Santa Ana, CA: Ultimate Local’s Guide to Attractions, Food and Fun (2024)

Hey there, fellow cannabis enthusiasts and Santa Ana explorers! As a seasoned budtender at From The Earth, I’m stoked to give you the lowdown on our awesome city. Santa Ana isn’t just any SoCal spot – it’s a melting pot of culture, history, and some seriously chill vibes. So, grab your favorite strain, and let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to Santa Ana!

Table of Contents

• Uncover Santa Ana’s Rich History
• Must-Visit Attractions
• Thriving Arts and Culture Scene
• Outdoor Adventures
• Local Flavors and Dining
• The Ultimate Santa Ana Bar Guide
• Nightlife and Entertainment
• Cannabis Culture
• Annual Events
• Hidden Gems
• Shop Local
• Plan Your Visit

Uncover Santa Ana’s Rich History

• Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum: Step back in time at this Victorian-era home turned museum.
• Old Orange County Courthouse: A stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture and a glimpse into early 20th-century California.
• Heritage Museum of Orange County: Dive into exhibits showcasing Santa Ana’s journey from ranch to urban center.
• Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society: Join one of their walking tours to really get a feel for the city’s history.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Discovery Cube OC: Hands-on science exhibits that’ll blow your mind (and your kids’ minds too).
• Bowers Museum: From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, this place is a cultural goldmine.
• Santa Ana Zoo: Home to over 150 animals, including some seriously cute monkeys.
• Lyon Air Museum: Vintage planes, classic cars, and military vehicles – a gearhead’s paradise.
• MainPlace Mall: For when you need a shopping fix or just want to beat the SoCal heat.

Thriving Arts and Culture Scene

• Artists Village: A hub of galleries, studios, and theaters in Downtown Santa Ana.
• Grand Central Art Center: Contemporary art exhibitions and events that’ll make you think.
• Santora Arts Building: Historic building housing artist studios and galleries.
• Orange County Center for Contemporary Art: Cutting-edge exhibits from local and international artists.
• Monthly Artwalk: Live music, food trucks, and local art every first Saturday of the month.

Outdoor Adventures

• Santiago Park: Hiking trails, bike paths, and even a nature center.
• Santa Ana River Trail: Perfect for a long bike ride or a chill walk.
• Centennial Park: Great spot for a picnic or a game of frisbee.
• Jerome Park: Basketball courts, playgrounds, and plenty of space to relax.
• Thornton Park: Beautiful rose garden and a great place for a morning jog.

Local Flavors and Dining

• 4th Street Market: Food hall with everything from gourmet burgers to vegan delights.
• Playground: Innovative small plates and craft cocktails.
• Taco Maria: High-end Mexican cuisine that’ll blow your taste buds away.
• Lola Gaspar: Tapas and craft cocktails in a cozy setting.
• Irenia: Modern Filipino cuisine that’s getting national attention.
• Wursthaus: Craft beer and gourmet sausages – need I say more?

The Ultimate Santa Ana Bar Guide

1. Chapter One: The Modern Local
   • Vibe: Hipster chic with a killer cocktail menu
   • Must-try: Their seasonal craft cocktails
   • Happy Hour: Mon-Fri, 3-6 PM
2. Native Son Alehouse
   • Vibe: Rooftop beer garden with a great view
   • Must-try: Their rotating craft beer selection
   • Happy Hour: Tue-Fri, 4-7 PM
3. The Good Beer Company
   • Vibe: Laid-back brewery with experimental beers
   • Must-try: Whatever sour beer they have on tap
   • Happy Hour: Thu-Fri, 4-7 PM
4. Vacation Bar
   • Vibe: Tiki-inspired cocktail bar
   • Must-try: The Zombie (limit 2 per person!)
   • Happy Hour: Tue-Fri, 5-7 PM
5. The Copper Door
   • Vibe: Underground speakeasy with live music
   • Must-try: Their Moscow Mule
   • Happy Hour: Wed-Sat, 5-8 PM
6. Blinking Owl Distillery
   • Vibe: Craft distillery with a cozy tasting room
   • Must-try: Their vodka flight
   • Happy Hour: Fri-Sat, 4-6 PM
7. Mission Bar
   • Vibe: Dive bar with a friendly crowd
   • Must-try: Their signature shot and beer combo
   • Happy Hour: Daily, 4-7 PM

Nightlife and Entertainment

• The Observatory: Catch live shows from up-and-coming and established artists.
• Yost Theater: Historic venue hosting everything from EDM nightsto comedy shows.
• Constellation Room: Intimate venue for indie and alternative acts.
• Proof Bar: Great spot for dancing and strong drinks.
• Original Mike’s: Live music and karaoke in a historic setting.

Cannabis Culture

As a budtender, I’ve got to rep our thriving cannabis scene. At From The Earth, we’ve got everything you need:

• Flower: Top-shelf strains for every preference.
• Cartridges: Discreet and convenient vaping options.
• Edibles: From gummies to chocolates and everything in between.
• Prerolls: Perfect for sharing or solo sessions.
• Extracts: For the concentrate connoisseurs.
• Tinctures: Sublingual options for precise dosing.
• Pills: For those who prefer a more traditional method.
• Topicals: Creams and balms for localized relief.
• Beverages: Infused drinks for a different kind of buzz.
• Merchandise: Rep your favorite dispensary with our branded gear.

Annual Events

• Cinco de Mayo Festival: Massive street fair celebrating Mexican-American culture.
• Santa Ana Art Walk: Monthly event showcasing local artists.
• OC Pride: Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a colorful parade and festival.
• Fiestas Patrias: Mexican Independence Day celebration with food, music, and dancing.
• Boca de Oro Festival: Literature and art festival featuring workshops and performances.

Hidden Gems

• Logan Creative: Industrial park turned artist collective with open studios.
• Gypsy Den: Quirky cafe with live music and poetry readings.
• Rags News Stand: Old-school newsstand with a massive selection of magazines and newspapers.
• Birch Park: Small park with a beautiful water feature, perfect for a quiet afternoon.
• El Centro Cultural de Mexico: Community space offering classes in traditional Mexican arts.

Shop Local

Supporting local businesses is crucial for Santa Ana’s economy and culture. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce: Find local businesses and services.
• Shop Local Campaign: Join the movement to support Santa Ana’s unique businesses.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re here for the history, the culture, the food, or the cannabis, Santa Ana’s got you covered. From chill parks to bumping nightclubs, from world-class museums to hole-in-the-wall taquerias, our city has something for everyone.

Remember, if you’re partaking in our cannabis offerings, always consume responsibly and never drive under the influence. Use rideshare services or designate a sober driver to explore our awesome bar scene safely.

For more info on our cannabis products or to place an order, swing by From The Earth. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect product for your needs.

So what are you waiting for? Come experience Santa Ana like a local. Trust me, once you get a taste of our city, you’ll never want to leave!