Alternatives to Anaheim ??

Question

Where else can people advise to stay. We always stay in Anaheim and love it but very rarely visit disney so looking for a nice area to go to other than Anaheim. Safe, walking distance to some nice restaurants and hotels with pools.

Thanks

Answer

If you’re looking for alternatives to Anaheim that are still in Southern California, there are several areas that offer a safe environment, walkable restaurants, and hotels with pools, without being focused on Disneyland. Here are some great options:

1. Irvine / Newport Beach area

Irvine is a very safe, modern city with plenty of shopping, dining, and well-maintained hotels. Newport Beach offers coastal scenery, nice beaches, and a variety of restaurants. Both areas have hotels with pools and family-friendly amenities.

Irvine Spectrum area: plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotel options with pools
Newport Beach / Balboa Island: beachside hotels, walking areas, casual and fine dining
John Wayne Airport nearby for easy access

2. Long Beach

Long Beach offers a waterfront experience with the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and a lively downtown. The area has many mid-range and upscale hotels, several with pools, and you can walk to restaurants and shopping along Pine Avenue and Shoreline Village.

Waterfront hotels with pools and views
Walkable dining and casual entertainment
Easy access to beaches and harbor activities

3. Huntington Beach / Seal Beach

Known as “Surf City USA,” Huntington Beach has a relaxed coastal vibe. It’s safe and walkable in certain areas, with hotels along the beach, lots of dining options, and pools. Seal Beach is smaller and quieter but still charming.

Beachfront hotels with pools
Surf culture and outdoor activities
Walkable downtown areas with restaurants and shops

4. Costa Mesa / South Coast Plaza area

If you want shopping as a primary focus, Costa Mesa near South Coast Plaza has some of the best malls in Orange County, fine dining, and hotels with pools. It’s safe and has a more urban, upscale environment.

Shopping at South Coast Plaza
Hotels with pools nearby
Good restaurants within walking distance of hotel clusters

Tips:

All of these areas are roughly 30–60 minutes from Disneyland if you ever want to make a day trip.
Check hotel websites or review platforms to ensure pool availability, especially if traveling in summer.
Uber or short drives are usually easy, so you can enjoy restaurants and beach areas without needing a full rental car in some neighborhoods.

In summary, Irvine/Newport Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach/Seal Beach, and Costa Mesa are all great alternatives to Anaheim that provide safety, walkable dining, and hotels with pools, while giving you a different Southern California experience.

Alternatives to Anaheim ??

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