Santa Ana Arts District
A vibrant hub of creativity, culture, and culinary delights in Orange County, known for its stunning murals and lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bars, music, and social dancing come alive
Santa Ana Arts District
Best Time
Bars, music, and social dancing come alive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub of creativity, culture, and culinary delights in Orange County, known for its stunning murals and lively atmosphere.
"Cool area with bars, live music, restaurants and great graffiti art."
🎨 Explore the Street Art
Wander the streets to discover incredible murals and graffiti art. Keep an eye out for student-created pieces too!
🎶 Catch Live Music
Many venues offer live music, especially on weekends. Check local listings for rockabilly, salsa, and more!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Street Art & Murals
Discover colorful murals and graffiti art that transform the streets into an open-air gallery. A feast for the eyes!

Historic Santora Building
207 N Broadway
Admire the stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of this 1929 landmark. A true piece of history.

McFadden Public Market
A hub for diverse food vendors, arcade games, and local boutiques. Great for a casual bite or a fun date.

Lola Gaspar
Savor authentic Mexican-inspired bites and artisanal mezcal & tequila cocktails in a lively setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Artsy Vibe
Plan for Evening Excitement
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎨 Explore the Street Art
Wander the streets to discover incredible murals and graffiti art. Keep an eye out for student-created pieces too!
🎶 Catch Live Music
Many venues offer live music, especially on weekends. Check local listings for rockabilly, salsa, and more!
🌮 Taste Unique Flavors
From matcha conchas to authentic Mexican bites, the food scene is diverse and delicious.
🕹️ Fun Date Night Spot
Combine brunch, arcade games, and art for a perfect date day or night at McFadden Public Market.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 Explore the Street Art
Wander the streets to discover incredible murals and graffiti art. Keep an eye out for student-created pieces too!
🎶 Catch Live Music
Many venues offer live music, especially on weekends. Check local listings for rockabilly, salsa, and more!
🌮 Taste Unique Flavors
From matcha conchas to authentic Mexican bites, the food scene is diverse and delicious.
🕹️ Fun Date Night Spot
Combine brunch, arcade games, and art for a perfect date day or night at McFadden Public Market.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
The district offers fantastic backdrops for photoshoots, with studios available for rent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Santa Ana Arts District for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse food options, and impressive street art. It's seen as a cool, safe area with plenty to do for families and adults alike, offering a unique SoCal experience with good value.
"What a great experience with the Lowrider community. It was great to see they had their families with them and few had their sons in the front seat....very cool everyone out cruising having a great time."
RUTHLESS CW
"Cool area with bars, live music, restaurants and great graffiti art."
Philip Segal
"Nice place for family and the night screen has a verity"
DON REY
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Santa Ana Arts District (DTSA) is centrally located in Orange County. It's accessible by car, with parking available in various lots and street parking. Public transportation options like OCTA buses also serve the area.
Parking can be found in public lots and on the street, though it can get busy on weekends. Some visitors suggest researching parking options beforehand.
Yes, the district is very walkable, with many restaurants, shops, and galleries clustered together. It's ideal for exploring on foot.
OCTA buses serve the Downtown Santa Ana area, making it accessible via public transit. Check the OCTA website for specific routes and schedules.
Many visitors report feeling safe walking around the district, noting its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to other attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Santa Ana Arts District itself is a public area. Entry to the streets, murals, and general atmosphere is free. Individual galleries, shops, or ticketed events may have their own admission fees.
The district is always accessible, but individual businesses and galleries have their own operating hours. Many shops and restaurants are open daily, with extended hours on weekends.
Most galleries in the Santa Ana Arts District are free to enter and browse. Special exhibits or events might have a fee.
The Santora Building is a historic landmark and its exterior can be admired. Some businesses operate within it, but it's not a public museum.
Murals can be viewed at any time, but daytime offers the best light for photography. Some murals are illuminated at night, offering a different perspective.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the vibrant street art and murals, the historic Santora Building, McFadden Public Market for food and games, and the unique shops and galleries.
The district features a diverse range of art, including large-scale murals, graffiti art, contemporary pieces in galleries, and artisan crafts.
Absolutely! The murals and unique architecture provide endless photo opportunities. The Space OC is also a popular rental studio for creatives.
It's known for its artsy, energetic, and 'up-and-coming' feel, blending culture, history, and a strong food scene.
Yes, McFadden Public Market offers games and diverse food options. The general atmosphere and street art can also be enjoyed by families.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lola Gaspar is highly recommended for its mezcal, tequila cocktails, and Mexican-inspired dishes. Pan y Café offers delicious treats like matcha conchas. McFadden Public Market has a variety of food vendors.
You'll find a wide array of cuisines, including authentic Mexican, trendy cafes, and diverse options at McFadden Public Market.
Yes, several spots offer brunch, often accompanied by live music or special drinks like mimosas.
Many reviews mention good food at reasonable prices, with a good selection of spots within walking distance.
The district offers unique SoCal flavors and a lively atmosphere, making dining an experience beyond just the food.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant murals and street art are prime photography subjects. The historic Santora Building and the unique architecture also offer great shots.
Yes, photographing the murals is encouraged and a popular activity. Daytime provides the best lighting.
Yes, The Space OC is a creative studio space available for rent, perfect for photographers, makeup artists, and brands.
The California Center for Digital Arts offers hands-on camera courses, ideal for improving photography skills.
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the colors of the murals and the details of the architecture. Golden hour can also provide beautiful light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Creatives
🍽️ Foodies & Drink Connoisseurs
🌃 Night Owls & Entertainment Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Scene: Murals, Galleries, and More
Beyond the street art, the district is home to numerous art galleries and studios. The California Center for Digital Arts offers photography classes, while spaces like The Space OC provide rental studios for creatives. You can also find unique artisan crafts and art pieces in the local shops, especially during weekend vendor markets. The district truly offers a diverse artistic experience for every visitor.
For those interested in the history and context of the art, keep an eye out for exhibits that explore themes like humor in art or the absurd. The Santora Building, a historic architectural gem, also adds to the artistic ambiance of the area.
Culinary Delights: A Taste of DTSA
For those seeking specific culinary adventures, Pan y Café is a must-visit for its delicious treats like matcha conchas. Lola Gaspar stands out for its authentic Mexican-inspired bites and an impressive selection of mezcal and tequila cocktails, creating a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night out. The district also offers great options for brunch, often accompanied by live music, making it a perfect weekend destination.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a unique cocktail, or a full dining experience, the Santa Ana Arts District provides a flavorful journey for every palate. The variety ensures you can find something to satisfy any craving, making it a true culinary hotspot in Orange County.
Nightlife and Entertainment
For those who love to dance, you can find social dancing events, including salsa and bachata, that run into the evening. Many venues feature live music, ranging from rockabilly to other genres, adding to the vibrant ambiance. The combination of good music, drinks, and a buzzing crowd creates a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike.
The district offers a variety of places to 'vibe to,' ensuring there's something for everyone looking for entertainment. It's a place where you can enjoy good company, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere well into the night.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit