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I recently spent a few days exploring and eating my way through Santa Ana, California, and I have to say that it was very nice to be back in Orange County. It’s my favorite part of Southern California. We used to spend a lot of time in the area when we lived there! That said, this was my first time really focusing on Santa Ana. Today, I am excited to share more about what a first-timer visiting Santa Ana, California, can expect!
Often overlooked next to flashy neighbors like Anaheim or Newport Beach, Santa Ana is bursting with local flavor, creativity, and community pride. It’s one of those rare places that still feels authentically Southern Californian — rich in culture, approachable, and full of heart.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick weekend getaway or using it as a central hub for exploring Orange County, Santa Ana offers a refreshing mix of incredible food, walkable streets, public art, and cultural experiences. While on this trip to Santa Ana, I had some of the best food that I have had in a very long time!
Travel Santa Ana hosted me for this trip, but all opinions, feedback, and advice are my own.
Visiting Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana sits right in the center of Orange County in sunny Southern California. This makes it a perfect base if you want to explore both the coast and inland attractions. You’re just minutes from John Wayne Airport, which is so much easier to fly into than busy LAX. And, you are just a short drive away from the beaches of Newport Beach or Huntington Beach, and close to Anaheim and Buena Park’s theme parks. There are many cities with direct flights to Santa Ana, including the one I took from Atlanta, Georgia. That said, the city of Santa Ana has plenty to offer on its own!
What sets Santa Ana apart is its strong sense of community. You’ll notice this on your first visit. Locals take pride in their city’s heritage and creativity, from street murals celebrating the local culture to independent coffee shops that double as art galleries. It’s an energetic blend of old-school charm and new-generation innovation that makes every block worth wandering.
During my time in Santa Ana, I had the opportunity to meet many local entrepreneurs. The time, money, and energy they were pouring into the community were impressive. This was evident in the booming restaurant scene!
In the following sections, I’ll share an overview of where to eat, what to see, and where to go on your first visit to Santa Ana, California. Even if you are just stopping by for the day, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy a great meal (or two) and explore this vibrant Orange County community. The pace of growth and revitalization is brisk, and with each visit, I am sure there will be something new to appreciate!
Where to Eat in Santa Ana, CA
If you love food, Santa Ana is your kind of city. The culinary scene in Santa Ana, California, is authentic, affordable, and endlessly diverse, reflecting the community itself. While I can’t possibly touch on all of the great dining options in Santa Ana, I want to highlight a handful that I had the opportunity to enjoy. Any of these would be great stops on your first visit to Santa Ana!
My advice is to check out the Santa Ana Culinary Passport page on the Travel Santa Ana website. From here, you can browse local restaurants by theme or location. The variety of global cuisine is sure to impress you.
While enjoying the great food, don’t forget about the drinks! Santa Ana is known for its Michelada Guide, which leads you to signature and craft micheladas at various bars and restaurants throughout town.
I have always loved a traditional michelada, but I was blown away to discover the range of flavors and creative takes on them in Santa Ana. I enjoyed sweet, creamy micheladas at Alta Baja Market and even a flight of micheladas at Cervaza Cito, located on West 4th Street, while we played loteria one evening. It was served similar to a mimosa flight, with a cold pitcher of beer paired with a selection of fresh juices.
Here are some local restaurants and coffee shops to add to your Santa Ana bucket list!
4th Street Market & Alta Baja Market
Start your food tour at 4th Street Market, a modern food hall filled with local chefs and creative concepts. You’ll find everything from Thai street food and Filipino dishes to Brazilian pizza and Korean-inspired Texas barbecue — all under one roof. It’s casual, social, and buzzing with local energy.
Attached to the 4th Street Market food hall is Alta Baja Market, which I thoroughly enjoyed. In another blog post about Alta Baja Market, I share some of the background on this thoughtfully curated shop, restaurant, Mexican wine retailer, and community gathering spot. Make sure to pop in while visiting Santa Ana, California.
Benchmark Santa Ana
My dinner at Benchmark was my favorite meal of my entire five-day trip to Southern California! At Benchmark, which also serves brunch, lunch, and happy hour, we dined outside among the trees for an upscale yet laid-back dinner. The New American cuisine featured an abundance of fresh and colorful produce, meats, and seafood, all with rich flavors and beautiful presentation. We also met the owners and Chef Stefano, and it was evident how much thought goes into every meal prepared and served at Benchmark.
I have to say that the cocktails and desserts were equally delicious!
Lola Gaspar For Tacos
Located in Artists Village near the Chiarini Fountain, Lola Gaspar has been rated the #1 place for tacos in Orange County by former food critic Brad A. Johnson. I tried quite a few, and they live up to the hype! It’s no wonder that it’s a MICHELIN recognized restaurant.
FUN FACT: Of Johnson’s list of the top 50 places for the best tacos in Orange County, 20 are located right here in Santa Ana. I wasn’t exaggerating when I told you how good the food is!
Brunch and Coffee Spots In Santa Ana
If you are looking for great coffee, a fantastic breakfast, and a touch of local culture, make sure to visit Café Cultura. Located in the old West End Theater Building, it’s a vibrant local favorite that perfectly captures Santa Ana’s community spirit. This Latin-inspired café serves up delicious coffee, empanadas, and creative dishes, and is a great option for brunch in downtown Santa Ana.
Also check out Hopper & Burr, a minimalist coffee shop with world-class espresso. Café Cito is popular among locals, and there are about a dozen other locally owned and operated coffeehouses that each offer something unique.
Art, Culture, And Community Pride In Santa Ana
What is Santa Ana known for? Well, the heart of Santa Ana is its downtown area, known by the locals as Calle Cuarto. Here, you will find many of the great restaurants mentioned above, as well as a variety of cultural and art-centered experiences. And it is becoming so much more, thanks to so many invested locals who take immense pride in their city.
As you stroll downtown Santa Ana, taking in the public art, you’ll quickly sense the pride residents have for their city, from the small businesses displaying “Made in Santa Ana” signs to the friendly locals who are always happy to share recommendations.
Enjoy The Santa Ana Murals & Public Art
There are over 200 murals and sculptures in Santa Ana, California, and the best way to navigate them is by viewing the Santa Ana Public Art Guide. You can search by theme or medium, or just use the map feature to find art nearest to you!
Check out the Santa Ana Artwalk on the first Saturday of every month from 5 pm – 10 pm in downtown Santa Ana. In addition to great works from local artists, you can catch live music!
In addition to the murals and public art, there are several other places to enjoy art in Santa Ana, including Avant Garden, Crear Studio, Grand Central Art Center, Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, the Santa Ana College Gallery in the Santora Arts Gallery, the California Center for Digital Arts, and more!
The Frida Cinema in Santa Ana
Looking for a theater? The Frida Cinema is Santa Ana’s beloved nonprofit art house theater, showcasing independent films, cult classics, and thought-provoking documentaries. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Ana, it’s a hub for local culture and creativity, often hosting themed movie nights, film festivals, and community events.
Shop At Collective2one9
A micro-retail space, Collective2one9 is located directly on 4th Street in the heart of downtown Santa Ana, is home to an average of 25-30 independent local vendors. Shop 6,000 ft of curated apparel, home goods, art, treats, and more at this eclectic shopping center. There is also a community area in the back, where we had the chance to take a mini-piñata-making class from Isaías D. Rodríguez with My Little Piñatas.
Hidden Gems and Unique Things To Do In Santa Ana
Santa Ana has 49 public parks and plenty of outdoor opportunities. Some of the best days are spent strolling around the downtown area, catching live music and getting fresh air. Beyond that, Santa Ana has plenty of attractions that don’t always make the typical Orange County travel guide. There are also some great places to learn more about the Santa Ana history.
Here are a few that you may want to check out! And, if you have kids, you have to go to the Orange Claw Club. I had so much fun there as an adult and was excited to bring home stuffed animals for my two teenagers. They would have loved it there!
Santa Ana Zoo
The Santa Ana Zoo is smaller and more intimate than most. It specializes in animals from Central and South America and is a great stop for families visiting Santa Ana with kids. There is also a Ferris wheel, carousel, playground, and kid-friendly train ride.
The Bowers Museum
The largest museum in Orange County, the Bowers Museum, is surprisingly impressive. It features art and cultural exhibits from around the world, including fine arts of indigenous peoples from the Americas and the Pacific, plus a fantastic café and gift shop.
The Bowers Museum hosts many free family festivals each year. These are often themed and include everything from Celtic and Pacific Islands festivals to Reggae, Rock, and Blues festivals. The current list of upcoming special events is available here.
Additional programs are available for visitors, including Anne’s Treasures Art Workshops for seniors and more. You can also enjoy one of the daily public tours at the Bowers Museum. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays and some major holidays.
Discovery Cube Orange County
A visit to Discover Cube is another great option if you are exploring Santa Ana with kids. At Discovery Cube Orange County, your family can engage in a variety of STEM activities. There are also Dino Quest and Sea Lab areas to add to the fun!
Old Orange County Courthouse
Southern California’s oldest court building and witness to many historical events dating back to 1901, this historical courthouse is now a State of California Historical Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. While it was the site of many important cases that helped shape the future of Orange County up until 1969, it was also used in Hollywood movies!
You may recognize the main courtroom (Courtroom No. One) from Legally Blonde and other movies, including Catch Me If You Can with Tom Hanks. So, make sure to stop by!
Orange Claw Club
Blink and you’ll probably miss this fun little business in downtown Santa Ana! We swung into the Orange Claw Club during my visit and had such a great time. Here, you purchase coins to use in a variety of claw machines. However, they were all easier to win than usual, and then you can trade in your prizes for larger ones as you go. The games were full of fun, beloved characters, many from Japanese or Korean pop culture.
TIP: If your teenagers are into K-pop, make sure to visit The Source OC in Buena Park. It’s a large, Korean-inspired shopping, dining, and entertainment center.
FunParx Santa Ana
If you are traveling with teenagers, like we are, you have to check this adventure park out! It’s a great way to burn off some energy, especially on a hot day. It’s got an American Ninja Warrior feel, including a warped wall to conquer, a 10,000-sq-ft obstacle course, and many other challenges for the whole family!
Lyon Air Museum
The Lyon Air Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation or World War II history. Located right next to John Wayne Airport, this impressive museum features a collection of meticulously restored aircraft, military vehicles, and rare memorabilia that bring history to life. Visitors can even watch planes take off and land nearby while exploring the exhibits, making it a uniquely immersive experience in Santa Ana.
Local Festivals In Santa Ana, CA
The creative energy in Santa Ana runs deep, and there are always ways to celebrate and express it! Santa Ana has an abundance of local festivals held all year, centered around everything from art to skating and everything in between. The vibrant celebrations are held throughout Santa Ana, and the best way to see what’s happening when you visit is to check out the Travel Santa Ana event calendar.
Where to Stay in Santa Ana, California
Because of its central location, Santa Ana makes an excellent home base for exploring Orange County and even Los Angeles. It’s close to Disneyland, beaches, and major highways, but it has a more local, affordable vibe.
Because of its proximity to the airport, Santa Ana is a great option for a short stay before a flight or for a couple of days upon arrival. Our family loves to relax and enjoy a smaller community before tackling big cities and tourist attractions, like you read about in my recent Sitges vs. Barcelona blog post!
Most of the popular hotel options are located closer to John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana and include the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana Orange County, the Holiday Inn Santa Ana Airport, the Holiday Inn Express Santa Ana, and others. While strolling downtown with a couple of local guides, I learned of a couple of upcoming projects that will bring boutique hotels to downtown Santa Ana. I think this will be a great addition, as it’s always nice to stay where the action is.
Click here to browse hotel accommodations in Santa Ana, California!
Plan Your Visit To Santa Ana, California
Santa Ana may not always top the typical California bucket list, but it absolutely should. Between its incredible food, vibrant art scene, and genuine community pride, this city delivers a travel experience that feels both local and unforgettable.
If you’re visiting Southern California soon, make time for Santa Ana — the heart of Orange County, where creativity, culture, and flavor come together in the most authentic way.
Click here to browse the Travel Santa Ana website!
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