Santa Ana, CA

Travel Guide

Lyon Air Museum which includes an airport and aircraft
Bowers Museum showing interior views
Lyon Air Museum which includes aircraft and signage
Discovery Science Center which includes interior views
Lyon Air Museum featuring aircraft

Launch a simulated rocket, learn about culture and art from around the world, see antique aircrafts and meet some of the world’s smallest monkeys. 

Santa Ana is one of the liveliest and most populated cities in Orange County. It is packed full of attractions to entertain the whole family. Select from popular local spots, such as the Bowers Museum, Discovery Cube, Lyon Air Museum and the Santa Ana Zoo.

Take a tour of the Bowers Museum and attend seminars on culture and art from all around the world. Temporary exhibitions feature a variety of interesting subjects. The site offers art-house movies and documentaries about creative geniuses, such as Beethoven. Bring your children to the Kidseum, an exhibition specially designed to engage children with the arts. Watch them dress up in exotic outfits, try on masks and play musical instruments from around the world. 

Make your way to the Discovery Cube, formerly the Discovery Science Center. It is now named after its spectacular 10-story solar array cube. Take part in interactive exhibits to learn about science the fun way. The Science of Hockey exhibit explains the physics behind the sport. 

Watch a movie at the unique 4-D theater. Feel like you are part of the action as you are sprayed with water and air. See a genuine Delta Rocket engine and count down to a simulated blast-off at the Rocket Launch Station. 

Find out about the history of aviation at the Lyon Air Museum. Hear stories about remarkable planes and pilots and explore antique aircraft, military vehicles and other artifacts.

Spend the day watching fascinating animals at the Santa Ana Zoo Their pygmy marmosets are some of the smallest monkeys in the world. See the exotic birds at the Colors of the Amazon Aviary. At Crean Family Farm, children can pet ponies and feed other animals.

Santa Ana is a 15-minute drive from Anaheim and a 40-minute drive from Los Angeles. You can also get there by bus or train, but driving is the most popular method of transportation. For additional fun, pack your swimsuit and head to nearby Huntington Beach or Newport Beach on the Pacific Coast.

Where to stay in Santa Ana

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North Tustin

While North Tustin might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like The Market Place and Santa Ana Zoo.

North Tustin
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Riverview West

While there might not be top attractions in Riverview West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland® Resort.

Riverview West
Santa Ana

Downtown Santa Ana

When in Downtown Santa Ana, you can plan a visit to Old Orange County Courthouse and Bowers Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Downtown Santa Ana
Santa Ana Zoo featuring signage and zoo animals

Lyon Street

3.5/5(121 area reviews)

Though Lyon Street might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Santa Ana Zoo and Old Orange County Courthouse.

Lyon Street
Discovery Science Center showing interior views

Park Santiago

If you're spending some time in Park Santiago, Discovery Science Center and Santiago Park are top sights worth seeing.

Park Santiago
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Cowan Heights

While Cowan Heights isn't home to many top sights, Peters Canyon Regional Park and Irvine Regional Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Cowan Heights
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is ¥21,558 per night from Jan 1 to Jan 2
¥21,558
¥25,487 total
Jan 1 - Jan 2, 2026
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (340 reviews)
Great hotel

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

Hilton Anaheim
Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area

Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area

3.5 out of 5
101 E Katella Avenue Anaheim CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,315 reviews)
Great stay

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2025

Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area
Anaheim Marriott Hotel

Anaheim Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
700 W Convention Way Anaheim CA
The price is ¥26,325 per night from Dec 18 to Dec 19
¥26,325
¥30,968 total
Dec 18 - Dec 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,277 reviews)
Hunter's customer service was amazing

Reviewed on Nov 27, 2025

Anaheim Marriott Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre

West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre

2 out of 5
Santa Ana CA
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Disney California Adventure® Park and Downtown ...
6.8/10 (309 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre
Guest House with its own entrance. Has WiFi and Close to Disneyland

Guest House with its own entrance. Has WiFi and Close to Disneyland

Santa Ana CA
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Disney California Adventure® Park and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
It was as advertised, then some. The hosts were very attentive and responsive when issues arised.Would definite book again.

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Guest House with its own entrance. Has WiFi and Close to Disneyland
The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center

The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center

3 out of 5
149 Linden Avenue Long Beach CA
Book a stay at this historic aparthotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and an attached winery. Popular attractions Long Beach Cruise Terminal ...
7.4/10 Good! (908 reviews)
Nice staff and well located downtown. Perfect for Dreamstate visit.

Reviewed on Nov 25, 2025

The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Santa Ana

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
277
5 - Excellent 26%
4 - Good
476
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
247
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
29
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
20
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I love orange county. I had never seeing nothing like this it make me sad to see all this..

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lots of homeless hanging around parking and no control over smoking areas

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Santa Ana is a great city to enjoy yourself and have wonderful adventures.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Leaving

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's a very clean and nice place to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Vwry peaceful & quiet

Cities near Santa Ana