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In Santa Ana, California, there’s an energy, a character and spirit that’s unlike any other city in the area. Nicknamed the “Downtown of Orange County,” Santa Ana is brimming with richly diverse experiences that we love to share. Come and walk (or even dance!) in the lively streets of our historic downtown during “Dancing in the Streets.” Bask in the colors of vibrant murals and art, savor the flavors of authentic cuisine, jam to traditional and modern music, and explore a world of experiences at our famed festivals.
Santa Ana’s Visual Appeal
Plenty of cities in Orange County boast a vibrant arts scene, but Santa Ana’s stands out from them all 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.
Like a living, city-sized art museum, Santa Ana proudly displays one of the most extensive collections of murals in Southern California. Starting with the Chicano movement of the 1960s, artists began painting massive images that commemorate the city’s colorful, multicultural heritage. And like any good gallery, the collection is constantly evolving; new murals and historic restorations are unveiled throughout the year.
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. Be sure to check out our Public Art Guide to help you navigate.
So Much Yum
Loved by locals and visitors alike, tacos are not just for Tuesdays anymore. Santa Ana is home to the most sought-after and followed taquerias in all of Orange County. From al pastor to birria to baja fish – serves the best tacos than any other place in the whole county. Former Orange County Register food critic named “50 Best Tacos in Orange County,” not surprisingly 20 of them were in Santa Ana!
Santa Ana’s dining scene is as diverse and inclusive as its community. Whether you’re in the mood to embark on a taco crawl or treat yourself to an evening of fine dining, you’ll want to dive fork first into our dynamic food and drink scene. Let our “Culinary Passport” provide direction for your dining journey.
“Canna-curious”
As the first city in Orange County to legalize cannabis dispensaries, Santa Ana is pioneering the modern-day cannabis experience. We are home to a wide variety of cannabis points of interest including large immersive attraction-like cannabis shops, off-the-beaten-track wellness-style boutiques, and seasonal cannabis events that double as special cultural celebrations unique to our flavor and style.
Regardless of your interest or experience with cannabis, we offer experiences that will accommodate whatever you may be seeking.
All Are Welcome in Santa Ana
Whatever your age, lifestyle, and budget, Santa Ana is an inclusive and ideal getaway. Location matters, and we’ve got a good one: nestled in the heart of O.C., we’re within minutes of world-famous attractions, shopping, beaches, and the passenger-friendly John Wayne Airport (SNA).
Life in Santa Ana revolves around culture and community — both our own and those of whoever we meet. When you’re here, you’re family. This is the place to be yourself and explore our mosaic of cultures, where we’ll accept you for who you are and honor your story. In Santa Ana, there’s always a seat at our table, so come and join us. You’re in for a treat.
