Finding Nature and Relaxation in Disney’s California Adventure Park in Los Angeles
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Nature and relaxation probably aren’t the first thing that come to mind when you think of California Adventure Park in LA. Rides, excitement, and characters are probably top of mind — and maybe huge crowds and sore feet from miles of pavement.
When we visited Disneyland and California Adventure last summer, we had a lot of fun… but it was also exhausting. It didn’t take long before I was on the hunt for quiet areas where we could relax and take a breather. Because let me tell ya, it’s so important for your wellbeing at Disneyland.
It’s easy to overlook, but within Disney’s grounds are a surprising number of natural and quiet spaces where you can enjoy a peaceful moment. When things get too overwhelming at California Adventure, make sure you take time to seek out these areas. You’ll thank me, I promise.
Tip: Grab discounted tickets here!
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Appreciating Disneyland’s Natural Side
I’m not saying visiting Disneyland is anything like being in the mountains — far from it. But Disneyland is not all pavement and cement buildings, either. Nature actually plays a pretty big role!
I’ve gotta give the park planners kudos because they weave natural elements effortlessly into the parks. No matter where you are in Disney, you’ll see real plants and water’s never far. In fact, there are over 100,000 flowering plants and trees at Disneyland!
From the rustic charm of Grizzly Peak to the seasonal plants that transform the park throughout the year, nature is central to Disney’s magic. Without nature, Disneyland just isn’t the same.
California Adventure in Disneyland, LA
Disneyland LA has of two separate theme parks, Disneyland Park and California Adventure. California Adventure is sort of like a county fair whereas Disneyland Park is traditional Disney.
Okay, that’s a little reductive about California Adventure, but it does have a totally different vibe than the Disney side. If you like fair rides, you’ll love California Adventure. But if you’re looking for nature, you’ll have to look a little harder on this side.
That’s not to say that there aren’t some really nice and relaxing areas on this side of the park if you know where to look!
Grizzly Peak in California Adventure
Grizzly Peak in California Adventure Park is modeled after California’s stunning, untamed landscapes and is the most nature-focused area in all of California Adventure Park. It’s one my favourite areas in the entire resort and is where it’s at if you’re looking for nature!
A large bear-shaped mountain (which is entirely man-made and not actually rock, but let’s ignore that) dominates the area. Grizzly River Run white-water rafting, Soarin’ Around the World, and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail are located here. These are all great rides/activities with natural elements!
Since the Grizzly Peak area is modeled after California’s wilderness, there’s lots of real trees, rocks, and even state park signs! If you like the outdoors, this area will feel like home. Or as home as a theme park can feel.
Smokejumpers Grill
Grizzly Peak is home to one of my favourite places to escape Disneylands’s crowds, the Smokejumpers Grill restaurant.
The food’s okay (they do have a pretty good chicken salad) but that’s not why I like this place. I really like it because there are a few quiet tables tucked in the back. Plus, they’re shaded. All things you’ll appreciate once you’ve spent a few hours walking around Disneyland and California Adventure.
Plus, you’re still immersed in the rustic design of Grizzly Peak and, if you pretend hard enough, it feels like you’re out in the wilderness.
Grizzly River Run
Grizzly River Run is Disneyland’s version of white-water rafting. The ride is full of trees and the lineup has a very distinct “I’m here for an adventure” feel. This ride is super popular when it’s hot since you’ll get soaking wet!
Tip: Come here when it’s a little cooler or overcast for a short line.
In a large 8-person raft, you’ll float along a peaceful river surrounded by pine trees and cliffs with “fossils”. Peaceful, right? Ha!
You’ll climb to the to of the mountain and then begin your ride down Grizzly River which becomes pretty wild. There’s an abandoned mine shaft and very active geysers! You’ll get soaking wet on this ride.
Soarin’ Around the World
Soarin’ Around the World in Grizzly Peak is another great ride for outdoor-lovers. You’ll “hang-glide” in a huge 80″ projection dome and soar over beautiful landscapes all over the world — breezes and smells included!
The lineup isn’t nature-themed, but it’s indoors (for the most part) which is always a welcome relief on hot days. I’ve always come out Soarin’ Around the World feeling refreshed.
If you have Lightning Lane tickets or Genie+, use it for this ride. The line can get really long and even though I love this ride, it’s not worth waiting hours for.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is for the kiddos and is a great place to enjoy some nature-inspired time (and maybe slightly less stimulating) while at Disneyland.
Kids can practice traverse climbing, slide down a natural rock slide, climb through a rope course above the trees, and enjoy a tire swing. There’s also a hidden rock cave to find!
There’s also lots of greenery, a decent amount of shade, and usually very few people which makes it a good spot to take a breather.
Other Natural & Relaxing Areas in California Adventure
I’ll be honest, California Adventure isn’t my favourite. Except for Grizzly Peak, it feels very much like a fair (and I don’t love fairs, but maybe that’s just me). However, there are some places where you can enjoy nature and relax, you just need to know where to go.
Good thing you’re here to find out!
Animation Academy in Hollywood Land
The Animation Academy isn’t nature-themed, but it’s relaxing. There are couches, AC, and it’s dimly lit.
I’m pretty sure it’s the only place in all of Disneyland where you can sit on couches. And after hours of walking, standing, and sitting on hard seats or chairs, they feel like heaven.
The couches are located in the large indoor area where the Animation Academy and Turtle Talk with Crush entrances are. You don’t actually have to go to either of these to relax on the couches.
Films about Disney’s animators are played on the walls, but it’s completely worth (passively) watching and listening to these to take a breather.
Radiator Springs to Pacific Wharf Walk
The trail between Radiator Springs and the Pacific Wharf is awesome!
The huge rock installation behind Radiator Springs Racers — which is the most popular ride in California Adventure — is reminiscent of Utah’s famous red rocks and is shaped like the tail fins of classic Cadillacs.
There are lots of cacti and desert plants in this area which are beautiful to look at.
Pacific Wharf (aka San Fransokyo Square)
Pacific Wharf (which has been recently redesigned to San Fransokyo Square) is home to many restaurants and cafes — it’s a busy area. Why, then, am I recommending it if you’re looking for some nature and relaxation at Disneyland?
Honestly, because it’s pretty.
The entire area is surrounded by water and feels like a coastal city — or at least it did, before it was re-imagined. It still has a little bit of the feel I loved, but the new design is based off Big Hero 6 which is more futuristic and doesn’t quite have the same peaceful vibes as it did before.
Paradise Gardens Park
Nearby to San Fransokyo Square (Pacific Wharf) there’s a decent-sized garden park which overlooks Paradise Bay.
Now, don’t get too excited when you hear “garden”. It’s mostly walkways with hedges and benches, but it’s usually quiet and peaceful. It’s a nice spot to relax with a view.
The main reason people go here is to get a picture in front of the iconic Disneyland Ferris wheel and roller coaster. However, this area gets really busy at night when the light show is on because it’s the main viewing area. Unless you have tickets for the light show, avoid this area at night.
Paradise Garden Grill
At the far end of Paradise Pier near Goofy’s Sky School is the Paradise Garden Grill and Paradise Gardens Bandstand. It’s tucked just off the main drag and can be nice and quite… but not always. Sometimes, especially when the bandstand is playing, it’s very busy.
There are lots of trees and shade in this area which is always a welcome relief.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds in California Adventure
Now that we’ve covered the best places to experience nature and relaxation in California Adventure, let’s talk about where to avoid if you don’t like crowds.
Obviously, it’s next to impossible to completely avoid crowds in California Adventure, but there are some tricks to avoiding the worst of it.
Arrive Early
The best tip I have for avoiding huge crowds is to arrive bright and early to the gate, before it opens. Yes, you’ll be waiting in line with lots of people, but once the gates open the park feels so empty for the first few hours. You should be able to walk onto rides without waiting long (or at all).
To avoid the biggest crowds, don’t run to the most popular rides in the morning (like Radiator Springs) but rather try out some of the others. Having said that, this is one of the best strategies for getting on the popular rides without waiting for hours, so it’s up to you.
Avoid Paradise Bay at Night
World of Color (or a similar light show) usually plays at night over Paradise Bay. On nights when the show is happening, people flock to the bay and it becomes insanely crowded — to avoid the crowds, simply go to another part of California Adventure. It’ll be a lot quieter.
Of course, if you actually want to see the light show you’ll have to brave the crowds. It’s an incredible show that I highly recommend you see, but once you’ve seen it, you can avoid the area.
Avoid Parades
Just like the above tip, parades draw crowds. Big crowds. While people are distracted with the parades (which are a lot of fun), you could be doing some rides with (slightly) shorter lines.
The large parade in California Adventure runs along Performance Corridor to Hollywood Boulevard — it’s a pretty long stretch that covers a lot of the park, but if you head to Grizzly Peak, the Avengers Campus, or Route 66, San Fransokyo Square, or Pixar Pier, you should be able to avoid it.
Take a Breather in the Afternoon or Have a Nap
The afternoon is always the busiest time in the park which means it’s a great time to find somewhere to relax or head back to your hotel for a nap.
Stay Late
Last but not least, stay as late as you can! Once dinner time hits, lots of families have left and the park feels much quieter. You’ll have an easier time getting onto rides (yes, even the popular ones) and there’s a slower pace in general.