Santa Ana

Travel Guide

Santa Ana
Santa Ana
Santa Ana
Santa Ana
Santa Ana

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

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 Fountain Valley Sports Park and Anaheim Convention Center.

Riverview West
Park Santiago

Park Santiago

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

Park Santiago
Lyon Street

Lyon Street

4/5(6 area reviews)

Though Lyon Street might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Santa Ana Zoo and Old Orange County Courthouse.

Lyon Street
Henninger Park

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 Yost Theater.

Henninger Park
Default Image

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
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 $127 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $127
CA $143 total
May 17 - May 18
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! (1,867 reviews)
Clean room and nice staff. Great pool & jacuzzi! Would definitely stay again.

Reviewed on May 8, 2026

MainStay Suites John Wayne Airport by Choice Hotels
Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Ana Orange County Airport

Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Ana Orange County Airport

3.5 out of 5
1325 East Dyer Road Santa Ana CA
The price is CA $190 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $190
CA $215 total
May 17 - May 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free breakfast, a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
6.2/10 (2,019 reviews)
Breakfast was great, but the only bad thing was that staff pulls food out and closed down everything at exactly 10:00am, sharp! even if you're in the middle of your breakfast with no drink and utensils to eat your food with. Also the room was not very well maintained. We killed a bug that was on ...

Reviewed on May 9, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Ana Orange County Airport
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is CA $208 per night from May 31 to Jun 1
CA $208
CA $246 total
May 31 - Jun 1
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,442 reviews)
It was a really nice hotel and our stay was delightful!

Reviewed on May 9, 2026

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.
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 Anaheim Convention Center and Disney California ...
7/10 Good! (317 reviews)
Spent too much money for a jacuzzi room. Jacuzzi broken, no television, chick on drugs knocking on my window all night, what a treat.

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre
Budget Stay Casita

Budget Stay Casita

Santa Ana CA
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ana. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Honda Center are located nearby.
Budget Stay Casita
Cozy 2 Bedroom-2 Full Bath Condo;Art District DTSA

Cozy 2 Bedroom-2 Full Bath Condo;Art District DTSA

Santa Ana CA
Stay at this condo in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Honda Center are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (48 reviews)
Convenient clean and homely it’s a perfect place to stay and Eric is a fantastic host

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2026

Cozy 2 Bedroom-2 Full Bath Condo;Art District DTSA
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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