What to Do in Downtown Anaheim, California

Anaheim Packing District

Here are six things to do in this walkable neighbourhood.

Shop at RARE by Goodwill

Go thrifting at RARE by Goodwill for high-quality, carefully chosen brand-name clothing ranging from Louis Vuitton to Forever 21. You’ll also find home decor, books, stacks of vinyl—complete with a listening station—and accessories like purses, jewelry and shoes.

Play at SwingIt Trapeze

Start your training to be a Hollywood stunt double or circus performer at SwingIt Trapeze, an all-ages outdoor park where professional trapeze instructors teach visitors how to swing, climb and flip on the trapeze bars.

Explore the Center Street Promenade

A short walk along the outdoor Center Street Promenade will lead you to more than 10 pieces of public art including Video Trees, a multimedia installation, and Hammer Clock, an oversized pocket watch balanced atop a carpenter’s hammer.

Sip coffee at Ink and Bean

Start the day with coffee and pastry to go at Ink and Bean or settle in and work on your screenplay. Also attend writing workshops and occasional live music performances within this café or on its deck.

Visit the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

Fans of Downton Abbey must visit Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center before May 7 to view an exclusive exhibition of 40 costumes from the popular TV series. Visit its Carnegie Gallery anytime to enjoy Anaheim historical artifacts and Disney memorabilia.

Eat in the Anaheim Packing District

From breakfast to last call, you’ll find appetite-appropriate eats at more than 20 food vendors in the Anaheim Packing District. Sip a beer, eat tacos or snap an Instagram-worthy photo of an elaborate, candy-topped beverage.

Getting there: WestJet flies to Orange County/Anaheim six times a week from Vancouver, and to Los Angeles 45 times a week from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.

3 Days in Santa Barbara, California

Nicknamed The American Riviera, Santa Barbara captivates visitors with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, sparkling beaches, Santa Ynez Mountain views, effortlessly cool locals and surprisingly eclectic food scene.

Hiking Through Death Valley National Park

This national park, which straddles the Nevada and California border, offers plenty of hiking options including Mosaic Canyon and Badwater Basin.

A Local’s Guide to Oakland, California

Nathalie Huerta is the owner of The Queer Gym in Oakland, the first inclusive fitness centre in the U.S. Here she shares some of her favourite spots, including where to go on a hike and experience the arts.