Santa Ana

Travel Guide

A large military aircraft on a tarmac with a city skyline in the background.
A museum exhibit with ancient sculptures and artifacts.
The American Airlines logo on an airplane's fuselage.
A close-up of a rhinoceros sculpture with detailed skin texture and tusks.
A close-up of an airplane with "American Airlines" written on the side.

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 Centre. 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 theatre. 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 artefacts.

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 Colours 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

Find the best Santa Ana areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Santa Ana
Learn more about Santa Ana

Downtown Santa Ana

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Downtown Santa Ana and surrounding area, you can visit Old Orange County Courthouse and Yost Theater.

Artists Village

The restaurants and live music are just a few features travellers like about Artists Village. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Old Orange County Courthouse and Yost Theater are a few top places to visit.

North Tustin

While North Tustin isn't home to many top sights, The Market Place and Irvine Regional Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Riverview West

While Riverview West may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like David L. Baker Memorial Golf Center and Mile Square Regional Park.

Lyon Street

While Lyon Street isn't home to many top sights, Santa Ana Zoo and Cabrillo Tennis Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

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
The price is HK$727 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
HK$727
HK$823 total
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very good! (2,260 reviews)
"This is my second stay here. I love the layout of the rooms. We are always very comfortable here. I find the hotel grounds to also be. Dry cute. Loff the pool and hot tub. The only complaint is the parking lot. It seems super cramped driving in and out. There’s a lot of big cars parked there and ..."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2026

MainStay Suites John Wayne Airport by Choice Hotels
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is HK$1,326 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
HK$1,326
HK$1,564 total
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy 4 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Hilton Anaheim
Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Disneyland Dr Anaheim CA
The price is HK$1,286 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
HK$1,286
HK$1,508 total
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
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.
*New* Luxury Disney Vacation w/ Game Room

*New* Luxury Disney Vacation w/ Game Room

Santa Ana CA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Santa Ana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and a pool table. Popular attractions Anaheim Convention Center ...
9/10 Wonderful! (66 reviews)
"The house was exactly as advertised and very clean and well kept. The home was equipped with everything you could need besides food of course. We will definitely book this place again if we plan to stay in the area. Communication was great with the owners as well."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2026

*New* Luxury Disney Vacation w/ Game Room
Marriott's Newport Coast Villas

Marriott's Newport Coast Villas

4 out of 5
23000 Newport Coast Drive Newport Beach CA
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Pelican Hill Golf Course and Crystal ...
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
Stay at this historic aparthotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Long Beach Cruise Terminal and World ...
7.6/10 Good! (959 reviews)
"Everything was amazing. Clean room, great staff and close to everything! My boyfriend and I stayed in the penthouse and loved it ❤️"

Reviewed on 13 Sept 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.

Stay near popular Santa Ana attractions

Things to do

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