Disneyland Park opened in 1955 as Walt Disney’s “world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy,” and it’s still where nostalgic dark rides meet cutting-edge lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Next door, Disney California Adventure layers Pixar storytelling with SoCal flair—from neon-lit Cars Land to the Incredicoaster’s boardwalk thrills. Together they form Disneyland Resort, the classic family vacation with sunshine nearly year-round.

Base yourself in Anaheim, then add easy dog-friendly day trips to Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach for coastal air and mellow mornings. While dogs can’t enter the parks (service animals excepted), Orange County is rich with patios, parks, and sandy strolls your pup will love. Plan one or two park days, rest days in between, and smart mealtimes to keep energy (and budgets) balanced.

Practical notes: Most Disneyland tickets still require advance park reservations; check your dates before purchase. Consider the paid line-skipping service (Genie+ with Lightning Lane entrances) on busier days. Pack refillable water bottles (complimentary ice water is widely available), sunscreen, and a lightweight layer for cool evenings near the coast.

Anaheim

Anaheim blends the fantasy of Disneyland with real-deal Southern California flavor—think heritage citrus groves, a revived downtown, craft breweries, and easy access to the beach. It’s a central home base that keeps transit times short and options wide.

• Top sights: Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney (shopping and dining), Anaheim Packing House (a restored 1919 citrus packing house turned food hall), and baseball or hockey if in season (Angel Stadium, Honda Center).
• Why families love it: Walkable resort area, plentiful suites with kitchenettes, stroller-friendly sidewalks, and grocery stores within minutes for quick snacks and breakfast supplies.
• Dog-friendly extras: Plenty of hotels with pet policies, patios across the Packing District, and close proximity to Huntington Dog Beach—OC’s off-leash sandy paradise.

Where to stay (search and compare): Browse family suites and pet-friendly stays on Hotels.com (Anaheim) or space-filled condos on VRBO (Anaheim). Good bets to search for: Westin Anaheim Resort (typically dog-friendly, walkable to parks), Residence Inn by Marriott Anaheim Resort/Convention Center (kitchenettes, pet options), Hyatt House at Anaheim Resort (suites near Harbor Blvd), and Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Convention Center (family suites with breakfast).

How to get here: Fly into John Wayne Airport SNA (20–25 minutes), Long Beach LGB (30–35 minutes), or LAX (45–75 minutes depending on traffic). Compare fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com (flights). Rideshare and taxis are straightforward at all three airports; families often find SNA the easiest with kids and luggage.

Local bites to target: Anaheim Packing House favorites include Georgia’s Restaurant (savory fried chicken and Southern sides), Urbana (Oaxacan-inspired tacos and mezcal), Kettlebar (Louisiana-Cajun seafood), and Popbar (gelato on a stick). Around town, try Anepalco in Orange for legendary chilaquiles, Cortina’s Italian Market for pizza and deli staples, The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon for a celebratory steak, and Pour Vida for bright, Baja-style plates.

Cafés to fuel your mornings: Okayama Kobo Bakery & Café (Japanese milk bread, melon pan, excellent coffee), Requiem: Coffee, Tea & Fantasy (whimsical décor kids adore), and Contra Coffee & Tea in Orange (nitro Thai tea and creative cold brews). Many have outdoor seating suitable for pups.

Note on dogs: Pets are not permitted inside Disneyland Resort security zones (including Downtown Disney) except trained service animals. On park days, consider trusted local daycare/boarding such as Dogtopia of Anaheim Hills, Camp Bow Wow (Anaheim), or a PetsHotel (Orange). Verify current hours, vaccination requirements, and pick-up times when you book.

Day 1: Arrival, Settle In, and Anaheim Flavors

Morning: Travel day. If flying, compare fares and arrival times on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim for SNA if possible for the shortest transfer.

Afternoon: Check in at your Anaheim hotel or VRBO near Harbor Blvd. Grab a late lunch at Anaheim Packing House: Georgia’s (fried chicken plates and collard greens) or Urbana (grilled fish tacos and elote). Patio seating abounds—great if you’re traveling with a dog.

Evening: Stroll the Anaheim Packing District’s outdoor areas for murals and live buskers on select nights. If you want dessert, split a flight of pops at Popbar or a seasonal soft serve at Sweetbird. Turn in early to rope drop tomorrow.

Day 2: Disneyland Park—Classic Fantasy and Star Wars

Morning: Drop your dog at pre-booked daycare (aim for opening hour). Be at Disneyland Park gates 30–45 minutes before posted opening. Start in Fantasyland (Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice in Wonderland, Matterhorn Bobsleds) before lines grow, then loop to Adventureland for Jungle Cruise and Indiana Jones Adventure.

Afternoon: Mobile order Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (grilled cheese and tomato-basil soup; don’t miss the Matterhorn Macaroon). Head to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge—pilot the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, then join the virtual/cue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance if available or use Genie+ where applicable. Take a shaded break on the Disneyland Railroad grand circle tour.

Evening: Book Blue Bayou (inside Pirates of the Caribbean) for that glow-in-the-dark-lagoon magic or try Docking Bay 7 for creative bowls under a TIE Echelon. End with the nighttime spectacular (fireworks on select nights; check the app) or “Fantasmic!” on the Rivers of America when scheduled. Pick up your pup before closing time.

Day 3: Dog Day by the Sea—Huntington Beach

Morning: Coffee and pastries at Okayama Kobo, then drive ~30 minutes to Huntington Dog Beach (Goldenwest St to Seapoint St). This is an off-leash stretch where your pup can zoom safely; bring waste bags and water. Early morning has milder crowds and gentler sun.

Afternoon: Lunch at Pacific City’s ocean-view patios: Bear Flag Fish Co. (ahi poke and grilled local catch), Ola Mexican Kitchen (Baja fish tacos, guacamole flight), or Simmzy’s (burgers, kids menu). Stop by Top Dog Barkery for dog treats and a quick rinse station if needed.

Evening: Sunset stroll on the Huntington Beach Pier (dogs allowed on the pier, leashed). For dinner, try Pacific Hideaway at the Kimpton Shorebreak (fusion coastal plates; dog-friendly patio) or Duke’s for a laid-back Hawaiian vibe right over the waves. Drive back to Anaheim.

Day 4: Disney California Adventure—Pixar, Marvel, and Nighttime Spectacle

Morning: Daycare drop-off for the dog. Enter through the main gates right at opening and head straight to Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land (standby first or Lightning Lane later). Conquer Guardians of the Galaxy—Mission: BREAKOUT! and the Incredicoaster while lines are lowest.

Afternoon: Lunch at Pym Test Kitchen (giant pretzel, Not-So-Little Chicken Sandwich) or Cocina Cucamonga (al pastor and citrusy carne asada). Explore the Animation Academy (a wonderful AC break where kids draw Disney characters) and grab a soft serve at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats.

Evening: Reserve Lamplight Lounge for waterfront Pixar Pier views (lobster nachos, mocktails for kids). Cap the day with World of Color—arrive early to your viewing area or consider a dining package for reserved spots. Retrieve your pup on time.

Day 5: Old Towne Orange + Anaheim’s Easygoing Eats

Morning: Brunch at Anepalco (famous chilaquiles verdes layered with cotija and avocado) near Chapman University. Wander the antique shops and boutiques around the Orange Plaza; many stores welcome leashed dogs or have water bowls outside.

Afternoon: Choose fresh air at Yorba Regional Park (long, flat paths, playgrounds, lakeside ducks—great for strollers and pups) or head to Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim (indoor exhibits—skip the dog here). Coffee break at Contra Coffee & Tea or Portola Coffee Lab (Costa Mesa) if you fancy a short drive.

Evening: Family dinner ideas: Cortina’s Italian Market (shareable pizzas and baked ziti at friendly prices), Pour Vida (street corn, citrusy ceviches), or The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon for a splurge night. If you like baseball or hockey, check game schedules for the Angels or Ducks.

Day 6: Laguna Beach—Parks, Art, and Coastal Views

Morning: Drive ~40 minutes to Laguna Beach. Start at Heisler Park for tide-pool overlooks and paved, dog-friendly paths with jaw-dropping coves below. Seasonal dog rules apply on sand (summer hour restrictions), but leashed dogs are welcome on the clifftop paths anytime.

Afternoon: Lunch on a patio with ocean breezes: Urth Caffé (salads, panini, boba drinks), Skyloft (smoked meats, fish, rooftop views), or Las Brisas (coastal Mexican—try the ceviche duo). Stroll through local galleries or relax at Treasure Island Park by the Montage for manicured lawns and photo-worthy bluffs.

Evening: Golden-hour walk along the Laguna boardwalk, then dinner at Driftwood Kitchen (seafood with sunset) or Nick’s Laguna Beach (comfort classics; book ahead). Return to Anaheim for an early night before departure.

Day 7: Easy Morning + Souvenirs and Departure

Morning: Pack up and grab one last treat—Requiem’s honey-lavender latte for adults, cocoa for kids. If you need Disney souvenirs, the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney opens early most days—but remember, only service animals are allowed there, so leave your dog relaxing at the hotel or with a companion.

Afternoon: Check out by late morning and head to the airport. Confirm traffic conditions and allow extra time for security. Compare any last-minute flight changes on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Travel home with sandy paws, sleepy smiles, and a camera roll full of castle shots and coastal sunsets.

Budget-Savvy Tips for a Family- and Dog-Friendly Week

• Buy date-specific park tickets in advance and watch for off-peak days to lower costs; consider one-park-per-day tickets to save versus Park Hoppers.
• Use Genie+ on the busier of your two park days and rely on rope drop plus afternoon hotel breaks to avoid burnout.
• Stock your room with breakfast basics; many Anaheim suites have kitchenettes. Free ice water is available at quick-service spots across both parks.
• Plan dog-care around showtimes; book daycare near opening and pick up before closing to avoid late fees.
• For larger rooms at better value, check Hotels.com and family condos on VRBO. If you prefer a night by the sea, compare rates in Huntington Beach or Laguna Beach.

In one week you’ll balance Disneyland’s timeless enchantment with breezy, dog-friendly coast days and easy local eats. With smart pacing, Genie+ on key days, and reliable daycare for your pup, this Anaheim itinerary keeps the magic high and the stress low.