20 Best Things To Do In Santa Ana, California (2024)
Want to know all the best things to do in Santa Ana, California? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Santa Ana, California is known for its status as the county seat of Orange County and its vibrant Hispanic culture.
It is recognized for the Santa Ana Zoo, which houses a variety of exotic animals, and the Bowers Museum, renowned for its art and cultural exhibits.
Additionally, Santa Ana is known for its historic downtown district and serves as a central hub for government and commerce in the region.
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Best Things To Do In Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana, California offers a wide array of attractions and activities, catering to a diverse range of interests.
Whether you’re interested in cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or exploring the city’s unique neighborhoods, there are ample options for visitors to enjoy.
The city’s central location within Southern California also makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
1 . Santa Ana Zoo
The Santa Ana Zoo is a great place to see and learn about all sorts of animals, from red pandas, meerkats and kangaroos, to lorikeets.
2. Bowers Museum
With over 100,000 pieces of art from around the world, the Bowers Museum celebrates many different cultures and offers educational events for kids.
3. Discovery Cube Orange County
This interactive science museum offers fun things to do like a volcano eruption and a simulated earthquake.
4. Lyon Air Museum
This museum offers visitors the chance to explore aircraft from all periods of history, including World War II era planes.
5. Downtown Santa Ana Artwalk
For an even more unique experience, you can check out the Downtown Santa Ana Artwalk on the second Saturday of each month!
Here you will find live music, vendors selling art and crafts, and much more.
6. Heritage Museum Of Orange County
This museum tells the story of both Native American and early settlers in Orange County.
It is perfect for those looking to learn more about the area’s history.
7. Main Place Mall
If you’re looking to do some shopping, head over to the Main Place Mall where you can find anything from clothing stores to souvenir shops!
8. Yost Theater
Enjoy an evening of music, comedy or other live performances at this historic theater.
9. Downtown Santa Ana Arts District
Christian, from Discover Italy shares, “the Downtown Santa Ana Arts District offers art galleries, nightlife venues, and small plate restaurants like Zona Rosa Caffe and Memphis at the Santora.”
10. Planet 13 OC
Planet 13 OC is “California’s Largest Cannabis Dispensary Entertainment Complex”.
“A giant universally recognized P13 red globe is positioned outside the Superstore.
There’s also an expansive interactive digital floor leaves customers’ footsteps in the sand which are then washed away by the ocean as they walk into the dispensary.
Inside there’s an 80-foot wide digital waterfall cascades down from the ceiling, splashing onto a portal, creating an incredible visual as you walk through/under the waterfall.
A massive 16-foot octopus greets you as you enter the dispensary.
There is also a groovy California VW surfer van that is perfect for selfies… it has a smoke button for fun selfies… it’s dry ice, not real smoke :)”
11. Santa Ana River Trail
Dr. Sabrina Kong from WeLoveDoodles, shares “it’s a scenic pathway that stretches for miles, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, river, and wildlife.
Apollo and I often take long walks here, enjoying the fresh air and the vibrant local flora and fauna.
It’s a haven for pet owners, joggers, and cyclists alike, making it a perfect spot for a family day out or a peaceful solo retreat.”
12. Calle Cuatro
Aaron Wertheimer from Marketing Reel shares, “Calle Cuatro’s Saturday night dancing is hands-down one of the best activities Santa Ana boasts.
Every Saturday, world-class professional dancers teach a free lesson — everything from salsa, bachata, cumbia, line dancing, and more — from 6-7 PM in the middle of Santa Ana’s downtown historic district and city square.
From 7-10 PM, an outdoor dance party is held, complete with music, prizes, games, and oftentimes, free food and drink.
The event is open to all ages, abilities, and people, and the instructors are incredibly friendly and inviting.
Stop by Calle Cuatro for dancing, a great workout, new friends, delicious food, and artisan craft shopping.”
13. 4th Street Market
Aaron Wertheimer from Marketing Reel also shares, “if you’re not into dancing, Calle Cuatro (meaning “4th Street” in Spanish) is located right next to the 4th Street market, a bustling indoor market a block away from the dancing.
In the market, you can find vegan faire, boba, artisan craft brews, gastropub food, shopping, and much more.”
14. The Frida Cinema
Travel Santa Ana shares, “The Frida Cinema is a non-profit art house celebrating art enthusiasts, film fanatics, creators, and more.
The cinema screens over two dozen curated films every month, including local independent projects.”
15. Observatory Orange County
Travel Santa Ana also shares, “Observatory Orange County is the perfect place to dance the night away with the West Coast’s greatest musical entertainment.
The Observatory also offers a delicious food menu and a full-service bar.”
16. American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park
Travel Santa Ana also shares, “the American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park combines fitness and fun to test your ninja skills.
This park, inspired by the award-winning TV show, has obstacle courses to challenge every age and skill level.”
17. Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park
Travel Santa Ana also shares, “Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park offers 18,000 square feet of play space to jump, drop, dodge, and run.”
18. Willowick Golf Course
Travel Santa Ana also shares, “Willowick Golf Course is designed for golf professionals and beginners, offering two sets of tees, grass driving ranges, three practice putting greens, and more.”
19. RiverView Golf Course
Travel Santa Ana also shares, “another popular course in our city is the RiverView Golf Course, a unique and challenging course for golfers to test their skills at a great play pace.”
20. Seasonal Events
Santa Ana hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year.
For example, during the Fall and Halloween seasons, you can enjoy events like Viva la Vida Dia de Los Muertos Festival, the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, Boo at the Zoo, and Witches Brew Night Market.
Visiting in the Fall?
Check out our favorite nearby events in September, October, and November.
We’ve included some of our annual favorites like Roger’s Gardens and Tanaka Farms.
Visiting in the Winter?
Check out Winter Fest OC at the OC Fairgrounds.
Where Is Santa Ana, California?
Santa Ana, California is located in the southern part of the state, within Orange County.
It is situated approximately 10 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by several other cities, including Anaheim and Irvine.
Santa Ana serves as the county seat of Orange County and is easily accessible via major highways and public transportation, making it a central hub within the region.
What Is Santa Ana, California Known For?
Santa Ana, California is known from a tourist perspective for its cultural attractions and diverse experiences.
Visitors often explore the Bowers Museum to appreciate its art and cultural exhibits, and the Santa Ana Zoo offers family-friendly entertainment.
The city’s historic downtown area provides a unique atmosphere for tourists to enjoy dining and shopping, while its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring Southern California’s renowned destinations, including Disneyland and the nearby beaches.
More Fun Things To Do In Orange County
Below are more of our most recommended things to do around Orange County any time of year.
🍊 Knott’s Berry Farm One Day Itinerary
Knott’s Berry Farm is considered America’s 1st Theme Park and it’s located nearby in Buena Park.
They host a variety of food festivals and seasonal festivals all throughout the year.
🍊 Unforgettable Weekend Getaways in Orange County
With so many things to do in the area, there are so many weekend getaways to enjoy.
From golfing to shopping to spas to beaches and more!
🍊 Best Night Views in Orange County
With so many mountains and beaches, there are some great places to enjoy sunsets all over Orange County.
🍊 Best Hidden Gems in Orange County
As locals, our favorite thing to do in our free time is to discover the hidden gems all throughout Orange County and these are our favorites.
Where To Eat In Orange County
Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Orange County for every palette and every budget.
✅ Best Romantic Restaurants in Orange County
Date nights in Orange County have endless possibilities whether it’s your first date or your 25th anniversary!
These are our favorite restaurants in Orange County for a romantic couples night out.
✅ Best Birthday Restaurants in Orange County
Being local, we’ve spent plenty of birthdays in Orange County.
These are the best restaurants for birthday celebrations.
✅ Best Restaurants in Orange County With a View
Ocean views and mountain views can be found all over Orange County.
These are the best ones with the best restaurants.
✅ Best Italian Restaurants in Orange County
From super upscale fine dining to casually family restaurants, there are a ton of great Italian restaurants all over Orange County to try on your next visit.
✅ Best Mexican Restaurants in Orange County
From road side taco trucks to upscale fine dining, Orange County has some of the best Mexican food you can find outside of Mexico.
✅ Best Steakhouses In Orange County
Who doesn’t love a good steak?
We’ve found all the best steak (and prime rib) places in the area.
Conclusion: Best Things To Do In Santa Ana, California
These are just some things to do when visiting Santa Ana, California!
With so much to explore and experience, you’ll never run out of things to do while in town.
