Santa Ana, CA

Travel Guide

Lyon Air Museum which includes an airport and aircraft
Lyon Air Museum which includes an airport and aircraft
Bowers Museum showing interior views
Lyon Air Museum which includes aircraft and signage
Discovery Science Center which includes 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

Aerial view of the urban core of Orange County city of Aliso Viejo, California, USA.

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 Discovery Science Center.

North Tustin
Aerial view of Anaheim Hills, California, with the Santa Ana River visible nearby

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 Disneyland® Resort.

Riverview West
Discovery Science Center

Park Santiago

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

Park Santiago
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Riverview

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Riverview and surrounding area, you can visit Bowers Museum and The Outlets at Orange.

Riverview
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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
Santa Ana

Henninger Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Henninger Park and surrounding area, you can visit Old Orange County Courthouse and Bowers Museum.

Henninger Park
MainStay Suites John Wayne Airport by Choice Hotels

MainStay Suites John Wayne Airport by Choice Hotels

2.5 out of 5
2701 Hotel Terrace Santa Ana CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩128,979 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
₩128,979
₩145,997 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,658 reviews)
Overall good but it’s time for a remodel. The toilets are so short built for toddlers!! Wallpaper in bathroom starting to peel. The blankets were shabby unraveling on edges and the curtains were torn both need to be replaced It was clean and friendly employees and breakfast was nice I think it was ...

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

MainStay Suites John Wayne Airport by Choice Hotels
Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
2726 S Grand Ave Santa Ana CA
The price is ₩133,907 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
₩133,907
₩151,576 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,248 reviews)
Excellent

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Disneyland Dr Anaheim CA
The price is ₩227,712 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
₩227,712
₩266,866 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,027 reviews)
Staff

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2026

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
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 CA
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Disney California Adventure® Park and Downtown ...
7/10 Good! (313 reviews)
The pillow was flat with no cushion and one of the pillow cases had pilling

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026

West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre
Marriott's Newport Coast Villas

Marriott's Newport Coast Villas

4 out of 5
23000 Newport Coast Drive Newport Beach CA
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Crystal Cove State Park and Fashion ...
9/10 Wonderful! (985 reviews)
The property is huge. All landscape is mature and well taken care of and beautiful. The grounds are kept spotless. It looks like some rooms may be being re-furbished which is good to see as they are pretty outdated. Cost for food and drink is typical as you would see at a resort. Our villa was nicely ...

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

Marriott's Newport Coast Villas
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
Book a stay at this historic aparthotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and an attached winery. Popular attractions Long Beach Cruise Terminal ...
7.6/10 Good! (921 reviews)
Room smelled, sheets were not as advertised very thin and extra starch, no cold water in the shower just scolding hot water, the hotel is above a bar and all you hear is music until 1:30 AM, lots of street noise. Room was clean.

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

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%
4 - Good
476
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
247
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
29
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
20
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Leaving

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Vwry peaceful & quiet

Cities near Santa Ana