Santa Ana offers a variety of points of interest for a trip: collections from cultures around the world, a monthly art event, historic sites and nature topics. When planning, the specific conditions of individual attractions also matter. For example, the day and time are specified for the Downtown Santa Ana ArtWalk; other attractions have their own guidelines.
Museums and Art in Santa Ana
The Bowers Museum displays artworks and artifacts from cultures around the world. Eight exhibitions are dedicated to permanent collections, alongside rotating special exhibitions. This means that permanent collection themes are presented alongside a program that changes with the special exhibitions.
The museum offers docent-led gallery tours, which are free with a general admission ticket. Docent availability may vary. In addition, all Santa Ana residents receive free general admission on Sundays. If you plan to take advantage of this benefit, check the applicable visitor requirements before you arrive.
Downtown Santa Ana ArtWalk
The Downtown Santa Ana ArtWalk is a free monthly event that spotlights local artists. It takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 5 to 10 p.m. The program includes live art shows, artist presentations, musical performances and dance. The event therefore encompasses different forms of artistic expression, not just presentations of artworks.
If the ArtWalk is important to your travel dates, check the event calendar before your trip: the dates and program details listed may change.
Historic Sites and Community Events
The Heritage Museum of Orange County offers museum tours and entertaining community events in Santa Ana. The Old Orange County Courthouse adds two official designations to the historic themes: it has been designated a California State Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These recognitions relate to the building; they do not indicate current visitor access.
The two sites offer different ways to explore: museum tours and events at one, and the designated historic significance of a courthouse at the other. If you are choosing based on a specific program, check the visitor conditions for each site in advance.
Nature Topics and the Santiago Creek ECO Center
The Santiago Creek ECO Center is currently undergoing renovations. It connects the Santa Ana community with nature through guided and self-guided programs. Topics include the Santa Ana Watershed and how the river has changed over time. Both the watershed and the river’s development are therefore at the center of the programs.
Another nature topic is Flight at the Santa Ana Zoo. The habitat covers more than 2,000 square feet and is home to hundreds of tropical butterflies from dozens of species native to North, Central and South America. Flight is scheduled to run from June 1 to October 15, 2026. Check the dates before your trip if you would like to include the habitat in your plans.
Getting to the Santa Ana Zoo
To get to the Santa Ana Zoo, bus route 059 runs from the Santa Ana Amtrak/Metrolink station to the Grand/Chestnut stop. The route begins at Dock 10, stop number 6803, and reaches Grand/Chestnut at stop 6372. From there, it is a two-block walk along Chestnut Street to the zoo. Since routes and stop information may change, check with the transit provider before your trip.
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