Riverglen - Santa Ana, CA Area Guide

In 1769, Saint Junipero Serra named the area Vallejo de Santa Ana after the Gaspar de Portola expedition out of Mexico City. The Southern Pacific Railroad built a branch line from Los Angeles to Santa Ana in 1877, which provided a free right-of-way and land to build a depot. Santa Ana has been a charter city since 1952, with a community-wide effort in place to revitalize the area since the early 1980s. The Santa Ana Artist's Village was created for the purpose of attracting burgeoning artists and professionals to live and work in the region.

A visit to the Bowers Museum remains a tradition among residents to celebrate the history of various cultures. The mission-style museum houses a number of artifacts, including the Terra Cotta Warriors, while annual events such as the Floral Park Home Tour give residents a glimpse into the broad array of architectural styles that define Southern California.

No matter what your palate craves, Riverglen has something to satisfy everyone when dining out.

For a true British pub experience without having to travel across the pond, head to The Olde Ship. The casual atmosphere and stimulating conversation among friends allows you to feel like a local the moment you step inside. Start off with some garlic prawns before diving into a plate of traditional fish and chips made with fresh Icelandic cod or haddock, deep-fried in the signature light beer batter. Wash it down with a hearty pint of Boddingtons as you work on perfecting your British accent.

For an authentic island experience, head to Aloha Hawaiian BBQ on North Bristol Street. The mellow, laid-back vibe helps capture the spirit of Hawaii, while the food makes you feel like you've stumbled upon an authentic luau. Try the mahi and barbecue chicken combo or the grilled Spam moco, consisting of Hawaiian-favorite Spam, gravy and two eggs. Whether you want to dine in or grab your order to go before catching some waves, you'll be glad you stopped by.

French and Mexican food enthusiasts love Anepalco Restaurant. This beautifully decorated eatery serves classic favorites such as quesadillas and crepes. Big windows and bright walls give Anepalco a cozy, romantic feel. Ask to sit on the patio on nice, sunny days.

With so much nightlife to choose from, you and your friends will never be bored. When you feel like dancing to today's latest hits spun by talented DJs, grab your crew and head to the trendy Proof Bar on North Broadway. The friendly staff, eclectic crowd, lively atmosphere and drink specials will keep you busy all night. Two separate rooms play different types of music, while the smaller dance floors lets you make new friends as you bust out your best moves. For live music in a more intimate setting, check out Constellation Room on South Harbor Boulevard. The innovative lighting and excellent acoustics make you feel like part of the band, and you can't find a bad seat in the house. Expect to pay a little more for drinks while being completely entertained the entire night.

If you'd rather toss back a few cold ones while watching the game, go to the Glen Bar & Grill on Garden Grove Boulevard. Serving up standard bar snacks and specialty craft brews, the bar lets you belt out a song or two during karaoke night, play a few rounds of pool or kick back with your buddies to root for your favorite team on one of the numerous flat-screen, high-definition televisions.

Riverglen's proximity to the 5 makes travel by car easy. The typically warm climate and numerous cycling and walking trails let you commute outdoors in this exercise-centric area, while the Orange County Transportation Authority provides several public bus routes throughout the day and night.

You can find plenty of public parking in downtown Santa Ana, including outdoor metered spots and secure garages. If you need to park for a few hours or the entire day, the two-story parking structure on 3rd and Sycamore stays open seven days a week and charges $1 per hour, with free parking after 8 pm.

With plenty of exercise and child-friendly parks to choose from near Riverglen, you can easily adapt to the Southern California lifestyle.

When you want to get in some cardiovascular exercise without paying gym fees, visit Carl Thorton Park on West Segerstrom Avenue. Catch a glimpse of the various birds as you walk or run on one of the nature trails in this expansive park before stopping to admire the stream that flows into the larger lake. Drop by on your lunch break to take in the lush scenery or relax with a good book on a warm, sunny day.

For family-friendly fun, bring the kids and dog to Lillie King Park on West Alton Avenue. Don't let the smaller area fool you; this park has plenty of trails to walk your pooch and a wonderful play structure for the kids to enjoy. Free admission to both parks lets you take advantage of the great outdoors all year round.

The cost of living in Riverglen is high, averaging 17 percent more than the average cost in the rest of Orange County. A one-bedroom apartment goes for $1,311, while a pint of beer at the local pub will set you back about $6. The price of gas hovers nearly 13 percent higher than the national average, and a one day pass for the OCTA costs $5.

The beautifully designed MainPlace Mall has everything from trusted name-brand stores and chain restaurants to independent kiosks. Browse the shoe selection at Nordstrom before heading to JCPenney for a great bargain on casual and formal wear. Stop by Johnny Rocket's for a bite to eat, and then head upstairs to peruse the selections at other retailers in this two-story mall.

Most Southern California residents remain dedicated to eating well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which means regular trips to the local farmer's market. Find organic fruits and vegetables, locally produced dairy and meat products, and fresh, fragrant flowers at DTSA Farmers' Market on Spurgeon Promenade Street. With live entertainment and exciting activities for kids, this year-round market has it all.

If you are in the market for specialty cakes and other baked goods, be sure to check out Las Tres Princesas Bakery. This family operation creates beautiful custom cakes for events such as anniversaries and weddings.

When you need to pick up standard grocery items, visit Ralph's on West MacArthur Boulevard. The stocked deli, wonderful bakery, and numerous produce and snack options take the hassle out of planning your weekly meals. The store also has an in-store Wells Fargo Bank for your convenience.