Santa Ana

Travel Guide

Santa Ana
Bowers Museum which includes interior views
Santa Ana
Discovery Science Center showing interior views
Lyon Air Museum featuring aircraft

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 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 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

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North Tustin

While North Tustin isn't home to many top sights, The Market Place and Santa Ana Zoo are some notable places to visit nearby.

North Tustin
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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 Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland® Resort.

Riverview West
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Lacy

When in Lacy, you can plan a visit to Old Orange County Courthouse and Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lacy
Discovery Science Center which includes interior views

Park Santiago

While visiting Park Santiago, you might make a stop by sights like Discovery Science Center and Santiago Park.

Park Santiago
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 Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse.

Henninger Park
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 Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse.

Downtown Santa Ana
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 RM446 per night from 28 May to 29 May
RM446
RM504 total
28 May - 29 May
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! (1,128 reviews)
"It is closed to evrything, great place, good size room but is missing a little stove, i think by the size of the room would be nice, otherwize is great"

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

MainStay Suites John Wayne Airport by Choice Hotels
Hotel Huntington Beach
Hotel Huntington Beach
3 out of 5
7667 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA
The price is RM381 per night from 22 May to 23 May
RM381
RM442 total
22 May - 23 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Huntington Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,365 reviews)
"All front desk employees had great customer service, especially the pale skin employee that I forgot the name. She made me feel super nice and appreciated."

Reviewed on 13 May 2025

Hotel Huntington Beach
Hyatt Regency Orange County
Hyatt Regency Orange County
4 out of 5
11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA
The price is RM506 per night from 18 May to 19 May
RM506
RM693 total
18 May - 19 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Garden Grove. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,207 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel. Felt very safe, clean, and classy. Good for families. Loved having the restaurants and Starbucks on site. Staff was friendly and helpful. Thank you Ivan at check-in! And the distance to Disneyland was perfect."

Reviewed on 13 May 2025

Hyatt Regency Orange County
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 ...
"Good service!"

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2025

West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre
Capistrano Surfside Inn
Capistrano Surfside Inn
3 out of 5
34680 Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, CA
Stay at this 3-star condo in Dana Point. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (145 reviews)
"I would highly recommend this property for anyone wanting a home away from home feel."

Reviewed on 4 May 2025

Capistrano Surfside Inn
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. Popular attractions Long Beach Cruise Terminal ...
7.4/10 Good! (878 reviews)
"This hotel was super cute. I enjoyed my stay here a lot. The rooms were clean and have full kitchens, which is really convenient if you’re staying longer than a night or two. Checking in was kind of a pain in the butt because I was there after hours but overall it was a nice place and I will be staying ..."

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2025

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.

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