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The Other Anaheim and More

Anaheim – Hipmunk City Love/Top Cities Summary of a City Guide Blog Post #3

Anaheim’s image has long been judged as the home of Mickey Mouse and his cohorts, where everyone wears the brightest smile and the most colorful costumes. But Orange County is more than Disneyland. The real OC is outside the imagined realities of imagined characters. Of course, you are free to come here, enjoy a ride or two or more,and have selfies with the jolly Disney characters. But once everything you must do is done, it is time to explore the other Anaheim.

Here are some of the suggestions.

Photo by Brian Board via Trover.com
Photo by Bryan Board via Trover.com

Little Saigon: A Foodie’s Paradise

Orange County has a little thriving Vietnam within its neighborhood. More than 4,000 Vietnamese-American enterprises huddle at Little Saigon. This place is a wonderland for foodies. Try Pho—a Vietnamese noodle soup with thinly sliced meat, fresh herbs, and other kitchen miracles—at Pho Thanh. Or if you want to explore the whole Vietnamese foodscape, then head to Quán Hy where you can have a delightful introductory course on food whose names coil your tongue with gastronomic promises.

Bowers Museum: A Cultural Experience

Bowers Museum is considered as the best museum there is at Orange County. There is always an art exhibit or two going on, some from the other side of the world. There is also Kidseum, intended for kids. It is fun and interactive. It allows kids to act like archaeologists in its Archaeology Room. Some of its permanent collections include Art of the Pacific, Native American Art, and Art of Africa. Visiting Bowers Museum feels like visiting the rest of the world.

Bottle Logic Brewing: For Beer Enthusiasts and Hardcore Drinkers

Many say it is one of the finest small-scaled breweries in the world. It must be true. Bottle Logic Brewing is a must-visit place for those whose blood must be made of beer. Its products are high-quality, which gains accolades after accolades from, yes, beer lovers. It has a wide selection, making it hard where to start. Better yet, taste everything. Bottle Logic has an awesome indoor or outdoor tasting section, which draws the attention of street vendors as well. After all, beer needs a partner, and street food is one good choice.

Beaches and Beaches: A Paradise after Paradise

The great thing about being about a coastal city is that there is an abundance of beaches. The great thing about Anaheim is that the beaches are shopping districts. Huntington Beach, for example. It gains the nickname Surf City USA where some of the best surfers hunger for more breaks and waves. There is Laguna Beach, where hidden coves are perfect places for low-key relaxation. There is Dana Point, where romance and panoramic views are one and the same. There is San Clemente, where Spanish-inspired architecture makes you dream of Spain and the Mediterranean.

Indeed, Orange Country is more than the Disneyland. For a popular city, it still has many little gems tucked in unlikely places. Go ahead, book your flight, and choose from these affordable hotels in Anaheim.

Jona of Backpacking with a Book

Hi there, I’m Jona, originally from Cebu, Philippines, had live in Hanoi, Vietnam, and now currently based in Munich, Germany. This blog used to house thoughts on life and books, but eventually it morphed into a travel blog. For collaborations, projects, and other things, please email me at backpackingwithabook@gmail.com. For essays, creative nonfiction, and others, find me elsewhere.

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