5 Days of Romance and Adventure in Santa Ana

Discover love in the heart of Orange County's cultural hub.

22 April 2023

Santa Ana is a perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Visit the Bowers Museum, a place that showcases world-class exhibitions of cultural art. Take a stroll in the historic Old Town, filled with quaint shops and restaurants creating an intimate atmosphere.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Sunset at the Beach

Check-in at The Westin South Coast Plaza, a luxurious hotel with a breathtaking view of the city
Walk along the Newport Beach Pier and watch one of the most stunning sunsets in the world
Have dinner at The Cannery, a coastal restaurant with fresh seafood and delicious cocktails
Take a nighttime stroll at the Balboa Fun Zone, an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and arcade games
Retire to your hotel room and enjoy the city lights from your balcony

Day 2

Artistic Tour of Santa Ana

Start the day with breakfast at La Capilla, a cozy café with homemade pastries
Visit Bowers Museum, an extraordinary showcase of international art and cultural exhibits
Take a stroll at the indoor/outdoor vibrant 4th Street Market and have lunch at the Korean-Mexican fusion food truck, Dos Chinos
Check out the Wylie and May Louise Jones Gallery's contemporary art exhibits
Have dinner at Playground DTSA, an innovative restaurant serving Californian cuisine with a hint of European flavors

Day 3

Disneyland and Shopping

Spend the day at Disneyland, a world-class amusement park with thrilling rides and magical experiences
Have lunch at the Blue Bayou Restaurant, where you can dine on Creole-style cuisine while watching boats float by on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride
Shop until you drop at the South Coast Plaza, a luxurious shopping center with high-end brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton
Have dinner at AnQi, a stylish Asian fusion restaurant with a chic atmosphere
Catch a movie at the nearby ultra-luxury theater: The Lot

Day 4

Adventure and Nature

Start the day early and hike at Peters Canyon Regional Park, a beautiful nature reserve with stunning views
Relax and recharge at the nearby Glen Ivy Hot Springs, a peaceful resort with therapeutic water treatments and massages
Have lunch at the casual and friendly Ruby's Diner, serving classic American dishes
Take a ride on the vintage Orange County Great Park Balloon, offering breathtaking views of the city
Have dinner at the renowned Italian restaurant Antonello Ristorante, known for their homemade pastas and cozy atmosphere

Day 5

Museums and Romance

Visit the Heritage Museum of Orange County, perfect for learning about the history of the city
Have lunch at Taqueria El Zamorano, a local favorite for authentic Mexican food
Spend the afternoon at the Old Courthouse Museum, an iconic landmark and an architectural masterpiece
Take a walk around the historic Old Town Orange Plaza, with charming shops and a romantic atmosphere
Have a candlelit prix fixe dinner at The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar, showcasing contemporary Californian cuisine and an extensive wine list

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.