The Ultimate 4-Day Santa Ana Adventure

Discover the charm of Santa Ana, where history meets modernity.

22 April 2023

A trip to Santa Ana, located in Orange County, California, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Tourists can explore the historic downtown with its art galleries, museums, and theaters, or head to nearby beaches for surfing or sunbathing. The city also boasts exciting local cuisine, including traditional Mexican food and trendy farm-to-table restaurants.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival & Exploration

  • Check into the modern and sleek Courtyard by Marriott in the heart of downtown Santa Ana.
  • Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Portola Coffee Roasters, known for their unique brewing methods.
  • Explore the vibrant streets of Santa Ana by visiting the Downtown Santa Ana Historic District and the Bowers Museum.
  • Have lunch at C4 Deli, featuring an extensive beer selection and scrumptious sandwiches.
  • Spend the evening at The Observatory, a top-notch music venue hosting a variety of shows.
Day 2

Beach & Art

  • Take a short drive to Huntington Beach, famous for its surfing culture and pristine coastline.
  • Visit the Surfing Walk of Fame and the International Surfing Museum to learn about the history of surfing.
  • Have lunch at Sugar Shack Cafe, a charming spot with classic American dishes.
  • Head back to Santa Ana for the afternoon and visit the Orange County Museum of Art.
  • Enjoy dinner at Playground, a restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced and creative dishes.
Day 3

Disneyland & Shopping

  • Spend the day at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland Resort.
  • Enjoy thrilling rides, iconic shows, and delicious food throughout the day.
  • Visit the Downtown Disney District for shopping and dining options.
  • Return to Santa Ana for dinner at Wursthaus, featuring German sausages and beers.
  • Catch a movie at the Frida Cinema, a nonprofit art house theater showcasing independent films.
Day 4

Gardens & Food

  • Start the day at the Sherman Library and Gardens, a tranquil oasis with stunning botanical displays.
  • Have brunch at the acclaimed Egg Cracker restaurant and try their famous benedicts.
  • Visit the Old Towne Orange Historic District for antique shopping and photo opportunities.
  • Stop at El Mercado Modern Cuisine for a taste of new American and Mexican fusion.
  • End the day with a nightcap at the award-winning The Mixing Glass cocktail bar.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Santa Ana is by flying into John Wayne Airport (SNA) which is located in the heart of Orange County. Many airlines like United, American, Delta, and Southwest offer frequent flights to Santa Ana from major cities within the country.

Car

Driving is another great way to get to Santa Ana. The city is conveniently located near major highways like the 5, 405, and 55 freeways. If you are coming from Los Angeles, take the I-5 South and take the exit for Grand Ave towards Santa Ana.

Train

Unfortunately, Santa Ana is not accessible by train as the city does not have its own Amtrak station. The closest Amtrak station to Santa Ana is located in neighboring Fullerton, which is about 10 miles away.

Boat

Santa Ana is not accessible by boat as it is not a coastal city and does not have a port or marina.

Bus

Santa Ana can easily be reached by bus as there are many bus companies that offer daily routes to the city. Some popular bus companies that offer trips to Santa Ana include Greyhound, Tufesa, and Lux Bus America.

Destination

Santa Ana

Welcome to the land of eternal spring! Santa Ana might not be the North Pole, but it's definitely where you'll find some of the jolliest locals around!

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

Santa Ana's Family Adventure: A 2-Day Thrill Fest!

Santa Ana in the United States offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with a wide range of activities. Explore the Discovery Cube science center where kids can engage in hands-on exhibits and educational experiences. Enjoy a day at the Santa Ana Zoo, home to over 150 different species, or take a stroll through the beautiful Edward S. Segerstrom Concert Hall.

Santa Ana: A 3-Day Adventure for the Whole Family

Santa Ana offers a fantastic family-friendly destination filled with exciting attractions and activities. Visit the Discovery Cube, an interactive science museum that educates and entertains kids of all ages. Explore the lush and vibrant flora of the Santa Ana Botanical Garden, offering a serene and peaceful retreat for the whole family. Finally, don't miss the chance to visit the Santa Ana Zoo, home to a variety of animals and offering a delightful experience for children with its train rides and plentiful playgrounds.

Santa Ana on a Budget: 5 Day Adventure

Santa Ana, located in Orange County, California, is a great destination for those looking to have a fun and budget-friendly trip. Exploring the Santa Ana Arts District offers free art exhibits and a chance to admire the vibrant murals throughout the city. For those looking for some adventure, the Santiago Creek Trail offers a scenic bike ride or hike with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Santa Ana: A Vibrant Family-Friendly Getaway

Santa Ana, located in Orange County, United States, offers a perfect family-friendly getaway. From exploring the interactive exhibits at the Discovery Cube science museum to wandering through the lush greenery of the Santiago Park Nature Reserve, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Bowers Museum, which showcases stunning art and artifacts from around the world, ensuring a memorable and enriching trip for the whole family.