California is one of the oldest colonial parts of the USA and Santa Ana is the oldest town and capital of Orange County.

We’ve all heard of the Santa Ana winds, which sweep from the Mojave Desert down the foothills of the mountains, across the low, flat plains of Southern California taking dust and debris out over the Pacific Ocean. They can also make you crazy, if you believe the fiction written about them.

The first attribution of the name was in local newspapers in 1882 – much to chagrin of locals – seemingly due to fact that Santa Ana Canyon receives the most intense winds.

But don’t hold that against the lovely town of Santa Ana, which sits at the heart of Orange County. The landmark building is the Old Orange County Courthouse, the oldest in the state (name image above) but there are many impressive buildings and homes to admire.

Santa Ana started life in 1810 as the Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, after a land grant from the Spanish governor of California to the Yorba family, following the Mexican War of Independence. It expanded considerably and changed hands to the Sepúlveda family (namesake of the Boulevard) then to William H Spurgeon in 1869, who founded the city.

The California Central Railway – part of the famed Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway – came through in 1887, connecting Los Angeles to San Diego via Santa Ana Station and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner continues the tradition to this day. Also cutting through town is the eponymous Santa Ana Freeway (US5/101), from Los Angeles to Irvine.

The population is still remarkably 80% Hispanic/Latino, showing it hasn’t changed much in the ensuing years from its origins. This bold mix of Mexican and American cultures provide a vibrant and quirky melting pot of arts, culture and great food.

Walking around the historic downtown I was taken with the quinceañera dress shops. These most extravagant and massive gowns – just waiting to be worn by lucky 15-year-old girls on the biggest day of their lives (outside of/including their wedding) – represent maturity, independence and individualism.

To learn more see below.

On this first trip I spent just one day/night in town and saw and experienced as much as that short amount of time would allow. Thankfully, its downtown historic district is eminently walkable and holds surprises around every corner, be it a fabulous building, colourful mural or arts space.

The city is well known for its arts culture and, on the first Saturday of each month, the very popular Downtown Santa Ana First Saturday Art Walk delivers live music and performances, over 20 galleries showcasing local art and artists as well as local vendors selling their wares.

Experience

Consume

Purchase

Rest

This guide details all of the things The Packed Bag experienced. Please see Travel Santa Ana for more.