Santa Ana Zoo (714) 835-7484

Zoo attractions including a petting zoo, picnic area and playground. This is a tiny zoo, but provides an uncrowded, quiet place to take the kids for a close up look at some extremely rare and endangered species. The zoo has a number of exotic animals that you won’t necessarily find at the larger metropolitan zoos. For example, there is a hyrax, a rare animal related to elephants that is no bigger than a rabbit. There are rare birds such as the black currasow. But most impressive is the amazing collection of primates, including ring tailing lemurs, colobus monkeys, guenons, langurs, capuchins, macaques, gibbons, sakis and golden lion tamarins from South America that are smaller than a house cat. The zoo is also home to African servals and a pair of mountain lions from Southern California’s own wilderness backyard. There is a barnyard petting zoo, too.

Orange County Historical Society (714) 557-7074

PO Box 10984

Founded in 1919, the Orange County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving public interest in the history of both Southern California and Orange County itself. The society offers many lecture series throughout the year, and announces period tours of historical sites in Orange County. These tours are often the best way to learn about Orange County’s early heritage. Call or write the Society for more information about upcoming local events and membership.

Santa Ana City Library (714) 647-5250

26 Civic Center Plaza

For local history buffs, this library is a treasure fill with Orange County History. The library itself is a beautiful marble building. A History room on the main floor is filled with a remarkable collection of books, newspapers, personal journals and other memorabilia. The History Room is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 6 pm.

Shopping Centers

Westfield Shoppingtown MainPlace

2800 N. Main Street

Description: Conveniently located in the heart of Orange County and just minutes from Disneyland, Westfield Shoppingtown Main Place features 190 shops and restaurants.

Golf Courses

Riverview Golf Course Santa Ana (714) 543-1115

Willowick Golf Course Santa Ana (714) 554-0672