Family Fun in the Sun: A Day Trip to Santa Ana
Experience family fun in Santa Ana, where memories are made and adventure awaits!
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
A family-friendly trip to Santa Ana, United States offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and entertainment. Explore the renowned Bowers Museum, which showcases captivating exhibitions from around the world, and immerse yourself in the rich history and art of the region. Families can also enjoy the beautiful outdoors at the Santa Ana Zoo, where kids can meet and interact with a variety of wildlife species. Lastly, don't miss the chance to visit the Discovery Cube, a science center that offers interactive exhibits, educational shows, and hands-on activities that will thrill and entertain kids of all ages.
Day trip plan
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- Start the day off with a scrumptious breakfast at Ruby's Diner, a retro-themed joint known for its killer pancakes and classic American fare.
- Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Bowers Museum, where ancient artifacts and avant-garde exhibitions collide in a perfectly harmonious blend.
- Time to take a breather and let the kids run wild at the Kidseum, a delightful hands-on museum where learning is as fun as a trampoline full of marshmallows.
- Treat your taste buds to a fiesta at El Mercado de Santa Ana. This vibrant marketplace is bursting at the seams with tantalizing Mexican street food and colorful folk art.
- Take an afternoon stroll through the stunning Santiago Park Nature Reserve, where towering sycamore trees and glistening ponds provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- As the sun sinks into the horizon, head over to the Observatory for a mind-expanding journey through the cosmos. Explore the wonders of the universe and discover celestial secrets that might just blow your socks off.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.