Open-air cafés, street musicians, sparkling boutiques, and soaring temples to everything Disney—the Downtown Disney District, a tempting pedestrian zone in Anaheim, is as much a must-see as Disneyland Resort's two theme parks.
Downtown Disney District Sweets
For sweet tooths, there’s Beignets Expressed, where you can order a glazed pastry in versions ranging from Bananas Foster to Rainbow Crunch. Save room for a few scoops of artisanal goodness from Salt & Straw, an innovative ice cream shop that offers hand-made, small-batch seasonal flavors like Mummy’s Pumpkin Spiked Potion and Sightglass Coffee Cashew Praline.
Perhaps the most over-the-top treat on the block comes from the CrazyShake window at the Black Tap Craft Burgers restaurant. The whimsical milkshakes come stacked with things like slices of cake, cookies, and candy rolled in frosting. If you’re looking for a photo-worthy dessert, try the CrazyShake featuring Mickey Mouse: It’s a strawberry shake with a vanilla frosted rim topped with Mickey sprinkles, a Mickey crispy treat, white and red rock candy, whipped cream, red sprinkle, and a cherry.
If a healthier treat is what you’re after, Jamba provides smoothies and juices with quick service that will have you back out exploring Downtown Disney in no time.
Downtown Disney District Restaurants
Whether you’re looking for a break from the parks or are making a day at Downtown Disney, you’ll be pleased with the quantity and quality of dining options available.
Feel like you’re relaxing on an Italian piazza, for instance, at Naples Ristorante e Bar, or enjoy Taiwanese Xiao Long Bao, also known as soup dumplings, at a branch of the acclaimed Din Tai Fung. Or keep it simple—but no less delicious—with a one of the classic comfort-food entrees or a deluxe sandwich at Earl of Sandwich Tavern, which is also open for breakfast. Some of the more recent dining additions to the District, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán, focus on the cuisine of Mexico: Paseo and the open-air Céntrico put their own delectable spin on various familair specialties, while Tiendita offers variations on Mexico’s famous street food.
Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss Ballast Point Brewing Co., an outpost of the San Diego brewery that features a three-barrel brewing rig and an array of craft beers on tap and to go. The food is as good as the beer, with favorites like the smash burger and ahi poke available all day. The rooftop patio overlooks the Downtown strip, making it the perfect place to watch the action.
If you’ve got an appetite but don’t necessarily want a sit-down meal, the options at the newly opened Parkside Market should fit the bill perfectly. This bright and cheery food hall–style venue includes counter-service places serving up fried chicken and sides (GG’s Chicken Shop), Korean rice bowls and salads (Seoul Sister), and coffee/tea drinks, bakery items, and breakfast bites (Sip & Sonder). Afterward, head to the second floor for a craft cocktail, glass of wine, or pint of beer at the open-air Vista Parkside Market.
Downtown Disney District Entertainment
There’s also plenty of live entertainment, activities, and shopping in the Downtown Disney District. Dance (or just sway) to the sounds of live Motown, rock, jazz, and reggae during the evening performances at the outdoor Live! Entertainment Stage. The bounty of the ocean and Cajun- and Creole-inspired cuisine—along with live jazz—are the main courses at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio. Looking to get competitive? Take the family bowling at the rock 'n roll-themed Splitsville Luxury Lanes after dining either indoors or al fresco at the on-site restaurant Splitsville Dining Room.
Downtown Disney District Shopping
Load up on gifts at the gigantic World of Disney® shop, on the end of the Downtown Disney District that is near the theme parks’ gates. Disney fans looking for that perfect piece of merch and a piece of Pandora jewelry to go along with it will love The D-Lander Shop, and if your home is lacking some magic, stop by the Disney Home store to find the perfect themed kitchenware and decor. Collectors will enjoy the Star Wars Trading Post and Disney’s Pin Traders, while snail-mail traditionalists will enjoy browsing for 3D popup cards to send to friends and family at Lovepop.
If you’re after more traditional shopping, you can browse big-name stores such as The LEGO® Store, Sephora, Pandora, or Sunglass Icon.
Downtown Disney District Quick Tips
1. You don’t have to have a ticket to Disneyland to visit the Downtown Disney District (admission is free).
2. No need to stress out over parking—it’s free for up to five hours with validation from participating locations.
3. Even if you won’t be entering the parks, you must go through a security checkpoint to enter the Downtown Disney District. Pay attention to what time you’re headed there as the crowds working to get into the theme parks can lead to long wait times.
4. If you’re planning to dine at one of the sit-down restaurants, aim to grab a reservation at least a few weeks in advance. Reservations aren’t required and odds are you’ll find somewhere to eat, but if you’re looking for a certain restaurant at a specific time, it’s a smart move.
5. If you’re looking to make the Downtown Disney District a big part of your theme park experience, consider splurging on Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, which has its own convenient entrance to Downtown Disney.