with world-class institutions, Bowers Museum’s featured exhibitions include blockbusters such as Terracotta Warriors; Mummies: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt, Treasures of the British Museum; and Guo Pei: Art of Couture.

Kids playing at Discovery Cube in Santa Ana, CA

8. Discovery Cube OC (5 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.

9. House of Blues (1 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. Historic District (Buena Park - 7 Miles Away)

Step back in time with a visit to the Buena Park Historic District, where you can explore well-preserved buildings from the 1800s. Discover local history at the Whitaker-Jaynes House, which serves as the city's museum, and admire the Bacon House, one of Orange County’s oldest surviving structures.

After a long day of excitement, choose from over a dozen comfortable and affordable hotels in Buena Park. Check out our ‘suite’ hotel and ticket deals. To start planning your SoCal vacation, order your FREE Buena Park Travel Guide.

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Guest room at DoubleTree by Hilton in Buena Park, CA

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Riders on HangTime ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA

Top 10 Things to Do near Disneyland

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