| Park | Description |
|---|---|
| OC Zoo | Explore Orange County Zoo to see exotic creatures in well-designed habitats within 20 acres of oaks. |
| Centennial Regional Park | Enjoy a vast 220-acre park with sports fields, water park, dog zones, and scenic sunset views. |
| Wilshire Square | A compact park in the Artists Village with walking paths, lawn areas, and views of Spurgeon clock tower. |
| Birch Hills Golf Course | Play golf on a par-59 course with picturesque terrain and wildlife encounters near Santa Ana. |
| Heritage Museum of Orange County | Stroll through peaceful grounds with sculptures, rose gardens, and a Moreton Bay Fig Tree. |
| Santiago Creek Nature Preserve | Explore dirt trails, sycamore woodlands, and wildlife in this riparian preserve near Santa Ana. |
| Memory Lane Park | A park paying homage to history with nostalgic benches, musical instruments, and grassy hills. |
| Jerome Park | A large fenced dog park for off-leash play, complete with shade structure and fire hydrant. |
| Thornton Park | Host little league events and enjoy slides, water slides, and picnic areas in Portola neighborhood. |
| Delhi Park | Themed playgrounds, lawns, and play activity in the cozy Floral Park Historic District. |
| Santiago Park | Walk the interpretive mining trail, spot wildlife, and explore Santiago Oaks Regional Park. |
| Fairhaven Memorial Park | Peaceful 200-acre park with paved roads, memorials, and panoramic views near Santa Ana. |
OC Zoo
Name and Location: OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park, Orange, California.
History and Significance: OC Zoo is located within Irvine Regional Park and is home to animals native to the southwestern United States.
What to Expect: An opportunity to see and learn about regional wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and more.
Visitor Information: Check the zoo’s website for admission fees, hours of operation, and special events.
Get nose-to-nose with exotic creatures from around the globe at Orange County Zoo tucked within 20 acres of mature oaks just minutes from downtown Santa Ana. Spy playful monkeys swinging overhead along winding pathways through thoughtfully designed habitats focused on unique endangered species recovery efforts. Glimpse sleepy sloths, regal bald eagles in aviaries or adorable river otters gliding through their large pond enclosure while kids squeal delightedly. Ride the Crean Family Farm express train tour for elevated wildlife spotting before grabbing cheap eats at the snack bar.
Centennial Regional Park
Name and Location: Centennial Regional Park, Santa Ana, California.
History and Significance: A recreational park with a history of serving the community as a hub for outdoor activities and events.
What to Expect: Picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, and a lake for fishing, offering family-friendly fun.
Visitor Information: Pack a picnic, bring sports equipment, and enjoy a day at this community park.
Sprawling over 220 acres adjacent the Santa Ana River, immense Centennial Regional Park packs endless amenities into its fields keeping active families happily occupied for hours. Soccer and baseball leagues battle it out on perfectly manicured diamonds or turf pitches across the grounds. Cool off splashing down three story slides plunging into the massive water park play area on scorching days. Have a catch or play fetch with furry friends socializing in designated dog zones. Or relax taking in gorgeous sunsets behind swaying willows with the distant Saddleback Mountains painted in pinks and purples on the horizon.
Wilshire Square
Name and Location: Wilshire Square, Santa Ana, California.
History and Significance: Wilshire Square is a residential neighborhood in Santa Ana, known for its community spirit.
What to Expect: A peaceful stroll through tree-lined streets, admiring residential architecture and local charm.
Visitor Information: Take a leisurely walk to explore the neighborhood’s character and friendly atmosphere.
Thriving green space in the heart of Santa Ana’s Artists Village, compact Wilshire Square proves big things come in small urban parks. Concentric walking paths wind below the canopy of mature trees inviting contemplative strolls or baby jogs in the fresh air. Flexible lawn accommodates downtown office workers practicing yoga stretches during lunch breaks or families picnicking around bubbling fountains providing serene background noise. When the sun sets, find prime up-close views of the historic Spurgeon clock tower dramatically lit switching on as evening descends.
Birch Hills Golf Course
Name and Location: Birch Hills Golf Course, Brea, California.
History and Significance: Birch Hills Golf Course offers a scenic setting for golfers and has been a local favorite for years.
What to Expect: A challenging round of golf in a beautiful landscape with lush fairways and well-maintained greens.
Visitor Information: Book tee times in advance, and check the course’s website for rates and facilities.
Since 1957, Birch Hills Golf Course has welcomed duffers looking to sharpen short games on meticulous bent grass putting greens rolling through picturesque terrain minutes from Santa Ana proper. The par-59 executive course challenges with forced carries over barrancas, elevated tee boxes, and waivering fairways demanding accuracy. Avoid resident mule deer meandering across the links framed by mature trees and flowering bushes blooming vibrantly during springtime rounds. Don’t slice tee shots into the ponds magnetizing snapper turtles and squawking heron – easy to do on compact holes ranging 60 to 100 yards.
Heritage Museum of Orange County
Name and Location: Heritage Museum of Orange County, Santa Ana, California.
History and Significance: The museum preserves and showcases the history, culture, and heritage of Orange County.
What to Expect: Exhibits, historic buildings, and gardens that tell the story of Orange County’s past.
Visitor Information: Explore the museum’s exhibits and outdoor areas to learn about local history.
Escape urban rush strolling through the Heritage Museum’s peaceful grounds where rotating sculpture installations dot expansive lawns between soaring palms and sweet rose gardens in constant bloom. Have a catch or read in the shade of the stately Moreton Bay Fig Tree stretching skyward with knotted arms. Kids invent backyard campouts for stuffed animals using the whimsical oversized alphabet blocks. And don’t miss the picturesque Central Park Gazebo framed by the Saddleback Mountains – perfect for photo ops all dressed up without leaving town.
Santiago Creek Nature Preserve
Name and Location: Santiago Creek Nature Preserve, Orange, California.
History and Significance: A natural preserve along Santiago Creek, offering a sanctuary for local flora and fauna.
What to Expect: Hiking trails, birdwatching, and a peaceful escape into the beauty of nature.
Visitor Information: Visit for a serene outdoor experience. Check trail maps and safety guidelines.
A hidden hobbyist haven, the Santiago Creek Nature Preserve protects rare sycamore riparian woodlands straddling the winding waterway neighboring Santa Ana suburbs. Hit singletrack dirt trails to spy brilliant azure kingfishers perched streamside with bikes, binoculars or leashed doggos in tow. Hike gently rolling paths breathing in the restorative scent of coastal sage scrub and admiring wild mushrooms fruiting around the roots of heritage Valley and Live Oaks. Early birds rejoice catching glimpses of thicket-dwelling species like jackrabbits and roadrunners foraging briefly at sunrise and sunset along the preserve’s edges.
Memory Lane Park
Name and Location: Memory Lane Park, Santa Ana, California.
History and Significance: A neighborhood park offering green spaces and recreational facilities for the community.
What to Expect: Playgrounds, open fields, and a place for families to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.
Visitor Information: Ideal for a family outing or a leisurely walk in a local park setting.
Stroll down this fittingly named green space paying homage to Santa Ana’s rich history, Memory Lane Park. Have a seat on nostalgic park benches playfully designed from vintage car parts as classic hits from the 50s-80s issue softly from retro radio speakers mounted around the park. Let kids discover steel musical instruments like Sampson’s whale wall harp blending instrumental tones as you supervise slides tucked into artificial grass hills shaped like crashing waves when vitamin sea is in short supply.
Jerome Park
Name and Location: Jerome Park, Santa Ana, California.
History and Significance: Jerome Park is a neighborhood park with a history of providing recreational opportunities.
What to Expect: Picnic areas, basketball courts, and a playground for outdoor fun and relaxation.
Visitor Information: A great place for a family picnic or to enjoy outdoor sports.
Watch pooches sprint endless laps chasing tennis balls across Jerome Park’s sprawling fields designated expressly for off-leash play. Bond with fellow dog lovers trading training tips or making new four-legged friends at one of the county’s largest fenced dog parks. Humans appreciate the shade structure, plaque-mounted fire hydrant for photo ops, and clean grounds maintained by caring volunteers who value responsible pet ownership. Come celebrate your tailwagging buddy’s birthday by reserving space for a pawty with cake and goody bags included.
Thornton Park
Name and Location: Thornton Park, Santa Ana, California.
History and Significance: Thornton Park serves as a local green space for recreation and community gatherings.
What to Expect: Sports fields, playgrounds, and a peaceful atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Visitor Information: Bring sports equipment and enjoy a day at this community park.
Packed with amenities in the Portola neighborhood, Thornton Park keeps Santa Ana little leagues happily hosted on fields for ages tee-ball through competitive tournaments. Practice balance bicycling down gentle slopes or test skills ascending rocky wall climbing structures connected by rope bridges. Cool off on sweltering days getting soaked plunging down curvy water slides or wading through bubbler fountains. Host family fête with charcoal grills sizzling sausages and bounce houses inflating for special occasions easily with reservable picnic areas throughout the grounds.
Delhi Park
Name and Location: Delhi Park, Santa Ana, California.
History and Significance: Delhi Park is a local park that has provided recreational space for the community.
What to Expect: Sports courts, playgrounds, and green areas for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Visitor Information: A suitable place for outdoor sports and picnics with family and friends.
In the heart of Santa Ana’s cozy Floral Park Historic District lined with charming Storybook-style cottages, compact Delhi Park bursts with play activity. Kids flock to themed playgrounds with pirate ships for conquering the high seas or rockets ready to launch into space at a moment’s notice. Adults appreciate the walking loops circling verdant lawns shaded under mature trees, perfect for testing out new sneakers or stroller wheels. On sunny weekends, join friends or neighbors relaxing at park-side patio tables for spirited games of checkers and dominos.
Santiago Park
Name and Location: Santiago Park, Santa Ana, California.
History and Significance: Santiago Park is a local green space that has served as a recreational area for generations.
What to Expect: Walking paths, sports facilities, and natural beauty for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitor Information: Enjoy a leisurely walk or engage in sports activities at this community park.
Walk back in time along interpretive mining trail loops passing remnants ofNickel mining heritage at scenic Santiago Oaks Regional Park situated on acres of rolling grasslands with panoramic views across orange groves. Venture out early morning or dusk when prolific wildlife like graceful deer, busy squirrels, and chattering songbirds frequent the oak woodlands. Let junior rangers get hands dirty digging for fossils or pan for minerals glinting along the creek beds nourishing giant sycamore trees scattered throughout the habitat.
Fairhaven Memorial Park
Name and Location: Fairhaven Memorial Park, Santa Ana, California.
History and Significance: A historic cemetery and memorial park with a legacy of honoring those who have passed.
What to Expect: Serene grounds, beautiful sculptures, and a place for reflection and remembrance.
Visitor Information: Visit to pay respects, explore the artistry of the memorials, and find solace in the surroundings.
While not your typical recreation grounds, Fairhaven Memorial Park’s impeccably maintained 200 acres actually offer wonderful respite amidst the bustle of Santa Ana and neighboring Costa Mesa. Paved roads weave through peaceful grounds filled with blossoming trees, songful birds, and gorgeous panoramic views of Catalina Island visible on clear days. Have meaningful exchanges strolling contemplatively to pay respects at memorials honoring past presidents, war heroes, and other legendary Americans laid to rest here. When needing an escape without going far, look no further for idyllic scenery focused on remembrance.