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. In fact, you can easily visit without even entering the parks.
Downtown Disney District Sweets
For sweet tooths, there’s the superfan-favorite Beignets Expressed, where you can order the classic pastries as well as glazed versions ranging from Bananas Foster to Rainbow Crunch. Save room for a few scoops of artisanal goodness from artisanal ice cream shop Salt & Straw or the Philadelphia-style Italian ices at the Happy Ice cart.
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 (like the strawberry Mickey) come stacked with things like slices of cake, cookies, and candy rolled in frosting.
Downtown Disney District Restaurants
Whether you’re looking for a break from the parks or are making a day at Downtown Disney, you’ll find a wide range of quality dining options.
Feel like you’re relaxing on an Italian piazza, for instance, at Naples Ristorante e Bar, or keep it simple—but no less delicious—with one of the classic comfort-food entrees or a deluxe sandwich at Earl of Sandwich Tavern, which is also open for breakfast.
The lineup of culinary options offers some destination-worthy spots. A trio of restaurants—Paseo, the open-air Céntrico, and the street-food-style Tiendita—were all created by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán. Upstairs from the Earl of Sandwich, you can enjoy cuisine of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, where the ambience of 1960s Swinging London meets British classics such as beef Wellington, and fish ‘n’ chips and sticky toffee pudding, alongside Wagyu burgers and a prime rib that’s carved tableside on a trolley.
Or enjoy some buzzy chains, like the Taiwanese Xiao Long Bao—also known as soup dumplings—at a branch of the acclaimed Din Tai Fung. 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, as well as smash burgers and ahi poke. 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 (Parkside Market Coffee).
Afterward, head to the second floor for festive appetizers paired with a craft cocktail, glass of wine, or pint of beer at the open-air Vista Parkside Market, which offers great views of Downtown Disney. Come during “Flocktail Hour" (Monday–Thursday 3 p.m.-5 p.m. and 9 p.m.–11 p.m.) for discounted pricing and flamingo-shaped glasses.
Entertainment in the Downtown Disney District
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 or make a full evening of it by dining at its onsite restaurant.
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 marvel at the art at WonderGround Gallery, and the irresistible merch at 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, or Sunglass Hut.
Quick Tips for Visiting the Downtown Disney District
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 only $10 for the first hour and then free for up to five hours more 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.
