Anaheim United States
Anaheim is a city of roughly 350,000 in Orange County, about 40 km south east of downtown Los Angeles. For conference purposes it is effectively one district: the Anaheim Resort, a walkable square kilometre containing the Anaheim Convention Center, the Disneyland Resort, and the large majority of the city’s hotel rooms. The convention center is the largest on the West Coast and has hosted SIGGRAPH repeatedly over the decades. Away from the resort area the city is ordinary suburban southern California, and the beach cities of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are a twenty to thirty minute drive south.
The Disneyland Resort is the obvious draw and sits immediately north of the convention center, with Downtown Disney open to anyone without a park ticket. The Anaheim Packing District, a 1919 citrus packing house converted into a food hall, is the best eating in the city and a short ride from the resort. Angel Stadium and the Honda Center host baseball and hockey within a few kilometres. For a change of scene, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are twenty to thirty minutes south, and Laguna Beach a little beyond that is the prettiest of them.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana is the closest at about 20 km and is the easiest arrival if the fares work, though it is a smaller airport with limited international service. Los Angeles International (LAX) is about 55 km north west with far more long-haul options, and the transfer takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Long Beach (LGB) and Ontario (ONT) are the other alternatives, both around 30 to 60 km away.
The resort district is genuinely walkable and most convention hotels are within ten to twenty minutes on foot of the convention center. The free ART shuttle links the hotels, the parks and the convention center for anyone not wanting to walk in August heat. Beyond the resort area southern California is car country, and ride-hailing is the practical option. The ARTIC transit centre serves Metrolink and Amtrak, which is a comfortable way to reach downtown Los Angeles or San Diego without driving.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable, with daytime temperatures around 20 to 25C and low rainfall. August, when the largest conferences land, is hot at 28 to 32C but dry, and everything indoors is heavily air conditioned. Winter is mild and is the low season for hotel rates, though it overlaps with theme park holiday crowds.
Map
1 upcoming conference in Anaheim
Almost everything worth booking is in the Anaheim Resort district around West Katella Avenue and Convention Way, which puts the convention center within a five to fifteen minute walk. The cluster immediately south and west of the center is the most convenient, and the Hilton Anaheim is effectively the headquarters hotel, connected to the venue. All-suite properties are common here and are good value for longer stays or shared bookings. Rates rise sharply when a large convention coincides with peak theme park season, so book early for August. Staying outside the resort district saves money but reintroduces a car or a rideshare for every trip.
Our picks in Anaheim
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Alpine Inn Anaheim
715 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Small budget motel-style inn and the closest property in our data to the convention center at roughly 250 metres. Ideal for grad...
Desert Palms Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort
631 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Independent hotel with suites, a pool and free breakfast, consistently well reviewed and about a seven minute walk from the venue. A...
Hilton Anaheim
777 West Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Large full-service hotel connected to the Anaheim Convention Center, effectively the headquarters property for events held there. Best for attendees who want...
Residence Inn at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
640 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
All-suite hotel with kitchenettes and complimentary breakfast, a few minutes on foot from the convention center. Well suited to longer stays, attendees...
SpringHill Suites at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center
1801 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
Marriott all-suite property on Harbor Boulevard with free breakfast and separate living space, under ten minutes from the convention center. A solid...
The Westin Anaheim Resort
1030 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
The newest upscale hotel by the convention center, with a rooftop pool and several restaurants, about a five minute walk from the...
Community Notes