FALLin' for Anaheim
A Guide to the Perfect Fall Weekend in Anaheim, CA
As the seasons change, a subtle transformation sweeps across Southern California, bringing with it a distinct charm that captivates locals and visitors alike. The weather starts to cool down, the colors subtly change, and you may consider venturing more inland — maybe take the kids somewhere fun for the weekend? Well, if you're looking for a fall weekend getaway, Anaheim, CA has everything you might be looking for. From spooky theme parks, Dia de los Muertos dinners, haunted tours, and great accommodations , you truly can’t go wrong!
Where to Stay
Cambria Hotel
The Water Park at the Cambria Hotel
Looking for the perfect hotel that caters to every family member's needs? Look no further than the Cambria hotel in Anaheim, CA. Situated within the buzzing heart of the city, Cambria Anaheim is a haven for families seeking an unforgettable vacation experience. No matter the size of your family, they have the accommodations you’re looking for too.
The Family Suite at the Cambria Hotel, perfect for a family!
Step into the stylishly designed lobby, and you'll be immediately greeted by the warm and friendly staff, ready to cater to your family's every need. With spacious and comfortable rooms, Cambria Anaheim ensures that everyone has their own private retreat at the end of each exciting day. For the little ones, Cambria Anaheim offers a variety of family-friendly amenities that will keep them entertained for hours. The hotel features an outdoor pool, complete with a thrilling water slide, ensuring endless fun and laughter for kids of all ages. The best part is, the pool is heated to 88 degrees during the colder months, so it’s truly the perfect spot for kids to roam all year long. In the winter, they even have hot cocoa during the night time movie viewings! And don’t worry, the pool bar is always serving up some delicious drinks if you need to wine down!
The Pool Bar makes some delicious drinks!
Convenience is key at Cambria Anaheim, and when you’re looking to feed everyone in your group there’s tons of surrounding fast casual restraunts within walking distance. They also make it easy to explore the famous attractions Anaheim has to offer. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to the nearby Disneyland Resort, making it effortless for families to experience the magic of Mickey and friends. After a day of excitement, unwind and relax in the comfortable communal areas, where families can come together and connect. Enjoy a game of pool, watch a movie in the cozy cinema room, or simply curl up with a book by the fireplace. Cambria Anaheim effortlessly combines family-friendly amenities, comfortable accommodations, and a prime location, making it the ultimate destination for families visiting Anaheim, CA.
What to Do
Disneyland and Disney California Adventures
Fall Vibes on Main St, U.S.A
Start your fall weekend adventure by immersing yourself in the magical world of Disneyland Resort. As one of the most popular destinations in Anaheim, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are must-visit attractions. Step into a world of enchantment as Disneyland and California Adventures embrace the beauty and wonder of autumn. From the moment you enter the gates, you'll be captivated by the stunning fall decorations adorning every corner of the parks.
Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, U.S.A, where the quaint shops and charming facades have been transformed into a fall wonderland. The lampposts are draped with garlands of vibrant leaves, and whimsical pumpkins of all sizes welcome you with their cheerful smiles. As you navigate through the enchanting atmosphere, you'll feel the joyful embrace of the season at every turn.
Ashley’s favorite happens to be fall-themed attractions that have been skillfully transformed for the season — especially the Haunted Mansion, which turns into the Nightmare before Christmas from now until January! While you’re waiting in line, don’t forget to grab the Trick or Treat churro, right next door — this treat is to die for they say!
Trick or Treat Churro - Find this outside of the Haunted Mansion
In California Adventures, Buena Vista Street comes alive with Oogie Boogie’s spooky decor! if you have a chance, you can even take a bite of Oogie Boogie himself — in donut form, of course! This chocolate donut was defintly one of Ashley’s favorites, spooky tummy worms and all!
Oogie Boogie Donut - Found at the Grand Californian Hotel
We personally love heading to Cars Land, where spooky meets fun! We stopped at the Spooky Cozy Cone Motel to grab a Slow Burnin’ Mac & Cheese Cone — and wow this bite is definitely for the spice lovers! This bite is covered in Hot Cheeto dust, in a warm breaded cone, a perfect on the go bite (but be sure to grab a drink, because boy was it spicy!)
Slow Burnin’ Mac and Cheese at the Cozy Cone Motel
If you are looking for something more substantial — definitely try to grab a bite at Lamplighter Lounge. We ordered the Ghost Pepper Nachos, another spicy bite for the Halloween season! There you can enjoy some drinks, the view, and chow down on these bomb nachos while you give your feet a little rest (because lets face it, you’re walking +20K steps today)!
Ghost Pepper Nachos at the Lamplighter Lounge
If you are looking for something a little more simple, head over to the Incredicoaster on Pixar Pier. Jack Jack happens to be serving up some cookies — and although super simple, his cookies were really good!
Jack Jacks Cookie Num Nums Found at the IncrediCoaster
Take a peak at all the yummy treats across the parks, here!
Our guide giving us the spooky details about some very haunted houses!
Step into the shadows of Old Town Orange and immerse yourself in a spine-tingling journey through the city's haunted history.
The Old Town Orange Ghost Walk is an interesting and one-of-a-kind experience that takes you on a nighttime adventure you won't soon forget.
Led by seasoned storytellers, this guided tour brings to life the chilling legends and mysterious happenings that have plagued the city for generations. We really loved our guide — she was a great mix of history, laughs, and spooky tellings! The tour winds its way through the historic streets and alleyways, casting an atmospheric glow upon the eerie Victorian buildings. With each step, the fascinating tales of unexplained phenomena and spectral apparitions fill the air, sending shivers down your spine.
Learning about the dark history of the basement…
Prepare yourself for encounters with Orange's most notorious spirits. Visit the sites of haunted taverns, where patrons have reported inexplicable smells and mysterious whispers. The Old Town Orange Ghost Walk is not for the faint of heart; but even scaredy cats like Ashley had a great time hearing about the long time spooky history of the city of Orange. Whether you're a skeptic or a firm believer in the supernatural, the Old Town Orange Ghost Walk offers an evening of entertainment and thrills guaranteed to awaken your curiosity. Unveil the enigmatic history of Orange as you embark on a Halloween adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
One of the most haunted houses in Orange!
Tickets are limited, so make your reservation now and prepare yourself for an unforgettable night of ghostly encounters in Old Town Orange!
Where to Eat
Calaca Mamas
Dia De Los Muertos is almost here! Dia de los Muertos is an ancient Mexican tradition honoring deceased loved ones. It's a vibrant celebration linked to Aztec beliefs and Catholic customs. Families gather throughout October and November to create altars adorned with marigolds, sugar skulls, and favorite foods. Through music and dance, this event celebrates life and the connection between the living and the dead.
Outside of Calaca Mamas
Calaca Mamas is Anaheim's colorful Day of the Dead-themed Mexican restaurant founded by sisters and restaurateurs Angela & Mariam El Haj in 2022 to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed and celebrate the rich heritage found in Mexican culture and cuisine.
This year, Calaca Mamas will celebrate the Day Of The Dead holiday with a limited time month-long "Mes De Los Muertos” menu, available from October 5 to November 2nd. The limited time menu, which highlights authentic Mexican flavors with a creative Calaca Mamas’ spin, features everything from cocteles, to platillos, to desserts & more, all inspired by cuisine traditionally served during the Mexican holiday.
Great Veggie Tacos at Calaca Mamas
Some creative menu items pay homage to their Disneyland neighbor, including the Cabo Sunset, inspired by Disneyland’s fan-favorite snack – the Dole Whip, and a Churro Cart, reminiscent of Disneyland churros, delivered on a table-top mini street cart accompanied with chocolate sauce, dulce de leche, and lit with captivating sparklers. Guests can even enjoy the patio view of Disneyland Resort’s fireworks display at night.
See the entire Dia De Los Muertos Menu here!