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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Ana

Fun activities with parking

A day spent doing something genuinely engaging is much better when the logistics of arrival are simple.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
The Frida Cinema image 1
The Frida Cinema image 2
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Movie theater

Old-school movie theater with intimate setting and vintage vibe creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Lobby features a painted mural of iconic movie characters and local art. Shows obscure, classic, and timeless films with a community-focused, quirky energy.

Plenty of parking exists in a large garage behind the cinema with rates around $1.50 for the evening. Metered spots and hourly or full-day garage options sit close by, making parking convenient but paid.

Unusual and fun events happen regularly, including movie marathons and double features. Audience participation makes screenings like Rocky especially lively and engaging.

People are saying

"I loved watching the old, artsy, and cult movies here."

"There's a convenient parking structure nearby."

"I loved the fun activities like watching old and indie films."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but it is not free.

2

The cinema hosts special screenings with cast and director Q&As.

3

Horror Movie Night is a popular recurring event at the cinema.

02
The Observatory image 1
Live music venue

Multi-level layout with stadium seating offers clear views from every angle. Venue has a cool underground vibe and feels intimate despite its size. Powerful, clear sound system supports live music performances across indoor and outdoor areas.

Plenty of parking spots surround the venue, making entry and exit smooth. VIP packages include reserved parking and easy access inside. Parking costs 10 dollars, payable by cash or card.

Intimate setting creates a close-to-the-show feeling even from upstairs. The venue offers a fun-sized space that makes experiences feel exciting and memorable.

People are saying

"The tiered levels make it cool with no bad views."

"Parking was available and easy to find."

"It's a fun place to see a show and have an awesome time."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $15 per car, and finding a spot can be challenging.

2

The venue has a disabled section for accessibility.

3

The sound quality is consistently impressive during performances.

03
MainPlace Mall image 1
Shopping mall

Large, airy mall with wide open spaces and uplifting decor creates a pleasant atmosphere. It stays lively at night but feels quiet during weekend mornings. Features include a family lounge, arcade, and rooftop fitness center with pool and sauna.

Plenty of free parking is available, especially in the covered parking lot. The structured parking offers easy access and even a nice view from the top level.

Offers a variety of fun events and activities suitable for the whole family, first dates, or solo visits. The place features interesting stores, a park, and spaces for fitness and games, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the Mall had many great shops and store options."

"I found the parking available to be great."

"I found the fun activities here to be great for the whole family."

Good to know

1

Parking can be confusing due to ongoing renovations at the mall.

2

The mall has a variety of food options, including a Starbucks.

3

Expect busy crowds during weekends and holidays.

04
Santa Ana Zoo image 1

Landscaped grounds with shaded rest areas and natural habitat exhibits create a pleasant, quiet atmosphere. Play areas include a working train, carousel, and Ferris wheel, offering hands-on fun for children. Layout features multiple trails that help reduce crowding and enhance the experience.

Free parking is available and easy to access. Finding a spot is straightforward with no hassle around 10am.

Small size makes it easy to explore. Filled with animals that keep kids entertained. Offers a fun day for children and animal lovers alike.

People are saying

"It's a cute little zoo, perfect for younger kids."

"I found the admission prices to be affordable compared to other zoos."

"It's great fun for the kids, especially younger ones."

Good to know

1

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children.

2

Parking is free at the zoo.

3

The zoo offers rides only on weekends.

05
Heritage Museum of Orange County image 1

Large property resembles a 19th-century country estate with restored historic buildings and lush gardens. Atmosphere feels intimate and picturesque, blending rustic charm with occasional spooky elements. Visitors encounter educational programs, live blacksmiths, and seasonal events that add variety to the experience.

Parking offers a free option but spaces are very small and streets get packed quickly. Finding a spot can be tough, so arriving early helps.

Events offer entertainment and a memorable time with friends and family. Guides and hosts bring a fun and welcoming vibe to the experience.

People are saying

"The museums here offer a captivating glimpse into the past with beautiful Victorian architecture."

"The events here are always fun, with great vendors and music."

"Parking can be limited, so plan accordingly."

Good to know

1

Most Saturdays feature events that limit public access to the museum.

2

Some events require tickets, so it's best to buy them in advance.

3

The garden is open to the public only on Saturdays until 2 PM.

06
Constellation Room image 1
Live music venue

Medium-sized live music venue offers an intimate atmosphere with two levels of standing room and VIP table seating. Fantastic sound system delivers clear, immersive audio, while a full bar and outdoor patio provide added comfort between acts.

Parking includes a nearby lot costing $10.00. When full, spots are a couple blocks away, sometimes requiring parking a whole other block away even with prepaid parking, which feels weird.

Events here deliver fun experiences with lively concerts and engaging performances. The Constellation Room offers a consistently enjoyable atmosphere for various fun activities.

People are saying

"It's an intimate venue with a fantastic sound system."

"I had a great time and it was so much fun."

"Parking was easy to find."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $10 and is available a couple of blocks away.

2

The venue is small, often leading to standing room only.

3

Expect good sound quality during live performances.

07
EลS Fitness image 1

Two-story gym offers extensive equipment including free weights, cardio machines, and a movie theater workout room. Atmosphere combines positive, motivating energy with a spacious layout. Amenities include a clean indoor pool and sauna for post-workout relaxation.

Parking offers easy validation and is located in a covered garage. Security guards patrol the area, adding a sense of safety.

Classes like body pump, body combat, and ride & define offer fun, motivating workouts that make you sweat. Trainers bring energy and keep sessions strengthening and enjoyable.

People are saying

"The gym staff here are amazing and welcoming."

"The classes here are so fun and motivating."

"Parking validation makes visiting so easy and convenient."

Good to know

1

EลS Fitness offers memberships starting at $15 per month.

2

The gym is open 24 hours for convenience.

3

Expect cleanliness issues in restrooms and shower areas.

08
I Can Barbecue- Korean Grill image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Robot servers deliver food and drinks, adding a unique tech touch to the experience. Korean cultural dรฉcor creates a cozy, vibrant atmosphere with music and laughter filling the space. Spacious seating and cool air keep the environment comfortable without feeling crowded or stuffy.

Free parking exists in a parking structure at the back. Street parking is available but can be a little hard to find.

A little robot delivers food, adding a tech twist to the meal. Cooking your own meat and vegetables makes it a hands-on experience that kids and families find fun.

People are saying

"This Korean BBQ is fresh, flavorful, and worth the money."

"The food here is delicious and the quality is good."

"Parking is available and free in the structure."

Good to know

1

Dinner pricing applies all day on weekends.

2

The all-you-can-eat option is available for $50.99 per person.

3

A service fee of $80 is automatically added to the bill.

09
Round1 Amusement Center image 1
Amusement center

Amusement center combines arcade games, bowling lanes, and karaoke in one space with modern technology at the lanes. The atmosphere is loud and hot, often crowded and energetic, with a family-friendly vibe. Seating areas show wear, but entertainment options suit all ages.

A big parking lot at the mall offers plentiful parking. Construction nearby can sometimes limit spots.

Multiple arcade games like UFO catchers and ticket games offer engaging challenges. Karaoke rooms and bowling lanes add variety, making it a spot with fun activities for all ages.

People are saying

"I had a fun time playing all the arcade and prize games."

"It's fun with bowling, pool tables, and food all in one place."

"Parking was plentiful and not a problem."

Good to know

1

The mall is currently undergoing construction, which limits parking.

2

Karaoke rooms are available for private bookings.

3

Expect some games to be out of service during your visit.

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