A trip to Disneyland is always exciting: the fun rides, the delicious churros, and seeing your favorite Disney characters for a magical experience. After a full day at Disneyland, visitors can still enjoy more of what Orange County has to offer. Located just minutes away, Garden Grove is a great place to relax, grab a meal, and keep the fun going! With this guide, knowing what to do in Garden Grove after Disneyland with only a few minutes of planning.
From family-friendly restaurants and parks to shopping and cultural attractions, Garden Grove offers something enjoyable for everyone. Whether you are staying nearby for a Disney vacation or exploring your own city, there are plenty of fun things to do in Garden Grove.
What to Do in Garden Grove After Disneyland: 7 Ideas
Garden Grove has a lot more going on than most visitors expect. Here’s a look at what the city has to offer, no matter who you’re traveling with.
1. Eat Your Way Through Little Saigon
One of the best things about Garden Grove is its food. Garden Grove is home to one of the largest Vietnamese communities in California, and that influence can be seen everywhere in its local dining scene.
After a day of theme-park meals, a big, steaming bowl of pho feels like the perfect reset. Pho is a fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup made with soft rice noodles, fresh herbs, and tender slices of meat, seafood, or vegetables, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Diners customize each bowl with lime, bean sprouts, and chilies to balance savory, fresh, and aromatic flavors. For a lighter bite, bahn mi sandwiches are a great option, combining savory meats, pickled and fresh vegetables, and a kick of fresh chilies. Those with dietary restrictions or selective palates can find simple, comforting dishes like grilled meats, rice plates, and fresh summer rolls. Most restaurants here are casual, welcoming, and easy on the wallet.
But the experience doesn’t end with dinner. Little Saigon is also known for its wide range of desserts and drinks like chè (a sweet Vietnamese dessert soup), Vietnamese egg coffee, bubble tea, and fresh sugarcane juice.
2. Find a Show: Live Entertainment for Everyone
Garden Grove’s live entertainment scene has something for every taste and age group. The Grove of Anaheim, Garden Amp, and Honda Center host concerts year-round from up-and-coming acts to established headliners. You can also find family-friendly shows like a touring circus or even live sports games for fans of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. For a Broadway-style show, the Gem Theatre offers more intimate performances and theatrical productions that feel completely different from arena-style shows.
3. Explore a Food Scene That Goes Beyond Little Saigon
Little Saigon is just the beginning of Garden Grove’s growing food scene. SteelCraft Garden Grove, The Oasis Food Hall, and Rodeo 39 Public Market are great for outdoor dining, with diverse lineups of local vendors and global bites, making them perfect for groups with different cravings. The Anaheim Packing District, just a short drive away, is one of the most well-known food markets in Southern California, located in a beautifully restored packinghouse filled with artisan vendors, perfect for a casual evening out.
Beyond the food halls, the city’s neighborhoods each bring their own flavor to the table. Garden Grove is also neighbors of other vibrant cultural communities like Koreatown and Little Arabia, which serve up authentic comfort and street food. Whether you’re in the mood for Korean BBQ, shawarma, or an American classic, you’re likely to find it here!
4. Try Out Other Family-Friendly Parks and Activities
Families traveling with younger children will find plenty to love in Garden Grove and the nearby neighborhoods. If you want to have a theme-park vacation, Knotts Berry Farm and Great Wolf Lodge offer even more rides, water slides, and kid-friendly entertainment. For a more interactive dinner experience, Pirates Dinner Adventure combines live performances, acrobatics, and dining into one fun night out. Families can also spend time outdoors at Atlantis Play Center, a local favorite with imaginative playground features and plenty of room for kids to play, as well as several parks scattered throughout the city, perfect for relaxing after a busy day.
5. Shopping and Strolling
If Disneyland hasn’t emptied your wallet yet, Garden Grove has plenty of places to finish the job. Historic Main Street in downtown Garden Grove has a relaxed, old-town feel that’s perfect for a casual stroll. The area is filled with antique shops, local boutiques, and mom-and-pop businesses that give the neighborhood a nostalgic atmosphere. For all your retail therapy, check out South Coast Plaza and The Promenade for luxury brands and popular retailers.
6. Look for Cultural Experiences and Community Events
Garden Grove takes genuine pride in its cultural diversity, and that shows up in its community events throughout the year. The annual Strawberry Festival, held every Memorial Day weekend, is one of the oldest festivals in Southern California, complete with live entertainment, carnival rides, local food, and plenty of strawberry-themed fun. Beyond the festival season, the city hosts cultural events like the Annual Vietnamese Lunar New Year, local art exhibitions, and community gatherings that give visitors a real sense of what makes Garden Grove unique.
7. Relax at California Beaches
If you’re looking to relax after a long day at Disneyland, the nearby coastline is the perfect escape. Just a short drive from Garden Grove, you’ll find some of Southern California’s most popular beaches to choose from, including Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.
Newport Beach offers a quieter coastal experience with scenic harbor views, waterfront restaurants, and walking paths along the Balboa Peninsula. Huntington Beach, often called “Surf City USA,” brings a more energetic vibe with surfers, beach volleyball, and a lively pier area. Both beaches are great for sunset views, casual oceanfront dining, or simply unwinding after a busy day at a theme park.
Visit Garden Grove
Whether you’re spending the weekend visiting Disneyland or just exploring new places in Orange County, Garden Grove has it all. With vibrant neighborhoods and family-friendly activities, to global dining and sunny beaches, you can find the perfect balance of food, culture, entertainment, and relaxation! Make time to step beyond the parks and discover what makes Garden Grove such a hidden gem.