Do we really know Cancun? Do we really know Punta Cana? Do we really even know American icons like New York City?
There’s no better way to pop our bubbles of comfort than to explore the world.
However, if we travel to the most well-known places, like the 3 I just listed, chances are we spend most of our time at a beachfront resort or riding the subway from one popular attraction to the other, forming another bubble away from home.
The same can be said for even lesser-known destinations. Anaheim is a city we all know the name of, but honestly, you may just know Disneyland.
Southern California is home to some truly amazing places.
Take it from me, a 10-year San Diego resident.
There’s far more than meets the eye in SoCal, including the often-overlooked city of Anaheim. It is typically cheaper, conveniently located, and offers many fun events throughout the year.
Expedia just named Anaheim as a ‘top fall destination’, arguably the biggest surprise on the list.
Southern California’s Overlooked City
It would be unfair to say Anaheim is “unpopular”, but it would also be untrue to say it’s all the rage right now.
It’s not, but it easily could be.
Los Angeles, another city Expedia named a top fall destination, casts such a large shadow that it’s impossible to compete.
Even as its reputation has diminished since the pandemic, it’s still undoubtedly an icon drawing in millions of tourists each year.
Anaheim, on the other hand, is a place we all know but may not know much about.
In the same way we know Boise has potatoes, we know Anaheim has Disneyland, and the interest seems to stop there.
But, I promise you, there is much more to Anaheim than the land of happy, oversized rodents.
In fact, I’m beating myself up for even having to mention SoCal’s most popular theme park.
One thing I can say for certain is you won’t be disappointed visiting Anaheim this fall.
SoCal’s Best Value: Sleep In Luxury & Vacation In Paradise
Staunchly proud San Diegoans get grumpy when I say San Diego’s beaches are second-tier to Orange County’s, but the facts are the facts.
The OC doesn’t have Tijuana sewage spewing across the border.
Need I say more?
No, Anaheim is not a beach town, but it’s a great spot to beach hop, even if it’s just for a weekend stay.
We’re all aware there are a few California getaways that are friendly on the wallet, but Anaheim is one of them.
Rather than unnecessarily splurge on Newport Beach or Laguna Beach resorts, stay in luxury in Anaheim for a whole lot cheaper.
For example, Anaheim’s 5-star JW Marriott is under $200 for multiple nights throughout the fall months.
Compared to the 5-star hotel I stayed in outside San Diego, it’s a savings of $300 per night, if not more.
That’s just a sample size, but you get the gist. Anaheim is great for staying in luxury and exploring by day, and if my word holds any merit – I would totally live here!
Without traffic, famous Laguna Beach is just 30 minutes away, ritzy Newport Beach is a few minutes, and the same for Huntington Beach for quintessential SoCal vibes.
Tip: A new L.A. Times report claims Laguna Beach is overrun with tourists. My favorite Orange County beach town is San Clemente, approx. 38 minutes from Anaheim.
There’s Always Something To Do In Anaheim
Reaching Anaheim is easy despite flying under the radar. Nearby Santa Ana is home to John Wayne Airport (SNA) with plentiful nationwide flights.
When the Carlsbad airport opens next year, travelers will have yet another option to avoid LAX chaos.
Once here, you’ll find there’s always something going on – yes, including fun events at Disneyland.
Anaheim is a thriving sports town too, and that’s primarily why I visit to go to Ducks games. As such, I gotta admit I was pleasantly surprised my first visit.
Shopping centers are clean, pristine, and offer everything you need.
Plus, the food scene is so underrated like my go-to the Anaheim Packing District, a converted warehouse turned food hall.
Obviously, being home to Disneyland, the city has to be very family-friendly. There are exciting events going on all the time.
Keep an eye out for food truck and music festivals, as well as industry conventions to lure in more visitors, but definitely don’t miss the Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade in October.
The city even takes a page out of Asia’s playbook, offering bustling night markets on occasion.
For a full calendar of events, check out the city’s official website.
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