Top Santa Ana Tours: Sightseeing & Cruises Explored

Santa Ana, California, offers, in a way, so much to explore, doesn’t it? It’s almost a hub of culture, history, and some surprising adventures. When you’re trying to discover what this place has to offer, though, you might find yourself wondering where you should even begin. That’s where carefully chosen tours, engaging sightseeing, and cruises come into play, very helping you get the most out of your time there. Let’s take a peek, really, at the five top tours that should be on your radar if you plan a visit.

1. Santa Ana History Walking Tour

If you’re someone who likes a blend of exercise and trivia, the Santa Ana History Walking Tour sounds good, could be? This tour is, arguably, perfect if you want to step back in time and soak up the local vibes by foot. It typically covers most of the historic downtown area. This means, you see, that you will be meandering past some well-preserved buildings, listening to stories about the people and events that molded Santa Ana. Now, as I was saying, there might be a local historian that will point out architectural details you likely wouldn’t have noticed yourself, right?

What to Expect: You could see, too, the old courthouse, learn about early settlers, and snap some Instagram-worthy pics of those hidden alleys. These walking tours are often relatively short, maybe two or three hours, that, still, gives you just enough time to absorb some knowledge without getting overly tired. Do make sure to wear some comfortable shoes, just a little. You are going to be doing some walking after all.

Read our full review: Santa Ana History Walking Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (History Walking Tour)

2. Discovery Cube Orange County

Alright, so, if you’re traveling with kids – or you are just still a kid at heart, actually – a visit to the Discovery Cube Orange County is an awesome thing to do. Even though it’s not exactly a tour, in the sense that you are following someone around, it definitely gives you an immersive, almost guided experience through interactive exhibits. In some respects, what can you see? Exhibits here focus on science education. You can experience simulated earthquakes, learn about sustainable energy, and maybe explore the world of aerospace, still.

Interactive Learning: It isn’t about standing back and staring at displays, that is right. It’s very getting involved, hands-on, and letting your curiosity take control, definitely. The Discovery Cube, for instance, usually hosts special events and seasonal exhibits, which means that there’s, you know, always something new to discover on each visit.

Read our full review: Discovery Cube Orange County Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Discovery Cube Visit)

3. Segway Tour of Old Towne Orange

Now, if you’re looking to mix a bit of sightseeing with some modern fun, the Segway Tour of Old Towne Orange should suit you down to the ground. Instead of plodding along, that, very, is right, on foot, you can glide through the charming streets, with Old Towne, Orange being near Santa Ana. And it is the biggest National Register Historic District in California. This gives you, for instance, a super easy way to cover a good bit of ground, especially if you have time constraints, or you just prefer being kind of upright, doesn’t it?

Effortless Exploration: These Segway tours mostly come with a guide, just a little. It’s not a bad thing to find out the stories behind the gorgeous Victorian buildings, vintage shops, and antique stores that dot the landscape. Most Segway tour companies will, also, offer a quick training session before heading out. They almost ensure you’re comfy before you zoom off. If you are a beginner or an experienced rider, it’s going to be fun. That, might be, still is, for some, slightly unnerving at first.

Read our full review: Segway Tour of Old Towne Orange Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Old Towne Segway)

4. Whale Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Alright, if you’re up for a little drive and want to experience California’s sea life, whale watching cruises departing from nearby Newport Beach give you a treat. This cruise, arguably, gives a unique peek into the marine biodiversity that the Pacific Ocean is famed for, maybe. As a matter of fact, Newport Beach is a short drive from Santa Ana. These cruises offer you an opportunity to spot various whale species that pass through these waters at certain times of the year.

Oceanic Encounters: Very often, you will spot gray whales during their migration seasons. It’s like your, personally, own nature show, only it’s really happening right there, so. It’s possible you might catch dolphins, seals, and various seabirds too, okay? Such cruises often feature marine experts on board who, in a way, can give insights into the behavior, biology, and migratory habits of these animals. This, also, helps you get so much more out of your cruise and appreciate these creatures. This activity is definitely seasonal, often depending on migratory patterns.

Read our full review: Whale Watching Cruise from Newport Beach Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Whale Cruise)

5. Lyon Air Museum Tour

If you, too, like aircraft and historical artifacts, the Lyon Air Museum, is that right?, is something that must be done, could be. The museum showcases, basically, rare aircraft, vintage vehicles, and aviation memorabilia from World War II. A lot of the exhibits come with accompanying stories and historical context, kind of really letting you absorb what it was like during that time, does it not?

Wings of Yesteryear: The Lyon Air Museum features aircraft like the B-17 Flying Fortress and a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, and so on. The best part? You’ll see them in superb condition, that is what it comes down to. When you’re visiting the Lyon Air Museum, there’s usually a guide. That makes it easy to have an insider who will provide some extra insights on some engineering and historical significance, maybe.

Read our full review: Lyon Air Museum Tour Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Air Museum Visit)

These tours offer a variety of perspectives. So it can really enrich your visit. From delving into some of the city’s stories to having a fantastic day, like your experiences should all leave you something to cherish. That’s what is so good about discovering what this city and the surrounding areas provide.