Is any vacation complete without a detour to the factory outlets? With all that's happening in Anaheim, it's easy to forget that the largest retail outlet in all of Orange County is less than a 15-minute drive from the Alamo Inn and Suites. While it may not be the primary destination for a hard-earned Anaheim vacation, The Outlets at Orange provide plenty of alternatives to bolster the daily itinerary.
From major athletic brands like Nike and Adidas to more niche ones like Asics and O'Neill, or popular apparel labels such as Banana Republic and Timberland to department store extensions like Nordstrom Rack or Bloomingdale's Outlet, the sprawling Outlets at Orange really do offer something for everyone, and often at discounted pricing. For musicians, a Guitar Center anchors one corner of the shopping oasis. Spread over 800,000 square feet with plenty of open space, the outlets are a comfortable location to browse and stroll, a welcome change of pace if you're weary of shoulder-to-shoulder traffic.
As with other outlets, The Outlets at Orange offer plenty of eating selections. For starters and snacks, there's Jamba Juice, Krispy Kreme, and Starbucks to keep everyone chugging along. When it's time to take a real break and grab a meal, Market Broiler and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse are great sit-downs; if you do go for BJ's, just plan ahead as the popular chain will get crowded during peak hours. And if you're visiting California for the first time, be sure to stop by In-N-Out at some point. Protein style double-double with a Neapolitan shake, yes please!
Although travelers might be more familiar with other popular fashion outlets in Southern California – Cabazon, Commerce, Ontario, Camarillo – The Outlets at Orange distinguishes itself by offering more than the standard food and shopping. With Dave & Buster's arcade, Lucky Strike bowling, and the AMC 30 Theatre less than a stone's throw away, most visitors will find enough to keep the family happily entertained.
The summer heat has finally relented in recent days, and we're reminded that the holidays are not too far off. Whether it's for yourself or a loved one, it might be worthwhile to stop by The Outlets at Orange to find something nice to take back home, especially if you're already in Anaheim!