Things to do in Anaheim

The fantasy town of Anaheim is dominated by theme parks, the most popular being Disneyland. If you tire of the rides and want something a little different, then there are a few other attractions that are worth seeing.

Disneyland

Anaheim's crown jewel attraction is Disneyland, America's most popular theme park. Walt Disney's original park continues to draw millions of visitors to its many lands including established favourites like Adventureland, Tomorrowland and Main Street USA. In total, there are more than 60 major rides, 50 shops and 30 restaurants providing year-round entertainment. Some of the special attractions include exciting flight-simulation journeys at Space Mountain and Star Tours, and an 87-foot high log flume ride based on Disney's Song of the South characters.

Disneyland's newest area is California Adventure and it requires a separate admission ticket. It's divided into four themed districts: Golden State is a tribute to California's natural beauty; Hollywood Pictures Backlot celebrates the movie business; Paradise Pier has classic Golden Age amusement park attractions, and A Bug's Land, inspired by the film A Bug's Life is designed from a bug's perspective.

Entry to the park is very expensive, but the admission ticket does include all of the rides. Expect to wait for hours for the popular rides during peak times. Make sure you pick up a free parking map on the way in or you'll probably get lost immediately. Phone: +1 714 781 4565.

Knott's Berry Farm

Although it's only half the size of Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm offers a better choice of fast-paced and intense rides. It's more suited to the thrill-seekers, but it lacks some of the magical appeal of Disneyland. The park features over 160 rides and attractions, and dozens of shops and restaurants.

Some of the theme areas include the Boardwalk, a colourful tribute to the Southern California beach culture which has ocean-related rides; Fiesta Village, a celebration of Spanish California; Indian Trails, which showcases the traditions and cultures of Native Americans; Camp Snoopy, which features special rides and activities for small children and Ghost Town, an Old West mining town reproduction.

Special attractions include Supreme Scream, which ascends 214 feet and then plunges straight down at about 50mph; Jaguar!, a roller coaster that twists, spirals, speeds up and slows down, mimicking a jaguar stalking its prey; Montezooma's Revenge, a roller coaster that goes from 0 to 60mph in just 3 seconds and Bigfoot Rapids, a white-water river raft ride. The California Market Place is situated just outside of the theme park and features 14 unique shops and restaurants.

Crystal Cathedral

The largest glass building in the world, the cathedral was built by the Reverend Robert Schuller in 1955. The massive structure is made almost entirely of glass and a framework of white steel. It measures over 400-feet long, 200-feet across and is 12 storeys tall. There are approximately 12,000 panes of glass, and its transparent interior features a giant television screen and an altar of rich marble. The cathedral seats almost 3,000 worshipers for Sunday services. Giant, sliding glass doors on the side of the building allow even more worshipers to watch the services from their cars in the car park. There are frequent special events, concerts and recitals. Guided tours are available for visitors, and no appointment is necessary.

Anaheim Museum

Built with a US$10,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation at the turn of the 20th century, the Anaheim Museum features photographic displays and exhibits detailing the city's 140-year history. The building was first used as a public library, later as the city's personnel department and finally as an historic museum. It is the only Carnegie building remaining in Orange County. On the upper level, the north and south galleries exhibit works of art by contemporary artists. The rest of the main room has displays on local historic landmarks such as the Fox, Grand and Fairyland theatres. The museum also has a hands-on children's gallery. Phone: +1 714 778 3301.

Hobby City Doll and Toy Museum

Hobby City is a 10-acre collection of miniature buildings which include a doll and toy museum inside a miniature replica of the White House. The shop and museum contain more than 6,000 toys and dolls, with everything from Star Wars to Strawberry Shortcake figures in its extensive collection. You will find every type of Barbie doll ever made, together with dolls of TV, movie, sports and rock stars. There are also plenty of rarities including European dolls. Unfortunately, this is not an interactive museum, so it's strictly hands-off for the kids. Phone: +1 714 527 2323.