Santa Ana, CA

Travel Guide
Bowers Museum showing interior views
Launch a simulated rocket, learn about culture and art from around the world, see antique aircrafts and meet some of the world’s smallest monkeys.

Santa Ana is one of the liveliest and most populated cities in Orange County. It is packed full of attractions to entertain the whole family. Select from popular local spots, such as the Bowers Museum, Discovery Cube, Lyon Air Museum and the Santa Ana Zoo.

Take a tour of the Bowers Museum and attend seminars on culture and art from all around the world. Temporary exhibitions feature a variety of interesting subjects. The site offers art-house movies and documentaries about creative geniuses, such as Beethoven. Bring your children to the Kidseum, an exhibition specially designed to engage children with the arts. Watch them dress up in exotic outfits, try on masks and play musical instruments from around the world. 

Make your way to the Discovery Cube, formerly the Discovery Science Center. It is now named after its spectacular 10-story solar array cube. Take part in interactive exhibits to learn about science the fun way. The Science of Hockey exhibit explains the physics behind the sport. 

Watch a movie at the unique 4-D theater. Feel like you are part of the action as you are sprayed with water and air. See a genuine Delta Rocket engine and count down to a simulated blast-off at the Rocket Launch Station. 

Find out about the history of aviation at the Lyon Air Museum. Hear stories about remarkable planes and pilots and explore antique aircraft, military vehicles and other artifacts.

Spend the day watching fascinating animals at the Santa Ana Zoo Their pygmy marmosets are some of the smallest monkeys in the world. See the exotic birds at the Colors of the Amazon Aviary. At Crean Family Farm, children can pet ponies and feed other animals.

Santa Ana is a 15-minute drive from Anaheim and a 40-minute drive from Los Angeles. You can also get there by bus or train, but driving is the most popular method of transportation. For additional fun, pack your swimsuit and head to nearby Huntington Beach or Newport Beach on the Pacific Coast.

Where to stay in Santa Ana

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North Tustin

While North Tustin might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Santa Ana Zoo and Bowers Museum.

North Tustin
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Lacy

Lacy might not have many top sights, but Old Orange County Courthouse and Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lacy
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Riverview West

While there might not be top attractions in Riverview West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Disney California Adventure® Park and Downtown Disney® District.

Riverview West
Discovery Science Center showing interior views

Park Santiago

If you're spending some time in Park Santiago, Discovery Science Center and Santiago Park are top sights worth seeing.

Park Santiago
Santa Ana Zoo featuring signage and zoo animals

Lyon Street

3.5/5(121 area reviews)

Though Lyon Street might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Santa Ana Zoo and Old Orange County Courthouse.

Lyon Street
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Floral Park

The beaches and restaurants are a few reasons travelers visit Floral Park. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Bowers Museum and Discovery Science Center, a few notable attractions nearby.

Floral Park
Hilton Anaheim
Hilton Anaheim
4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA
The price is ₩203,036 per night from Jun 7 to Jun 8
₩203,036
per night
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,471 reviews)
"Good clean Hotel. Staff very professional and Helpful."

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Hilton Anaheim
Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn
Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn
2.5 out of 5
1110 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA
The price is ₩232,192 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
₩232,192
per night
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,184 reviews)
"Very clean and nice staff. Reasonable walk to Disney."

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Best Western Plus Stovall's Inn
Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort
Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort
3.5 out of 5
1460 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA
The price is ₩253,881 per night from Jun 7 to Jun 8
₩253,881
per night
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,586 reviews)
"Everyone was very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Fairfield by Marriott Anaheim Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre
West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre
2 out of 5
Santa Ana
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Disney California Adventure® Park and Downtown ...
6.8/10 (297 reviews)
"The property is well maintained and the rooms are clean. Will know more by checkout tomorrow."

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2024

West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre
M Boutique Residence &Hotel
M Boutique Residence &Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1628 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA
Stay at this apartment in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Newport Pier and Corona del Mar ...
6.4/10 (92 reviews)
"Loved the hotel on the beach concept! It was amazing"

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

M Boutique Residence &Hotel
The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center
The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center
3 out of 5
149 Linden Avenue, Long Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star historic aparthotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and an attached winery. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (830 reviews)
"Had such a great stay per usual!"

Reviewed on May 19, 2024

The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Santa Ana

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
277
" "5 - Excellent 26.40610104861773%
4 - Good
476
" "4 - Good 45.3765490943756%
3 - Okay
247
" "3 - Okay 23.546234509056244%
2 - Disappointing
29
" "2 - Disappointing 2.7645376549094376%
1 - Terrible
20
" "1 - Terrible 1.9065776930409915%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 3, 2020

I love orange county. I had never seeing nothing like this it make me sad to see all this..

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 28, 2020

Lots of homeless hanging around parking and no control over smoking areas

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 17, 2020

Santa Ana is a great city to enjoy yourself and have wonderful adventures.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Apr 21, 2020

Leaving

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 16, 2020

It's a very clean and nice place to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 8, 2020

Vwry peaceful & quiet

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