Boasting the largest convention center on the West Coast in the 1.8 million-square-foot Anaheim Convention Center, which is right next to the “Happiest Place on Earth” in the sprawling Disneyland Resort, Anaheim’s “sweet spot” has always enjoyed a large circumference.
The destination is also primed for phenomenal growth in its meetings offering in the next few years, most notably the $4 billion, 100-acre, pedestrian-only OCVIBE entertainment district that will roll out with entertainment, food, beverage and retail when its first phase opens in late 2026 or early 2027.
Anaheim certainly goes big, but sometimes groups just want to break away from all of the large-gathering cacophony for a little “me time” with their colleagues.
“In Anaheim, we love helping planners create offsite experiences that truly resonate with their attendees,” said Ronnie Collins, chief sales officer for Visit Anaheim. “Whether it’s a rooftop with a sunset view or an iconic entertainment landmark, there’s a welcoming venue here for every kind of professional gathering.”
Following are six such Anaheim offsites that will break your group free from headquarters for some quality together time.
[Related: Anaheim Is Building on Its Momentum as a Top Meetings Destination]
Anaheim MAKE Building
Located in the delightful Anaheim Packing District food and beverage hall, Anaheim MAKE Building is one of the last remaining historical structures from the area’s time as a major citrus producer.
Today, the MAKE Building serves as a community hub where makers of craft beer, local wine and spirits, and international cuisine showcase their craft. The venue currently features Pali Wine Company, Stone Groove Stillhouse, Unsung Brewery and Tacos El Gringo, all connected by a central walkway. The venue also offers an outdoor seating area that is heated and shaded.
The Anaheim Packing District, located about two and a half miles from the convention center, encompasses four historic buildings—the Packing House, MAKE, Farmers Park and the Packard Building—with contributions from scores of local artisans.
“The Anaheim Packing District connects community through food, culture and historical preservation,” said Devon Reeves, marketing director for the Anaheim Packing District. “Over 30 culinary artisans have cultivated their ‘American dreams’ within beautifully restored and revitalized landmarks such as the 1919 citrus ‘Packing House’—listed on the National Registry of Historic Places—the 1923 ‘Packard’ car showroom and the 1917 Crawford Marmalade Factory, now known as ‘MAKE.’ Each building maintains its own distinctive charm and atmosphere, yet together they form a walkable culinary destination that’s both vibrant and immersive.”
Smaller groups can choose from over 15 standalone venues for intimate gatherings with capacities ranging from 10 to 350, while larger groups can combine multiple iconic spaces for an exclusive block-party celebration accommodating up to 3,500 guests.
Event options can include chef-driven progressive dinners, behind-the-scenes brewery tours, teambuilding games, branded activations and live local music.
Puesto Anaheim
Set on the grounds of The Westin Anaheim Resort across from Disneyland, Puesto Anaheim serves up an innovative take on traditional Mexican cuisine inspired by the owners’ travels through Mexico.
Designed by BASILE Studio’s Paul Basile, Puesto blends bright colors and contrasting materials such as walnut, brass and steel to create a festive atmosphere for private events. The family-owned restaurant currently offers six locations in Southern California, with the Anaheim venue only a three-minute walk from the convention center.
“Our venue seamlessly blends bright colors and rich materials, creating the perfect backdrop for your next event, and is conveniently located right off West Katella Avenue on the grounds of The Westin Anaheim Resort, just a short walk from Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center,” said Philipp Hanna, director of guest experience for Puesto Anaheim. “At Puesto, every event is elevated with bold flavors and vibrant spaces, from intimate dinner gatherings to lively receptions with tray-passed tacos and margaritas, there’s a space—and a mood—for every celebration.”
Groups of 17 or more can rent the restaurant for a private event (16 or less can be accommodated in a private or semi-private area of the restaurant).
Event venues include the Mexcal & Tequila Vault, for 42 seated or 50 standing; the main dining room, which can seat 110 or accommodate up to 130 standing; a semi-private dining space for 26 seated or 30 standing; and a reception space that can accommodate 35 standing. A full buyout can accommodate 160 seated or 300 standing.
Event cuisine highlights include the aforementioned tray-passed tacos and signature margaritas, along with curated menus that can be served family-style or reception-style.
Parkestry Rooftop Bar
The highest rooftop bar in Anaheim, Parkestry is located atop the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, steps from Disneyland, and offers panoramic vistas of Disneyland and the Anaheim skyline.
“The hotel is three blocks from the convention center, making it a great offsite venue for affiliates,” said Maribel Denner, director of sales and marketing for JW Marriott Anaheim Resort. “It has two sections, so we can fit about 70 people in the section that overlooks Disneyland, and its entirety can hold 180-200 with an existing set-up. It’s perfect for lively gatherings or a relaxing escape from the hustle bustle of the convention scene.”
Parkestry Rooftop Bar offers handcrafted cocktails and shareable light bites as well as bespoke event packages that include gourmet dining (served passed, buffet or in action stations) and creative cocktails.
House of Blues Anaheim
A perennial offsite event rental no matter what destination they’re located in, House of Blues delivers a highly scalable option ranging from small get-togethers to concert entertainment.
“House of Blues Anaheim is the perfect venue for groups visiting Anaheim who want to break away from their hotel or the convention center for a unique offsite event,” said Vanessa McGinnis, director of sales and special events for the venue. “Conveniently located near the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland Resort, this venue offers easy access for your attendees. The state-of-the-art lighting and sound create an immersive environment, while custom menus and mixology provide an elevated dining experience tailored to your needs.”
House of Blues Anaheim can accommodate up to 3,300 guests in its 40,000 square feet of space that includes a multi-story music hall with state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Other venues include the VIP, members-only Foundation Room (70 for banquet and 175 standing capacity); Elwood Terrace (100 for banquet and 150 standing capacity); The Parish (120 for banquet and 250 standing capacity); Restaurant & Bar (225 for banquet and 315 standing capacity); and Music Hall (1,700 for banquet and 600 standing capacity).
Cuisine centers on Southern-style fare and the eclectic design elements celebrate blues music and Southern folk art with colorful murals, rustic wood and whimsical sculptures.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes Downtown Disney
Located in the heart of Downtown Disney, this 40,000-square-foot high-tech bowling palace offers 20 bowling lanes on two floors.
Its private event space can host up to 1,200 guests with mix-and-match options that can include a buffet, beverage packages and lane reservations.
Food choices for the continually replenished buffet include fresh-rolled sushi, short ribs, burgers, sliders and hand-tossed pizza, with a bar serving hand-crafted cocktails, local beers and wine.
Other features in the Mid-Century Modern-themed venue include two billiards tables, darts and shuffleboard, with indoor and outdoor seating offering views of the Downtown Disney District. Splitsville is located approximately a mile from the convention center.
Golden Road Brewing
Featuring a large outdoor Biergarten patio perfect for playing yard games in the sunny Southern California weather, Golden Road Brewing has three locations in Los Angeles and Orange County.
The Anaheim venue, located next to Angel Stadium, has an extensive, state-of-the-art brewing operation and an innovation lab. Events of up to 2,000 standing can be accommodated. The 1,000-square-foot venue recently opened a new private event space and is located a little more than a mile and a half from the convention center.
Groups can also rent the private tap room for up to 40 seated and 60 for a standing reception.
