Disneyland resort's larger but less crowded park, Disney California Adventure celebrates the natural and cultural glories of the Golden State but lacks the density of attractions and depth of imagination. The best rides are Soarin' Over the World, a virtual hang-glide, and the Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land.
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Disney California Adventure
Disneyland Resort
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
5.22 MILES
What started as a simple berry farm is now a sprawling 160-acre operation with rides, live shows and lovable Peanuts characters roaming the grounds. Knott…
25.72 MILES
Famous for its swallows that fly back to town every year on March 19 (though sometimes they’re just a bit early), San Juan Capistrano is home to the …
Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
24.77 MILES
One of the most delightful, inspirational spots in LA, the Huntington is rightly a highlight of any trip to California thanks to a world-class mix of art,…
25.53 MILES
From the instant it opened in September 2015, the Broad (rhymes with 'road') became a must-visit for contemporary-art fans. It houses the world-class…
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
25.49 MILES
LA is unlike any other city, and this cathedral is unlike any other cathedral. Seat of the US's largest Roman Catholic archdiocese (some five million…
4.23 MILES
From its stately, Spanish Colonial–style shell, the Bowers Museum explodes onto the scene every year or so with remarkable exhibits that remind LA-centric…
20.61 MILES
The three 'Gothic' spires of the fabulous Watts Towers rank among the world’s greatest monuments of folk art. In 1921 Italian immigrant Simon Rodia set…
25.55 MILES
A molten blend of steel, music and psychedelic architecture, this iconic concert venue is the home base of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, but has also…
Nearby Disneyland Resort attractions
0.05 MILES
Grizzly Peak is broken into sections highlighting California’s natural and human achievements. Its main attraction, Soarin’ Around the World, is a virtual…
0.07 MILES
After checking in at the Grizzly Peak Airfield, fasten your seat belt and take off (as if hang gliding) before a giant, 80ft projection screen that really…
0.08 MILES
Here Disney animators demonstrate the process of animation in the Animation Academy, and hands-on attractions in the Sorcerer's Workshop let kids (and…
0.08 MILES
Tractor-towed trailers swing their way around the 'dance floor' at Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, named after Tow Mater from the Cars movie. It's sort a…
0.1 MILES
Grizzly River Run takes you and seven friends in a circular raft up 275ft before sending you down a faux Sierra Nevada river. You will get wet, so come…
0.11 MILES
California’s biggest factory of dreams is presented here in miniature, with soundstages, movable props, and – of course – a studio store. A Guardians of…
7. Monsters, Inc: Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
0.12 MILES
Slow-speed chase through Monstropolis to get the little girl Boo back to her home, helped by Mike and Sulley from the Disney Pixar film Monsters, Inc.
0.13 MILES
This land gets kudos for its incredibly detailed design based on the popular Disney Pixar Cars movies. Top billing goes to the wacky Radiator Springs…