Staff Picks

Magical moments are just around the corner at both Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure Park® with a whole new host of exciting summer attractions for you to enjoy.

Guests at Disneyland® can take off on the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and into your own Star Wars adventure or speed away on Hyperspace Mountain for a thrilling ride through the galaxy. Beautiful Sleeping Beauty’s Castle sits at the heart of the park, newly reimagined and sparkling in the California sun for you to admire until nighttime arrives and the incredible fireworks spectacular can dazzle you at “Disneyland Forever.”

Disney California Adventure Park® gives guests the Pixar Pier experience, where you can hang out with your favorite characters and take a spin on Jessie’s Critter Carousel or the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind. Marvel’s greatest superheroes, like Spider-Man and Black Panther, are waiting for you in Hollywood Land too!

No matter which park you choose (or both), it’s sure to be a magical summer!

Listen to the call of your wild side and take a trip to the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens during your stay at the Cortona Inn & Suites. The zoo features all of your favorite critters and creatures as well as the opportunity for you and your family to learn more about our spectacular planet and the zoo’s conservation efforts across the world.

You will be delighted to see colorful birds, massive elephants, slippery salamanders, and much more throughout the zoo’s beautifully designed exhibits and gardens. Unique trees and flowers surround you as you take in the wonders of the natural world and take advantage of learning from zookeepers as they feed and present your favorite animal friends.

Best of all, when you book directly with the Cortona Inn & Suites, you can earn a 10% discount on your tickets to the zoo so reserve your room today.

On Saturday, May 25th, bring your whole family to the Anaheim Japan Fair for food, shopping, and entertainment. From 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., this free event will take place at the Center Street Promenade in Downtown Anaheim – less than 3 miles from your luxury accommodations at the Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort!

25 food vendors will be available for you to try authentic cuisines from all over Japan, as well as beer and sake, and Japanese merchandise will be available for purchase. Performances will take place throughout the day, including demonstrations of Japanese calligraphy and entertainment centered on pop culture. An origami workshop will also be available.

You and your family will not want to miss this exciting experience. Free parking is limited, but your convenient stay at the Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort makes it easy to make your way to this incredible event.

Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center is the thrilling experience you’ve been looking for to make your stay in Anaheim the ultimate vacation. You and your family will be talking about this adventure for years to come as you go through classroom training and in-air flight instruction before taking on the simulator.

You’ll have the choice of either piloting a fighter jet at 600 knots during an exciting dogfight or to captain a commercial airliner on a flight plan to different airports in different weather conditions.

Those flying must be 11 years or older and prices vary depending on the craft you select. The Officer’s Club is available to those not flying so they can kick back and keep up with their companions on large, LCD screens.

The best part is The Cortona Inn & Suites is conveniently less than 3 miles away. Reserve your spot online at Flightdeck Flight Simulation Center and fulfill your aviation dreams today.

Is it really a spring vacation if you don’t make it to the baseball field? Your visit to the Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort wouldn’t be complete this season without a trip to Angel Stadium of Anaheim! On March 24, at 5:07 p.m., baseball fans will have the awesome opportunity to root on the Angels as they square off against the Los Angeles Dodgers for a beginning season game that is sure to offer up some incredible plays.

Tickets are available for purchase here now so you can reserve you and your family’s spot in the stands to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Prices vary depending on seating choices but range from $28 a ticket to $325. A beautiful California evening under the stadium lights is waiting for you, so make plans now and don’t miss out.

Angel Stadium is only a short, 7-minute drive from your accommodations at the Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort.

The Honda Center is hosting Justin Timberlake’s “The Man of the Woods Tour” on Friday, February 22nd at 7:30 p.m. The Honda Center is only 3 miles from your accommodations at the Cortona Inn & Suites, so make your stay that much more exciting and memorable by treating yourself to one of the most iconic performers in the world.

The 10-time Grammy and seven-time American Music Awards winner will be performing from his newest album Man of the Woods as well as fan favorites and pop culture classics, including “Suit & Tie,” “Cry Me a River,” and “Rock Your Body.” This powerhouse performer will have you dancing and singing the night away, all conveniently located just down the road from your comfortable lodgings.

Don’t wait to purchase your tickets! Buy them today to ensure you get the greatest concert experience at the price point you want.

Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort isn’t just a fabulous place to stay. Its convenient location makes available some of the most exciting events and activities that Anaheim has to offer. On your next visit, check out a one-of-a-kind experience with circus and acrobatic classes at SwingIt Trapeze!

Located downtown, SwingIt Trapeze lets visitors fulfill their fantasies of flight in a safe and fun environment. The experienced operators cultivate lessons that will inspire you and your family as you learn gymnastic techniques, how to hang from trapeze bars, and trampoline tricks. This activity is as freeing as it is exhilarating and should not be missed during your stay with us.

First-Time Flyer classes are $75 per person. Participants must register 24 hours in advance and time and space for classes are limited, so book now to ensure you get the chance to fly high at SwingIt Trapeze. Call today at (877) 9-SWINGIT for any questions about classes or booking.

Winter Fest OC is back again to provide all the holiday fun and spirit you and your family could wish for this season. Beginning on Thursday, December 20th and lasting through Sunday, January 6th, 2019, families can enjoy winter festivities starting with deals as low as $6 for children and $12 for adults when purchased online.

Play in fresh snow that’s blown in daily, explore the Snowmazing inflatable maze, and take a walk through our brilliantly illuminated Festival of Lights areas. Bigger kids will love flying down Snowflake Summit – a 150-foot long ice tubing slide complete with 8 lanes. But not to worry, even the littlest visitors will have tons of fun in their own toddler play area. The model train exhibit is sure to wow you as well as daily entertainment from the likes of the Paw Patrol! Purchase your tickets online now and make your stay even merrier.

If you’re visiting the Cortona Inn & Suites this November, be sure to take in a thrilling ice hockey game at the Honda Center to cheer on the Anaheim Ducks! Watch as teams battle it out on the ice for glory, each intense period after another. November 7th, 9th, 12th, and 16th, all offer opportunities for visitors to make their way to the arena to watch teams from all over the country and Canada square off against the Ducks. Their opponents include the Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, and the Toronto Maple Leafs respectively, and each game will be a blast for you and the whole family to enjoy. Ticket prices can start as low as $15 a game and vary depending on seating choices, but you can be sure to enjoy the experience that this exciting game provides no matter where you watch.

One of Anaheim’s most interesting attractions, the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center features a myriad of permanent cultural and historical displays, along with temporary art exhibits honoring Anaheim’s cultural heritage. Located in the 1908 Carnegie Library building, the Muzeo is a treasure trove, featuring artifacts that together weave a fascinating true story of the history of Anaheim and the area that surrounds it. Visitors can browse and peruse such treasures of the past as ancient fossils, vintage citrus-farming implements, winery items from the 19^th century, an array of miscellany from Anaheim’s founders, and assorted mementos from Disneyland and other momentous area sites. “Anaheim: A Walk through Local History” is on permanent display, and upcoming exhibits include a holiday model train exhibit opening in November that features the history of trains in Southern California, and the ever-popular annual Muzeo TrashARTist Challenge. Additional programs offer lectures and in-person visits with authors, such as “Open Book with Selma Mann and Mary Alice Sutherland” on October 25. So, whether you’re a history buff, a vintage collector, or just curious, you’ll find the Muzeo is well worth a visit.

Address: 241 S. Anaheim Blvd

Billed as “the world’s most interactive dinner show,” Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is a swashbuckling extravaganza perfect for a night out with friends, family, or that special someone. Located just 20 minutes by car from our hotel, this epic show invites you to take sides, back-stab, and sing along as 150 performers entertain you and your companions with thrilling theatricality on a simulated 18^th-century Spanish vessel. You’ll also savor a mouth-watering four-course dinner, as delicious as any that ever graced the captain’s quarters. The battles are epic, the scheming by turns cunning and hilarious, and the ever-present menace of the Loch Ness Monster enough to unite even the most rebellious mates. Best of all, at the end of the night, you won’t have to resign yourself to a bunk in the belly of a sea-tossed ship. We’ll have your pillows fluffed and your cozy bed ready for you back at the Cortona Inn and Suites.

Address: 7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Just six miles from the Cortona Inn & Suites, the Santa Ana Zoo comprises some 20 acres of family fun, with exhibits that center mostly on the flora and fauna of Central and South America. Joseph Prentice, who gave the city of Santa Ana the land that would become the zoo, was especially fond of monkeys. As part of the donation, he declared that the zoo must always have at least 50 monkeys. Thus, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary primate collection during your visit. You’ll also see giant anteaters, green iguanas, black-necked swans, Brazilian ocelots, and much more. This easy to navigate zoo is great for families with small children, who are inevitably enchanted by the many curious monkeys and other primates. Best of all, the zoo is open every day from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., making it easy to fit a trip into your schedule.

Address: 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Attention all Cortona Inn guests. The House of Blues Anaheim reports several mysterious sightings in recent weeks: a flock of seagulls in the rafters, moonwalkers on the patio, men at work all through the night, and at least a half dozen total eclipses of the heart. If you want to get in on some of these awesome 80s jams, join the legendary DJ Uncle Larry every week in the Foundation Room for Throw Back Thursdays. You can also enjoy the mouthwatering, made-from-scratch Southern cuisine at the in-house restaurant and bar, which specializes in Voodoo Shrimp, the Juicy Lucy Burger, and the ever-popular Smokehouse Platter. So tuck those jeans into your socks, grab your brightest neon threads, and come on down to dance the night away with the catchiest tunes this side of a synthesizer. There’s never any cover, doors open at 6 P.M., and the party continues well into the evening.

Address: 400 Disney Way #337, Anaheim, CA 92802

If you’re a first-time visitor to California and have never been on a whale watching tour, you’re in for a real treat. Located just a half-hour’s drive from the Cortona Inn & Suites, Newport Landing offers several different whale watching excursions to accommodate you, your family, and your friends. The basic package will put your party and several others on a mid-size boat to scan the waves for humpback whales, gray whales, finback whales, giant blue whales, minke whales, dolphins, and more. You can also opt for the Captain’s Seating package, which will secure you one or more of the six spaces in the captain’s quarters during the cruise. This also means the captain will be your personal guide. Finally, you can opt to rent a private boat and captain of your own for a private tour that accommodates two to six guests. Each tour lasts two hours and sets sail three times daily, seven days a week, all year long.

Address: 309 Palm St. #A, Newport Beach, CA 92661

If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Disneyland (and if you haven’t, you surely will soon), then you’re probably familiar with the venerable “It’s a Small World” ride, which has celebrated cultures from around the world since 1966. That’s not the only Anaheim attraction that pays tribute to the cultural diversity of our magical city. From Friday, May 18, through Sunday, May 20, the OC Greek Fest will take place in and around St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church, where thousands of revelers will enjoy the finest in Greek cuisine, music, art, dancing, and more. Are you a fan of Moussaka, Souvlaki, and Tiropita? Do you relish the chance to peruse handmade treasures, including clothing, jewelry, and paintings, crafted by artists and artisans from both sides of the Atlantic? Head on down for the festival, where entertainment abounds for adults and kids, who will enjoy their own dedicated “Kids Zone.” As they say in Greece, “Opa”!

Address: 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim, California 92801

Here in Anaheim, we’re blessed with beautiful weather pretty much year-round. But for those from cooler climates, a stay at the Cortona Inn means a chance to finally enjoy warm April days. To stretch your legs and soak up the spring sun, we recommend a trip to the Anaheim GardenWalk, a major outdoor center for dining, shopping, and entertainment, located less than a mile from our hotel. Score a few strikes amid the hip neon lights and plasma screens of Bowlmor Lanes, or sign up for an hour of mind-bending puzzles at Mission Escape Games. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, you can check out the all-natural beauty and cosmetics products at Lush, browse unique pop culture inspired threads at Geeky Mamas, or indulge in some of the finer things in life at Madison & Co. Jewelers. Fire & Ice Grill, Johnny Rockets, McCormick & Schmick’s, and several other restaurants are ready to satisfy the heartiest appetites. And once the sun has set, you can get your groove on at Heat Ultra Lounge or Rumba Room Live. All this and much more awaits at the exciting, eclectic, and convenient Anaheim GardenWalk.

Address: 400 Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

The story says that St. Patrick rid Ireland of snakes. How nice for Ireland. Still, it’s tough to not want to celebrate such a miraculous feat and wonderful culture. If you’re looking to enjoy debauchery and mischief like a leprechaun might, Garden Grove has you covered with several events to get your St. Patrick’s day on.

Starting at 5 pm, enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This event is for all ages. Enjoy live music from The Joshua Tree, the number one U2 cover band. In addition, there will be performances from other bands as well.

In addition to live music, enjoy food trucks, green beer, bagpipe lessons, a clover scavenger hunt and more. This will surely be an event the whole family can enjoy. It’s definitely the luck of the Irish that such a fun holiday should fall on a Saturday this year, so get out there and enjoy yourself. For information and to RSVP for free click here.

12762 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840

It’s the most romantic time of year. How are you going to impress that special someone? Why not take your loved one for a lovely Venetian treat? You don’t even need a passport to enjoy a little bit of Italy in Anaheim! Sunset Gondola offers a variety of options for setting the mood. This is the perfect way to spend some romantic quality time with that special someone. Sunset Gondolas use imported Italian Gondolas to guide you through the scenic Huntington Harbor. They also provide blankets, wine glasses, and ice buckets. You're only responsible for bringing the food, your favorite wine, and your date! Show your date that you understand romance with a perfect evening out on the water. For pricing and information click here to learn more. 

Sure you were stuffed to the brim over the holidays with delicious home cooked food, some of which you probably prepared. If you’re sick of cooking and need a chance to unwind after all of that family time, why not check out the Anaheim Packing District. The Anaheim Packing District offers an array of activities, food, and places to shop for unique items that weren’t on your holiday list. In addition to having loads of options for shopping, dining, and relaxing, you’ll get a taste of Anaheim history inside a restored 1920’s Mission Revival Style building, one of the few historical structures to survive in downtown. Aside from filling your belly with a diverse range of cuisine, the Anaheim Packing District offers live music every weekend and festive events throughout the week. And since you’re in sunny SoCal, check out the boardwalk, community gardens, and the olive grove too. For more information click here.  

440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Nothing says “Happy Holidays” quite like a parade. And nothing says “Have a SoCal Happy Holidays” like a Christmas Boat Parade! You’re here in Southern California, why not get in the spirit of things at the Newport Christmas Boat Parade. The parade runs from December 13-17. It begins at 6:30 p.m. With different locations around the “Ring of Lights” route, you’ll be sure to leave singing holiday tunes and ready for a visit from jolly Saint Nick. Not only are the boats beautifully decorated, but the homes along the route are too. You’ll see a wide gamut: yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes decorated in holiday lights. For some extra pizazz, check out the opening and closing nights of the parade for a fireworks extravaganza. The fireworks begin at 9 and are visible from all across the harbor. Best of all, this event is free! For more information on parking and the best viewing locations click here.

600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with some ice skating? You may be in sunny Southern California, but you can still get into the spirit of the season with a trip to The Rinks. Just 2.9 miles from the Cortona Inn, you’ll be having an (ice) blast in no time. All ages are welcome to enjoy the daily skating. Did you leave your ice skates at home? Not a problem! The Rinks offers affordable skate rentals for all ages and sizes. Get there before 11:30 a.m. for an “early bird” rate. Get the best of both worlds with the gorgeous Southern California weather, then cool off at The Rinks. Visit www.therinks.com for more information.

Address: 300 West Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92805

What better way to close out your trip to Anaheim, CA than with a little art in the sun? Now through Sunday, December 31, enjoy beauteous artwork from Southern California locals during Anaheim’s Art on the Walk. The Anaheim GardenWalk is laden with shopping and dining opportunities, but is hosting Art on the Walk every Sunday through December. Put on your walking shoes and prepare for your mind to be blown by phenomenal Orange County artistic talent. Art on the Walk gives local artists the exposure they deserve and you the chance to admire the city’s undisputed creativity. Art on the Walk will also feature live entertainment including a free prime photo booth, henna tattoos, free samples of appetizers from Grasslands Meat Market, and much more! Add a little creativity to your vacation with Anaheim GardenWalk’s Art on the Walk; you won’t be disappointed. 

Anaheim GardenWalk, 400 West Disney Way, Anaheim 92802

There’s nothing like a fall festival, and what’s a festival without beer? The Fest of Ales is the place to be to 'cheers' it up with your vacation buddies in the heart of Downtown Anaheim. On September 16th from 12pm to 4pm join in with Anaheim locals as they celebrate the Fest of Ales. You won't want to miss the sweater weather fun at The Fest of Ales that includes over 30 craft breweries, unlimited food tastings, live music, and games. And at the end of the day, one lucky brewery will be awarded the Mayor’s Trophy. Part of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the non-profit organizations, The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, and Downtown Anaheim Association. You don’t want to miss out on drink a brew for a cause, so be there or be square! 

201 Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805

Tickets on sale now at: https://2017ocfestofales.eventbee.com

Traveling with little ones can be tricky, but there’s something about an adorable monkey swinging from tree to tree that will immediately calm your crying toddler – And the Santa Ana Zoo is just a short 6 mile drive from the Cortona Inn & Suites. The Santa Anna Zoo is a 20-acre attraction that focuses on the animals and plants of Central and South America. The clean, easy to maneuver facility is great for the little ones and equally enjoyable for adults. The zoo boasts an extensive, easy to see primate collection, with over a dozen species from around the world. Watch the amazement on your little ones faces during a day trip to The Santa Ana Zoo, which is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 East Chestnut Avenue in Santa Ana, 92701, (714) 836-4000

Fine tune your running man, tighten up your robot, find the right shoes for your moonwalk, and journey back to the 80’s. Way Back Wednesday is a great way to get your vacation started with a laugh, drinks, and a night down memory lane. OC legend Uncle Larry spins '80’s jams every Wednesday in the Foundation Room at The House of Blues Anaheim. Let your hair down during your vacation to Anaheim as you relive totally awesome hits from the '80s and reintroduce the ‘Cabbage Patch’. Have your choice of late night happy hour specials featuring undeniable chicken lollipops, beer buckets, and more! And did I mention there’s NO COVER?  Doors open at 8pm but the party starts when you walk in!

House of Blues Anaheim, 400 Disney Way #337, Anaheim, 92802

Feel the breeze run through your hair while setting sail out of Newport Harbor to catch a glimpse of blue whales, finback whales, killer whales, dolphin, seals, and an abundance of other sea creatures. Whale watching tours are a must if you’re visiting California for the first time. A quick 30-minute drive from Cortona Inn & Suites brings you to Newport Harbor where you can catch a ride with Newport Landing for the excursion of a lifetime. Be sure to reserve your spot prior with Newport Landing. Multiple ships depart at different times of the day to accommodate your family.

Tickets: Adults $32-$36; Children $26-$30

Opa! Celebrate Greek culture by noshing on traditional Greek fare, dancing to Greek folk music alongside performers, and strolling through tents of imported treasures at the OC Greek Fest at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Do you have a favorite Greek food you’ve been craving? You’ll find it here! Gyros, feta fries, kabobs, spanakopita (fluffy filo pastry with cheese and spinach), Greek salad, and much more. Don’t forget about the pastries, like baklava, too! This kid-friendly event also features game booths and carnival rides inside “Zorbas Kidz Zone.”

When: May 19-21

Friday: 3:00 p.m.– 10:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: noon - 10:00 p.m.

Address: St. John Greek Orthodox Church

405 N. Dale Street, Anaheim, CA 92801

Step out in style during Dapper Day, a semi-annual gathering at Disneyland that encourages visitors to 'dress to impress' while at the theme park. From vintage charm to modern chic, all are encouraged to dress their best. On April 22 and 23, explore the Dapper Day Expo for free at The Disneyland Hotel, which offers everything from trendy clothes for purchase to grooming and cosmetic products. Then, on April 23, step out in style as Disneyland welcomes thousands of elegant guests into the resort. You’ll feel quite dapper if we do say so ourselves.

Get your walking shoes ready! The newly redeveloped Anaheim GardenWalk will host a Grand Celebration event on March 23. The outdoor destination offers a wide variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, sure to interest the entire family. During the event, guests will have the opportunity to check out the new concierge kiosk, musical performances by the Broadway Knights, sample food from an array of on-site restaurants, and have fun at the photo booths. Be sure to partake in the Community Art Project, where guests will have the opportunity contribute to a mural on the GardenWalk. The event is free and open to the public. And after the kids are tucked into bed, be sure to dance the night away at the new Rumba Room Live, an upscale Latin-themed nightclub.

Location: 400 West Disney Way, Anaheim, California 92802

Details: March 23, 4-9 p.m.

Are you taking your sweetheart on a romantic getaway? Perhaps whisking away the family on a last-minute Valentine’s Day vacation to Cortona Inn & Suites? Show them your love by purchasing artwork that exemplifies your affection at the heART Crawl Experience in Downtown Anaheim on February 11 from 6-10 p.m. The indie craft fair highlights different artisan’s work from street art, public displays, as well as pop-up and stationary galleries. Walk through canopies of crafts while noshing on cuisine from local food trucks. 

Additional dates: May 13, August 19, November 18

Where: Center Street Promenade, Downtown Anaheim

The best way to get to know an area your visiting is by visiting its local farmers market. Though Anaheim may seem like a large metropolis, it’s no different. Every Thursday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. vendors line the Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street in downtown Anaheim. More than 40 vendors are anticipated weekly and offer everything from local produce, baked goods, to handmade crafts and gifts. Munch on barbecue or kettle corn while listening to homegrown music. Located only 3 miles away from the Cortona Inn & Suites, it’s a must-see while in town.