Santa Ana is not one of Orange County’s posh beach towns or planned suburbs. Instead, it’s dirty, boisterous, and chaotic. It is, but, diversified, artistic, and innovative. I come here to eat at a family-owned taqueria. Walk around the galleries of emerging artists, and shop for products. That I can’t find anyplace else in Orange County.
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1. Bowers Museum
To describe the Bowers Museum an art museum would be an understatement. It is all about the interaction of art and culture. I came here to attend a Walt Disney Archives exhibit before seeing indigenous art from North America. A returning exhibit exhibiting Guo Pei’s couture art is currently on display. Guo Pei is most recognised for creating the yellow dress Rihanna wore to the 2015 Met Gala. A sizeable permanent collection is a diverse range of travelling exhibits, so plan on spending a couple of hours here.
2. Lyon Air Museum
I only lately discovered the Lyon Air Museum, despite the fact that it has been open for 15 years. The collection of planes and vehicles concentrates on World War II. And is in a hanger behind John Wayne Airport. A dozen miniature military planes are throughout the area. Some of which tourists can climb into and inspect. There’s even footage of the vehicle in action during the battle. This museum is not heated or cooled because it is housed in a hanger. Bring proper clothing with you.
3. Blinking Owl Distillery
Blinking Owl may be the only distillery in California producing the Scandinavian liquor known as ‘aquavit’, so I couldn’t wait to visit. My father is of Swedish ancestry and has always enjoyed his aquavit.
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But that is only one of several spirits produced here. It began as a distillery and grew to include an outdoor café and beverage bar during the pandemic. The food or beverages are likewise delicious. I tell you to order the cacio e pepe bacon pizza. Don’t let your GPS trick you.
4. Santa Ana Artists Village
My husband and I have been going to Artists Village in downtown Santa Ana on the First Saturday ArtWalk for many years. Music and dancing add to the vibrancy of the encounter. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, and performances may be on show. It is never dull and is rather edgy. Even if you are unable to attend the First Saturday. You are welcome to visit the art galleries in Artists Village — and around the city — at any time.
5. McFadden Public Market
McFadden Public Market is the place to go if you like pizza and tacos surrounded with ’80s video games and pinball. There are a few food seller’s downstairs, including my personal favourite, Tacompadre. This family-owned restaurant, which opened in late 2022, specialises in tacos in the style of Mexico City. A Tiki Bar and arcade are upstairs. I’m a sucker for pinball, so I enjoy coming here.
6. Independent Coffee Shops
Santa Ana reigns supreme when it comes to independent coffee businesses in Orange County. This is a coffee-loving city with something for everyone. Consider going on a caffeine crawl throughout town. These first three locations are all in downtown and are accessible by foot. The fourth will need a drive. Hopper & Burr delivers delicious lattes with eye-catching patterns. If you like beer or wine, they also have them. If you’re hungry, you should try their ricotta and avocado toast.
7. Unique Restaurants
Santa Ana has long had a diverse selection of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t note that Mexican cuisine is its specialisation. My new favourite in this area is El Mercado Modern. The pulpo a la plancha (marinated octopus) was tasty and soft; it’s a dish I’ll remember for a long time. And the cocktails are fantastic. The Italian Wolf, created with mezcal and marsala, is in a smoke-filled glass.
8. Willowick Golf Course
My family has played golf at Willowick, Orange County’s oldest 18-hole public course, for three generations. During the epidemic, my son, Ryan, and his friends took up golf and discovered this course to be great for novices. It’s also reasonable when compared to many other courses in Orange County. To celebrate a wonderful round, there is a full-service restaurant and bar on-site.
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