Santa Ana Arts District - grey and brown concrete building during daytime
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Santa Ana Arts District

4.6
·447 reviews·Santa Ana, United States

A vibrant hub of creativity, culture, and culinary delights in Orange County, known for its stunning murals and lively atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend evenings

Bars, music, and social dancing come alive

CrowdHigh
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Santa Ana Arts District - grey and brown concrete building during daytime

Santa Ana Arts District

Best Time

Weekend evenings

Bars, music, and social dancing come alive

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant hub of creativity, culture, and culinary delights in Orange County, known for its stunning murals and lively atmosphere.

4.6
(447 reviews)

"Cool area with bars, live music, restaurants and great graffiti art."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎨 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!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Street Art & Murals

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

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

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

Lola Gaspar

Savor authentic Mexican-inspired bites and artisanal mezcal & tequila cocktails in a lively setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Artsy Vibe

Dive into the vibrant Santa Ana Arts District (DTSA) for a unique SoCal experience. Explore galleries, street art, and a lively food scene. Perfect for creatives and those seeking culture.

Plan for Evening Excitement

Many visitors highlight the district's energetic nightlife, with bars, live music, and social dancing. Consider visiting later in the day to catch the full atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Weekend evenings
Why
Bars, music, and social dancing come alive
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Explore galleries and street art peacefully
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Enjoy brunch and local vendor markets
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Join us for an #ApartmentTour of the brand new RAFFERTY apartments in Downtown Santa Ana’s historical art district. This building features luxury amenities in the heart of Orange County. Thanks Melissa for giving us an awesome VIP tour! #OCApartments #OrangeCountyApartments #OrangeCounty #DTSA #SantaAna #SantaAnaApartments #OCLiving #OCluxury #Rafferty #RaffertyApartments
@laurenlikeralphlauren
303 likes • 19.1K views

🎨 Explore the Street Art

Wander the streets to discover incredible murals and graffiti art. Keep an eye out for student-created pieces too! Instagram+1

🎶 Catch Live Music

Many venues offer live music, especially on weekends. Check local listings for rockabilly, salsa, and more! TikTokInstagram

The Santora Building is a historic landmark located in downtown Santa Ana, California, at 207 N Broadway. Designed by architect Frank Lansdowne, construction began on July 7, 1928, and the building was completed in 1929. It showcases the Spanish Colonial Revival style, specifically the ornate Churrigueresque variant, characterized by elaborate stucco work, decorative ironwork, and arched entrances...
@smartmusepiano
42 likes • 958 views
Artist Glen Arnett tells us about his work in our current exhibit Surely You Jest. #humorinart #theabsurdinart #contemporaryart #contemporaryartists #artgallery #artexhibitions #santaanaartsdistrict #downtownsantaana #dtsa
occcart
21 likes • 359 views

🌮 Taste Unique Flavors

From matcha conchas to authentic Mexican bites, the food scene is diverse and delicious. TikTok+1

🕹️ Fun Date Night Spot

Combine brunch, arcade games, and art for a perfect date day or night at McFadden Public Market. TikTok

From the sketchbook to the streets 🎨🧱 Primer down. Base coat set. The mural begins🔥 Our Graffiti Arts Program just made its mark in Downtown Santa Ana. After weeks of planning and prep in the classroom and district office, our students are officially hitting the streets– The wall is becoming their canvas, and we can’t wait to see their vision come to life! #sausd #sausdarts #artsed #artseducatio...
sausdarts
0 likes • 14K views

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! Instagram+1

🎶 Catch Live Music

Many venues offer live music, especially on weekends. Check local listings for rockabilly, salsa, and more! TikTokInstagram

🌮 Taste Unique Flavors

From matcha conchas to authentic Mexican bites, the food scene is diverse and delicious. TikTok+1

🕹️ Fun Date Night Spot

Combine brunch, arcade games, and art for a perfect date day or night at McFadden Public Market. TikTok

📸 Photographers' Paradise

The district offers fantastic backdrops for photoshoots, with studios available for rent. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(447 reviews)

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

Vibrant street art
Diverse food scene
Lively nightlife

What People Dislike

Parking can be challenging

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, the district is very walkable, with many restaurants, shops, and galleries clustered together. It's ideal for exploring on foot. Reddit

OCTA buses serve the Downtown Santa Ana area, making it accessible via public transit. Check the OCTA website for specific routes and schedules. TikTok

Many visitors report feeling safe walking around the district, noting its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to other attractions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. TikTok

Most galleries in the Santa Ana Arts District are free to enter and browse. Special exhibits or events might have a fee. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

🎫 🎨 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. TikTokInstagram+1

The district features a diverse range of art, including large-scale murals, graffiti art, contemporary pieces in galleries, and artisan crafts. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The murals and unique architecture provide endless photo opportunities. The Space OC is also a popular rental studio for creatives. TikTokInstagram

It's known for its artsy, energetic, and 'up-and-coming' feel, blending culture, history, and a strong food scene. TikTok

Yes, McFadden Public Market offers games and diverse food options. The general atmosphere and street art can also be enjoyed by families. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok+2

You'll find a wide array of cuisines, including authentic Mexican, trendy cafes, and diverse options at McFadden Public Market. TikTokReddit

Yes, several spots offer brunch, often accompanied by live music or special drinks like mimosas. TikTokInstagram

Many reviews mention good food at reasonable prices, with a good selection of spots within walking distance. Reddit

The district offers unique SoCal flavors and a lively atmosphere, making dining an experience beyond just the food. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant murals and street art are prime photography subjects. The historic Santora Building and the unique architecture also offer great shots. TikTokInstagram

Yes, photographing the murals is encouraged and a popular activity. Daytime provides the best lighting. Instagram

Yes, The Space OC is a creative studio space available for rent, perfect for photographers, makeup artists, and brands. TikTok

The California Center for Digital Arts offers hands-on camera courses, ideal for improving photography skills. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Santa Ana Arts District offers a surprisingly family-friendly experience. McFadden Public Market is a fantastic hub with diverse food options and arcade games that kids will love. TikTok The vibrant street art and murals provide a colorful and engaging visual experience for all ages. Instagram While exploring, you can find unique shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere, making it a fun outing for the whole family. TikTok

🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Creatives

This district is a dream for art lovers. Immerse yourself in the ever-evolving street art scene, discovering new murals around every corner. Instagram+1 Explore independent galleries showcasing contemporary works and consider taking a photography class at the California Center for Digital Arts. Instagram For those needing a creative space, The Space OC offers rental studios. TikTok

🍽️ Foodies & Drink Connoisseurs

Prepare your taste buds for a treat! Dive into the diverse culinary landscape, from authentic Mexican flavors at Lola Gaspar to unique treats like matcha conchas at Pan y Café. TikTok+1 McFadden Public Market is a must-visit for sampling a variety of local food vendors. TikTok Don't miss the chance to try artisanal mezcal and tequila cocktails for a true taste of the region. TikTok

🌃 Night Owls & Entertainment Seekers

When the sun goes down, DTSA lights up. Enjoy the lively bar scene and live music venues that offer a variety of genres. Instagram If you love to dance, look for social dancing events like salsa and bachata. TikTok The district's energetic atmosphere makes it a great spot for a fun night out with friends. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art Scene: Murals, Galleries, and More

The Santa Ana Arts District is a canvas for creativity, renowned for its dynamic street art scene. Vibrant murals adorn buildings throughout the district, transforming ordinary walls into extraordinary works of art. These pieces range from large-scale, colorful creations to intricate graffiti art, showcasing the talent of local and visiting artists. Instagram+1 Many of these murals are created through programs like the Graffiti Arts Program, where students get to bring their visions to life on the streets. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram You can also find unique artisan crafts and art pieces in the local shops, especially during weekend vendor markets. Reddit 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. Instagram The Santora Building, a historic architectural gem, also adds to the artistic ambiance of the area. TikTok

Culinary Delights: A Taste of DTSA

The Santa Ana Arts District boasts a thriving food scene, offering a delightful array of unique flavors and dining experiences. McFadden Public Market is a popular spot, bringing together diverse food vendors under one roof, perfect for casual dining and sampling various cuisines. TikTok Visitors rave about the good food at reasonable prices, with many establishments within walking distance of each other. Reddit

For those seeking specific culinary adventures, Pan y Café is a must-visit for its delicious treats like matcha conchas. TikTok 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. TikTok The district also offers great options for brunch, often accompanied by live music, making it a perfect weekend destination. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

Nightlife and Entertainment

As the sun sets, the Santa Ana Arts District truly comes alive with its energetic nightlife and entertainment options. The district is known for its bars, live music venues, and social dancing spots, offering a lively atmosphere for evening outings. TikTokInstagram Visitors often highlight the great late-night scene, making it a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the evening. Reddit

For those who love to dance, you can find social dancing events, including salsa and bachata, that run into the evening. TikTok Many venues feature live music, ranging from rockabilly to other genres, adding to the vibrant ambiance. Instagram The combination of good music, drinks, and a buzzing crowd creates a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike. TikTok

The district offers a variety of places to 'vibe to,' ensuring there's something for everyone looking for entertainment. Reddit It's a place where you can enjoy good company, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere well into the night. TikTok

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