Los Angeles / Anaheim: LA Angels of Anaheim
Anaheim City Overview
Anaheim is the largest city in Orange County, about an hour south of Los Angeles depending on traffic. It’s a typical southern California area, with lots of thoroughfares, chain restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations. The weather is the main attraction, as it’s usually sunny and pleasant during the baseball season, although temperatures can climb to uncomfortable levels at any time.
The best way to access Anaheim and the Angel Stadium area is either by Interstate 5 or Highway 57 (Orange Freeway). Highway 57 is practically adjacent to the ballpark and I-5 is about a mile away.
Anaheim is not particularly close to the ocean – it’s about a 30-40 minute drive away to the coastal community of Huntington Beach. Immediately to the north is Fullerton, home of Cal State Fullerton, and to the south is the community of Santa Ana. Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano are about 40 minutes further south on I-5. There are plenty of hotel choices in Anaheim and if your activities are in and around Orange County, it’s as good a place to anchor as any.
The Neighborhood – Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Angel Stadium is located south of Los Angeles, in Anaheim, Orange County. Anaheim is also home to major family attractions like Disneyland and the Knotts Berry Theme parks. The family atmosphere carries over to Angel Stadium.
The immediate neighborhood is residential, once you get beyond the parking lots. It’s a good mile or so until you reach any sort of restaurant or bar. Almost everyone drives to the game with the exception of group bus transportation and shuttles from hotels or large chain restaurants.
The Ballpark
Originally opened in 1966, Angel Stadium has undergone several renovations and name changes over the years. The stadium was completely redone after the 1996 season to return the configuration to baseball only after the Rams NFL team left town.
With the remodeling, the ballpark has a brand new feel. There are several restaurants in the park, catering to either fans in general or suite holders. Capacity is just over 45,000 and parking is plentiful.
Ballpark Tours
Tours of Anaheim Stadium are offered during the season on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:30, 11:00, and 1:00 p.m. but only when the team is out of town. During the offseason tours are on Tuesdays at the same time. Advanced reservations are required for tours. Cost is $3. Call 714-940-2070 to reserve a tour.
Historic Baseball Sites
The Angels came into the American League in 1961 as the Los Angeles Angels, later changing their name to the California Angels. Then, they were the Anaheim Angels and are now officially called the cumbersome name of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. From 1962 through 1965, the Angels called Dodger Stadium home while Angels Stadium was being planned and built.
For the first year of their existence in 1961, the Angels played at an old Pacific Coast League stadium, Wrigley Field. It was owned by the same family that owned the more well known Wrigley Field in Chicago, and had the same ivy covered outfield walls. The ballpark was built in the 1920′s for Triple A team use and drew very well through the late 1950′s.
If you’ve ever seen episodes of the old “Home Run Derby”, most were filmed at Wrigley Field, whose dimensions made it a home run hitters paradise. Many other movies and TV shows were filmed there as well. After the Angels moved to Dodger Stadium in 1962, Wrigley Field sat mostly vacant except when used by Hollywood film crews for a movie or TV show. Finally, the ballpark was demolished in the late 60′s.
The former site is located at Avalon Boulevard and 42nd Place in south central Los Angeles. It’s now a park and community center, and there is no marker as far as we know. It’s also one of the poorest sections of Los Angeles, so caution is advised.
Angels Tickets
The Angels are a popular ticket and sellouts are frequent. Our advice is to secure tickets in advance.
Public Transportation
Simply put, you’ll need to drive.
Restaurants, Taverns, and Great Beer Bars
With the metropolitan Los Angeles and Orange County area being as large as it is, you’d expect more than the fair share of brewpubs and great beer bars, and you’d be right. For purposes of this discussion though, we’ll outline a few choices within a 15 minute (or so) drive from Angels Stadium.
JT Schmid’s Restaurant and Brewery: This is the closest brewpub to the ballpark, and it’s a good one. Large outdoor patio, display kitchen, and tasty house brewed beers to match the California cuisine. 2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. Phone: 714-634-9200.
Taps Fish House and Brewery: Upscale restaurant and brewery located in Brea, north of Anaheim off Orange Freeway (57). Go back to the hotel and clean up before you stop here … but the food and beer is worth it. Kind of a Cajun theme with lots of fish, fresh oysters, and a classy bar. We love the Cream Ale and the Hefeweizen. 101 East Imperial Highway, Brea. Phone: 714-257-0101.
Alcatraz Brewing: Adjacent to the large Block at Orange shopping complex, Alcatraz combines fresh house beers with approachable pub food. Given the name, the steel and bars prison theme fits nicely. 20 City Blvd. West, Orange. Phone: 714-939-8686.
Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing: Oggi’s is a chain of brewpubs we discovered in the Phoenix area. They’re only in California and Arizona and that’s a shame, because you get good food at a good value and several very tasty beers made in house. Be sure to try the California Gold. Great deals at happy hour! 1500 E. Village Way, Orange. Phone: 714-998-8600.
