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Balboa
Peninsula |
Since the start of the 20th
century, people have flocked to Anaheim
for its climate, fertile soil and cultural landscape, all of which have helped
to make this city a jewel in the crown of Southern California.
Located just south and east from Los
Angeles in Orange
County, Anaheim was at one time best known as a major producer of citrus
and fresh produce that was shipped all over the country. Today, Anaheim is perhaps
most famous as the home of Disneyland,
the theme park against which all other theme parks are judged. There are, however,
more than enough attractions in the area to keep visitors entertained, as well
as a large network of accommodations, restaurants and shopping to ensure that
vacations go off without a hitch. With a reputation for family fun, Anaheim
is well versed in what makes a successful holiday.
ORIENTATION
Anaheim is situated in Orange
County, California, 20 miles southeast from Los Angeles and roughly 15 miles
east from Long Beach.
Santa Ana, Huntington
Beach and Irvine
are all nearby cities that offer alternative accommodations, restaurants, shopping
and services.
HISTORY
The history of Anaheim
is a varied one, and one that elicits a wealth of characters and events that
have shaped the Orange County area. The city of Anaheim was started by German
farmers and vintners who were looking for a fertile landscape in which to sow
their future. The name Anaheim is derived from the nearby Santa Ana River and
"heim", the German word for home, making this city a "home by the river". The
original 200 acres were surveyed by George Hansen in 1857, an area that now
comprises downtown Anaheim. By 1920, the population of Anaheim was over 5,000,
made up primarily of farmers who shipped their citrus and other produce to New
York, Washington
and other points east via the railway. From there, the city continued to grow
into a major cultural and farming community with a reputation as a popular vacation
destination for travelers the world over.
In 1933, a massive earthquake
struck Long Beach, the effects of which were felt for a 75,000 square mile radius.
In Anaheim, businesses and homes were rocked and debris lined the streets, devastating
the town. Residents banded together and rebuilt Anaheim based on more stringent
building codes that were enacted after the earthquake.
The residents of Anaheim
suffered another setback in 1938 with a flood that decimated many homes and
businesses in the area. Some homes were completely washed off their foundations
as the Santa Ana River burst its banks and water rose to envelop structures
in and around the downtown core. This was the catalyst for the construction
of the Prado Dam in Riverside County, a measure that has kept the floodwaters
at bay ever since.
One reason for Anaheim's
popularity as a vacation destination is due to a dream that Walt Disney had
for a family oriented playground that would make visitors forget about life's
daily pressures. The dream became reality in 1954 with the groundbreaking of
Disneyland, which opened a year later on July 17, 1955. Less than seven weeks
after opening, the millionth visitor passed through the gates, cementing Disneyland's
place in history.
| |
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Month |
Avg.
Daily Temperature |
Average
Rainfall |
|
Min |
Max |
| Jan
|
44.9°F
(7°C) |
66.8°F
(19°C) |
65mm
|
| Feb |
46.9°F
(8°C) |
67.7°F
(20°C) |
72.9mm
|
| Mar
|
49°F
(9°C) |
68°F
(20°C) |
49.8mm
|
| Apr |
51.8°F
(11°C) |
71.5°F
(22°C) |
18.3mm
|
| May
|
56.3°F
(13°C) |
73.3°F
(23°C) |
5.1mm
|
| Jun
|
59.8°F
(15°C) |
77°F
(25°C) |
1.8mm
|
| Jul |
63.4°F
(17°C) |
82.7°F
(28°C) |
0.5mm
|
|
Aug |
64.8°F
(18°C) |
84°F
(29°C) |
1.8mm
|
|
Sep |
62.7°F
(17°C) |
82.1°F
(28°C) |
5.3mm
|
|
Oct |
57.8°F
(14°C) |
78.4°F
(26°C) |
7.1mm
|
|
Nov |
50.4°F
(10°C) |
72.1°F
(22°C) |
33mm
|
|
Dec |
45°F
(7°C) |
67°F
(19°C) |
40.6mm
|
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Climate
data for Long Beach from the
Western Regional Climate Center |
CLIMATE
Visitors to Anaheim will
experience warm temperatures year round, permitting unfettered exploration of
the area. Considered akin to a Mediterranean climate, Anaheim enjoys an average
rainfall of less than 10 in. (254 mm) per year, with the bulk of precipitation
falling from December to March. The average winter temperature in Anaheim is
roughly 50°F (10°C), with summer temperatures easily rising into the 90s (32°C).
With the warm weather, outdoor activities attract a large number of visitors.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting around in Anaheim
is easy, with a number of choices that allow visitors to decide how they wish
to experience the city and its attractions. From luxury travel in limousines
to the affordability of the public
transit system, visitors can rest assured that regardless of where they
want to go, there is a mode of transportation that can take them there. For
ground transportation, Amtrak
and Greyhound both offer service to Anaheim and the surrounding area, with depots
conveniently located to services and amenities. For air travelers, Anaheim is
served by the Los
Angeles International Airport and the John
Wayne/Orange County Airport, both of which offer easy access to Anaheim.
Rental
cars can be obtained from a variety of sources in and around Anaheim,
and offers visitors the freedom to travel when and where they wish. Highways
and freeways in the area are easy to negotiate and make travel between destinations
convenient and quick.
ATTRACTIONS
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| Disneyland
Castle |
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Amusement & Entertainment
Naturally, many people visiting
Anaheim are drawn to the city's major landmark, Disneyland. This colossal attraction
is estimated to bring between 14 and 20 million visitors to Anaheim each year
and is worth roughly $3 billion dollars(USD) a year to the local economy. Disneyland
employs about 21,000 staff, reinforcing its importance to the area. Truly a
force in Anaheim, the Disney Company is committed to many beautification and
infrastructure projects that benefit both the residents of Anaheim and visitors
eager to see the "happiest place on earth".
For music lovers, the House
of Blues in Anaheim is the place to be. This venue hosts a myriad of
concerts and musical events throughout the year, including a weekly Sunday Gospel
brunch that features a buffet and live gospel entertainment. The House of Blues
in Anaheim is located in the Downtown Disney area, making it a good destination
after a day of amusement park fun.
Another popular attraction
is the Anaheim Halloween parade. This event was started in 1924, and in its
heyday boasted over 150,000 spectators gathered to watch the congregation of
costumes parade through downtown Anaheim.
Sports
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Buena
Park
Knotts
Berry Farm
is another theme park that arose in the wake of Disneyland's success.
There are a variety of different rides, entertainment, food and a water
park at Knotts Berry Farm, all of which has helped make this theme park
rival Disneyland in terms of amusement seeking visitors. This park is
located in Buena Park, roughly five miles from Anaheim.
Buena Park is also
the home to the Ripley's
Believe it or Not Museum, a collection of curiosities from around
the world. Known alternately as an "odditorium", this museum offers authentic
yet strange items, such as a re-creation of daVinci's Last Supper made
entirely of toast. This museum has a jungle theme running throughout its
10,000 square feet, and can be found just one block north of Knotts Berry
Farm.
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Sports fans won't be disappointed
with the athletic scene in Anaheim, which boasts a National Hockey League team
and a Major League Baseball team. The Mighty
Ducks skate on the Arrowhead
Pond of Anaheim, while the Angels
slug balls and catch flies at Edison
International Field. These teams allow residents of Anaheim to enjoy
sports year-round.
Visitors looking to take
advantage of the weather and hit the links can do so at the Anaheim Dad
Miller Golf Course, a public course that features a lake, tree lined
fairways and a snack bar, restaurant and cocktail lounge. Reservations at this
course can be made up to one week in advance.
Another local course is
the Anaheim
Hills Golf Course, located on Nohl Ranch Road. This is an 18-hole course
that also features a driving range, cart rentals, a pro shop and a large clubhouse
that is capable of hosting several events at once.
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| Angel
Stadium |
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Shopping
The local Farmers
Market is held every Thursday from 9:30am to 1:30pm, featuring a number
of locally produced fruit and vegetables in addition to arts and crafts. Sponsored
by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, this weekly event takes place at the Center
Street Promenade in Anaheim. Shopping can also be found at the Anaheim
Indoor Market, a discount mall that features over 200 stores selling
goods at 50-70% below retail prices. The shopping experience is enhanced on
weekends with live entertainment offered as shoppers browse the bargains.
For fun in the sun and a
raft of attractions, Anaheim is an ideal destination. With a commitment to hospitality,
the sights and sounds of Anaheim beckon visitors from all over the world and
has enough activities to keep them entertained for as long as they wish to stay.
The surrounding area reveals further activities, from the western beaches to
the ski hills just east of the city. Orange County has come a long way from
the agriculture production days of the last century, and is one of the most
enjoyed destinations in the state of California.
