Top 11 Summer Activities in Santa Ana This Summer! [2022]
Even though Santa Ana, CA, enjoys pleasant weather year round, there’s something special about summer. Family BBQs, beach days, and outdoor concerts are some of our favorite summer activities, but there’s much more to do in Santa Ana this summer. We’ve put together a list of some of the best summer activities and events going on in Santa Ana. Check it out below!
Summer Activities
Santa Ana Walking Tour or Haunted Tour
Whether you’re new to Santa Ana or have lived here all your life, you’ll learn a ton on this historic walk of downtown Santa Ana. There’s some truly spectacular architecture and history to be found in this city. Or, if you’re not a history buff and have no desire to learn more, there are plenty of other walking tours you might enjoy—even a haunted ghost walk!
If you’d like to save some money and go at your own pace, there are free self-guided tours available through different apps you can download on your phone. Tours usually last 90 minutes to two hours and cost anywhere from $10 to $20. Most tours take place in the evenings, but make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat!
Due to their nocturnal nature, bats are an animal humans rarely interact with. These mysterious creatures live interesting lives hidden from most of us. Thanks to the Sea and Sage Audubon Society, guests of the summer bat walks will enjoy rare insights into the lives of these unique creatures. Along with the naked eye, the tour guides will carry bat radar detectors that will help everyone understand the habits and movements of these nighttime creatures.
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 10–12. The tour requires you to wear long pants and a long shirt to protect yourself from insects potentially carrying diseases. Buy your tickets in advance; there are plenty of people who can’t wait to explore the hidden world of bats!
One of Orange county’s favorite golf courses, Riverview Golf Course, is named after the Santa Ana River, which runs the length of the course, providing seasonal water hazards to keep your game interesting. The course has 18 holes and features 6,190 yards of course. The course also features a night-lit driving range with target greens and pins to improve your aim.
Golf rates range from $30 to $40 depending on the time of day and whether or not you book online. Riverview offers affordable ball bucket rates for the driving range as well as golf carts, clubs, and range cards.
Even if you know your way around Santa Ana like the back of your hand, you’ve probably never seen it from a helicopter! OC Helicopters offers tours of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Surf City, and just about any other location in the area. Book a sunset tour or fly over the dazzling lights of Southern California at night! This activity is great for special occasions, visiting guests, or just as a treat for yourself.
The tours cost from around $175–375, depending on how long you’d like the tour to last and what places you’re planning on touring. OC Helicopters also allows you to somewhat customize your tour based on time and location, meaning you can visit almost anywhere in southern California thanks to OC Helicopters!
Events
Do you love reptiles? Thinking about keeping a pet snake, turtle, or lizard? If so, the Reptile Supershow is the perfect place to visit! Even if you just come to look at some of the rare reptiles, it’s a great place to visit. The reptile supershow will have over 150,000 square feet of reptiles, amphibians, turtles, tanks, supplies, and demonstrations. This is the perfect event for those ready to learn more about reptiles and how to care for them.
This event takes place at the Anaheim Event Center on July 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and July 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost between $10 and $50 depending on age and VIP status. Book your tickets now to make sure you get to see the amazing reptiles on display!
There’s nothing quite like the Maker Faire! Crafting, engineering, and making of all sorts are celebrated and shared at the Orange County Maker Faire. Visitors will see unique creations crafted in diverse ways and with diverse functions in mind. Your inner creator will marvel at the innovation around you! If making something is a hobby of yours, consider signing up as a maker and sharing your passion with others. You can see a current list of exhibits online.
The Faire is scheduled to happen on September 10, 2022, at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets will cost approximately $15 per person. Don’t delay! Get your tickets today and plan for an amazing experience this September.
Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
If you haven’t visited the Santa Ana Zoo (SAZOO) recently, it’s time to visit now! There’s always something new and fun happening at the zoo. Just recently, the SAZOO opened a new ocelot exhibit and joined the ranks of only a handful of zoos that have Brazilian ocelots. In fact, there are only 26 Brazilian ocelots in the entire United States! Construction is also underway on a new giant river otter habitat designed with primate passages above and underwater viewing below. It is SAZOO’s largest undertaking yet!
There are tons of amazing animals to see, and the animals they care for are always expanding! Tickets cost $9–12, depending on age. If you’re lucky enough to be a Santa Ana resident, residents get in free every third Sunday of the month!
Shows and Performances
Calum Scott at the Observatory
You probably remember him from his amazing performance on Britain’s Got Talent, but Calum Scott has become an accomplished performer. In addition to “Dancing on My Own,” Scott has written and performed his own music, which you’ll be able to hear live at The Observatory in Santa Ana, CA.
Scott will be performing Friday, August 5, 2022, at 8 p.m. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for those who wish to get seated early. The cost per ticket is $25. Please make sure to follow venue rules relating to health mandates and bag/personal item restrictions. Book your tickets before they sell out! This is Calum Scott’s first US tour!
Sean Kingston’s Road to Deliverance Tour
With decades of experience writing, recording, and performing music, Sean Kingston is not an artist you should miss. He’ll be performing in Santa Ana as part of his The Road to Deliverance Tour. His setlist will be full of some of his most popular hit songs, new songs, and even some covers.
The performance will take place at The Observatory on July 14 at 7 p.m. The doors will open an hour before the show for early seating, and tickets will cost $30 per person. Book your tickets early to make sure you have a seat at this spectacular performance!
Sum 41 and Simple Plan’s Blame Canada Tour
If you were born in the 90s, chances are you grew up listening to Sum 41 and Simple Plan. They’ve come together to bring fans an amazing show as part of the Blame Canada Tour this summer! If two iconic bands weren’t enough, The House of Blues, the venue hosting their performance, also provides top-class dining and cocktails before and after the show. You’ll be able to make an entire evening of the performance and indulge in VIP treatment!
The show takes place on August 6, 2022, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Ticket prices start at $150 for a verified resale ticket. Get your tickets now if you’re interested in this show; they’re likely to sell out well before the performance!
Summer is a great time to be in Santa Ana! If you’re looking to move here or find a new place in the city, consider River House Apartments. Our goal is for you to love where you live! Call today to schedule a tour.
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