Top 5 Things to Do in Santa Ana, CA: The Ultimate Guide (2024)
Considered the capital of Orange County, Santa Ana is located in the heart of OC. There is a wide range of things to do in Santa—the Santa Ana Zoo and Bowers Museum are the most recognized attractions, but the vibrant culinary scene is the real highlight here.
Santa Ana At-A-Glance
| Population | 309,441 |
|---|---|
| Best known for | Being the central hub of OC |
| Character | Large Latino population but rapidly gentrifying downtown area |
Top 5 Things to Do in Santa Ana
1. Santa Ana Zoo
2. Bowers Museum
3. Downtown Santa Ana (DTSA)
4. Fourth Street Market
5. Santa Ana restaurants
1. Santa Ana Zoo
This zoo might seem small when compared to its San Diego and LA counterparts, but it still houses over 146 species of animals, including lots of monkeys. They even have an anteater pen!
The Santa Ana Zoo is open every day except for Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission is reasonable at $12 for adults, and $9 for kids.
2. Bowers Museum
Opened in 1936 thanks to the donations of citrus entrepreneurs, Bowers Museum is a great place to learn about Orange County’s history through art. Today, it features exhibits covering Asian and African art history.
Down the street is Kidseum, a kid-friendly version of the Bowers.
3. Downtown Santa Ana (DTSA)
There are lots of restaurants, bars, and local shops selling jewelry and apparel.
4. Fourth Street Market
Think of this food hall as a test kitchen for OC’s budding culinary entrepreneurs. The roster of shops is constantly evolving as businesses outgrow the space and transition into their own standalone restaurants.
During our most recent visit, Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen served up some incredibly flavorful Tom Yum Fried Rice and Pad See Ew.
5. Santa Ana restaurants
Burritos La Palma - This Michelin bib winner was featured in the Netflix documentary, Taco Chronicles. An unassuming shop located in a strip mall off Bristol Street, the food here is the star of the show.
The uncomplicated burritos involving just a few ingredients like Birrias De Res and Deshebrada are neatly wrapped in sheets of aluminum foil. These burritos are too delicious to wait until you get home—enjoy them in the parking lot on top of your car’s trunk to get the full experience.
Benchmark - A beautiful spot for al fresco dining, with market lights.
Hopper and Burr - The Hopper and Burr space is beautifully bare. Here, you can have craft espresso drinks that are expertly produced. You won’t regret ordering the Nico #2 (if it’s available!)
Copper Door - This underground bar has speakeasy vibes with long tables perfect for groups. An extensive draft beer list makes it a worthwhile destination on weekdays, but come on the weekend if you’re looking for a club atmosphere.
Lola Gaspar - Dark and brooding interior makes Lola Gaspar perfect for date night.
Vacation - Probably the most millennial bar in DTSA thanks to the abundance of houseplants, its funky playlist, and destination-inspired cocktail menu. To quote the hostess when we visited, “it’s definitely a vibe.”
DTTN 2.0 - A membership lounge.
