Santa Ana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Santa Ana
Bowers Museum featuring interior views
Santa Ana
Discovery Science Center showing interior views
Lyon Air Museum showing 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 Centre. 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 theatre. 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 Colours 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 isn't home to many top sights, Irvine Regional Park and Santa Ana Zoo are some notable places to visit nearby.

North Tustin
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Riverview West

While Riverview West may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like David L. Baker Memorial Golf Center and Disney California Adventure® Park.

Riverview West
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Lacy

When in Lacy, you can plan a visit to Old Orange County Courthouse and Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lacy
Discovery Science Center which includes interior views

Park Santiago

While visiting Park Santiago, you might make a stop by sights like Discovery Science Center and Santiago Park.

Park Santiago
Santa Ana Zoo which includes zoo animals and signage

Lyon Street

While Lyon Street isn't home to many top sights, Santa Ana Zoo and Old Orange County Courthouse are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lyon Street
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Floral Park

The beaches and restaurants are a few reasons travellers visit Floral Park. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Bowers Museum and Discovery Science Center are a few top sights nearby.

Floral Park
Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
2726 S Grand Ave, Santa Ana, CA
Fully refundable
The price is £88 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£88
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Location was convenient. Although we were on the third floor, there were several families with children who came in after 8 p.m. and sometimes 12 p.m. who were very noisy as the kids ran down the hall yelling and the parents responding. People were hanging out in the parking lot at 3 a.m. and they ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA
The price is £107 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
£107
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,387 reviews)
"Close to disneyland parking was good and has Starbucks inside"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Hilton Anaheim
Grand Legacy At the Park

Grand Legacy At the Park

2.5 out of 5
1650 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA
The price is £135 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£135
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,473 reviews)
"I liked the hotel was walking distance to Disney Land. The two things that I feel need approvements is parking for the guess and batteries in the tv remote. Other than that, the Hotel was great."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Grand Legacy At the Park
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 holiday home in Santa Ana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Disney California Adventure® Park and Downtown Disney® ...
6.8/10 (306 reviews)
"Good service!"

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2025

West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre
Cozy 2 Bedroom-2 Full Bath Condo;Art District DTSA

Cozy 2 Bedroom-2 Full Bath Condo;Art District DTSA

Santa Ana, CA
Stay at this condo in Santa Ana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and balconies. Popular attractions Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Honda Center are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (38 reviews)
Great place!
"Place was exactly as described!!! Everything was perfect!!!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Cozy 2 Bedroom-2 Full Bath Condo;Art District DTSA
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
Stay at this 3-star historic aparthotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and an on-site winery. Popular attractions Long Beach Cruise Terminal ...
7.4/10 Good! (891 reviews)
"I love staying at the Broadlind! It has a casual, comfortable feel. It’s quiet. So much is easily on hand for you. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 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.

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