Source: hiltonsuggests.hilton.com

Traveling through California is an adventure – seeing new and exciting things, meeting new people, and learning about the culture of the local community. If you’re not careful, though, it can also drain your wallet. But fear not! We have tips on how to enjoy an affordable yet incredible trip to Anaheim, California. Read on for our favorite things to see and do while staying in this lovely Orange County city on a budget.

Anaheim GardenWalk Known as Anaheim’s entertainment hub, the GardenWalk is a free destination that has everything that you’d need to enjoy your day or night out, all in the center of the Anaheim Resort Area. With palm trees lining the entire outdoor shopping area, it’ll feel like summer all year long, even in the chillier months. Here, you’ll find several well-known restaurants, shops, two dance clubs, and dozens of gorgeous murals from local artists. Don’t forget your cameras so you can capture the unique art throughout the shopping center, and make sure to tag the artists! GardenWalk is best accessed by car, and you can find directions here.

Santa Ana Zoo Meet exotic furry friends at the Santa Ana Zoo (SAZOO) at Prentice Park. Located a short 10-minute drive from Anaheim, SAZOO boasts 20 acres of nature, animals, and exotic plants from all over Central and South America. Spend the day exploring the park and getting up close and personal with the 120 different species and 350 individual animals at the zoo. While you’re here, bring your snacks and enjoy a picnic in the park among the wildlife. The zoo hosts affordable events year-round, so be sure to check out the website to stay up-to-date on all the exciting news and events. At the time of publishing, ticket prices are $12 for adults, and $9 for children and seniors.

The Rinks Anaheim ICE Grab your gloves and put on your favorite sweater as you get ready to have some fun on the ice. The Rinks at Anaheim ICE is an indoor ice-skating rink that is open for public skating and hosts events all year round, rain or shine. Whether you’re a pro skater or just starting out, the Rinks has sessions for everyone. Stop by the snack shop for a cozy cup of hot cocoa before heading out on the ice. Don’t have skates? Not to worry – the rink has over 1,000 pairs of professionally maintained hockey and figure skates available for rent at very affordable prices. At the time of publishing, admission costs are $12 for general 16-54 years, $10 for youth 5-15 years, $8 for under 5 with skates, and $8 for seniors 55+. Skate rentals are $5. View their public skating calendar here.

Aquarium of the Pacific Take a journey through the mysterious ocean and meet all kinds of sea creatures at the Aquarium of the Pacific. You won’t believe how many different types of species there are to discover, and there is no better way to learn about them than in the state-of-the-art facilities just outside of Anaheim, in Long Beach, California. At the time of publishing, general admission cost starts at $34.95 for adults and $24.95 for children. However, the aquarium has special discounted hours in the evening on specific dates, so check out their calendar of events to find out when to visit (and save some money!).

How to get around Anaheim on a Budget The city of Anaheim has partnered with the Anaheim Resort Transit, also known as the ART Shuttle. The shuttle takes you all over the city of Anaheim, including Disneyland®, the Anaheim Convention Center, the GardenWalk, and so much more. Round trip adult tickets are only $6.50 and $2 for children and seniors. You can view their routes and schedule here.

If you find yourself in the Center City of Downtown Anaheim, request FRAN – Free Rides Around the Neighborhood. This free micro-transit system takes you around the city in electric cars and is available with just a few taps on your phone. All you need to do is download the app. Instead of searching for a place to park, take FRAN and travel for free!

Having fun in Anaheim doesn’t mean spending your savings away, as the city offers an array of entertainment for everyone in your family at reasonable prices. Boredom doesn’t exist in SoCal, so you’re sure to find activities that will inspire and excite, while still saving money for souvenirs to remember your unforgettable trip!