There’s a palpable sense of wonder when you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park. That might be because Walt Disney himself walked those very steps. Where there were once sprawling orange groves in Anaheim, now sits the leader in theme park innovation. While the park has been replicated in various versions around the globe, there’s nothing like the original.

Disneyland Resort is much more than its two parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. It’s also home to three on-site resorts (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel) and Downtown Disney, an entertainment, shopping and retail district. Unlike Walt Disney World, Florida, Disneyland is more compact in size, with walkable distances between each feature.

The “Happiest Place on Earth” oozes nostalgia but it’s far from being stuck in time, and it continues to introduce boundary-pushing attractions. Here, you’ll find all the classic rides that demonstrate Disney’s signature mastery in storytelling, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain. Its newer attractions have redefined the industry, like those within the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Dining is an attraction in itself. There are iconic snacks, such as Dole Whip and hand–dipped corn dogs, alongside elevated eats at the California cuisine-focused Napa Rose restaurant within the Grand Californian Hotel.

New to Disneyland, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a log-flume-style boat ride that continues the story of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “The Princess and the Frog,” with state-of-the-art technology. Set to open in May, “Walt Disney—A Magical Life” is a new production that will honor the entertainment giant’s legacy and feature a speaking, lifelike Audio-Animatronic of Walt Disney created by Walt Disney Imagineering.

All year, Disneyland will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Visitors will find festive decor and entertainment, including the return of the dazzling “Paint the Night” parade, with more than a million LED lights. An all-new nighttime spectacular event, World of Color Happiness! will also debut, inspired by Walt Disney’s opening day park dedication in 1955. Be on the lookout for a special anniversary medallion on the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Seasonal events are a hallmark of the resort, and its top two are worth planning a trip around. Foodies won’t want to miss the acclaimed Disney California Adventure Park Food & Wine Festival, held February 28-April 21, 2025. Halloween Time runs August 22-October 31, 2025, while the Holidays at Disneyland Resort brings merriment to the entire park November 14-January 7, 2026.

You’ll need at least three days to get a good taste of the resort. With each park requiring separate admission, the best way to see it all is with a Park Hopper ticket which allows guests to move freely between parks. Lightning Lane Multi Pass, a paid add-on service, maximizes time, offering expedited entrance to most attractions and shows. Disneyland runs seasonal ticket and hotel offers year-round, including a special hotel promotion for the 70th anniversary with up to 30% off accommodations.

In the center of Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of a kind with its connection to a working movie and television lot. What began as a studio tram tour in 1964 has evolved into one of the most popular theme parks in the country. The tram tour is still in operation today, offering riders a behind-the-scenes look at current productions and iconic filming locations, including those from “Psycho” and “Jaws.”

Attractions here are inspired by the biggest blockbusters of the motion picture era, putting guests smack dab in the middle of the action. In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Muggles can sip on real Butterbeer, take a stroll through Hogsmeade and nibble on traditional English delicacies. The park expansion of Super Nintendo World brings the colorful world of the Mushroom Kingdom to life through immersive entertainment, characters and its flagship attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. There’s a little something for everyone, including The Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash, a family-friendly dark ride attraction.

Seasonal events shine, such as Halloween Horror Nights, a celebration of popular horror franchises with walk-through haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment. New in 2025, Universal Studios has introduced Fan Fest Nights, after-hours events with themed experiences from favorite film and fantasy movies, including “Back to the Future.”

Visitors can get a good sense of the park with a one-day visit—its compact nature negates the need for rigorous preplanning. The park’s mobile app is the ultimate resource for the most up-to-date show times, wait times and more. To take full advantage of a visit, Express Pass is an add-on that can prove invaluable during especially busy times by granting expedited access to the park’s most popular rides and shows.

One of the country’s very first themed amusement parks began as a working berry farm. Knott’s Berry Farm’s evolution into a theme park can be attributed to Walter Knott, with a nod to his wife, Cordelia. Mrs. Knott’s famous fried chicken and boysenberry pie were so popular they drew unprecedented crowds to her restaurant. It was necessary to build attractions to entertain the hungry hopefuls as they waited.

More than 100 years later, Mrs. Knott’s Fried Chicken Restaurant still welcomes guests—and it’s the centerpiece of the theme park. The heart of the park, Ghost Town, is a replica of an 1880s Old Western town with captivating entertainment and much to explore. Thrill seekers will find some of the best roller coasters in the region while families will enjoy the adorable Camp Snoopy.

Food remains a vibrant part of the experience (try the boysenberry soft serve). A visit during spring’s annual Boysenberry Festival, held from March 28-April 27, 2025, adds dozens of delicious berry-inspired dishes to menus. Knott’s Scary Farm, the world’s first theme park horror event, is a terrifying rite of passage for spooky enthusiasts. To make any visit an all-encompassing experience, just steps from the park is Knott’s Hotel, which recently underwent a multi-million-dollar reimagination. Visitors can stay and play at these iconic Southern California theme parks.