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 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

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

Downtown Santa Ana

When in Downtown Santa Ana, you can plan a visit to Old Orange County Courthouse and Yost Theater, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Artists Village

The restaurants and live music are a few reasons travelers visit Artists Village. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Old Orange County Courthouse and Yost Theater, a few notable attractions nearby.

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 The Market Place and Irvine Regional Park.

Riverview West

While there might not be top attractions in Riverview West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like David L. Baker Memorial Golf Center and Mile Square Regional Park.

Park Santiago

If you're spending some time in Park Santiago, Discovery Science Center and Santiago Park are top sights worth seeing.
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

4 out of 5
325 Bristol Street Santa Ana CA
The price is CA $182 per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
CA $182
CA $203 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,449 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2026

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
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 CA $124 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
CA $124
CA $140 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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! (2,321 reviews)
"Did not let us check in early when the room was available. Wanted$50 to do so."

Reviewed on Nov 5, 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 CA $217 per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
CA $217
CA $257 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy 4 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Hilton Anaheim
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.
Charming 2-bedroom house 20 Minutes From Disneyland

Charming 2-bedroom house 20 Minutes From Disneyland

Santa Ana CA
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ana. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Honda Center and South Coast Plaza are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Was a great location for what we needed. The host was fast a communicating, answered all my questions. Loved that the parking was on property."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Charming 2-bedroom house 20 Minutes From Disneyland
Lovely 3-bedroom house with AC in vibrant Santa Ana 10 Minutes From Disneyland

Lovely 3-bedroom house with AC in vibrant Santa Ana 10 Minutes From Disneyland

Santa Ana CA
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Honda Center and Anaheim Convention Center are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
"Great Location, lots of restaurants and near amusement parks"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Lovely 3-bedroom house with AC in vibrant Santa Ana 10 Minutes From Disneyland
*New* Luxury Disney Vacation w/ Game Room

*New* Luxury Disney Vacation w/ Game Room

Santa Ana CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a pool table. Popular attractions Anaheim Convention ...
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 Sep 18, 2026

*New* Luxury Disney Vacation w/ Game Room
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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