Welcome to Santa Ana

Nicknamed the "Downtown of Orange County," Santa Ana is brimming with richly diverse experiences. Come walk the lively streets of our historic downtown. Bask in the colors of vibrant murals and art, savor the flavors of authentic cuisine, and explore a world of experiences at our famed festivals.

Only in Santa Ana

The Santa Ana Zoo focuses on the animals and plants of Central and South America. The 20-acre plot of land is home to over a dozen species of primates, birds, felines, amphibians, horses, camels, cows, chickens, and more. There is also a playground, carousel, Ferris wheel, and even a train ride.

For lovers of science young and old, Discovery Cube has been a local and county staple since 1998. Visitors can spend hours exploring the various hands-on exhibits and STEM attractions that are designed to spark curiosity in all — but especially the little ones.

Visual Appeal

Santa Ana’s art scene stands out with its dedication to edgy and eclectic work. Museums and galleries alike spotlight BIPOC and LGBTQ artists and represent a wide range of artistic styles, from avant-garde performance art to more traditional fine art.

The Bowers Museum focuses on how art influences cultures around the world. Permanent exhibits look at art and artifacts from California, the Pacific Islands, Mexico, and China.

Cal State Fullerton’s College of the Arts partners with the City of Santa Ana to run the Grand Central Art Center anchoring the Second Street Promenade. Three galleries, a video project gallery, and a project wall feature contemporary and socially relevant artwork, installations, and performances.

The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art hosts solo exhibits, as well as group shows built around themes like car culture, music, and architecture in art.

Like a living, city-sized art museum, Santa Ana proudly displays one of the most extensive collections of murals in Southern California, over 200! Starting with the Chicano movement of the 1960s, artists began painting massive images that commemorate the city’s colorful, multicultural heritage. Pay attention as you explore, it's not uncommon to find them in alleys, on the sides of buildings, doorways, electrical utility boxes, and even entire city blocks.

So Much Yum

Tacos are not just for Tuesdays anymore; Santa Ana is home to the most sought-after and followed taquerias, from al pastor to birria to baja fish. Former Orange County Register food critic named the “50 Best Tacos in Orange County,” not surprisingly 20 of them are in Santa Ana!

For truly elevated dining experiences, Omakase by Gino (OMG) isn’t just a meal — it’s an entire experience of the freshest nigiri, sashimi, and sushi. This highly coveted dining destination only seats 10 people at a time and books up quickly.

El Mercado Modern Cuisine is like walking into a cozy Mexico City gastropub, where bites and drinks are just as stunning to look at as they are to enjoy. Try the aguachile with razor-thin slices of cucumber piled into beautiful fractal art with shrimp, chilis, and avocado.