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 will soon be making a comeback!
Join Preserve Orange County with one of our experienced tour guides to 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 Our tour is led by Tim Rush, an historian, 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 the current 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 20% discount on tour 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.
SPECIAL NOTE: DTSA First Saturday ArtWalk runs from 5-10 p.m. on this date, and the Howe-Waffle House and Carriage House will be open for tours. Take advantage of these opportunities after your tour of historic Santa Ana!
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.
Tour guide, Tim Rush (front row, fourth from right) with tour goers, posing on the Second Street Promenade at the end of the Downtown Santa Ana Historic Architecture Tour.