Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County in Southern California, a diverse city with a lively arts district, a strong Latino heritage and some of the region's best museums. It sits in the middle of a string of famous names: theme parks in Anaheim to the north, surf beaches at Huntington and Newport to the south-west, and Irvine's business parks next door. Flights to Santa Ana land at John Wayne Airport, which is far easier to use than the big Los Angeles hub and puts the whole of Orange County within a short drive.

About John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana

Location

John Wayne Airport (SNA) lies just south of Santa Ana, bordered by Costa Mesa, Irvine and Newport Beach. Its central position means that most places in Orange County, including the beaches, are closer to SNA than to Los Angeles International Airport.

Terminals

SNA has one terminal building divided into three sections, Terminals A, B and C, with a mix of domestic and some international gates. Everything is under one roof and walkable, so connecting or finding your gate is simple.

Getting to and from John Wayne Airport

Rental car counters are located at the airport, and driving is the most common way to get around Orange County. Taxis and ride-hailing apps pick up at designated kerbside zones. Shuttle vans serve hotels and attractions across the county, and local buses run along nearby main roads for budget travellers.

Direct and Connecting Flights to Santa Ana

There is no nonstop flight from Singapore to Santa Ana. Most travellers fly from Changi to a major West Coast or Asian hub and connect onto a short flight into SNA, clearing US immigration at the first American airport. Use the direct-flight filter to see which US cities offer nonstop service to John Wayne Airport on your dates. If fares into SNA are high, compare Los Angeles International and Long Beach; LAX has far more long-haul options, though the drive to central Orange County can be slow in traffic. Ontario International to the north-east is another alternative for inland destinations.

When to Fly to Santa Ana

Santa Ana enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine. Summers are dry and warm, especially inland, while winters are mild with occasional rain. Late spring can bring overcast mornings along the coast, and autumn is often warm and clear. There is really no bad season for sightseeing.

For Singapore travellers, the June and December school holidays are the busiest times, as families plan theme park visits in Anaheim. US holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and the summer break also lift demand on domestic flights into SNA. Check the fare chart on this page to see typical month-by-month patterns, and consider shoulder periods in spring or autumn.

Popular Places in Santa Ana

Bowers Museum

One of Southern California's leading museums, the Bowers hosts world-class travelling exhibitions alongside collections of Native American, Pacific and pre-Columbian art in a mission-style building.

Downtown Santa Ana and the Artists Village

The historic core around Fourth Street blends restored early-twentieth-century buildings, independent shops and a thriving food scene. The Artists Village hosts galleries and a monthly art walk.

Discovery Cube

This hands-on science centre, recognisable by its giant tilted cube, is a favourite with families, with interactive exhibits on space, the environment and more.

Santa Ana Zoo

A compact zoo in Prentice Park known for its monkeys and South American animals, easy to visit in a morning with children.

Anaheim and the Orange County Coast

Santa Ana is a convenient base for Disneyland in Anaheim, a short drive north, and for the beaches of Huntington, Newport and Laguna to the south, each with its own pier, surf culture and seaside cafés.

Where to Stay in Santa Ana

Downtown Santa Ana suits travellers who like walkable streets, restaurants and culture. The area around John Wayne Airport and the Irvine business district is practical for short trips and early flights. Theme park visitors often stay in the Anaheim resort area to the north, while Costa Mesa is central for shopping. For the ocean, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach offer seaside neighbourhoods a short drive away.

Food to Try in Santa Ana

Mexican Street Tacos

Downtown Santa Ana is full of taquerías serving al pastor, carne asada and carnitas on soft corn tortillas with salsa and lime.

Pho and Banh Mi in Little Saigon

Just west of Santa Ana, Little Saigon is the largest Vietnamese community outside Vietnam, known for fragrant pho, crusty banh mi and Vietnamese coffee.

Fish Tacos

A Southern California beach classic of battered or grilled fish with cabbage and creamy sauce, found at casual spots near the coast.

California Burritos

A generous burrito filled with carne asada, cheese and, the defining touch, French fries. It is a hearty lunch after a morning at the beach.

To explore Santa Ana and the rest of Orange County, compare flights to John Wayne Airport on Traveloka, set a Price Alert for your dates, and reach our 24/7 customer service whenever you need help.