You don’t have to travel overseas to get to the most magical place in the world. You just have to make your way to Anaheim, California where you’ll encounter sunny skies, surfable beaches, science-y wonders and, of course, Disney Land! Read on for a rundown on where to stay, eat and play during your dream family getaway to Anaheim.

Stay

Element Anaheim Resort Convention Center

The Westin Anaheim Resort
If you are looking for a getaway home-base that offers a little luxury combined with everything you need in one place, The Westin Anaheim Resort is the perfect spot for you to call home while in Paradise. This brand new Four-Diamond hotel is steps away from Disneyland, so bring your strollers and walking shoes because you won’t need a vehicle or Uber to get around. Along with its gorgeous accommodations that feature signature amenities and Westin’s beloved Heavenly® Beds for parents (your kids won’t be the only ones sleeping like babies), your crew can swim in the outdoor pool or exhilarate your body in the Westin WORKOUT® fitness studio featuring Peloton bikes when you aren’t playing with Mickey and Minnie. Plenty of onsite eateries make feeding the family without having to go far a sinch! Options, including a steakhouse, Mexican restaurant and rooftop bar. 

 Element Anaheim Resort Convention Center

If you are planning an extended stay in Anaheim, The Element Anaheim Resort will quickly make your family feel at home. This eco-friendly hotel features guest rooms that come with fully equipped kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and of course Heavenly® Beds. Make sure to book one of their Kids Suites which offer bunk beds and a separate play area and TV for the little ones. And this spot makes mornings easy with a complimentary Rise breakfast featuring a make-your-own parfait yogurt station, a fresh range of whole fruits and other healthy options parents are sure to love. Additional hotel perks include a heated outdoor pool for hours of water play along with an outdoor patio complete with seating and two barbecue grills.

Play

A trip to Anaheim wouldn’t be quite as magical without a trip to Disneyland! If you want a real insider tip take our advice, get up early and get to the park right before 8 a.m. when the fun begins. Disneyland features two amazing theme parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. We suggest getting a multi-day ticket so you can make the most of your visit and hit both parks. Prices start at $76/day. Make sure to hit all the classic rides including Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones Adventure! And make sure the Star Wars fans in the family experience the brand-new Rise of the Resistance ride!

Disneyland isn’t the only activity Anaheim has to offer. While on vacation make sure to hit one of the beautiful nearby surfable beaches like Huntington State Beach where the kids can splash in the waves and play in the sand while parents surf. For a break from the sun, let your little ones get science-y at the DiscoveryCube OC, Anaheim's Hands-On Science Center. This massive building houses award-winning exhibits that kids can interact with. Your auto-fanatics can make their own race car in the physics lab and learn the science behind the sport while playing hockey. From exploring outer space to playing with dinos, there’s more to do at this massive science center than your family can possibly pack into one day…but give it a try. We dare you.

Eat

Annette Benedetti

Whether you spend your day on the beach, at the park or exploring the science center, one thing is guaranteed to occur: big appetites and hangry kiddos. Keeping everyone’s tummy full can feel like a full-time job when you are on a big family vacation, but it’s super easy while in Anaheim. Right outside the Westin’s front door, lies one of the best Mexican eateries in town, Puesto. Enjoy noshing on award-winning tacos, burritos, and ceviche. And don’t forget the margaritas for mom! This family-owned and operated restaurant serves up handmade tortillas and an innovative approach to traditional Mexican cuisine with California's fresh, local ingredients.

If you don’t want to leave your hotel to eat, or you are looking for an elevated dining experience, then you’ll want to check out Westin’s own restaurant Tangerine Room. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Tangerine Room has a continuously evolving seasonal menu that showcases local flavors. Enjoy signature dishes such as our SoCal benedict with cage-free eggs, burgers, sandwiches, quality steaks and so much more.

For dining experiences that get you out of your room and fill you up with the best bites the area has to offer, we suggest Poppy & Seed a local eatery that features spacious seating arranged both inside and out in a unique greenhouse setting. While the atmosphere is beautiful, the food is irresistible. This location is one of Orange County’s newest dining experiences created by the award-winning chef and restauranteur Chef Michael Reed. The menu serves upscale American small plates including smoked duck breast, spaghetti, and even burgers for your babes. Don’t forget to relax with one of their cocktails at the end of a long day.

Finally, the foodies in your family will definitely want to take a trip to the Packing District, the OC’s original food hall located in a historic 1919 citrus-packing house. This food hall is home to over 50 restaurants and culinary artisans. There is literally something for everyone in your family and more. From sushi to vegan pizza to tacos and tequila, you’ll have to return every day of your trip to try it all.

Annette Benedetti

A trip to Anaheim offers your family the quintessential California vacation experiences that can be had over and over again as your children make their way through all of their ages and stages. What you don’t fit in one visit, will be waiting for you when you return, which your crew is guaranteed to want to do as soon as they are on the road home.

—Annette Benedetti

Editor’s note: Travel expenses were paid for by Marriott Bonvoy all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.

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