Things To Do
in Santa Ana
Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County and a lively, densely populated city with a strong Latino cultural identity and a growing creative scene. Its downtown blends historic Spanish Colonial and mid-century architecture with murals, galleries and a popular food hall. The city sits inland but is within easy drive of Orange County beaches, regional parks and cultural attractions like the Bowers Museum.
Visitors will find an authentic, affordable Southern California experience with good transit links to the rest of the county.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Santa Ana Historic District, where you can marvel at the beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Stop by the Santa Ana Artists Village to enjoy local artwork and explore unique boutiques. Grab a coffee and a pastry from a local café to fuel your exploration.
In the afternoon, visit the Bowers Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of Native American artifacts and art. Wander through the museum's beautiful gardens and take in the tranquil atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant that specializes in California cuisine.
As the sun sets, stroll through the vibrant downtown area, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the local shops and restaurants. Consider dining at a trendy eatery that features farm-to-table options. End your evening with a performance at the historic Yost Theater, where you can catch live music or a movie.
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Bowers Museum, learning about the diverse cultural heritage of California and its indigenous peoples. Spend some time exploring the museum's interactive exhibits and special collections. Don't forget to stop by the museum's café for a light breakfast before heading out.
After lunch, visit the nearby Orange County Zoo, where you can see local wildlife and learn about conservation efforts. Take a leisurely walk through the park surrounding the zoo, enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air. This is a great opportunity for family-friendly fun and education.
In the evening, head back to the Historic District for a casual dinner at a local taco truck or a sit-down restaurant. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you mingle with locals and other visitors. Finish the night with a stroll through the nearby park, taking in the beauty of the Santa Ana River.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $40-80 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local bus/Metrolink fare | $1.75-3.50 |
| 🚕Taxi / short rideshare | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, affordable local food scene with excellent Mexican and Latin American options
- Close to Orange County beaches and regional parks for easy day trips
- Strong cultural institutions (e.g., Bowers Museum) and a growing arts district
- Good transit connections (Metrolink, regional buses) and proximity to multiple airports
- Traffic can be heavy during rush hours on major freeways
- Some neighborhoods are less tourist-oriented and may feel gritty to newcomers
- Public transportation within some parts of the county is limited compared with big cities
- Not as many dedicated tourist attractions within the city limits compared with nearby coastal towns
Places to Visit in Santa Ana
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful street art, vintage storefronts and the old courthouse make for strong urban photography with cultural character.
Architectural shots, outdoor sculpture and exhibition interiors provide striking, well-composed images.
Rolling hills, oak groves and sunrise/sunset views over Orange County—good for landscape and nature photography.
Historic station design and trains offer dynamic urban compositions and transit-focused street photography.
Vibrant vendor stalls and neon signs inside the market, plus candid food and people shots.
Food in Santa Ana
Santa Ana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rich, slow-cooked birria and classic carne asada tacos are ubiquitous—look for long lines at taquerías downtown and near 4th Street Market.
Must-Try!
Traditional tamales (steamed masa with savory or sweet fillings) and fresh fruit aguas frescas are common at markets and roadside stalls.
Salvadoran pupusas (stuffed corn tortillas) are widely available at specialty spots and are an affordable, satisfying meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively indoor food hall with rotating vendors offering tacos, ramen, barbecue, craft coffee and desserts—good for groups and variety.
Walkable clusters of excellent, informal stands and taquerías serving late-night tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican street foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally casual and polite—greet with a simple hello or good morning and a smile.
Santa Ana has a large Latino community and many immigrant cultures—show respect for local customs and languages; using basic Spanish greetings is appreciated.
Tipping is expected in most service settings—factor it into meal and transport budgets.
Queueing and orderly behavior are standard; keep conversations at a respectful volume in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Ana
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink or 15–20% at bars, and a few dollars for taxi drivers or valet; tip delivery drivers and hotel staff as appropriate.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, taco trucks and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry inland with temperatures often in the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C); expect warm evenings and greater demand at nearby beaches—pack sunscreen and lightweight clothing.
Mild, comfortable weather with fewer crowds; ideal for outdoor activities, hikes and exploring downtown.
Mild winters with daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F (15–24°C) and occasional rain—bring a light jacket and an umbrella for storms.
Blooming landscapes, pleasant temperatures and low humidity—great for hiking, biking and outdoor dining.
Santa Ana at Night
Hiking in Santa Ana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails with oak woodlands and ridge views—short drives from downtown and suitable for hikes of varying lengths.
Popular loop trail with moderate climbs, scenic canyon vistas and opportunities for trail running and mountain biking.
Extensive trails with more rugged terrain and scenic vistas—great for longer hikes and mountain biking.
Larger park offering shaded canyons, picnic areas and hiking routes a short drive southeast of Santa Ana.
Airports
How to reach Santa Ana by plane.
Closest major airport (~10–20 minutes by car depending on traffic). Convenient for domestic flights and close to central Orange County.
Smaller commercial airport to the northwest (about 25–45 minutes by car). Good for some domestic routes and often less busy than LAX.
Major international airport (~40–80 minutes by car depending on traffic). Offers the widest range of international and domestic flights.
Located east of Anaheim (~45–75 minutes by car); convenient for some domestic flights and often an alternative to LAX.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Santa Ana has a large Latino population that shapes the city’s language, cuisine, festivals and businesses.
Many neighborhoods have multigenerational families and immigrant communities from Central America, Mexico and other countries, contributing to a strong community feel.
Downtown’s arts district attracts creatives, gallery owners and restaurateurs who contribute to revitalization and cultural events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer has a strong following among the local community, with local youth leagues and fans supporting regional professional teams.
Baseball (MLB fandom for nearby teams) and youth baseball are popular recreational activities in Orange County.
While Santa Ana itself isn’t on the coast, nearby beaches make surfing, volleyball and watersports popular among residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Ana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available—look for cheese or vegetable tacos, quesadillas, veggie bowls at food halls, and many cafés offer salads and grain bowls.
Vegan choices exist but are less ubiquitous than vegetarian options; food halls and dedicated vegan/health-focused cafés in Orange County provide the best picks.
Many restaurants are familiar with gluten-free needs—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free but confirm preparation to avoid cross-contact; food halls and modern cafes usually accommodate dietary requests.