For a first trip to Anaheim, plan three days, stay in the Resort District for the parks or in Downtown Anaheim for dining, and expect warm, dry weather: NOAA's normal highs at the nearest airport are 66.5–80.4°F all year. Hotel stays carry Anaheim's 15% hotel tax, and hotels in the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District add a 2 percent assessment. The ART shuttle costs $4.00 one way for adults.
Quick plan (our recommendation)
This is an editorial plan from official sources, not a trip we took. See the weekend itinerary for a two-day version.
- Day 1 — Resort District: Disneyland Resort's two theme parks and the Downtown Disney District (we publish no ticket prices).
- Day 2 — Downtown Anaheim: the Packing District's Anaheim Packing House and Packard Building, and the Colony Historic District.
- Day 3 — Platinum Triangle or Anaheim Hills: a game or train-based trip, or a hike at Oak Canyon Nature Center.
What it costs (verified figures only)
| Item | Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ART bus (adult one way) | $4.00 | Reduced fare $1.50; 1-day pass adult $6.00, 3-day $16.00, 5-day $25.00. Source: Anaheim Transportation Network. |
| Anaheim hotel tax (TOT) | 15% of the room rate | Must be stated separately from rent. Source: City of Anaheim. |
| ATID assessment | 2% additional charge | Applies to hotels in the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District; see the hotels guide. Source: City of Anaheim. |
Getting here and around
Metrolink serves ARTIC at 2626 E. Katella Avenue, which the City of Anaheim owns. See transportation.
When to go
NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Santa Ana John Wayne Airport show highs of 66.5–67.7°F from December to March and 78.9–80.4°F from July to September. June through September are nearly dry (0.01–0.10 inches a month); December to February are the wettest (2.04–2.64 inches). The airport is a few miles from Anaheim, so conditions differ slightly. See the best-time guide.
Safety and practical tips
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen (American Academy of Dermatology). This guide publishes no crime statistics or neighborhood safety ratings.
What this guide does not cover
We do not rate hotels or restaurants, publish theme-park ticket prices or claim first-hand visits; see the editorial policy.