Beyond Magic: Activities Near Disneyland

Are you looking for fun things to do near Disneyland with friends? The big secret about coming to Anaheim is that visitors can find so many incredible things to do outside the park! Don't finalize your itinerary until you check out these four amazing attractions near Disneyland!

Anaheim Packing District

The Anaheim Packing District is a must-visit spot for food, shopping, and adventure. Located just 2 miles from Disneyland, this attraction merges the old days with modern Anaheim. The highlight of the Anaheim Packing District is a 42,000-square-foot food hall packed with gourmet food vendors. The newly renovated hall is actually a former Sunkist packing house from 1919 that sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Spend a day eating your way through the neighborhood while visiting breweries, barbecue joints, farm-to-table vendors, and much more!

Mission San Juan Capistrano

National Register of Historic Places

Considered the birthplace of Orange County, Mission San Juan Capistrano is a Spanish mission that was founded by Spanish Catholic missionaries from the Franciscan order in 1776. Today, the mission is a museum that is visited by locals, tourists, and student groups. In addition to touring the stunning grounds of the former mission, visitors can view collections holding thousands of artifacts, paintings, photos, and more. The mission's exhibits are unique because they contain a mix of influences from Catholic and Native American cultures that all highlight the deep and interesting history of modern-day Southern California.

Balboa Island - Newport Beach

Many people consider Balboa Island to be the most beautiful spot in California! Balboa Island is a one-of-a-kind gem in Newport Beach, California that can be reached by bridge, ferry, or public docks. This seaside community is surrounded by a sprawling concrete boardwalk that makes walking tours easy! While natural beauty abounds here, Balboa Island's community actually consists of three artificial islands that were created in Newport Harbor.

Balboa Island offers a quaint seaside experience full of dining, shopping, and sightseeing. Visitors can also enjoy whale watching, wine tasting, and walking high above the waves at Newport Pier and Balboa Pier. The famed Balboa Fun Zone has a Ferris wheel, rides, and games for all ages! While exploring Balboa Island by foot is easy, many visitors choose to rent electric bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards to get some alternative views!

Fashion Island - Newport Beach

Where's the best place for shopping in Southern California? While there's lots of competition, Fashion Island is a well-known outdoor shopping mall in Newport Beach that's known for being home to top retailers! Do some luxury shopping at Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, or Neiman Marcus before popping into a steakhouse or wine bar during an unforgettable day out at the mall! The open-air layout of Fashion Island allows guests to enjoy fresh air and palm trees in beautiful courtyards.

A Day at the Park Is Only the Beginning

There's no doubt that a Disney trip with friends will be full of memories that will last a lifetime. However, it's important to know that there are so many things to do near Disneyland with friends for people who like shopping, museums, and incredible seaside views. Don't miss an opportunity to squeeze every bit of juice out of Anaheim!