Maybe you need an end-of-day break after 10 hours of meetings in the Anaheim Convention Center. Or perhaps you’re looking for a place to take the kids after a day of princesses and parades at Disneyland Resort. Anaheim GardenWalk, a sleek outdoor complex of shops and eateries, makes an appealing destination, especially after dark, when things like outdoor fire pits and entertainment venues spring to life.
Things to do at Anaheim’s GardenWalk
The open-air, multistory mall is an easy and safe 5- to 10-minute stroll from the convention center, Disneyland Resort, and several major hotels (if you’re driving, indoor parking is plentiful, and the first hour is complimentary). Stores and eateries are a nice mix of quality chains and local finds, and movie theaters, a location of the venerable music venue franchise The House of Blues, and even a bowling alley provide plenty of ways to relax. As you explore, you’ll notice that art is everywhere—as installations, murals, and in the shop windows. It’s all part of GardenWalk’s Art on the Walk program, which also includes a quarterly event that provides local artists an opportunity to sell their works. Check the calendar of events to see when the next one is.
Restaurants at Anaheim’s GardenWalk
Hungry? A quick look at Anaheim GardenWalk’s directory reveals a solid mix of choices. If you’re a conventioneer ready to take off the badge and relax, head for the broad outdoor patio and fire pits at Fire + Ice Interactive Grill & Bar. For a clubby feel, order Manhattans and ask for the daily seafood specials at McCormick & Schmick’s Grille. If you’re aiming to keep the younger set happy and fed, try the hearth-baked pies at California Pizza Kitchen, or head to The Cheesecake Factory (it’s ultra-popular, so arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds, which typically come from 6 to 8 p.m.).
Indoor recreation at Anaheim’s GardenWalk
If your kids still have energy to burn after a day of theme park fun, make a beeline to Billy Beez, which features an indoor play space with slides, trampolines, and plenty of runaround room. (There's even an onsite babysitting service, so you can let the kids play—with adult supervision—while parents dine.) Grown-ups have play spaces too: Bowlero keeps the night rolling with glow-in-the-dark lanes, plus you can enjoy VIP-style food and drink service while relaxing on your lane’s cushy banquettes. Bowlmor also has pool tables, a video game arcade, and a sports bar.
For activites involving a little less conversation and a little more action, at Flightdeck you can experience a simulated flight piloting a Boeing 747, an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, or a few laps around the track in a race car with virtual competition. For a cerebral race against the clock, drop by Mission Escape Games, where you can choose from scenarios with different themes, from horror (Darkest Hour: Torture Chamber) to sleuthing a missing-persons case (The Hydeout).
Shops at Anaheim’s GardenWalk
Shops stay open till 9 p.m., so you can design your own customized 1:18 scale toy car at RideMakerz. If you’ve got sporty tweens, they’ll probably steer you toward Soccer Wearhouse. Looking for ready-to-hang sports-themed graphic art to take home? Check out S. Preston Art & Designs.
More things to do in Anaheim
While you're in the area, there’s so much more in Anaheim that shouldn't be missed. The city has a booming craft beer scene and there are plenty of dining options, particularly if you are into cuisines from around the world (Middle Eastern and Vietnamese offerings are standouts). The Anaheim Packing District is always a fun place to spend and afternoon or evening, with its beer garden, live music, and shops. For more inspiration for how to make the most of your time here, see 5 Amazing Things to Do in Anaheim and So You Think You Know Anaheim?