We’re Uncovering the Hidden Gems and Local Favorites That Make This City Shine
Over the years, Santa Ana has earned itself the nickname “downtown of Orange County” but is now often overshadowed by coastal cities and theme parks. Rediscover why locals love this historical town and uncover new hotspots that are putting Santa Ana back on the map. From the best pizza in town to nostalgic cinemas and local gift shops, Santa Ana is a jack of all trades. The vibe is a mix of funky and folk, with a rustic charm and an art scene that includes 200 murals throughout the city. Whether you’re visiting or you’re a local, we’ve rounded up a complete guide of what to do and where to dine and shop in Santa Ana.
DINE
Benchmark Restaurant
A dinner at Benchmark is synonymous with a night out in Santa Ana. The cuisine at this charming, seasonal restaurant is uniquely Californian, with a market-driven menu and an atmosphere that’s as cozy as dining in a friend’s backyard. Owners Duane Greenleaf and Pedro Arizmendi invite guests to stay a while and indulge in good conversation and even better food.
So, what’s the recipe for a perfect night out at this Santa Ana restaurant? Start with the dynamic duo of sheep ricotta and sweet corn and shrimp risotto. The sheep ricotta is slightly sweet with housemade blueberry compote and chili honey, while the sweet corn & shrimp risotto is heartier. For mains, we recommend the crispy skin branzino. The tomato-saffron broth makes the fish tender without losing the char. For the ultimate summer flavors, order the chorizo goat cheese flatbread with basil-shishito relish, and don’t leave without trying the lemon lava cake! The menu is seasonal, so hurry over and snag a seat on the intimate,tree-filled patio because these flavors won’t stick around for long.
Local Insight: Ready to dig in? Read more about this quaint Santa Ana outpost here!
Hidden House Coffee
When you find yourself in Santa Ana, there’s no better place to start your morning than at the brick building on the corner of Santa Ana Boulevard. Look for the bold white letters that read “coffee” on the building’s exterior, or follow the scent of fresh brews to this neighborhood hub. The rustic vibe of Hidden House Coffee matches downtown Santa Ana’s old-school charm, and the tree-shaded courtyard is where locals sip their morning drip. Their iced strawberry matcha is the drink of the summer, and for something coffee-forward, we love a simple Americano.
Loosies Pizza
The flavors of New York have arrived on the Santa Ana scene. Loosies serves thin-crust pizza by the slice with a side of punk rock. These tasty triangles have been Santa Ana’s secret for years but couldn’t be overlooked for long. Whether you’re craving a single slice after a late night at the pub or you’re picking up pies for a party, Loosies consistently delivers crispy crust and savory sauces. The White Ferrari with roasted garlic and creamy ricotta earned itself a permanent spot on the menu, but Wednesdays are the days to drop by for pop-up appearances by local chefs.
Jaliscos Ice Cream
Let us introduce you to your new favorite (dessert) sandwich. It’s a combo of hot and cold in a concha roll, and spoiler alert: the filling is your favorite flavor of ice cream! Jaliscos is a Mexican ice cream shop that serves hot ice cream sandos straight from the fryer. Pick from a selection of freshly baked concha rolls and pair it with a scoop of Mexican candy (or cocktail) flavored ice creams! Each sandwich is hot-pressed for a warm, pillowy-soft bun and creamy, cold center. But that’s not all. Jaliscos also serves mini pancakes for dessert and Mexican-flavored popsicles.
SHOP
M.Lovewell
Shop all things stationery at M.Lovewell. This picture-perfect paper goods store on 4th Street is fun to browse and will meet all your stationery needs. Greeting cards line the walls, and notebook displays have you itching for old-school pen and paper to-do lists. It’s a great shop for gifting and most of the products are hand-selected from Japan. But M.Lovewell is more than just a paper goods store. Check their online calendar for weekly workshops designed to spark creativity and engage the community. From watercolor classes to fiber art, their workshops might just put you on to a new hobby or two.
THEM SKATES
He was a skater boy; she said see you at THEM SKATES, boy! THEM SKATES is Santa Ana’s trendy skate shop, but we aren’t talking boards. This shop is for roller skate gurus with a ‘90s grunge aesthetic. You can shop for branded wheels in five sizes and pants that complete the skater fit and even grab coffee at their independently-owned downtown store. Their 909 skates mix form and function for sturdy support that’ll have you rollin’ in style. You’ll even find lifestyle products that fit the ‘90s vibe, so even if you’re not into skating, THEM SKATES is worth a visit.
Collective 2one9
Collective 2one9 is a market of local makers that is consciously curated to carry some of the best gifts in Santa Ana. There’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re in the market for a good meat rub or a new pair of sunglasses. We love this collection of shops because it’s not a pop-up, so you can find what you need at any time of year. It’s a fun place to peruse, and shoppers are bound to find at least one thing they can’t leave without! For all things disco-cowgirl, head to Taly Co., and for something sweet to snack on, pop by Gud Candy.
DO
The Santa Ana Zoo
Monkeys, anteaters and two-toed sloths call Santa Ana their home at The Santa Ana Zoo. This unassuming local sanctuary is known for primate conservation and is great for young families. Exploring all the exhibits only takes about two hours, and the onsite cafe caters to kids with animal-shaped sandwiches. Don’t worry—there are also iced coffees for the parents! This summer, the zoo’s main attraction is the butterfly experience. Guests can enter the lush home of hundreds of tropical butterflies to study their colors and movements. Wear bright clothing to attract pollinators and snap a pic when they land!
DTSA First Saturday Art Walk
One night of the month, the entire block of downtown Santa Ana becomes a museum. Join locals for the DTSA First Saturday Art Walk on the first Saturday of the month between 5 and 10 p.m. There’s live music and dancing under the stars, along with over 20 galleries to pop in and out of. Start at The Frida Cinema and make your way downtown, where mural-painted buildings add to the ambiance. The historic Santora Arts Building is one of our favorite stops, and be ready to shop because market vendors pop up to make the art walk a full-fledged event.
Cinematic Nostalgia at The Frida Cinema
The Frida Cinema is a classic theater in Santa Ana that brings back movie nostalgia with year-round showings of everyone’s favorite films. A vintage marquee displays nightly showings and the lobby is decorated with murals of iconic film stars. The show rooms themselves are humble. While they may not have reclining seats and IMAX features, locals say The Frida has something more. This non-profit keeps the art of film alive. Head to the theater for upcoming screenings of “Mamma Mia!”, “Back to the Future” and “West Side Story.” Pro tip: Pizza at Loosies and a movie at The Frida make for the perfect Friday date night.
Taste Your Way Through 4th Street Market
Calling all foodies to 4th Street Market! This festival of foods spans cuisines from France to Thailand and prides itself in being adventurous in flavor. With a wide variety of vendors, this culinary paradise can be a go-to for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Our favorites include The Chicken Rice for comforting Thai food, La Vegana Mexicana for plant-based tamales and Recess by Playground for craft cocktails. One day just won’t do it. Map out a market schedule to taste your way through Santa Ana’s foodie scene.
