Downtown Santa Ana Historic Architecture Tour

WHY SANTA ANA? Downtown Santa Ana (DTSA), the county seat since 1889, is probably more reminiscent of a classic downtown than any historic downtown in Orange County. Evidence of an aspiring business district and young county government of the early decades of the twentieth century can still be found in the orthogonal grid of streets and dense blocks of mid-rise buildings in a variety of architectural styles. And to complete the picture, the streetcar has made a comeback!

Join Preserve Orange County with one of our experienced tour guides and see the banks, courthouses, stores, churches, fraternal halls, and office buildings on a walking tour of this district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn about active historic preservation issues in Santa Ana concerning buildings such as First American and the YMCA.

YOUR GUIDE Lisandro Orozco was raised in Santa Ana and is a resident of the Historic French Park neighborhood. An urban planner by profession, he’s led tours of Santa Ana's historic core for many years. Lisandro served as an advisor to the board of the American Planning Association, was a commissioner on the City of Santa Ana Arts & Culture Commission and vice chair of the Orange County Transportation Authority Citizens Advisory Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Fullerton.

Tim Rush is an historic preservation advocate and real estate executive. A long-time resident of Santa Ana, Tim is a founding board member of Preserve Orange County and past Chair of the Historic Resources Commission of the City of Santa Ana. Tim originated this tour and conducted it for several years with the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society.

DURATION 2 1/2 hours

TICKETS Members of Preserve Orange County receive a discount on tour tickets and we are now offering a 4-pack for 10% off the price of four tickets. Tickets are purchased through Eventbrite by clicking the box below. Other tour detail such as start time, available dates, and where the tour begins can also be found on the Eventbrite page.

LOCATION & PARKING All Downtown Santa Ana tours begin at the corner of W. Civic Center Drive and N. Sycamore (on the sidewalk beside the landmark Old Orange County Courthouse). Metered parking is available at the Old Orange County Courthouse, as well as at 420 N. Main Street, where the first hour of parking is offered free.

The route covers about 16 blocks. It's flat with some uneven pavement. There are no stairs. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Preserve Orange County member: $20

Non-member: $25*

*Support our mission of promoting the conservation of the cultural and architectural heritage of Orange County, join for just $25 by clicking here.

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