It's time to get the best shops in Anaheim on your radar. From wine purveyors and gourmet cheese shops to indoor swapmeets and designer-filled secondhand shops, the Orange County city is home to much more than just the Happiest Place on Earth. Though if you're in the market for Disneyland collectibles and souveniers, you're in the right place. While neighbors like Costa Mesa and Newport Beach are known as the O.C. shopping meccas, Anaheim has plenty of under-the-radar shops worth discovering. The next time you find yourself with some extra money to spend in Orange County, let this be your guide.
Best shops in Anaheim
Drop into this hip barber shop hybrid for a fresh cut, draught beer and a slew of men's styling products. Find a curated selection of pomade from Barbeer Shop-approved brands like vegan, cruelty-free label Boardwalk and Layrite, which offers high performance men's grooming products "for barbers by barbers." As you sip on a well-deserved pint of beer from the in-salon bar, let your barber work magic on your mane and guide you to the best shaving or styling products for you. Plus, check out the nearby boutique, The Good Californian Haberdashery, for urban, Americana-style men's clothing and accessories.
Take a stroll through the whimsical, outdoor shopping center for a mix of Disney specialty shops and buzzy dining spots. Located just outside of the theme parks, the linear stretch of shops and eateries offers a taste of the magic throughout Disneyland's Main Street. While all the eye-catching retailers are at least worth poking through, there are three top stores that seem to stand out above the rest: WonderGround Gallery offers an eclectic collection of contemporary art from emerging local artists; Disney Vault 28 is a go-to for fashion-forward womenswear and designer handbags; D-Street is stocked with "urban-inspired, geek chic" apparel, collectibles and accessories for the ultimate Disney fans. If you're looking to take home a Disney momento, this is a souvenier paradise.
Dubbed Orange County's largest indoor swapmeet, the Anaheim Marketplace is home to 207 specialty stores, 11 restaurants and 35 events this year. From beauty shops to children's clothing to electronics and everything in between, the 100,000-square-foot venue offers competitive prices at up to 40% less than retail. Overwhelming? Sure. But a venture worth experiencing, nonetheless. The marketplace is conveniently located near Disneyland, Anaheim Stadium and the Honda Center. If you're looking for major discounts (especially if you're purchasing anything in bulk), head to the indoor marketplace for the ultimate bang for your buck.
Though Anaheim's outdoor shopping center has struggled to fill its storefronts, the GardenWalk has been undergoing a re-revival in the past year in an effort to draw more locals and theme park goers alike. (After all, Disneyland is in its backyard.) Now with the addition of entertainment venues like the House of Blues, along with a string of chain restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen, the GardenWalk is hoping to gain more foot traffic. Top stores include FactoryXtreme—home to custom stormtroopers, Star Wars collectibles, and sports fan apparel—Geeky Mamas consignment shop and Lush Cosmetics.
Find more things to do in Anaheim
Let's face it: If you're headed to Anaheim, there's a pretty good chance you're going on some Disneyland rides. But there are, in fact, some more things to do in Anaheim than just visiting the happiest place on earth. From a chic food hall to a trio of major live music venues, here are 10 things to do in Anaheim (including a trip to Disneyland).
Discover Time Out original video