5 Days of Fun in Santa Ana!

Experience authentic Mexican culture in the heart of Southern California with a trip to Santa Ana.

22 April 2023

Santa Ana, a beautiful city in Southern California, is a great destination for tourists wishing to experience the vibrant culture and rich history of the region. Visitors can explore notable landmarks such as the Bowers Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County and the Old Orange County Courthouse. Additionally, the city boasts a diverse culinary scene and beautiful parks that offer a wide range of activities for all ages.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information

Day 1

Arrival & Exploration

Check-in to Hotel Royal Garden Inn
Visit the Bowers Museum to marvel at beautiful art and explore diverse cultures
Grab a bite at El Gallo Giro, a famous Mexican eatery known for their tortas and horchata
Take a stroll through the Santa Ana Historic District to learn about the city's history
End the day with a cocktail at Chapter One: The Modern Local, a trendy bar with great drinks and live music.

Day 2

Fun and Adventure

Start the morning with a hot air balloon ride over scenic Orange County
Grab brunch at Old Vine Cafe, known for their farm-to-table cuisine and award-winning wine selection
Visit the Santa Ana Zoo to see monkeys, sloths and other exotic animals
Take a hike through the nearby Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks for some stunning views
Have dinner at Playground, a modern gastropub with a focus on fresh, local ingredients

Day 3

Beach Day

Spend the day relaxing at Newport Beach, just a short drive from Santa Ana
Have lunch at Bear Flag Fish Co. for some delicious seafood
Take a stroll on the boardwalk and watch the sunset over the ocean
Head back to Santa Ana to catch a movie at The Frida Cinema, a cool independent theater
Grab some drinks at The Copper Door, a speakeasy-style bar with inventive cocktails and live music.

Day 4

Culture and Shopping

Explore downtown Santa Ana's unique murals and street art
Have brunch at 4th Street Market, a food hall with plenty of options for all tastes
Visit the Discovery Cube Orange County to learn about science and technology
Shop till you drop at South Coast Plaza, a luxury shopping center
Have dinner at Little Sparrow, a cozy restaurant with delicious California-French cuisine

Day 5

Farewell Santa Ana

Have breakfast at Cafe Calacas, a local favorite for their savory breakfast burritos and homemade churros
Visit the Heritage Museum of Orange County to learn about the area's agricultural past
Go for a walk in The Santiago Creek Trail to enjoy some nature before departing
Depart from Hotel Royal Garden Inn and fly back home, taking with you memories of an amazing Santa Ana vacation.

Length of stay

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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.