Looking for a great location to spend your summer vacation? Anaheim is just the place. With gorgeous weather, balmy beaches, and some of the best theme parks in America, there is something for everyone. Here are some fun ideas for your trip and where to stay nearby. 

Disneyland® Resort

Disneyland® Resort is one of the largest attractions in OC and a must-do for families with small children. Dubbed “The Happiest Place on Earth,” the park was created by Walt Disney in the mid-1950s and has been a family-favorite destination ever since. Over the years, it has undergone several expansions, including a 14-acre Star Wars theme park in 2019, the Avengers Campus in 2021, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in 2023.

When visiting, plan on spending a few days exploring the different areas of the park. There’s so much to do, you won’t be able to fit it into just one day. From thrilling rides to tamer options for younger children, more than 40 restaurants and snack carts to choose from, and retail shops across the park for souvenirs, you’re sure to have a blast.

Disney California Adventure® Park

Disney California Adventure® Park is located inside the Disney® Resort and offers 72 more acres of fun. There are 9 themed lands here, including Hollywood Land, Cars Land, Pixar Pier, Buena Vista Street, Grizzly Peak, and the Avengers Campus.

Each area is designed to represent Walt Disney’s first impressions of Los Angeles when he visited in the 1920s and includes popular attractions, restaurants, and retail shops where you can buy memorabilia to take home.

Star Wars Season of the Force runs from April 5 to June 2 and overlaps with Pixar® Fest, which runs from April 26 to August 4, 2024. Both festivals will span across both Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm is a great choice for older kids, teens, and adults. This theme park offers more thrill rides than Disneyland® Resort, including California’s only dive coaster and the Xcelerator, a roller coaster that reaches 82 mph in just over 2 seconds.

Here, you’ll find four individually-themed areas, including Old West Ghost Town, Camp Snoopy, The Boardwalk, and Fiesta Village. Plus, there are several live entertainment options to enjoy and more than 40 individual restaurants to dine at.

Knott’s Soak City

Knott’s Soak City is one of the only water parks in Southern California. Soak City is a separately gated area next to Knott’s Berry Farm and offers interactive water rides for all ages. Have a blast on one of the 23 slides or hit the 750,000 gallon wave pool if you’re up for adventure, or chill out at the 1/3 mile lazy river for a relaxing afternoon.

Other Great Things to Do in the OC

There are also lots of other exciting things to do during the summer in Orange County, like:

  • Los Angeles Angels baseball games. If you’re a baseball enthusiast, the Los Angeles Angels play at Angel Stadium in Anaheim all spring and summer.
  • Nearby beaches. Orange County is famous for its excellent beaches. Great places to visit include Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and the iconic Laguna Beach.
  • Dolphin and whale watching. The OC’s amazing location makes it a great place for whale and dolphin watching. Head to Dana Point or Newport Beach for the best views.
  • Museums. The OC has several museums for people of all ages, like the Hilbert Museum of California Art, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and the Disney Gallery.
  • Parks. Visit the OC’s beautiful public parks for a relaxed picnic or a casual day out. Great places to go include Irvine Regional Park, the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, and the Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park.

Where to Relax After the Fun

When the day is done, you’ll want somewhere comfortable and convenient to relax. Camelot Inn & Suites is conveniently located in the heart of Anaheim across from Disneyland®’s Main Entrance on South Harbor Boulevard, so you can be right near the action. To reserve your stay, book now online or call (714) 635-7275.