Completed in 1985, the Mediterranean Revival-style Santa Ana train station was, at the time, one of the largest train stations in the United States. In addition to Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink’s Orange County Line and Inland Empire–Orange County lines, it also acts as a Greyhound station and hub for international bus service to and from Mexico. Being at the nexus of so much transit, it’s hardly surprising that nearby blocks come with food choices aplenty.
The Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, as it’s formally called, is served by 20 Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains (10 in each direction) daily, while 20 Metrolink Orange County Line trains (11 northbound and 9 southbound) run each weekday. Weekend service consists of 8 trains (4 in each direction) on Saturday and Sunday. The station is also served by 14 Metrolink Inland Empire-Orange County Line trains (7 in each direction) on weekdays and 4 trains (2 in each direction) on Saturday and Sunday heading towards Orange County in the morning and towards the Inland Empire in the evening. But that’s not all: OC Bus, the transit bus service operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority, and Greyhound lines to and from Mexico and the United States also board and terminate at the Santa Ana station.
All of this to say that Santa Ana, with an impressive walking score of 89, should be your next vehicular-free dining destination.
Keep in mind that selected venues throughout the series are each within a reasonable distance of their stop, whether on foot or by wheelchair, with no major freeways required to cross. This list doesn’t cover every single Santa Ana bar and restaurant in the area; consider this a guide to our favorites near (or near-ish) the station, or a jumping off point for your layover.
4th Street Market: Noted as one of Orange County’s best food halls, 4th Street Market offers an array of eateries conveniently located in one venue. Here you will find Mexican-Californian
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