Aunty’s guidebook to Santa Ana, CA
Neighborhoods
The city of Santa Ana in Orange County, California is a beautiful city that is located next to the Santa Ana River and just ten miles from the Californian coast. The climate in Santa Ana is ideal, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The warm summers mean a lot of outdoors activities take place as the people make the most of the beautiful scenery that Orange County has to offer.
The city itself is very densely populated, with the downtown area being the main arts and entertainment hub. Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Santa Ana.
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Santa Ana
The city of Santa Ana in Orange County, California is a beautiful city that is located next to the Santa Ana River and just ten miles from the Californian coast. The climate in Santa Ana is ideal, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The warm summers mean a lot of outdoors activities take place as the people make the most of the beautiful scenery that Orange County has to offer.
The city itself is very densely populated, with the downtown area being the main arts and entertainment hub. Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Santa Ana.
Food scene
Suggestions for eats in nearby Santa Ana, CA
If you are looking for a great place to have something to eat then turning up at The Playground is a great idea. The restaurant is owned by the same people who own the Lime Truck gourmet food truck. At The Playground you will find a mixture of craft beers, excellent food and a team of staff that are buzzing with energy. The food is all made with fresh ingredients that have been prepared with skill, passion and love. This is a business that has expanded at a pace that is staggering and after just one trip here you will understand why.
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Playground
220 E 4th StIf you are looking for a great place to have something to eat then turning up at The Playground is a great idea. The restaurant is owned by the same people who own the Lime Truck gourmet food truck. At The Playground you will find a mixture of craft beers, excellent food and a team of staff that are buzzing with energy. The food is all made with fresh ingredients that have been prepared with skill, passion and love. This is a business that has expanded at a pace that is staggering and after just one trip here you will understand why.
If you want to brush up on your cooking skills or have no idea where to begin, a lesson at Hipcooks Orange County might just help you out. Hipcooks provide cooking classes that are completely hands-on and designed for any skill level. There is no measuring of ingredients allowed and the whole process is about finding your inner chef and working out what flavours work well together. Each lesson ends with a dinner party where you will eat your creations, wine will also be supplied for the tasting session.
Hipcooks
125 N BroadwayIf you want to brush up on your cooking skills or have no idea where to begin, a lesson at Hipcooks Orange County might just help you out. Hipcooks provide cooking classes that are completely hands-on and designed for any skill level. There is no measuring of ingredients allowed and the whole process is about finding your inner chef and working out what flavours work well together. Each lesson ends with a dinner party where you will eat your creations, wine will also be supplied for the tasting session.
Sitting underneath the Pacific Building on Broadway and 3rd is an underground bar called The Copper Door. The building was inspired by the speakeasy culture and it is a cool, trendy place to hang out. There is a 30 foot communal table in the bar that was carved out of a single 400 year old pine tree that naturally fell. People flock from all over to try the 20 different craft beers and 8 moonshine cocktails that are served on tap. Live entertainment and special events are regularly held here and there are two tables for those that want to play billiards.
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The Copper Door
225 N BroadwaySitting underneath the Pacific Building on Broadway and 3rd is an underground bar called The Copper Door. The building was inspired by the speakeasy culture and it is a cool, trendy place to hang out. There is a 30 foot communal table in the bar that was carved out of a single 400 year old pine tree that naturally fell. People flock from all over to try the 20 different craft beers and 8 moonshine cocktails that are served on tap. Live entertainment and special events are regularly held here and there are two tables for those that want to play billiards.
Cauldron Ice Cream was started out of a garage in Orange County, California back in 2014. Its very first location was in South Coast Metro on the outskirts of the sprawling Costa Mesa food hub. Since then, Cauldron has expanded to over 10 locations and its first international location opened 2018 in Toronto! We make homemade, all natural ice cream in small batches. Our flavors are inspired by our community, travels, family, and friends. We rotate and create new flavors every quarter to ensure you never get bored. Check back often for menu updates! Hope to see you soon!
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Cauldron Ice Cream
1421 W MacArthur BlvdCauldron Ice Cream was started out of a garage in Orange County, California back in 2014. Its very first location was in South Coast Metro on the outskirts of the sprawling Costa Mesa food hub. Since then, Cauldron has expanded to over 10 locations and its first international location opened 2018 in Toronto! We make homemade, all natural ice cream in small batches. Our flavors are inspired by our community, travels, family, and friends. We rotate and create new flavors every quarter to ensure you never get bored. Check back often for menu updates! Hope to see you soon!
Taqueria El Zamorano
925 W Warner AveShabu Shabu Bar
1945 17th StMil Jugos
320 West 5th StreetCrave Restaurant Downtown Santa Ana
410 W 4th StChicken Maison
2709 Manhattan Beach BoulevardLola Gaspar
211 W 2nd StChapter One: the modern local
227 N BroadwayThe Sandwich Society
2031 E First StMix Mix Kitchen Bar
300 N Main StWursthaus
305 E 4th StLa Super Birria
1041 W 1st StYelper -"Love this spot! It's like a smaller version of the Packing House district. I never knew it existed until I was looking spots up on yelp. You can get everything you are craving under one roof.
P.S. AFNG is going to have a spot there, which I am really excited about!"
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4th Street Market
201 E 4th StYelper -"Love this spot! It's like a smaller version of the Packing House district. I never knew it existed until I was looking spots up on yelp. You can get everything you are craving under one roof.
P.S. AFNG is going to have a spot there, which I am really excited about!"
"Love this place! Hands down the best pho restaurant in Orange County IMO of course! I know this place because my family has been here before I was born, and I have been eating their great selections on the menu.
My favorite is the house special #11 (which is what I grew up with) followed by #2 the pho with roast DUCK! My mouth is watering just writing about this.
Btw this place gets packed real fast and from open to close there's always a bunch families waiting!" - Yelper
Trieu Chau Restaurant
4401 W 1st St"Love this place! Hands down the best pho restaurant in Orange County IMO of course! I know this place because my family has been here before I was born, and I have been eating their great selections on the menu.
My favorite is the house special #11 (which is what I grew up with) followed by #2 the pho with roast DUCK! My mouth is watering just writing about this.
Btw this place gets packed real fast and from open to close there's always a bunch families waiting!" - Yelper
"Best spot for mi/Hu Tieu in bolsa, besides trieu Chau. However, they have the yellow sauce here.
I'm not much of a Mi person, but I definitely give it to Mi La Cay as to having the best quality in the area. I used to get mi vit quay or mi xa xiu small noodle and dry. Now I have switched to Hu Tieu vit tiem. So Yums." - Yelper
Mi La Cay
10078 Westminster Ave"Best spot for mi/Hu Tieu in bolsa, besides trieu Chau. However, they have the yellow sauce here.
I'm not much of a Mi person, but I definitely give it to Mi La Cay as to having the best quality in the area. I used to get mi vit quay or mi xa xiu small noodle and dry. Now I have switched to Hu Tieu vit tiem. So Yums." - Yelper
"Decent viet restaurant for vermicelli, egg noodle, or rice dishes! Prices are dirt cheap compared to other restaurants." - Yelper
Kim Ky Noodle House
15041 Moran St"Decent viet restaurant for vermicelli, egg noodle, or rice dishes! Prices are dirt cheap compared to other restaurants." - Yelper
Brodard Chateau
9100 Trask AveSightseeing
Things to do and see in nearby Santa Ana, CA
If your children love science, then this is the perfect place for them to come and visit. The Discovery Cube Orange County has more than 100 science exhibits that children can touch and interact with. The center has a ten-story cube that is covered in solar panels so you certainly know that you have arrived at the right place when you get here. There are various themed areas to be explored including: Air and Space, Dynamic Earth, Quake Zone and Rocket Lab. Children will happily spend hours wandering around and not even realist they are learning because of the fun that they are having.
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디스커버리 큐브 오렌지 카운티
2500 N Main StIf your children love science, then this is the perfect place for them to come and visit. The Discovery Cube Orange County has more than 100 science exhibits that children can touch and interact with. The center has a ten-story cube that is covered in solar panels so you certainly know that you have arrived at the right place when you get here. There are various themed areas to be explored including: Air and Space, Dynamic Earth, Quake Zone and Rocket Lab. Children will happily spend hours wandering around and not even realist they are learning because of the fun that they are having.
In Prentice Park in Santa Ana is Santa Ana Zoo. The Zoo sits on land that was donated to the city by Joseph Prentice. When he donated the land he had one stipulation, there must be at least 50 monkeys in the zoo at all times. The zoo has its focus set on recreation, education and conservation and these are the main areas by which the zoo operates. Each year more than a quarter of a million people visit the zoo and one of the most popular attractions is the Zoofari Express which takes the children on a 560m journey through the zoo.
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산타아나 동물원 및 프렌티스 공원
1801 E Chestnut AveIn Prentice Park in Santa Ana is Santa Ana Zoo. The Zoo sits on land that was donated to the city by Joseph Prentice. When he donated the land he had one stipulation, there must be at least 50 monkeys in the zoo at all times. The zoo has its focus set on recreation, education and conservation and these are the main areas by which the zoo operates. Each year more than a quarter of a million people visit the zoo and one of the most popular attractions is the Zoofari Express which takes the children on a 560m journey through the zoo.
Previously Old Orange County Courthouse was known as Santa Ana County Courthouse. The courthouse was opened in 1901 and sits in the Historic Downtown District, the courthouse has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a recognized Californian Historical Landmark. The building is now a museum that has also appeared in many TV series and movies, most notably as Briarcliff Manor in the movie: American Horror Story.
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Old Orange County Courthouse
211 W Santa Ana BlvdPreviously Old Orange County Courthouse was known as Santa Ana County Courthouse. The courthouse was opened in 1901 and sits in the Historic Downtown District, the courthouse has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a recognized Californian Historical Landmark. The building is now a museum that has also appeared in many TV series and movies, most notably as Briarcliff Manor in the movie: American Horror Story.
Hiram Clay Kellogg was born in California in 1855. Several years later in 1869 he moved to a ranch in Anaheim and shortly afterwards he began his degree in civil engineering. Kellogg had a knack for this and in 1883 he was awarded a contract to survey and lay out an entire town and news of his skills quickly spread. In 1898 Kellogg designed The Kellogg House and every detail has been carefully thought through. The centre piece of the entire building is a three story spiral staircase that has carvings of ships that were sailing the seas in the late 1800’s. The house is closed on Monday’s and Tuesday’s but a trip around this beautiful artwork is well worth your time.
The Kellogg House
3101 W Harvard StHiram Clay Kellogg was born in California in 1855. Several years later in 1869 he moved to a ranch in Anaheim and shortly afterwards he began his degree in civil engineering. Kellogg had a knack for this and in 1883 he was awarded a contract to survey and lay out an entire town and news of his skills quickly spread. In 1898 Kellogg designed The Kellogg House and every detail has been carefully thought through. The centre piece of the entire building is a three story spiral staircase that has carvings of ships that were sailing the seas in the late 1800’s. The house is closed on Monday’s and Tuesday’s but a trip around this beautiful artwork is well worth your time.
Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana has a special emphasis on things to do with World War II. The museum is located in the John Wayne Airport and has many items that are worth looking at. There are motorcycles, vehicles used by the military, cars and of course aircraft. Some of the most famous aircraft include a Cessna O-1E Dog ad a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. The Lyon Air Museum is an excellent day out for the family and the information next to each exhibit makes for an interesting and educational trip.
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라이언에어 박물관
19300 Ike Jones RdLyon Air Museum in Santa Ana has a special emphasis on things to do with World War II. The museum is located in the John Wayne Airport and has many items that are worth looking at. There are motorcycles, vehicles used by the military, cars and of course aircraft. Some of the most famous aircraft include a Cessna O-1E Dog ad a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. The Lyon Air Museum is an excellent day out for the family and the information next to each exhibit makes for an interesting and educational trip.
When the water flows down the Santa Ana Mountains most of the water goes into the Santiago Creek. The creek is 34 miles long and is a tributary to the Santa Ana River, there are a total of 10 major tributaries running of the Santiago Creek. Along the Santiago river is Lake Irvine where you can openly fish without a license. The reservoir was first stocked with fish in the 1930’s and still get restocked on a weekly basis.
Santiago Creek
When the water flows down the Santa Ana Mountains most of the water goes into the Santiago Creek. The creek is 34 miles long and is a tributary to the Santa Ana River, there are a total of 10 major tributaries running of the Santiago Creek. Along the Santiago river is Lake Irvine where you can openly fish without a license. The reservoir was first stocked with fish in the 1930’s and still get restocked on a weekly basis.
For those that like to do something a bit different, and have the money to splurge a helicopter ride of the area is a great one of experience you will love. Operating out of Santa Ana and the surrounding areas are OC Helicopters. You can start with a short ten minute journey that will take you to the OC coast and back or you can make your own custom package that lasts longer and costs more. This is an excellent way to see the city and surrounding costs line, it is also a great idea for a proposal or when you have something to celebrate.
OC Helicopters
19711 Campus DrFor those that like to do something a bit different, and have the money to splurge a helicopter ride of the area is a great one of experience you will love. Operating out of Santa Ana and the surrounding areas are OC Helicopters. You can start with a short ten minute journey that will take you to the OC coast and back or you can make your own custom package that lasts longer and costs more. This is an excellent way to see the city and surrounding costs line, it is also a great idea for a proposal or when you have something to celebrate.
디즈니 캘리포니아 어드벤처
Disneyland DrDisneyland's California Adventure Park
Disneyland Park
Disneyland!
Art scene
Charles Bowers was a land developer who lived in Orange County and before he passed away he donated a plot of land to the city of Santa Ana. In 1931 after his wife had died, a building was constructed on the land and in 1936 the Charles W. Bowers Memorial Museum was opened for the first time. Over the decades the museum has had various refurbishments and the museum’s size has increased tenfold. The museum is a great place to take a look at the different cultures in the world and there are over 100,000 items to peruse.
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보어스 뮤지엄
2002 N Main StCharles Bowers was a land developer who lived in Orange County and before he passed away he donated a plot of land to the city of Santa Ana. In 1931 after his wife had died, a building was constructed on the land and in 1936 the Charles W. Bowers Memorial Museum was opened for the first time. Over the decades the museum has had various refurbishments and the museum’s size has increased tenfold. The museum is a great place to take a look at the different cultures in the world and there are over 100,000 items to peruse.
The California State University Fullerton Grand Central Art Center is an extraordinary place that spans an entire city block in length and covers three levels in height. The center is a total of 45,000 square feet that is dedicated to studio spaces for visual arts students. If you are enrolled into the University Arts Program you will rent an apartment and have a studio assigned to you for your use. The building also has an area where international artists can hold exhibitions, these exhibitions focus on the education process and its direct focus.
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Grand Central Art Center
125 N BroadwayThe California State University Fullerton Grand Central Art Center is an extraordinary place that spans an entire city block in length and covers three levels in height. The center is a total of 45,000 square feet that is dedicated to studio spaces for visual arts students. If you are enrolled into the University Arts Program you will rent an apartment and have a studio assigned to you for your use. The building also has an area where international artists can hold exhibitions, these exhibitions focus on the education process and its direct focus.
If you want to catch some live music whilst in Santa Ana then the Observatory OC is as good a place as any. Many small and mid-sized bands play shows here and there is a constantly changing line up of bands to choose from. The venue is quite small and intimate which always adds to the atmosphere. A knowledgeable crowd can be found at the shows and the various bars sell reasonably priced drinks.
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The Observatory
3503 S Harbor BlvdIf you want to catch some live music whilst in Santa Ana then the Observatory OC is as good a place as any. Many small and mid-sized bands play shows here and there is a constantly changing line up of bands to choose from. The venue is quite small and intimate which always adds to the atmosphere. A knowledgeable crowd can be found at the shows and the various bars sell reasonably priced drinks.
The Outpost Fest. For one day only the streets of Downtown Santa Ana turn into a music, art and cultural festival. The idea of the festival is that it is a “no fluff and no fillers” festival, meaning that there are only bands that people love and that the atmosphere reflects the vibe of the music, arts and craftsmen. There is an outdoor stage set up that people can gather around and listen to the various bands that play throughout the day. There are various food trucks at the event serving up fresh classics such as monster burgers.
https://hornet.fullcoll.edu/outpost-fest-santa-anas-cochella/
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Fullerton College
321 E Chapman AveThe Outpost Fest. For one day only the streets of Downtown Santa Ana turn into a music, art and cultural festival. The idea of the festival is that it is a “no fluff and no fillers” festival, meaning that there are only bands that people love and that the atmosphere reflects the vibe of the music, arts and craftsmen. There is an outdoor stage set up that people can gather around and listen to the various bands that play throughout the day. There are various food trucks at the event serving up fresh classics such as monster burgers.
https://hornet.fullcoll.edu/outpost-fest-santa-anas-cochella/
Sports
River View golf course in Santa Ana has an extra challenge that no other golf course in Orange County has. There is a seasonal Santa Ana River that runs across or adjacent to many holes on the course giving you that extra obstacle to avoid whilst playing your shots. If you try to overpower the river you are going to be in for an expensive round so use your cunning to play around and your score card should look a lot healthier.
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River View Golf Course
1800 W Santa Clara AveRiver View golf course in Santa Ana has an extra challenge that no other golf course in Orange County has. There is a seasonal Santa Ana River that runs across or adjacent to many holes on the course giving you that extra obstacle to avoid whilst playing your shots. If you try to overpower the river you are going to be in for an expensive round so use your cunning to play around and your score card should look a lot healthier.