Santa Ana City Guide

Mexican food is a highlight with many taquerias and family eateries. There's good variety from Asia and Latin America. Vegan and vegetarian options are increasingly common. Food options are available late, especially downtown.

Downtown has bars, breweries, and live music spots with a growing scene.

The coffee scene is developing with local and chain cafes, especially downtown. Specialty roasters are emerging.

Tipping is expected for many services. Restaurants and rideshares tip around 15-20%. Hotel staff usually get $2-5 per service.

You can buy SIM cards at carrier stores like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon or at Best Buy. Prepaid SIMs usually don't require ID.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood, but downtown is generally well-kept. Waste and recycling services are regular.

Some pharmacies, minimarts, and fast food places operate 24/7 or late. Urgent care centers have extended hours but few night clinics.

Supermarkets stock a good range of international products, especially Hispanic and Asian. Fresh produce markets are popular too.

Most places accept cards; you rarely need cash here.

ATMs are easy to find at banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Expect fees of about $2.50 to $5 for out-of-network ATMs.

Local schools include Santa Ana High and Segerstrom High. International schools are mostly nearby in Irvine. Schools are mainly English with some bilingual options.

The digital nomad scene is small here but growing in Orange County. Meetups happen mostly through wider tech groups.

Parks like Centennial and Santiago offer shaded paths and good spots for running and walking.

Popular routes include the Santa Ana River Trail and Santiago Park. It's generally safe with running clubs nearby.

Several gyms are available with good facilities.

Public and private tennis courts are available with coaching and easy access.

Padel is growing locally with some dedicated courts in the county.

There are many yoga studios with English-speaking instructors offering drop-in and membership classes.

There are dojos for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, Taekwondo, and Karate. English-speaking teachers are common.

Ski resorts like Big Bear and Snow Valley are about 1.5-2 hours away. Season runs late November to April.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and jet skiing are popular in Newport Harbor and nearby bays.

Surfing spots are common along the Orange County coast, suitable for beginners and advanced surfers. Fall and winter offer better swells.

Diving around Laguna Beach and Catalina Island is good in summer and fall with rental gear and certification nearby.

Hospitals with English-speaking staff include Orange County Global Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common with drive-thru options.

Tap water is safe and meets all state and federal standards.

There are parks and kid-friendly spots like Santa Ana Zoo and Discovery Cube. Baby supplies are found at big stores like Target.

Santa Ana is LGBTQ+ friendly with safe spaces downtown and active community groups.

Many parks and some eateries allow pets. Veterinary and pet supply services are easy to find.