Let’s be honest – Anaheim after dark isn’t Tokyo or New York. But between the Disney magic and the Packing House buzz, there’s more happening here than you might think. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Looking for the best things to do in Anaheim at night? Sure, watching fireworks explode over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is iconic (and honestly, pretty magical). But there’s also a solid local food scene, a few good bars where you can escape the tourist crowds, and Downtown spots where you’ll actually meet locals. Whether you’re here for Disney or trying to avoid it entirely, I’ve got you covered.
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this wine tour from Anaheim to Temecula Valley! They handle all the driving while you sip your way through four gorgeous wineries like Somerset and Callaway, plus you get three full tastings and a charcuterie board to share. Skip the designated driver drama and enjoy SoCal’s wine scene. This tour is absolutely a must-do on an Anaheim itinerary in my opinion.
Best Things to Do in Anaheim at Night: 12 Anaheim Nighttime Activities
Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Anaheim in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Anaheim after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Anaheim at night.
Are you looking to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of live sports events and unwind in cozy breweries tasting local craft beers? Or would you prefer to explore vibrant night markets and catch a show at a comedy club? Whatever you’re planning to do once the sun sets, Anaheim can accommodate your needs. Here are all the best things to do in Anaheim at night that you should know about.
1. Experience nighttime adventure at Disneyland Resort
- Location: Anaheim Resort District, across from Disney California Adventure
- Best For: Disney fanatics seeking exclusive experiences, families wanting shorter ride waits, couples celebrating special occasions
- Nearby Stay: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim – family-friendly with pirate-themed water playground, 5-minute walk
Disneyland After Dark transforms the happiest place on earth into an exclusive nighttime playground where adults can dress up in costumes and experience rare character meet-and-greets unavailable during regular hours. These hard-ticket events run from 6pm with three hours of pre-party access, then exclusive park time after 9pm when day guests leave.
Book tickets ($149-179) the moment they go on sale. Popular themes like Star Wars Nite and Pride Nite sell out within hours. I recommend using multiple browsers and having your dates ready before sales open. To maximize your limited party time, order dinner during the pre-party hours and eat while waiting for the exclusive entertainment to begin.
What most tourists miss is prioritizing rare characters over rides since attractions will always be there, but exclusive photo ops and limited merchandise won’t. PhotoPass downloads from the event are included with your ticket, but be flexible with character lines.
Watch for Anaheim Convention Center events that can spike hotel prices from $150 to $400 per night.
2. Dine and Drink at Anaheim Packing District Food Hall
- Location: Central Anaheim, former Sunkist citrus warehouse district
- Best For: Foodie groups wanting variety, couples seeking intimate speakeasy vibes, Instagram enthusiasts hunting unique backdrops
- Nearby Stay: The Anaheim Hotel – mid-century modern design with largest pool in Anaheim Resort, 15-minute walk
What started as a 1919 Sunkist citrus packing facility has evolved into Orange County’s original food hall, where over 30 artisan vendors serve everything from Syrian shawarma to Vietnamese-Creole fusion under one historic roof.
Skip the main lot during peak hours and head straight to valet parking ($4) or the Center Street Promenade structure for easier access. It’s better to arrive around 11am when the food hall opens but before the lunch rush hits to snag better seating and shorter lines.
Heads up for The Blind Rabbit, a secret speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf, or BXCR, the intimate cocktail bar set inside a vintage railroad car. Locals also know to check Farmers Park across the street for weekend pop-up Etsy markets and live music events that add community flavor beyond just dining.
Grab the first open table you spot during busy hours since seating is limited and pets aren’t allowed inside. The district stays just two miles from Disneyland, making it the perfect escape when you need a break from theme park crowds and pricey park food.
3. Play classic arcade games at Mission Control Barcade
- Location: McFadden Public Market, downtown Santa Ana (15 minutes from Anaheim)
- Best For: Retro gaming purists who appreciate authentic arcade cabinets, craft beer enthusiasts seeking local brews, groups wanting nostalgic 80s atmosphere
- Nearby Stay: The Anaheim Hotel – mid-century modern design with largest pool in Anaheim Resort, 15-minute walk
This isn’t your typical barcade with emulated games. Mission Control houses 30-40 original arcade machines with authentic panel graphics, plus pinball classics like Medieval Madness and Indiana Jones that are meticulously maintained without busted joysticks or dead monitors. Located upstairs at McFadden Public Market, the venue pairs 24 craft beer taps with vintage games like Gauntlet, Donkey Kong, and Galaga in a genuine 80s environment.
Games cost just 25 cents per token (1-2 tokens per play), with $11 token rolls giving you $10 worth plus a bonus dollar. Visit on Wednesday through Thursday (5pm-10pm) for smaller crowds, or weekend afternoons (Saturday-Sunday 1pm start) when the energy peaks.
The owner regularly rotates games and adds new machines, so repeat visits offer fresh experiences. Locals know to grab food from the downstairs market vendors. Just the smell of pho and tacos wafting upstairs adds to the authentic community feel. Children are only allowed during daytime hours, making evening visits purely adult-focused. So, if you’re looking for a fun nighttime attraction just outside of Anaheim, this is it!
4. Pilot realistic flight simulators at Flightdeck Center
- Location: Anaheim GardenWalk, Disney Way (7 minutes from Disneyland)
- Best For: Aviation enthusiasts wanting authentic cockpit time, competitive groups seeking team challenges, thrill-seekers craving realistic experiences
- Nearby Stay: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort – luxury option with private GardenWalk pathway, adjacent location
The Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center is the only attraction worldwide offering three distinct simulator experiences: F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet dogfights, Formula 1 racing at Monaco, and Boeing 737 commercial landings with authentic cockpit controls. These aren’t basic computer games at all—the simulators operate with FAA-level quality that even licensed pilots respect.
Book ahead, especially if you’re coming as a group. I recommend 30-60 minute sessions that include classroom briefings. Remember to arrive 15-30 minutes early or risk losing your fighter jet slot without refund if you miss more than 5 minutes of ground school.
What separates this from tourist traps is the flight suit option and authentic military procedures that create genuine Top Gun moments. Groups can compete in squadron-style challenges with scorekeeping and certificates for top performers.
It’s open daily from noon to 7pm (until 9pm weekends) with minimum age 11. Parking can be confusing, so use the main structure and take elevators up rather than following GPS to side entrances.
5. Watch baseball and fireworks at Angel Stadium
- Location: Gene Autry Way, Anaheim (2 miles from Disneyland)
- Best For: Baseball fans seeking authentic American pastime, families wanting fireworks spectacles, sports enthusiasts craving competitive atmosphere
- Nearby Stay: Ayres Hotel Anaheim – top-rated option with professional staff and clean facilities, 15-minute walk
Saturday night games at Angel Stadium deliver spectacular fireworks shows after every contest, while special themed nights throughout 2025 include Star Wars Weekend, Christmas in June drone shows, and Fan Appreciation Night. Looking out beyond center field, Interstate 5 sits below Honda Center with a large waterfall fountain that shoots water and fireworks after every Angels home run.
Most games start at 6:38pm, with tickets available from as low as $10.13. Book the Saturday night games for guaranteed fireworks, or special promotions like bobblehead giveaways to the first 25,000 fans.
Tourists usually miss the easiest walking route—from Ayres Hotel, cross Douglass Road to ARTIC train station, go upstairs and walk through to the stadium parking lot with full sidewalks. Locals know that themed weekends like “Christmas in June” and “Beach Weekend” offer unique experiences beyond regular baseball.
Parking lots open 2.5 hours before games, but arrive early since no outside alcohol or glass bottles are permitted. Beer is sold in all sections except family areas.
6. See live music concerts at House of Blues Anaheim
- Location: Anaheim GardenWalk, Disney Way (across from Disneyland)
- Best For: Music lovers craving intimate concert experiences, VIP seekers wanting rockstar treatment, couples seeking upscale nightlife with Southern flair
- Nearby Stay: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort – luxury option with rooftop bar and private GardenWalk pathway, 3-minute walk
House of Blues Anaheim books iconic headliners like Jerry Cantrell and Steel Panther in an intimate setting where every seat feels close. Shows typically start at 7pm with tickets ranging widely by artist, but the sound quality consistently impresses even seasoned concertgoers.
Arrive early for Southern comfort food at the restaurant. The brisket nachos fuel you properly for standing shows. I particularly recommend eating at their restaurant before shows as spending $25 per person gets you Fast Lane access to skip the general admission entry line.
The trick here is finding the Foundation Room’s hidden elevator on Level 4. Most tourists miss this VIP access point that bypasses crowds entirely. The venue operates cashless only, so bring cards or mobile payment options.
Three hours validated parking keeps costs reasonable in the GardenWalk structure. Shows often run past midnight on weekends, so plan transportation accordingly since ride-shares surge after concerts end.
7. Shop, dine, and party at Anaheim GardenWalk
- Location: Disney Way, heart of Anaheim Resort District (steps from Disneyland)
- Best For: Groups wanting variety in one location, late-night diners seeking options past midnight, entertainment hoppers craving multiple activities
- Nearby Stay: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort – luxury option with private GardenWalk pathway and rooftop bar, adjacent location
This outdoor destination operates 9am-1am daily, keeping the party alive well past Disney’s closing hours. HEAT Ultra Lounge and Foundation Room deliver high-energy nightlife that other Anaheim outdoor destinations can’t match.
First hour parking is free, then $4 hourly with $30 daily maximum. I recommend getting validation from every business you visit to extend your time. Start with dinner at P.F. Chang’s, then transition to late-night cocktails upstairs.
What most visitors overlook is the rotating Art on the Walk program featuring Chuck Jones animations and local artists’ works displayed on the main level. The colorful murals and rainbow staircases create Instagram-worthy backdrops for evening strolls.
Most tourists miss that GardenWalk stays open until 1am while Disney closes much earlier. Weekends get extremely crowded after 8pm, so plan accordingly for limited walking space and longer waits at popular restaurants.
8. Laugh at stand-up comedy shows at The Improv
- Location: Brea, Orange County – 15 minutes north of Anaheim Resort area
- Best For: Comedy fans wanting A-list acts in intimate settings, groups seeking reliable laughs after Disney days, couples looking for sophisticated nighttime entertainment
- Nearby Stay: Chase Suite Hotel Brea – extended-stay suites with kitchenettes, 5 minutes drive to venue
Here’s the thing about Brea Improv…it’s been the real deal since 1991, consistently booking genuine A-listers like Jo Koy and Gabriel Iglesias in a room where you can practically high-five the comedians.
Skip the third-party ticket sites completely, trust me on this. Buy direct from improv.com or you’ll get turned away at the door, which happened to the guy next to me last time I was there. Shows typically run Thursday through Sunday, and unless you want to sit behind a pillar, show up early since most seating is general admission. Two-drink minimum runs you about $40-60 total with tickets.
What I love most is the free parking lot right across the street. No circling blocks or paying $20 to park six blocks away. Plus they added Copper Blues next door in 2018, so if you want to keep the night rolling with live music, you’re already there. The whole setup just works without the usual comedy club headaches, making it one of the most funny things to do in and around LA.
9. Visit art exhibitions at The Muzeo Museum
- Location: Downtown Anaheim, housed in a historic 1908 Carnegie Library plus modern gallery space
- Best For: Culture seekers wanting world-class traveling exhibits, families needing a Disney break, art enthusiasts hunting unique rotating displays
- Nearby Stay: The Anaheim Hotel – AAA Three Diamond property, 15 minutes drive to downtown
Most visitors miss this about Muzeo: it’s actually two venues in one, and the Carnegie Gallery side is completely free. Sure, the main gallery charges $10-15 for rotating exhibitions, but I’ve seen everything from Downton Abbey costumes to Japanese internment displays that rival major city museums.
The smart play is arriving around 3 PM to catch both galleries before the 5 PM closing, then walking two blocks to Anaheim Packing House for dinner. All-day parking validation beats the usual downtown hassles, and most people don’t realize you can take the free FRAN shuttle around downtown. What I love about this place is the unpredictability. Imagine going to the Napoleon exhibit and stumbling into an incredible Anaheim history display upstairs.
The venue closes earlier than typical nightlife spots, but it’s perfect for starting your evening culturally before transitioning to dinner and drinks downtown.
10. Bowl under blacklights at Bowlero Anaheim
- Location: Anaheim GardenWalk, upscale entertainment complex with blacklight bowling
- Best For: Groups wanting elevated bowling with cocktails, couples seeking unique date nights, families needing post-Disney entertainment
- Nearby Stay: JW Marriott Anaheim Resort – luxury hotel with direct GardenWalk pathway access
This isn’t your typical bowling alley. Bowlero Anaheim (they dropped the “Bowlmor” name but locals still call it that) has been the area’s go-to upscale lanes since 2008. What sets this place apart is the full blacklight experience with 41 glow-in-the-dark lanes, plus lane-side food service so you don’t have to trek to some sad concession stand between frames. The atmosphere feels more like a nightclub that happens to have bowling than a traditional alley.
Here’s the insider move: hit up their Night Strike special for $20.99 unlimited bowling on weeknight evenings. You can play until they close at midnight, which beats paying per game. The full sports bar serves cocktails and chef-inspired dishes, not just nachos and beer. They also got billiards tables and a massive arcade if your group gets tired of bowling.
Book lanes online ahead of time because this place gets packed on weekends. The venue stays open until 1 AM Friday and Saturday nights, making it perfect for extending your GardenWalk evening.
11. Take evening walks at Yorba Regional Park
- Location: Anaheim Hills/Santa Ana Canyon, linear park stretching over a mile along historic ranch land
- Best For: Families escaping Disney crowds, couples wanting peaceful evening strolls, photographers chasing golden hour shots
- Nearby Stay: Residence Inn Anaheim Hills Yorba Linda – extended-stay suites with kitchens, 1.6 miles from park entrance
Most people think this is just another city park, but Yorba Regional Park sits on what used to be Bernardo Yorba’s massive cattle ranch from the 1800s. The park stays open until 9 PM during spring and summer, making it one of the few places around Anaheim where you can actually watch the sunset without fighting crowds. Four interconnected lakes create this peaceful water-oriented retreat that feels nothing like the theme park chaos just 20 minutes away.
Arrive around 6 PM and you’ll catch the park at its most serene. Most families with young kids have cleared out by then, leaving the mile-long paved paths perfect for evening walks or bike rides. The fishing is surprisingly good too, with stocked trout and catfish if you’ve got a license. Parking costs $3 weekdays and $5 weekends, but there’s free parking by the baseball fields that most visitors miss.
What I love about this place is how the Santa Ana Canyon setting creates this natural wind tunnel that keeps things cooler in the evenings. Perfect for unwinding after a day of Disney madness.
12. Drink superhero-themed craft beer at Unsung Brewing
- Location: Downtown Anaheim, superhero-themed brewery across from Anaheim Packing District
- Best For: Comic book fans wanting themed craft beer, families needing kid-friendly brewery vibes, groups exploring the La Palma Beer Trail
- Nearby Stay: The Anaheim Hotel – AAA Three Diamond property across from Disneyland, 10 minutes drive downtown
Unsung Brewing Company is what happens when serious craft beer meets serious comic book geekery. This place opened in 2016 and immediately became the spot where beer nerds and superhero fans collide over IPAs with names like “Anthia” and “Propeller Head.” The interior looks like a comic book store that happens to serve 20 rotating taps, with superhero memorabilia covering every surface and massive TVs playing movies instead of just sports.
They constantly rotate their tap list, so you might only find the same 3-4 beers on repeat visits. That sour called “Psionic Watermelon Guava” tastes like a Warhead candy in the best possible way. Hours are Monday-Thursday 4-10 PM, weekends they open earlier and stay later. The shared space includes a winery and distillery, perfect if someone in your group doesn’t dig beer.
Location is money – right across from Anaheim Packing District for food, walking distance to other breweries. Most people don’t realize it’s part of the unofficial La Palma Beer Trail, so you can easily bar-hop to five more breweries if you’re feeling adventurous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Best Things to Do in Anaheim at Night:
Looking to further your knowledge on the best things to do in Anaheim at night? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about the best nighttime activities in Anaheim.
What are the top nightlife spots in Anaheim?
Anaheim’s top nightlife spots include the vibrant Anaheim Packing District for diverse dining, House of Blues Anaheim for live music, and the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center for unique entertainment. Each offers a distinct experience, from culinary adventures to thrilling simulations and musical enjoyment.
Are there family-friendly activities in Anaheim at night?
Yes, Anaheim offers several family-friendly night activities. Yorba Regional Park is perfect for a peaceful evening outdoors, and Bowlmor Lanes provides fun bowling experiences for all ages. Disneyland Resort, with its magical night shows, is also a family favorite.
Can you find live music in Anaheim at night?
Absolutely! Live music can be found at House of Blues Anaheim, offering a range of genres in a dynamic setting. Additionally, many bars and restaurants in the Anaheim Packing District feature live music, showcasing local and visiting talent.
What unique experiences does Anaheim offer at night?
Anaheim offers unique experiences like the Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center for aviation enthusiasts, The Improv Comedy Club for a night of laughter, and Anaheim Brewery for craft beer tasting. These activities provide a different perspective on Anaheim’s entertainment scene.
Is Anaheim’s nightlife suitable for a romantic evening?
Anaheim is ideal for romantic evenings. Enjoy a serene stroll in Yorba Regional Park, a cozy dinner at the Anaheim Packing District, or a relaxed night at Anaheim Brewery. The city’s diverse nightlife creates perfect settings for a romantic night out.
Is Anaheim worth visiting at night?
Absolutely! Anaheim at night offers a diverse array of experiences, from the magical atmosphere of Disneyland Resort to the lively Anaheim Packing District and the cozy Anaheim Brewery. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities, romantic evenings, or just a fun night out, Anaheim’s vibrant nightlife scene provides something for everyone, making it a worthwhile destination after dark.
Embrace the Night with Unforgettable Things to Do in Anaheim
Anaheim’s nightlife scene is a vibrant tapestry that complements its sun-soaked days. From the enchanting lights of Disneyland Resort to the bustling energy of the Anaheim Packing District, the city transforms after sunset into a vibrant playground for all ages.
Whether you’re bowling at Bowlmor Lanes, laughing at The Improv Comedy Club, or stargazing in Yorba Regional Park, each experience adds a unique flavor to your visit. Anaheim’s nightlife is a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, offering something new and exciting around every corner.
So, as the day turns to night, step out and immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Anaheim—a West Coast gem that promises not just fun-filled nights but memories that will last a lifetime.
