Santa Ana Things to Do Tips by marinarena

Do the Art Walk

Santa Ana's version of the popular "art walk" outing, featured in various art colony cities in California, is sleepy and low-brow. This makes for a very intimate and unpretentious art scene. Galleries open their doors and participants are encouraged to buy, explore, and get interactive with exhibits. There is an assortment of activities, many are kid-friendly. Some art may be more suitable for adults but nothing too shocking mostly. Refreshments are served up from booths and catering (food trucks often make their way here). The art walk takes place once a month- every first Saturday (as of 2011).

See shots from Santa Ana Art Walk OCT 2011 here!

Directions: downtown Santa Ana, arts district

Website: http://santaanaartwalk.com

See Cult and "Little" Films in South Coast Metro

Regency South Coast Village 3 (formally Edwards) is small, ordinary looking theater from the exterior glance. I would not even mention it except for the fact that it often shows exclusive movies and is in a very ideal spot in the O.C.

Located across from South Coast Plaza, Edwards is ideal for any movie buff who likes the small, independent flicks- esp from the foreign and art-house genres. If seeing these kind of films loses you, go here for a showing of the classic film(s) of the week. Cinema old-school style! Those movies considered as class would be a more mainstream but with a certain cult following- for example, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Every Saturday night, there is a screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show.

One movie that I have seen here this year- Bad Education- I give it 3 stars out of 5!!

Call for current schedules!

(714) 557-5701

Address: 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92704

Directions: South Coast Metro area, borderline Costa Mesa, near Bristol St/ Sunflower Ave

Phone: (714) 557-5701

Discover the Scientific Taco Bell?

Thanks to the obsession of Americanized burritos and tacos, a scientific center especially geared towards kids was built in 1999. The Taco Bell Discovery Science Center (nowadays the Taco bell seems to be dropped in advertisements) is a very family-oriented hotspot of Oraneg County, well visible from the 5 freeway. One would be hard pressed to miss the big crater and white rocket on the road.

DSC hosts the popular Bubblefest, a celebration of the science of bubble blowing. The bubblemakers are quite fascinating and manage to entertain while informing the science behind. Exhibits are are related to dinosaurs and outer space. Don't miss the 4-D Movie theater (separate admission of $3, $2 for members). Check calendar on the website for updates on events.

General admission for adults in $12.95, for kids $9.95. Children under the age of 2 are free. Prices are slightly higher for the Bubblefest and for other special events.

Open from 10 AM- 5 PM, everyday except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

Address: 2500 North Main St

Directions: off the 5 fwty, exit Main. Close to the Mainplace Mall

Website: http://www.discoverycube.org/

Experience Blue Collar Art in Santa Ana...

in the Santora Arts Building ! It is the landmark in the downtown Artist Village. Also, several galleries are found in the heart of the city. Even if you are not much into art, you will be impressed by the colorful creations done here. Besides visual arts, there are poetry readings, theater performances and more for entertainment. Check out free open house gatherings every first Saturday of each month, especially in the evenings- from 7-10PM.

Address: 207 North Broadway

Directions: downtown Santa Ana, by Main St.

Website: http://www.aplaceforart.org

Visit Little Historic Bowers!

This is a tiny museum judging by its size but it is neverthless wonderful and worth a look. Bowers is arguably the premiere museum of Orange county. It is located near the heart of artistic downtown Santa Ana where the Artist Village thrives.

Inside Bowers, there is a special focus on Californian, Native American, ancient Asian and African art and artifacts. However, it's exterior is all Spanish style. One will feel as if being in Madrid or Sevilla once entering the Bowers gate.

See website for more info!

Address: see website

Directions: off Main St., from 5 frwy

Website: http://www.bowers.org/

See a Pretty Historic House: Howe-Waffle

Here is a Queen Anne Victorian house, one of a very few in Orange county!

There are select days to tour the house. Check out website for days.

Address: 120 Civic Center Drive

Directions: near downtown Santa Ana, on the corner of Sycamore & Civic Center Drive

Phone: (714) 547-9645

Website: http://www.santaanahistory.com/house.html

See Orange County's Historical Old Courthouse !

Here is a great way to discover the history of the county as a whole and where to begin a day trip in Santa Ana. The Old Courthouse of Orange County is now a museum, which has free admission! Tell me, what beats free?

Address: 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Directions: downtown Santa Ana, exit Main St. off the 5 freeway in Orange County.

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/oldcourthouse/