Anaheim, California offers far more than most visitors realize. While Disneyland rightfully earns its reputation as the city’s crown jewel, this vibrant Orange County destination features diverse attractions, excellent dining, unique shopping, and entertainment options that surprise and delight travelers. Solara Inn and Suites sits perfectly positioned to access all these experiences, making it the ideal home base for exploring everything Anaheim and the surrounding area have to offer.
Whether you’re extending your Disney vacation with additional activities, visiting Anaheim for business with free time to explore, or simply discovering Orange County’s charms, this guide reveals the best things to do near Solara Inn and Suites. Let’s explore the attractions, dining, entertainment, and experiences that make Anaheim such a compelling destination beyond the theme parks.
Theme Parks and Major Attractions
Disneyland Resort
Obviously, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park top most visitors’ lists. These iconic theme parks sit just minutes from Solara Inn and Suites Anaheim, making multiple park visits convenient and stress-free. The proximity means you can experience rope drop mornings, return for midday breaks, and enjoy evening entertainment without long commutes eating into your precious park time.
Downtown Disney District provides free admission to Disney-themed shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stroll through unique Disney stores, enjoy table-service restaurants, watch street performers, or simply soak in the Disney atmosphere without purchasing park tickets.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Just a short drive from Solara Inn and Suites, Knott’s Berry Farm offers a completely different theme park experience. This historic park features thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and that famous fried chicken. Knott’s delivers theme park excitement at more affordable prices than Disney, making it perfect for budget-conscious families or thrill-seekers wanting maximum ride time.
Seasonal events like Knott’s Scary Farm (Halloween) and Knott’s Merry Farm (Christmas) transform the park into special experiences worth planning trips around.
Angel Stadium
Angel Stadium sits nearby, hosting Los Angeles Angels baseball games throughout the season. Catching a game provides classic American entertainment in a beautiful stadium setting. The proximity from your Anaheim hotel makes attending evening games easy—enjoy America’s pastime, then return to comfortable accommodations without fighting traffic for hours.
The stadium also hosts concerts and special events throughout the year, so check the calendar for non-baseball entertainment during your visit.
Dining Experiences Throughout Anaheim
Anaheim Packing District
The Anaheim Packing District represents one of Orange County’s most exciting culinary destinations. This restored citrus packing house now features artisan food vendors, craft breweries, specialty shops, and entertainment in a vibrant historic setting. The diverse food options span international cuisines, gourmet treats, and innovative California fare.
The Packing District works perfectly for groups with varied tastes—everyone can choose their preferred cuisine while eating together in the communal dining areas. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, especially during weekends when live music and special events draw crowds.
Local Restaurant Scene
Anaheim restaurants offer remarkable diversity. You’ll find authentic Mexican cuisine reflecting Southern California’s cultural heritage, Asian restaurants representing various regional traditions, classic American dining, upscale steakhouses, casual chains, and everything between.
Staff at Solara Inn and Suites provide current recommendations based on your preferences, dietary requirements, and budget. They know which restaurants currently deliver exceptional experiences and which ones to potentially avoid.
International Food Options
The Orange County location means access to incredible international dining. Korean BBQ, Vietnamese pho, Japanese sushi, Thai curry, Indian tandoori, Mediterranean kebabs—virtually every cuisine imaginable appears somewhere within easy driving distance of your hotel.
Shopping Destinations
The Outlets at Orange
Just minutes away, The Outlets at Orange features over 120 brand-name outlet stores offering significant discounts on designer labels, popular brands, and specialty goods. Whether you’re looking for clothing, accessories, home goods, or electronics, the outlet mall provides shopping variety and value.
The outdoor layout creates a pleasant shopping environment, especially during Southern California’s mild weather. Dining options throughout the complex let you refuel during marathon shopping sessions.
Anaheim GardenWalk
Anaheim GardenWalk combines shopping with dining and entertainment in an attractive outdoor setting. Retail stores, restaurants, bars, a bowling alley, and a movie theater create a mini entertainment district. It’s perfect for evening entertainment without the commitment of theme park tickets—enjoy dinner, catch a movie, or simply stroll through the pleasant environment.
Local Boutiques and Specialty Shops
Beyond major shopping centers, Anaheim features local boutiques, vintage shops, hobby stores, and specialty retailers worth exploring. Ask hotel staff for recommendations based on your interests—they know where to find unique items and local character that chain stores can’t replicate.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation
Yorba Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park offers 140 acres of recreational space with lakes, bike paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds. It provides a peaceful natural escape from theme park crowds and urban energy. Rent bikes, enjoy lakeside walks, have family picnics, or simply relax in beautiful Southern California outdoor settings.
The park particularly appeals to families wanting active outdoor time between theme park visits, or business travelers seeking exercise and fresh air during free time.
Beach Access
The famous Orange County beaches sit just 20-30 minutes from Solara Inn and Suites. Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and other coastal destinations offer classic California beach experiences. Spend mornings or afternoons enjoying ocean breezes, sandy shores, and coastal attractions, then return to your comfortable Anaheim hotel for the evening.
This proximity means you can combine theme park days with beach days, creating diverse vacation experiences without constant hotel changes.
Hiking and Nature
The nearby hills and regional parks provide hiking opportunities with beautiful views of Orange County. Trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, accommodating various fitness levels and time constraints. The desert-meets-ocean Southern California landscape creates unique natural beauty worth experiencing.
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
Muzeo in downtown Anaheim features rotating exhibitions covering art, history, science, and culture. The museum provides intellectual stimulation and cultural experiences beyond theme parks and shopping. Admission is affordable, making it an excellent activity for curious minds of all ages.
Center Street Promenade
Downtown Anaheim’s Center Street Promenade offers local shopping, dining, and entertainment in a revitalized historic district. The pedestrian-friendly street hosts farmers markets, art walks, and community events. It showcases Anaheim’s local character rather than tourist-focused experiences.
Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC)
While primarily a transportation hub, ARTIC’s stunning architecture makes it worth visiting. The building features distinctive design elements and houses interesting exhibits. It represents Anaheim’s modern development and vision for the future.
Family-Friendly Activities
Pretend City Children’s Museum
Pretend City provides interactive, educational play for young children. The museum features miniature city environments where kids explore various professions and adult activities through play. It’s perfect for families with preschoolers who need activities beyond theme parks.
Adventure City
This small family amusement park offers rides and attractions sized perfectly for younger children not yet ready for major theme park intensity. Admission costs significantly less than Disney or Knott’s, making it budget-friendly entertainment for families with little ones.
Local Parks and Playgrounds
Anaheim maintains numerous neighborhood parks with playgrounds, sports facilities, and open spaces. These provide free entertainment when you need activity breaks without spending money or fighting theme park crowds.
Evening Entertainment
Comedy Clubs and Live Music
Anaheim venues host comedy shows, live music performances, and entertainment throughout the week. Check local calendars for current shows during your visit. These evening activities provide adult entertainment after kids sleep or when you want experiences beyond theme parks.
Sports Bars and Nightlife
The area features numerous sports bars, pubs, and nightlife venues. Watch games, enjoy craft beers, socialize with locals and fellow travelers, or simply unwind after long activity-filled days.
Movie Theaters
Multiple movie theaters near Solara Inn and Suites show current releases. Catching a film provides relaxing entertainment that doesn’t require standing, walking, or intense engagement—perfect for travel-weary evenings.
Planning Your Anaheim Exploration
Creating Balanced Itineraries
Mix theme park days with other activities for more balanced, sustainable vacations. Perhaps visit Disneyland for two days, explore Anaheim attractions for one day, enjoy a beach day, then return to Disney. This variety prevents theme park burnout while maximizing your Southern California experience.
Taking Advantage of Your Location
Solara Inn and Suites’ central Anaheim position makes spontaneous exploring easy. Discover interesting restaurants mentioned by other guests, visit attractions you hadn’t originally planned, or simply drive around discovering Orange County’s character. The convenient location and free parking support exploratory adventures.
Budgeting for Diverse Experiences
Many Anaheim attractions cost significantly less than theme park tickets. Beach visits are free. Parks cost nothing. Many restaurants offer better value than theme park dining. Outlet shopping provides deals on quality merchandise. By mixing expensive and affordable activities, you create richer experiences while managing budgets effectively.
Local Insider Tips
Staff at Solara Inn and Suites Anaheim provide valuable local knowledge. They know:
- Which restaurants currently offer the best quality and value
- How to avoid traffic congestion during rush hours
- Where to find specific services or items you might need
- Hidden gems that tourists typically miss
- Optimal timing for various attractions
Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations and insider advice—their local expertise enhances your exploration significantly.
Making the Most of Orange County
Anaheim serves as an excellent base for exploring broader Orange County attractions. The I-5 access from Solara Inn and Suites facilitates day trips throughout the region. Consider venturing to:
- South Coast Plaza for upscale shopping
- Mission San Juan Capistrano for California history
- Newport Beach for harbor activities
- Laguna Beach for art galleries and coastal beauty
- Irvine Spectrum for entertainment and dining
Your comfortable hotel room awaits at the end of each exploration day, providing consistent, reliable accommodations regardless of how far you roam.
Start Your Anaheim Adventure
Anaheim offers incredible diversity beyond its famous theme parks. From beaches to baseball, outlet shopping to gourmet dining, cultural museums to outdoor recreation, you’ll discover experiences that surprise and delight. Solara Inn and Suites positions you perfectly to explore everything this dynamic city and surrounding region offer.
Whether you’re planning dedicated exploration days or filling free time between business meetings or theme park visits, Anaheim’s attractions provide entertainment, education, and experiences that create lasting memories. Your adventure beyond the obvious tourist destinations reveals the real character and charm of Southern California living.
Book your stay at Solara Inn and Suites, pack your curiosity, and prepare to discover why Anaheim, California offers so much more than meets the eye. Your Orange County exploration starts here!
