Santa Ana John Wayne airport, Santa Ana, CA!
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Santa Ana Airport (FAA: SNA, ICAO: KSNA) is a towered multi-purpose airport located in Santa Ana, CA. Owned and operated by Orange County, CA. It is also known as John Wayne Airport. This airport serves commercial, cargo, and private aircraft. It’s much larger than most airports on Jettreks but it is a viable alternative to LAX. Although it’s bigger than our normal demographic, it is a very well-run airport and has much less traffic than LAX. From pilots to passengers, everyone I asked agreed this place runs like a well-oiled machine. It’s the only commercial airport in Orange County, CA.
There are only two runways. The general aviation runway (2R/20L) is 2,887 x 75 feet, and the longer 5,700 x 150 feet runway (2L/20R) serves both commercial and general aviation. Both are grooved asphalt and rated in good condition.
There are two full-service FBOs and one general aviation limited-service center. (no fuel) Both Clay Lacy and ACI Jet have courtesy cars.
Transportation
There are, at present (5/1/24), a total of eight different rental car agencies inside the terminal. Also available outside are taxis, Ubers, Wingz, and Lyfts. The shuttles from nearby hotels are too numerous to mention, so the easiest way to find out if your hotel offers this service is to check the hotel website. There are six different shuttle companies in the Ground Transportation Center on the lower level between Terminals A and B.
The Orange County Transportation Authority has bus service between the airport and Huntington Beach from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The bus stop is in front of Terminal B on the lower level.
If you’re just looking for some way to explore California, there are 4 regional trains and buses within 10 miles of Santa Ana Airport. Amtrak, Greyhound, Metro (LA County), and Metrolink (Southern California).
Peer-to-Peer Vehicle Sharing is also available at this airport via the Peer-to-Peer mobile app, or you can use AirportRentalCars.com.
Wine and Dine
Inside the Airport, you have several options. Ruby’s Diner was pretty busy, food and service were still decent, but of course, you pay airport prices. There are some fast food options and a couple of grab-and-go convenience store places inside the terminal.
However, just outside of this airport are so many choices that you might have to resort to flipping a coin. If you’re just looking for a good char-grilled burger at decent prices, you could duck into The Habit Burger Grill. It’s a California-based burger chain, and it was fast and easy with good food and good prices. Also available nearby in Irvine is an In and Out Burger, another famous California chain.
If you have great timing and fly into Santa Ana during June or July, you should visit Old Town Tustin and Peppertree Park. The first Sunday in June (6/2/24) is the Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off. The Tustin Food and Wine Festival is July 29th this year held in one of the Historic Tustin Hangars. (See below for a little info on the hangers)
If you’d like a bottle for your room, there’s a nice selection at Vino Volo, inside the terminal.
Where to Stay
Where to stay depends on where you want to play. If you’re going to Disneyland California Adventure Park, Motel 6 Anaheim is less than a ten-minute drive. The Alamo Inn & Suites is less than a half mile away and is also close to the Anaheim Convention Center. It provides free parking. For a close and convenient place to lay your head if you’re going to the Convention Center, the Desert Palms Hotel can’t be beat.
Looking for something a little more upscale? Try the Sheraton Park Hotel, the outside space is spectacular, and there are three restaurants on site. It’s not the cheapest nor the most expensive in the area, but overall it’s a very nice place.
If you’ve got a whole crew, there are several houses within walking distance of Mickey and Minnie. In addition, if you have high-energy kids who might not be worn out when you get back to the room, there is a nearby Howard Johnson’s with a water park on the property. The Castle Inn & Suites would probably be a first pick for any little prince or princess, but you will have to pony up for the castle upgrade.
If your destination is Newport Beach or Chapman University and you like privacy, here’s a sweet little cottage in Old Town Orange. It’s within walking distance of the University and about a 20-minute drive to the beach. Right near the beach, more your style? Check out the Newport Channel Inn near Huntington Beach. VRBO.com is a great place to look for something suited to your specific tastes. (affiliate link)
If your destination is Los Angeles, you’re about an hour south, depending on traffic. The only thing they have more of than hotels is eating establishments; you can take your pick.
Things To Do!
Besides beaches and any ocean activity you can think of, the biggest drawing card here is, of course, Disneyland and Universal Studios. There’s also SeaWorld if you’re going to San Diego. For discount tickets to these and many other attractions, follow this link: Undercover Tourist.
Interesting Aviation Sights to See
The Tustin Historical Hangars were listed as two of the largest wooden structures ever built. According to the Society of Civil Engineers, they contain the largest covered unobstructed space of any structure in the world. They were built as blimp hangers during early WWII in Tustin, California, at the former U.S. Navy and Marine Corps air station. It was officially closed on July 3rd of 1999, but is now a protected National Historic Landmark. The north hangar was destroyed by fire in November 2023.
Even if you don’t have time to go check it out, at least do a drive-by to take a look. Even from the street, it is massive and an impressive sight to see. The remaining hanger is only about 4 1/2 miles from the Santa Ana Airport.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, SoCal is a beautiful place to visit, from the palm trees to the beaches. If you get a chance, make your next JeTTrek to Santa Ana Airport and soak up a little California sunshine!
As always, if you have a suggested airport, please let us know. You can sign up for email notifications about our latest airport information by using this link jettreks.com.
Safe travels,
Jo@jettreks.com