Just across the esplanade from Disneyland Park is Disney California Adventure, the sister park that opened its gates in 2001. The park, originally built to celebrate the state of California, has taken on various new identities over the years, going through a major revamp from 2008 to 2012. While the California Adventure of today looks very different from its original design, it remains a gem of a Disney theme park that is not to be missed.

What is there to do in California Adventure?

Originally themed around the great state of California, the park has taken on a new identity over the years. Nowadays, California Adventure is a blend of fan-favorite Disney I.P. such as Pixar and Marvel, as well as remnants from its original vision (particularly along Buena Vista Street and throughout Grizzly Peak). Some of Disneyland’s best thrill rides are found in California Adventure, including Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Radiator Springs Racers, and The Incredicoaster. 

Where can I eat in California Adventure?

While there are only a few table service restaurants in California Adventure, do not let that lead you to believe there are no legitimate dining options. On the contrary, this park is filled with excellent choices for both food and beverages. The dining scene at California Adventure reflects the multicultural diversity you find throughout the region while also incorporating familiar characters and stories from Disney’s rich history. If you have a big appetite and are looking for a sit-down meal, you really cannot go wrong with any of the three table service choices. 

California Adventure is also home to a few annual food festivals. Much like the festivals you’ll find at EPCOT, these limited-time offerings include marketplace food booths set up around the park, featuring smaller-portion bites that reflect the theme of that particular festival. 

Table Service Restaurants in California Adventure

• Carthay Circle Restaurant
• Lamplight Lounge
• Wine Country Trattoria

Quick-Service Restaurants, Bars, and Lounges in California Adventure

• Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
• Angry Dogs
• Aunt Cass Café
• Award Weiners
• Bayside Brews
• Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
• Carthay Circle Lounge
• Cappuccino Cart
• Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream
• Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
• Corn Dog Castle
• Cozy Cone Motel
• Fiddler Fifer & Practical Cafe
• Fairfax Market
• Flo’s V8 Cafe
• Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
• Hollywood Lounge
• Jack-Jack Cookie Num-Nums
• Lucky Fortune Cookery
• Mortimer’s Market
• Paradise Garden Grill
• Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería
• Poultry Palace
• Pym Tasting Lab
• Pym Test Kitchen
• Rita’s Turbine Blenders
• Schmoozies
• Señor Buzz Churros
• Shawarma Palace
• Smokejumper’s Grill
• Sonoma Terrace
• Studio Catering Co.
• Terran Treats

Click Here to check out the current park hours at Disney California Adventure.

Halloween Time at California Adventure

September and October

Halloween Time at California Adventure can be best described in three words: Oogie Boogie Bash. The after-hours event is offered on select nights in September and October and is considered by many to be the best holiday party Disney offers across all of its theme parks. Filled with treat trails featuring rare characters, the immersive Villain’s Grove, and the high-octane Frightfully Fun Parade, Oogie Boogie Bash is perhaps the one hard-ticketed event I would personally emphasize is worth doing above all else. Outside of the event, limited-time treats and souvenirs are available during the day, and Cars Land takes on a whole new identity come Halloween Time with fun and festive decorations.

Click here to read our 2023 Oogie Boogie Bash Guide!

The holiday season at Disney California Adventure

November and December 

California Adventure embraces the spirit of the holiday season each November and December with the Festival of the Holidays. This festival features several marketplace food booths selling unique and tasty bites and beverages, in addition to lively entertainment. At night, World of Color takes on a holiday twist with its seasonal overlay, World of Color – Season of Light.