Nestled just a few miles away in Orange, the Santiago Oaks Regional Park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk year-round. Parking is $3 on weekdays and $5 per day on weekends. It’s the ultimate getaway for residents and visitors alike, hugging the Santiago Creek and offering 1,269 acres of sheer paradise. Secluded and brimming with trails, it’s a favorite for bikers, hikers and equestrians who want to experience the beauty of southern California’s mountains and orange groves first-hand.

Stroll beside a gorgeous creek and discover what the forest has to share with you. You’ll see an impressive number of native plants and trees along with resident animals and birds. Find the lookout that offers an incredible view of the foothills and city of Orange, or pack a picnic and dine in the true Anaheim way, al fresco style.

Plan Your Trip

Five years ago, almost 200 coastal live oaks were planted as part of a restoration project. The trees have provided a fantastic background to the visitors exploring the interconnecting trails. Linking to the Anaheim Hills Trail System, there’s also a nature system where programs and exhibits take place throughout the year.

Join a nature walk, interpretive activity or connect with a local equestrian club to schedule a ride. The park is the perfect complement to an otherwise busy trip of beaches, Disneyland and legendary shopping.

Have you ever dreamed of piloting your own plane, learning the skills of a fighter pilot, or manning a massive Boeing? You can at Flightdeck! Choose from 30-, 60- or 90-minute flights as well as between a Boeing commercial airliner or fighter jet. Introductory packages let you feel what it’s like controlling a jet airliner from a runway taxi to takeoff and reaching full altitude. You’ll master turns, see your favorite landmarks from the cockpit, and nail that perfect landing.

Go for a longer session and you’ll learn all the pre-flight tasks from configuration to systems initiation and engine start. It’ll give you a better background for what’s happening during your take-off, climb and final descent. Plus, with your extra training, you’ll also be ready to handle some inclement weather that Flightdeck throws at you!

The Big Guns

In 90 minutes, you get the ultimate experience. Discover what it’s like to take off and land at the most famous airports in the world including Kai Tak in Hong Kong. The weather conditions can be rough, and adrenaline is pumping, but you can handle it. You’ll also see what really happens during an in-flight emergency, including diverting to another airport.

Many pilots-to-be fall in love with their experience and up the ante with a Transition to Glass, FMC Introduction, or Airline Pilot Prep adventure. Group rates are available, or come and fly solo during your next getaway to Anaheim. Where will the friendly skies take you?

Every Thursday from 11 – 4, the traditional downtown farmers market and craft fair gives visitors and residents a chance to sample and discover the best produce, meats, pastries and works of art in one festive setting. Located at the Center Street Promenade, scores of farmers, food vendors and artists gather to showcase their best work. It’s the perfect place to dine, discover a treasure for yourself or to give as a gift, and get a glimpse of the real Anaheim.

You’ll often find free musical performances and shows as you shop and sample, featuring top local talent. Two hours free parking is available with validation (at each booth), and special events happen year-round including the Art Crawl Experience (ACE) August 19^th.

Art for All

ACE is a smorgasbord of delights, part art walk and part festival, happening from 6 – 10 p.m. You’ll find local artists bringing art and culture to the heart of downtown, highlighting art in a variety of public spaces. With pop-up galleries and street artists putting on quite the show, it’s the biggest independent craft festival in the city.

Nearby shops and galleries also join the fun with tastings and pairings to go with the art in this fun-filled family experience. Stretching all the way from Anaheim Boulevard to Harbor, you’re encouraged to “walk, crawl or climb” this quarterly event.

Disneyland is far from the only amusement park in Anaheim. Adventure City is the ultimate destination for little ones aged 1 – 9, where parking is always free and admission is just $18.95 per person. The perfect alternative for budget-minded travelers or those with younger kids who aren’t yet ready for the bigger parks, it’s a popular space to reserve a spot for birthday parties and other special events.

Attractions, rides, performances and great food are all part of the Adventure City experience. With a gorgeous carousel, plenty of water rides to keep cool on an August outing, a petting farm, rock climbing and party tree house for the ultimate celebration, there’s no better place than Adventure City for non-stop family fun.

The Ride of a Lifetime

The Drop Zone is one of the biggest thrills in the park, dropping guests 45 feet for a tummy-flipping experience. In the Barnstorm Planes, you’ll soar high and low as you go around this fun and casual favorite ride. Head to the Children’s Theater for performances all day long, or the Arcade to battle it out with your favorite pinball machines and video games.

Rescue 911 is an experience that gives kids a taste of what it’s like to be a fireman or police officer. Whether you’re on the Crazy Bus or the Giggle Wheel, the options and fun are limitless at this destination.