Downtown Santa Ana: Artists Village

The Santa Ana Artists Village is an approximate 10-block area located in downtown. It is a unique artsy part of Santa Ana that is full of art galleries, restaurants, and loft style housing for people interested in an urban lifestyle. It is a radical cultural shift from the Fourth Street Historic Area discussed in my earlier blog.

Santora Building -- 207 N. Broadway, Santa Ana

Downtown Santa Ana: Fourth Street Historic Area

Downtown Santa Ana is a compilation of several different districts which includes the Civic Center, Artist Village, and Fourth Street. This blog article is focused on Fourth Street, which is the historic section of downtown. Originally, Santa Ana was the center of metropolitan Orange County, and Fourth Street was the center of business. As the 20 century progressed, many businesses and residents moved to newer locations. In the past 30-35 years, Fourth Street has primarily served Santa Ana's Hispanic immigrant community.

Musselman Block Building -- 320 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana, Ca.

Halls of Justice in Downtown Santa Ana

Santa Ana is the county seat and the second most populous city in Orange County. The most important criminal justice facilities are located in downtown. Pictured below is the Orange County Central Courthouse.

Orange County Central Courthouse -- 700 West Civic Center

Little known Lyon Air Museum Tucked Away by John Wayne Airport

The Lyon Air Museum is discreetly located directly next to Orange County's John Wayne Airport at 19300 Ike Jones Road, in Santa Ana, and it is a genuine treasure. It was founded by retired Major General William Lyon, who also happens to be the founder of William Lyon Homes. This museum contains fully restored and flyable aircraft, vehicles, and related memorabilia, all with a primary emphasis on World War II.

Lyon Air Museum - 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, Ca. 92707