Santa Ana, CA

Travel Guide

Lyon Air Museum which includes an airport and aircraft
Bowers Museum showing interior views
Lyon Air Museum which includes aircraft and signage
Discovery Science Center which includes interior views
Lyon Air Museum featuring 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 Center. 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 theater. 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 Colors 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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Lacy

Lacy might not have many top sights, but Old Orange County Courthouse and Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lacy
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North Tustin

While North Tustin might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Irvine Regional Park and Santa Ana Zoo.

North Tustin
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Riverview West

While there might not be top attractions in Riverview West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like David L. Baker Memorial Golf Center and Disney California Adventure® Park.

Riverview West
Discovery Science Center showing interior views

Park Santiago

If you're spending some time in Park Santiago, Discovery Science Center and Santiago Park are top sights worth seeing.

Park Santiago
Santa Ana

Downtown Santa Ana

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

Downtown Santa Ana
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Riverview

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Riverview and surrounding area, you can visit Bowers Museum and The Outlets at Orange.

Riverview
Hilton Anaheim

Hilton Anaheim

4 out of 5
777 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA
$134 nightly
The price is $156 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$156 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a 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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,400 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay as a family for our Disney trip. Quiet, clean rooms and comfortable beds."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Hilton Anaheim
Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area

Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area

3.5 out of 5
101 E Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA
$147 nightly
The price is $172 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$172 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Anaheim. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,828 reviews)
"Very nice, clean and wonderful people!"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort Area
Hotel Maya

Hotel Maya

4 out of 5
700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA
$182 nightly
The price is $211 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$211 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free cruise terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,772 reviews)
"food and staff"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Hotel Maya
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
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Ana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Disney California Adventure® Park and Downtown ...
6.8/10 (308 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

West Coast Inn - Near Gem Theatre
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 WiFi, 2 restaurants, and an attached 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 Jun 27, 2025

The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center
Dockside Boat & Bed Long Beach

Dockside Boat & Bed Long Beach

3.5 out of 5
316 E Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach houseboat in Long Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and furnished balconies or patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (248 reviews)
Best stay
"I came across this by accident and I am so glad I did! We will do this again. Everyone we told thought this was such a great idea and it was!"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Dockside Boat & Bed Long Beach
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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