Santa Ana FAQs
Q: Where is Santa Ana located?
A: Located in Orange County, Santa Ana is 35 miles south of Los Angeles and roughly 10 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean.
Q: What is the origin of the Santa Ana winds?
A. The name "Santa Ana Winds" comes from the Santa Ana Canyon in Orange County, which is NOT located in the City of Santa Ana. Santa Ana Canyon, the Santa Ana River, and the City of Santa Ana are so named because the Portolá expedition entered the valley on Saint Anne's feast day in 1769.
The Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry winds originating inland and affecting coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. They originate from the Great Basin's cool, dry, high-pressure air masses. The Santa Ana Canyon is one of the many locations where the winds blow intensely.
Q: What is the population of Santa Ana?
A: With a total population of over 310,000, Santa Ana is Orange County’s second largest city and serves as the county governmental seat.
Q: What is Santa Ana best known for?
A: Nicknamed the "Downtown of Orange County," Santa Ana is home to the county's governmental offices. The city is known for its diversity, Mexican restaurants, and arts and culture, including over 200 murals.
Q: Is Santa Ana cannabis friendly?
A: Santa Ana is the first Orange County city to permit recreational marijuana sales.
Q: Is Santa Ana walkable?
A: Downtown Santa Ana is the heart of the city. It's a vibrant area with historic buildings like the Old Orange County Courthouse. Downtown Santa Ana has many cool shops, restaurants, bars, and theaters. It's also the most walkable neighborhood in Santa Ana, with a Walk Score of 89.
Q: What is the typical weather in Santa Ana?
A: Located in Southern California, our typical weather is sunny and dry with summer temperatures averaging above 80°F (26.6°C), while daytime winter temperatures rarely fall below 59°F (15°C).
Q: How far is Santa Ana from Orange County beaches?
A. Orange County's beaches are within a short drive from Santa Ana, including Newport Beach, 11 miles away; Huntington Beach, 12 miles away; and Laguna Beach, 19 miles away.
Q: What is the closest airport to Santa Ana?
A: John Wayne Airport (SNA), owned and operated by the County of Orange, is located two miles from several of Santa Ana's hotels. The airport is served by eight commercial and commuter airlines, including Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country, United, and WestJet, offering over 40 nonstop flights. Many of the local hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle service.
Q: Can you travel by train to Santa Ana?
A: Yes, the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center is home to both Amtrak and Metrolink.
Q: Does Santa Ana have a convention or conference center?
A: Santa Ana does not have a convention center, but our conference hotels offer the same flexible meetings space with nearly 42,000 square feet available for your group meeting needs.
Q: How can Travel Santa Ana help me?
A: We are a complimentary local resource with knowledge of all things Santa Ana. We offer:
- Convenient RFP distribution to Santa Ana hotels/motels.
- Recommendation of suitable venues.
- Site inspection coordination.
- Collateral/promotional materials to promote Santa Ana to attendees.
- One-stop shop for all your planning needs.