Where to stay in Anaheim
Anaheim has a billion hotels that you could stay at. I mean, we have one of the most famous amusement parks in the world, a world-class coastline, and an entire business community, so we need a lot of hotel rooms for a lot of visitors. But which area is best for a visit to Angel Stadium?
We believe your best options are near the ballpark, Disneyland, and the beaches. In this chapter, we’ll look at these three areas and give you the 411 so you can make a decision on how you want to experience Orange County beyond the stadium walls.
Staying close to Angel Stadium
There are several hotel options near the stadium, ranging from a 10-minute walk to about 1.5 miles away. While these spots are fine if you’re just coming in for baseball and nothing else, if you’re looking to dive into the full Orange County experience, you’ll likely need to hop in your rental or snag a rideshare. Around the stadium, it’s mostly office complexes, apartments, and industrial buildings – not exactly the picturesque scenes you might be hoping for.
However, there are a couple of pregame spots worth checking out right across the street from the stadium that will at least give you something to do nearby: Golden Road Brewing and The Karl Strauss Brewing Company.
If you’d prefer a quick/easy walk to the ballpark, there are three hotels that we believe are within reasonable walking distance:
Hotel Distance to Stadium Parking Breakfast Pool Notes
TownePlace Suites Anaheim Maingate .5 mile safe walk $15 daily Free Outdoor Closest to ballpark, but not up to Marriott standards. Feels more like a motel.
Embassy Suites Anaheim Orange .6 mile safe walk $29 daily Free Outdoor Easy walk to ballpark, closest to pregame bars. Recommended.
Ayers Hotel Anaheim .6 mile safe walk $10 daily Free Outdoor Easy walk to ballpark, cheaper overnight parking. Recommended.
The following hotels are “within” walking distance, but note that they are about 1+ mile from the ballpark, and the walk is along an eight-lane local road and is not particularly scenic. When we asked the hotels if they would recommend walking to their guests, their answers ranged from “sure” to “absolutely not,” which isn’t all that helpful. But overall, the consensus seemed to be that most guests take rideshares from these hotels to the ballpark. For that reason, consider choosing one of the hotels with free parking, as that will largely offset your rideshare costs.
One thing to note about this area: the Outlets at Orange are located just to the south of the Hotel Fera, and the complex includes plenty of stores, restaurants, a Dave & Buster’s, and an AMC movie theater.
Hotel Distance to Stadium Parking Breakfast Pool Notes
Ayers Hotel Orange 1 mile walk along major road Free Free Outdoor Extended walk, but quick rideshare to ballpark.
Alo Hotel by Ayers 1 mile walk along major road Free Free Outdoor Extended walk, but quick rideshare to ballpark.
Hotel Fera Doubletree 1.2 mile walk along major road $28 daily Not free Outdoor Even more of an extended walk, but quick rideshare to ballpark. Nice pool area.
Pros
- No traffic issues, can get by with walking and rideshares
Cons
- Not much else around the stadium. A 15-30 minute drive to anything worth visiting.
Staying near Disneyland
If you’re bringing your family to Orange County (or even if you aren’t), chances are Disneyland might be on your agenda. And if that’s the case, it’s best to opt for accommodations closer to the theme park rather than Angel Stadium. Disneyland is just 4-5 miles away from the stadium, but the area around the amusement park offers far more hotel options and variety. Plus there’s just way more to do.
While “near Disneyland” can mean a lot of things, for our purposes we are referring to the collection of hotels along South Harbor Blvd. But even though that only covers a stretch of about two miles, the north and south part of this stretch are worthy of being broken into two sections. So … when deciding where to stay, here’s our thoughts:
- For easier/closer access to Disneyland, stay at the hotels off of South Harbor Drive to the north of Katella Avenue, as far north as the area around W. Ball Road. This will put you right along the border to Disneyland, and will be your fastest commute to the theme park, while also still being an easy drive to the stadium.
- If you’re not going to Disneyland, or would prefer to be a little further from the amusement park, stay at the hotels along South Harbor Drive to the south of Katella Avenue, all the way south to around Garden Grove Blvd. You’ll find a much wider assortment of hotel options, plenty of restaurants, easy parking, etc.
Pros
- Hotel options within any budget
- More to do, see, and eat than staying near the stadium
- It’s the Happiest Place on Earth!
Cons
- Lots of traffic and crowds
- Most restaurants in this area will be chains
Beaches
Southern California is renowned for its iconic beaches, year-round mild weather, and diverse culinary offerings. So, if your dream getaway includes some beach time, having some delicious California cuisine, and maybe even spotting a celebrity or two, you can stay at the beach and still catch an Angels game. Just bear in mind that depending on the day and time, the commute to the stadium may take up to an hour. But for those seeking the quintessential California experience, the trade-off could be well worth it.
There are three distinct beach areas that we would suggest focusing on: Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, about 25 miles from the stadium, is home to galleries, studios, and festivals such as the Laguna Beach Art Walk (first Thursday of every month), Sawdust Art Festival (6/28 to 9/1), Festival of Arts (7/3 to 8/30), and Pageant of the Masters (7/6 to 8/30). The downtown area is vibrant and charming, with boutique shops, unique restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions, making it a delightful place to explore.
The natural scenery, featuring rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and scenic coves, stands out with hiking and biking trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park offering panoramic ocean views. The coastal area is rich in marine life, and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center provides a chance to see rescued marine animals. Additionally, Laguna Beach offers a beautiful backdrop for water sports such as surfing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and diving.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach (~15 miles from stadium), is a great spot for families, especially with the lively Balboa Peninsula, featuring the historic Balboa Pavilion, the Balboa Fun Zone with arcades and rides, and the Balboa Pier, offering a nostalgic seaside amusement experience. Just a short ferry ride away, Balboa Island charms visitors with its small-town vibe, quaint shops, cozy restaurants, and a scenic boardwalk.
For water sports enthusiasts, Newport Beach is paradise, with options like sailing, yachting, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Whale watching here is also fantastic, especially during the migration seasons of gray and blue whales, with plenty of tours available. You might even spot dolphins, seals, and sea lions.
Shopping at Fashion Island (one of my favorite places to shop) is a must, with its luxury brands, chic boutiques, and great dining options, all with beautiful coastal views. The culinary scene in Newport Beach is diverse and delicious, featuring waterfront dining, seafood spots, trendy cafes, and vibrant nightlife. Another one of my favorite hangouts is Lido Marina Village for stylish shops and restaurants set against the Newport marina backdrop.
Huntington Beach
Lastly, Huntington Beach (~19 miles from the stadium), with consistent waves and sandy beaches, is a haven for surfers of all skill levels, attracting enthusiasts from across the globe, especially during major events like the annual U.S. Open of Surfing. The downtown has an array of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Main Street and Pacific City are hotspots, offering diverse dining options from laid-back eateries to upscale restaurants, along with boutique shops and surf stores. The Ocean Strand, a paved path along the beach, is perfect for biking, rollerblading, and jogging, offering scenic views of the coastline.
In my opinion, among the three areas, Newport stands out as the best because it offers something for everyone. From shopping to arcades, restaurants, and access to marinas for water sports or excursions like whale watching and deep-sea fishing, Newport Beach has it all. But each of these areas is beautiful and worthy of consideration.
Pros
- Lots of activities for the entire family
- Overall vibe and experience of California living
Cons
- A longer drive to the stadium, potential for sitting in traffic
- Parking in Newport and Laguna can be difficult
Bottom Line
Ultimately, your choice of where to stay hinges on how you plan to spend most of your time. For many, attending an Angels game may take a backseat to other activities, making proximity to the stadium less of a concern.
Our advice: stay where you’re going to be spending the most time. If that’s Disneyland, stay there. If that’s the beaches, stay there. If you’re just here for baseball, then stay near the ballpark.
Regardless of where you stay and what your agenda entails, it’s crucial to factor in travel time. No matter the time of day or the distance, traffic will likely play some role. Even though we Californians drive fast, we rarely get anywhere quickly.
