The forty-two miles of beaches in Orange County are renowned for their popularity, and several of those beach cities are within minutes of Santa Ana. Thousands of local residents and tourists flock to the Pacific Ocean, where they embrace and enjoy the wave crested shores, sailing, whale watching, surfing and sun worshiping on these beautiful sandy beaches.
Santa Ana is a central hub of activity where business and cultural meet in this welcoming climate. A synergy brings industrious creative elements together at this seat of government, and sets the pace for the recognized Orange County. The John Wayne Airport is the main gateway to the surrounding Orange County communities. The location offers easy access to all major attractions in Orange County.
Don Gaspár de Portolá, a Spanish expedition party leader, discovered a picturesque valley and river in Southern California which he christened Santa Ana, in honor of Saint Anne, on July 26, 1769. In 1869, William H. Spurgeon purchased 70 acres from the Yorba family and plotted a town site. The new town was given the name Santa Ana. Santa Ana is the financial and governmental center of Orange County and a major city in the state.
Accommodations
The 6-floor DoubleTree Orange County Airport hotel, situated in the heart of Orange County's South Coast Hutton Center Corporate Park, offers an environment within a business park. Crowne Plaza Irvine (a short drive) is a high-rise hotel located in the heart of Orange County's prestigious Irvine Concourse corporate center.
The hotels have easy access that is just minutes away from Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and a short drive from Orange County's beaches.
Restaurants
Take your pick of some very fine restaurants in the Santa Ana area.
Unique choices abound in specialty salads, seafood (from local harbors) and ethic variations. A noted Italian restaurant, the Antonello Ristorante serves northern Italian cuisine, including home-made pasta and is an Orange County favorite.
For variety, the following offerings are available: Royal Khyber Cuisines, Indian servings; Kappo Sui, Japanese; and the Green Parrot Cafe serving International.
Shopping
The Main Place Shopping Center features 190 stores, 19 dining options and 6 movie theaters. The attractive Mall offers a wide variety of business and service features.
Major Attractions
The 42 miles of Pacific coastline offer up spectacular views and a wide spectrum of entertainment that all translate into a certain lifestyle.
Opportunities abound to explore in the Santa Ana area. Some of the stimulating choices include: the Bowers Museum of Cultural Arts, Santa Ana Zoo, Historic Downtown Santa Ana, Santa Ana Artists’ Village, Old Courthouse Museum, and Fairhaven Memorial Park.
The Discovery Science Center is a 59,000-square-foot learning facility designed for children. The Center is dedicated to educating youth, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding. The emphasis is on appreciation of science, math and technology: more than 120 hands-on exhibits and participation in live science experiments can be explored.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
