Disneyland & beyond: SoCal Thrills For Grown-ups

Whether you were a huge fan as a kid or had always dreamed of traveling, going to Orange County events at Disneyland is always something to look forward to. 

There are several Orange County events for fun-loving adults at Disney’s. The original theme parks are suitable for all ages, from 0 to 100. Adults can get the same kick as children from Space Mountain’s dark roller coaster. 

After dark, the outdoor promenade in Downtown Disney lights up with lively bars, live music venues, sports-themed arcades, and more. Some of the glowing roller coasters are limited to people over the age of 21.

If you can take a day trip outside of the Disneyland Resort, you will easily access a variety of activities and attractions of Anaheim. From the beaches of Golden Orange County to the city of Los Angeles, you will fall in love with almost everything. 

Best of all, you can get back to Disneyland in time and take advantage of the many night activities in the theme park.

The spectacular sunset at Huntington Beach

Orange County is not only home to Disneyland, but you will find incredible opportunities to entertain yourself here. 

Go to California’s famous Highway 1 (aka Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)) for surfing. If you are looking for a classic SoCal beach experience, this is it, man.

Half a mile south of PCH is the Newport Beach, where trophy wives, yachties, and millennials mix – just like your favorite reality shows on TV.

Go down to the Balboa Peninsula, set up a beach umbrella between the piers or test your professional body surfing skills at ‘The Wedge.’

For classic seaside entertainment, take a ferry to Balboa Island with a frozen banana (Arrested Development) or Balboa bar.

Back at PCH South, you will visit the wild natural beaches of Crystal Bay State Park, offering superb tidal pools and even scuba diving.

Throughout the year, the pro surfers are ripping it up at the Huntington Beach. This Surf City USA has world-class surfing beaches, home to the local and world cuisine and some of the incredible outdoor activities.

You can also go to the Huntington Beach historic oceanfront pier, which is only a 20-mile drive from Disneyland. Enjoy a volleyball match on the sand, and hang around for a beach bonfire when it gets dark. Pay homage to the board-riding legends at HB international surfing museum. At the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum on the ground floor, you can take part in horse riding.

Go to Famous Hollywood sign

You can easily combine a Disneyland vacation with a few days in the ‘City of Angels.’ For both young and old, it is the happiest place on earth. The “City of Angels” is just 48 km (30 miles) from Anaheim and is the biggest metropolis in California. It is a mosaic of mini-cities each with its brash attitudes and unique identity. 

Meet funny characters on the beach boardwalk in Venice Beach, take a walk on the glamorous side at Beverly Hills Celebrity Power Mall, or hang out with the hipsters, fashionistas, and artists in the very “hood” of Silver Lake.

Drive into downtown Los Angeles, starting with historic areas – Spanish and Mexico’s El Pueblo, China Town and most importantly the Little Tokyo. Then feel the pulse of the famous galleries in Los Angeles in the heart of the city’s art district, or explore the cultural corridors of Grand Ave, based on the Museum of Contemporary Art and Frank Gehry’s sparkling sculpture Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Another option is to go to LA Live. Here you can mix and record in the interactive Grammy Museum, then watch a big concert at the Nokia Theatre in the American Idol Finale, or cheer for the professional sports team at Staples Center Gymnasium.

Hollywood is the most popular tourist destination in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid it. Walk into a restored movie palace such as the Egyptian Theatre, snap your favorite selfie with the popular Hollywood sign, or take a behind-the-scenes tour.

For celebrity sightings, get tickets for a live TV studio taping, or parties for live TV studio recordings on the Velvet Rope Nightclub near Hollywood Blvd or the noisy neon sign on the Sunset Strip.

End your trip with a curvy drive down Sunset Blvd to the Pacific, and end it in chic Santa Monica. Walkout onto the Carnival-esque after stuffing yourself with the sushi and fresh seafood.  

Fireworks over the castle

Even if you go to Orange County events during the day, you can always return to Disneyland to watch the fireworks explode over the Sleeping Beauty Castle at night. You will have even more bonuses that include shorter queues and fewer children.

Put on a pair of “Glow with the Show” Mickey Mouse ears, take photos for Instagram, and then look at the hats change color with the world! It’s a sound and light show in one which will make you grin like a little kid.

This blog is brought to you by Toyota of Orange, the dealership of used cars near Santa Ana.