Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Santa Ana, California

The city of Santa Ana, situated in Orange County, California, is a picturesque locale adjacent to the Santa Ana River and a mere ten miles from the Californian coastline. The climate in Santa Ana is favorable, characterized by warm, arid summers and mild, wet winters. The pleasant summer weather encourages numerous outdoor activities, allowing residents and visitors to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes Orange County has to offer.

Santa Ana is densely populated, with its downtown area serving as the primary arts and entertainment center. Below, we explore the top attractions in Santa Ana.

1. Get Hands On With Science At Discovery Cube Orange County

For children with a keen interest in science, Discovery Cube Orange County presents an ideal destination. It features over 100 interactive science exhibits that encourage hands-on engagement. The centerpiece is a ten-story cube adorned with solar panels, making it immediately recognizable. Various themed sections await exploration, including Air and Space, Dynamic Earth, Quake Zone, and Rocket Lab, ensuring children can spend hours exploring while unwittingly absorbing knowledge through enjoyable activities.

2. Spend Some Time At Bowers Museum

The Bowers Museum finds its origins in a donation from Charles Bowers, a land developer in Orange County, who bequeathed a plot of land to the city of Santa Ana. The museum was established in 1936, following construction of its building after Bowers’ wife passed away. Over the years, it has undergone extensive renovations, expanding its collection significantly. The museum offers a rich display of global cultures, featuring over 100,000 items for visitors to explore.

3. Visit Santa Ana Zoo

Located in Prentice Park, the Santa Ana Zoo occupies land graciously donated by Joseph Prentice, with the stipulation of housing at least 50 monkeys at all times. The zoo emphasizes recreation, education, and conservation, functioning under these guiding principles. Each year, over a quarter of a million visitors explore the zoo, with the popular Zoofari Express offering children a memorable 560-meter tour through the exhibits.

4. Step Inside Old Orange County Courthouse

Historically, the Old Orange County Courthouse was designated as the Santa Ana County Courthouse, establishing itself in 1901 within the Historic Downtown District. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a California Historical Landmark. Currently functioning as a museum, the courthouse has featured in numerous television series and films, prominently as Briarcliff Manor in the series “American Horror Story: Asylum.”

5. Take A Cooking Lesson At Hipcooks

If you aspire to enhance your culinary skills or are uncertain about where to start, consider a lesson at Hipcooks Orange County. They offer engaging, hands-on cooking classes tailored to all proficiency levels. Measurement of ingredients is intentionally omitted to foster creativity, allowing participants to discover their inner chef and understand complementary flavors. Each class culminates in a delightful dinner party featuring the meals prepared, along with wine provided for tasting.

6. See The Intricate Details of The Kellogg House

Born in California in 1855, Hiram Clay Kellogg relocated to a ranch in Anaheim in 1869, where he began studying civil engineering. His talent quickly became apparent, leading him to obtain a contract to survey and design an entire town in 1883. In 1898, Kellogg designed The Kellogg House, with meticulous attention to detail. A striking three-story spiral staircase, embellished with carvings of late 1800’s sailing ships, serves as the building’s centerpiece. The house remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, yet a visit is well worth the effort for its artistic beauty.

7. Look Back On World War II At Lyon Air Museum

The Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana is dedicated to preserving the history of World War II, showcasing an array of relevant artifacts. Located in the John Wayne Airport, the museum features military motorcycles, vehicles, automobiles, and a selection of aircraft, including notable examples such as a Cessna O-1E Dog and a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. The museum provides families with an engaging day out, with informative displays accompanying each exhibit for an enriching experience.

8. Get Arty At CSUF Grand Central Art Center

The California State University Fullerton Grand Central Art Center is an exceptional establishment that spans an entire city block, encompassing three levels. Covering 45,000 square feet, this center provides dedicated studio spaces for students in the visual arts program. Enrolled students can rent an apartment and receive an assigned studio for their creative endeavors. Additionally, the center hosts exhibitions by international artists, focusing on the educational process and its direct relevance.

9. Come And See Santiago Creek

The Santiago Creek serves as a significant tributary to the Santa Ana River, with the majority of its water originating from the Santa Ana Mountains. Stretching 34 miles, the creek features ten major tributaries that contribute to its flow. Along the banks of the Santiago River lies Lake Irvine, where fishing is permitted without a license. Originally stocked with fish in the 1930s, the lake continues to be replenished weekly.

10. Drinks Galore At The Copper Door

Situated beneath the Pacific Building at the intersection of Broadway and 3rd, the Copper Door is an underground bar steeped in the cultural ambiance of the speakeasy era. It features a 30-foot communal table carved from a single 400-year-old fallen pine tree. Patrons flock here to enjoy a selection of 20 craft beers and 8 moonshine cocktails available on tap. Regular live entertainment and special events enhance the atmosphere, with billiards tables provided for guests seeking leisurely activities.

11. Take A Helicopter Ride With OC Helicopters

For those desiring a unique experience, indulging in a helicopter ride offers a memorable perspective of the area. OC Helicopters operates within Santa Ana and its surroundings, providing options ranging from a brief ten-minute journey to customized packages that last longer and involve a higher cost. This activity serves as a remarkable way to view the city and its adjacent coastline, making it an excellent choice for proposals or celebratory occasions.

12. Enjoy Live Music At The Observatory OC

For an engaging live music experience in Santa Ana, the Observatory OC is an excellent venue. Featuring an array of small to mid-sized bands, the lineup continually evolves, providing various options for music enthusiasts. The intimate setting of the venue enhances the overall atmosphere, attracting a knowledgeable audience. Additionally, reasonably priced beverages are available at the various bars throughout the establishment.

13. Grab Something To Eat At The Playground

The Playground is a commendable establishment for dining in Santa Ana, operated by the same individuals behind the Lime Truck gourmet food truck. This restaurant offers a diverse selection of craft beers paired with excellent cuisine and a highly energetic staff. All dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, crafted skillfully and with genuine passion. The rapid expansion of this business speaks volumes about its popularity and quality, which visitors will quickly appreciate.

14. Join The Outpost Fest

For a single day each year, the streets of Downtown Santa Ana transform into a vibrant music, art, and cultural festival. This event is aptly characterized as a “no fluff, no fillers” festival, featuring only beloved bands and an atmosphere that mirrors the essence of the music and arts showcased. An outdoor stage becomes a focal point, inviting crowds to gather and enjoy a variety of performances throughout the day, complemented by a diverse selection of food trucks serving fresh culinary classics such as monster burgers.

15. Play A Round At River View Golf Course

River View Golf Course presents a unique challenge not found at other courses in Orange County, as a seasonal Santa Ana River flows across or alongside several holes. Successfully navigating this additional obstacle requires strategic thinking to maintain an advantageous score. Players must exercise caution, as attempts to overpower the river may lead to costly outcomes.