Santa Ana Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and experience in Santa Ana, California, through this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a vibrant city located in Orange County, Southern California, known for its bustling arts scene, diverse cultural offerings, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. This bustling city boasts of a lot of museums, galleries, restaurants, and a range of activities to do.

List of Places to Visit in Santa Ana

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bowers Museum

Founded in 1936, the Bowers Museum features a diverse collection of art and artifacts spanning many cultures and time periods. Exhibits include Native American pottery and baskets, ancient Chinese artifacts, and contemporary African art. A must-visit spot for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

Old Orange County Courthouse

The Old Orange County Courthouse is a stunning Beaux-Arts-style building that served as the primary courthouse for the county until 1969. Visitors can explore the courthouse’s restored courtrooms, historic photos, and exhibits on the courthouse’s history and Orange County’s early days.

Natural Attractions of Santa Ana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Santiago Oaks Regional Park is a natural oasis located in the hills of Orange County, offering excellent hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Visitors can take in stunning views of the city and surrounding hills, observe native flora and fauna, and enjoy a picnic in a serene setting.

Santa Ana River Trail

Santa Ana River Trail is a 30-mile long path that runs through six cities and three counties, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding nature. Visitors can bike, hike, or jog along the trail, or simply sit and take in the tranquil scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Ana

Peters Canyon Regional Park

Peters Canyon Regional Park features 354 acres of trails, hills, and wildlife in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. Its scenic trail is perfect for hiking, biking, or equestrian activities. The well-maintained trails lead hikers through rolling hills, native vegetation, and scenic vistas.

Santiago Creek Trail

The Santiago Creek Trail is a seven-and-a-half-mile, out-and-back route that runs alongside the Santiago Creek, showcasing Santa Ana’s natural beauty. The trail also provides access to several parks, including Hart Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a duck pond.

Best Things to Do in Santa Ana: Activities and Tours

Discovery Cube

The Discovery Cube is an interactive science center designed for both kids and adults. It features hands-on exhibits on topics such as physics, chemistry, and biology; a planetarium; and live science shows that showcase the scientific principles behind everyday phenomena.

The Observatory

The Observatory is an iconic music venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in alternative rock and hip-hop. Visitors can catch an intimate show or participate in community events and festivals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Ana

Day Activity
1 Bowers Museum and Cultural Center
2 Hiking at Santiago Oaks Regional Park
3 Santa Ana Art Walk
4 Discovery Cube
5 The Observatory
6 Old Orange County Courthouse
7 Shopping at Main Place Mall and The Market Place Shopping Center

Food and Drink Scene of Santa Ana

Must-Try Dishes

4th Street Market

4th Street Market features several artisanal food vendors showcasing the region’s culinary diversity. Favorites include Modern Filipino Kitchen, Dos Chinos, and Alta Baja Market.

El Mercado

El Mercado is a Mexican restaurant with a festive atmosphere and menu featuring favorites like tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas.

Local Beverages

Green Cheek Beer Co.

Green Cheek Beer Co. is a family-owned brewery that serves up delicious and creative beers. The space is dog-friendly and offers outdoor seating options.

The Blind Rabbit

The Blind Rabbit is a speakeasy-style bar with vintage decor, tasty cocktails, and live jazz music on the weekends.

Where to Stay in Santa Ana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Westin South Coast Plaza

The Westin South Coast Plaza is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Orange County, featuring a pool, fitness center, and proximity to high-end shopping and dining.

Holiday Inn Express Santa Ana

Holiday Inn Express Santa Ana is a budget-friendly option with spacious and comfortable rooms, a free hot breakfast, and a convenient location close to major attractions.

What to Buy in Santa Ana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Old Towne Orange

Old Towne Orange is a charming district known for its vintage shops, antique stores, and specialty boutiques selling unique items such as vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, and artisanal crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Santa Ana

Locals in Santa Ana are known for their laid-back and friendly demeanor. It’s also a multicultural city with Latin American, Asian, and European influences, which are reflected in its art, cuisine, and celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Santa Ana

Visitors can enjoy Santa Ana’s Mediterranean climate year-round, although the best time to visit is from late spring through summer, when the weather is warmest and the city comes alive with festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Ana

Do:

  • Explore Santa Ana’s vibrant arts and culture scene
  • Try local food and drink at the many restaurants and breweries
  • Experience the city’s natural beauty through its parks and outdoor recreation activities

Don’t:

  • Forget to pack sunscreen, as the city can be quite sunny throughout the year
  • Assume that surf culture is the only part of Southern California’s identity
  • Disrespect the city’s diverse and multicultural community

Safety and Health

Safety in Santa Ana

Santa Ana has an average crime rate compared to other cities in the area. Tourists are advised to exercise caution when exploring unfamiliar areas but generally shouldn’t encounter any major safety issues.

Health in Santa Ana

Santa Ana has several excellent medical facilities, including UC Irvine Medical Center and Hoag Hospital Irvine, that provide quality health care services to locals and visitors alike.

Getting to Santa Ana: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Santa Ana

Santa Ana is served by the John Wayne Airport, which offers flights to and from major domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Santa Ana

Greyhound Bus Lines has a depot in Santa Ana, offering bus service to various cities within California and neighboring states.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Santa Ana or take a train to the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, which is serviced by Amtrak and Metrolink.

How to Get Around in Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a walkable and bike-friendly city, with many attractions located in close proximity to each other. Public transportation options include bus and train services, taxis, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.

Where to Go Next from Santa Ana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is a beach city located just 15 minutes away from Santa Ana, offering all the sun, sand, and sea you can handle. Spend a day lounging on the beach, indulging in water sports, or exploring the city’s many attractions.

Disneyland

Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth, is just 20 minutes away from Santa Ana and is a must-visit spot for families and Disney fans alike.

Conclusion

Santa Ana is a beautiful and vibrant city full of rich cultural offerings, outdoor recreation opportunities, and excellent food and drink options. From its museums and historical landmarks to its natural beauty and modern attractions, Santa Ana has something for everyone.