Neighborhoods
Santa Ana is home to 65 neighborhoods hosting year-round events and activities, which bring together a diverse community of residents and visitors. Neighborhoods range from college districts to historic enclaves brimming with architectural treasures to chic, modern developments — all offering their own special character and ease of access to local businesses and entertainment venues.
Downtown Santa Ana, CA
Upon exploring downtown Santa Ana’s historic and eclectic streets, you’ll discover a range of cultural entertainment and food and beverage offerings with events and gatherings hosted year-round.
There are a few sub-districts in the Downtown Santa Ana neighborhood, each offering a unique flavor and personality — including the Civic Center District, the Artists Village, Calle Cuatro (4th Street), and the East End.
From regular happenings, like the Downtown Santa Ana Artwalk hosted each first Saturday of the month, to an impressive lineup of local restaurants constantly innovating and updating their offerings, to a mix of shops ranging from small, locally-owned boutiques to eclectic art galleries, record stores, and book shops — it’s a neighborhood perfect for exploring while soaking in the sunny Southern California weather.
French Park
French Park is one of Santa Ana’s oldest neighborhoods and is known for its historic charm and diverse mix of tight-knit community members. This 20-square-block district sits just northeast of downtown in a central location, with walkable access to multiple restaurants and entertainment options. You’ll encounter rows of storybook streets lined with lush landscaping and Victorian, Neoclassical, craftsman bungalow-style, and Colonial Revival homes — taking you back to a simpler era.
Floral Park
The Floral Park area of Santa Ana is known for its strong neighborhood feeling and charming custom homes. More than 100 homes in Floral Park have stood the test of time, and the neighborhood recently earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the community camaraderie, Floral Park offers easy access to downtown Santa Ana’s walkable lineup of impressive local businesses, including restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College, which is part of The Rancho Santiago Community College District, dates back more than a century, having been first established in the early 1900s. The college offers several programs leading to a range of associate degrees in Arts and Sciences and vocational certificates.
It was the educational launching point for several well-known alumni — including actor Steve Martin, actress and director Diane Keaton, NFL American football star Al Carmichael, and professional soccer player Jose Vasquez — among other talented former students.
Santa Ana College is also home to the Tessmann Planetarium, a state-of-the-art system that is the largest (both in diameter at 30 feet and seating capacity) planetarium in Orange County.
Those are just a few of the many neighborhoods to discover in Santa Ana, California.
