Things to Do in Santa Ana

Explore Santa Ana's lively downtown—especially exuberant during explosive holiday fiestas—with its cool architecture, interesting shops and a myriad of eccentric museums like the Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House & Medical Museum. For a cultural adventure, visit the happening Artists Village section of town that turns into an open house once a month during the First Saturday Art Walk.

Rocking the Downtown District

Dive into a cosmopolitan adventure in Santa Ana's Historic Downtown District. It’s got charming Art Deco style buildings, three old movie houses and the county's first courthouse (now a museum). Among all this, you’ll find upscale dining, unique shops, a performing arts theater and the famous Artists Village. If you're visiting in early May or November, you're in for a treat—the downtown area explodes into celebration for both Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos. You aren't likely to forget it.

Funk and Fun at Artists Village

Artists started moving into Santa Ana's landmark Santora Building over a decade ago, and the area, now called Artists Village, has evolved into a funky fusion of galleries, live-work art studios, quaint shops and cheap (but fantastic) restaurants. You'll love the crazy mix of architecture—ancient brick buildings snuggled up beside ornate Spanish architecture, studded with fountains, palms and sidewalk cafes. Explore this secret, artsy pocket of Santa Ana on the first Saturday of each month, when 40 art galleries open their doors to the public. Do your very own crawl, strolling from gallery to gallery while musicians play in the background.

It's All Happening at the Zoo

It’s monkeys, monkeys and more monkeys at the Santa Ana Zoo. The founder vowed to keep at least 50 monkeys on display at all times, and they come in a delightful array, from pygmy marmosets to howlers. But that's not all to see at the zoo. Immerse yourself in one of the most highly endangered habitats in the world at the Pampas Grasslands of South America exhibit, showcasing anteaters, guanacos and rheas. Wrap up your visit with a ride on the Zoofari Express, a little train that takes you on an adventure through the Crean Family Farm.

Fresh Food and Lively Atmosphere

The Playground (220 E. 4th St., Suite 102, Santa Ana) is an easy restaurant to love. Located across from the Yost Theater downtown, it has a weekly tapas menu based around fresh, sustainable ingredients. It's the perfect eatery for a Southern California experience—trendy, happening, loud and fun. You can select from the current menu (try the Brussels sprouts Caesar salad if it's available) or dine omakase-style, where the server and chef choose the dishes for you. Visit Crave (410 W. 4th St., Santa Ana) for soups, salads, sandwiches and more made fresh on the premises. Try the delightful crème brulee French toast or the tri-tip dip sandwich.

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