8 Top Tips when Visiting Anaheim

Anaheim has delightful mini breaks within your Disney-centric trip. Here are some fabulously delicious offerings:

1.        A well-equipped and comfortable hotel like The Westin Anaheim Resort is a simple 15 minute stroll to the park’s entrance which is very appealing – but if you are looking for a stay a little further from all that excitement, but easily accessible by shuttle – then The Viv Hotel a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a super option. Outstanding roof top bar and pool area plus delicious food in a very fashionable setting in their open kitchen /dining space. It’s located at 1601 S. Anaheim Blvd. It’s part of the Marriott collection and a little further away to walk to Disneyland but the ART transportation every 30 mins 6.30am-12.30 a.m. is at the door.

2.        Down town Anaheim has some great food and drink options -well worth recommending – for example, an outstanding Japanese bakery – Okayama Kobo Bakery & café 155 W. Center St (closed  Monday) www.okayamakobousa.com

Seriously people drive an hour from LA to visit this spot because their salt & butter buns will make you weep with joy – it’s all in the detail – they import their flour from Hokkaido and it’s all additive and preservative free and their coffee is from LA roaster Groundworks.

The Anaheim Packing House a bustling Food Hall in the former Sunkist citrus packing house serving great offerings at good prices - from ice-cream to drinks at Mini Monster to larger bites like these anti-gravity noodles (see pic )

3.        Take time to have a drink at The Strong Water Anaheim - the décor and atmosphere is superb and staff very friendly – you feel in this dark, cool space you are on the set of some glamorous movie all set in the bowels of a sunken ship.  Not to be missed for a cocktail and snacks.

4.        Visit a local brewery – Villains Brewery and try their ales but leave time to sample their platters of generously prepared and great tasting barbecue platters – from ribs to chicken to pots of beans – one platter will feed a crowd and they don’t mind doggy bags to go. Super indoor/outdoor space – also good for a large group.

5.        If you get a three-day pass to Disneyland, locals recommend having two days break in-between trying some other great attractions at a very relaxing pace.

6.        A quick trip to Newport and Balboa pier – if you are a group – check out the floating tiki bar experience where you can relax out on the water and have the perfect view of the marina and enjoy drinks on the water in the sunshine. A unique experience as the bar literally goes out onto the water at 5 miles an hour and you can bring your food and even have a swim or just enjoy the ride and sights.

7.        Another little diversion from Anaheim is the President Nixon Library and Museum beautifully presented – built around the house that Nixon’s father built himself and now surrounded by beautiful gardens and the Presidential helicopter that famously transported to family from the White House on his last day in 1974.

A replica Oval Office and White House rooms (available for receptions etc) as well as extensive footage of those years in the White House is on display and a unique insight into the man who loved his detail – his original yellow legal note pads with “his lists and notes “can be seen – fascinating reading.

8.        Heading home on a late flight from LAX – stop off for more bargain shopping at The Citadel Outlet. With over 130 stores including, Coach, Armani, Adidas and so much more. A tour of The Citadel Outlet on the way to LAX airport is popular with Kiwi travellers travelling home – you are picked up at your hotel in Anaheim when you check out and taken to the VIP Citadel lounge where your bags are securely stored and refreshments available and a chance to fill that extra space with some outlet shopping. The super friendly team at the Lounge will give you discount vouchers for bargains and then later you will be dropped off right outside check in at LAX airport.

Check it out www.extremetoursca.com in conjunction with Karmel shuttle this is very helpful.