Things to Do near John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Passengers often wonder about the things to do near John Wayne Airport (SNA), especially when they have a layover during the day. Being located in a vibrant city like Orange County, travelers’ expectations are heightened. There are numerous places travelers can visit to spend their leisure time, such as going to the most famous Disneyland, South Coast Plaza, Lyon Air Museum, and Tewinkle Park, among many others.

For exploring the local culture of the city, travelers can consider museums like the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). Every place has its specialty; some have good food and a shopping collection, while other has historic factors, but it can refresh people’s minds.

List of things to do around the SNA airport

The list below suggests some places travelers can visit, reflecting their niche and specialty, to provide entertaining options for things to do near John Wayne Airport. For better exploration, travelers can consider picking  SNA Rental Cars.

Disneyland Park

The main attraction of California is situated very close to the SNA Airport. Disneyland is a perfect spot for tourists, especially families with children.

• Address: Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States
• Distance from SNA Airport: 14 miles
• Estimated Time of Arrival: 18 minutes

Beaches

Enjoy an amazing refresh with calm beaches that also offer adventurous and satisfying activities.

Newport Beach

Known for its iconic pier, sandy beaches, and harbor activities. It’s a good spot for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. 

• Address: Newport Beach, California, USA
• Distance from SNA Airport: 7.4 miles
• Estimated Time of Arrival: 16 minutes

Huntington Beach

This beach is famous for its surfing and vibrant atmosphere. It provides a lively environment for travelers for their adventures.

• Address: Huntington Beach, California, USA
• Distance from SNA Airport: 12.9 miles
• Estimated Time of Arrival: 21 minutes

Laguna Beach

It is one of the most famous beaches that offer scenic views, coves, tide pools, and art galleries for exploration.

• Address: Laguna Beach, California, USA
• Distance from SNA Airport: 14.6 miles
• Estimated Time of Arrival: 22 minutes

Parks and Nature Reserves

For a relaxed evening full of nature and positivity, these parks offer tranquility and a good spot for a family picnic just 10 minutes distance from the airport.

Santiago Park Nature Reserve

It is a local park for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors is situated very close to John Wayne Airport.

• Address: Santiago Pk, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA
• Distance from SNA Airport: 9 miles
• Estimated Time of Arrival: 10 minutes

Tewinkle Park

It is one of the most famous parks near the SNA Airport, as it offers walking paths, picnic areas, and a lake. 

• Address: TeWinkle Park, 970 Arlington Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
• Distance from SNA Airport: 3.7 miles
• Estimated Time of Arrival: 10 minutes
  

Museums and Arts

Travelers who are interested in cultural history and the arts must consider visiting these museums. These are located at an accessible distance from John Wayne Airport.

Lyon Air Museum:

This museum houses a collection of historic aircraft and aviation-related facts.

• Address: Lyon Air Museum, 19300 Ike Jones Rd, Santa Ana, CA 92707, United States
• Distance from SNA Airport: 3.7 miles
• Estimated Time of Arrival: 10 minutes

Heritage Museum of Orange County:

This museum includes historic gardens and buildings.

• Address: Heritage Museum of Orange County, 3101 W Harvard St, Santa Ana, CA 92704, United States
• Distance from SNA Airport: 6.8 miles
• Estimated Time of Arrival: 14 minutes

Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA):

It represents the modern and contemporary art of the city, making tourists curious and attracting them towards it. 

• Address: Orange County Museum of Art, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
• Distance from SNA Airport: 3.5 miles
• Estimated Time of Arrival: 9 minutes

Food and Shopping

There are multiple dining and shopping places close to John Wayne Airport, where travelers can find delicious and comforting meals, including local and international cuisines. Additionally, various high-end luxury stores offer a wide range of items to tourists.

DINING:

Food outlets near SNA Airport serve delicious and comforting food, and some of them are located within a short distance of 5-10 minutes, which can be covered on foot. 

• In-N-Out Burger (Irvine): It offers Iconic SoCal fast food.
  • Address: In-N-Out Burger, 4115 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612, United States
  • Distance from SNA Airport: 3.7 miles  
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: 12 minutes

• Bosscat Kitchen & Libations: They offer modern comfort food and whiskey to travelers.
  • Address: Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, 18169 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612, United States
  • Distance from SNA Airport: 1.7 miles
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: 8 minutes
    

• Habana at The LAB: It is famous for its Cuban fare in a funky setting, which attracts a lot of tourists.
  • Address: Habana, 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
  • Distance from SNA Airport: 3.4 miles
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: 9 minutes

SHOPPING:

These stores offer an array of unique and essential items, alongside premium brands catering to travelers’ choices. The best part, these are located within 5 miles of SNA Airport.

• South Coast Plaza: One of the most popular malls near SNA Airport, known for its top-notch premium stores and light meals.
  • Address: South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
  • Distance from SNA Airport: 4.6 miles
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: 10 minutes

• The CAMP & The LAB (Costa Mesa): Made for eco-conscious travelers, it is known for its environmentally friendly retail and artsy cafes.
  • Address: The LAB Anti-Mall, 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
  • Distance from SNA Airport: 3.4 miles
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: 9 minutes

Evening or Night Specialities

Enjoy sunset dining with ocean views or experience vibrant nightlife with live music, rooftop lounges, and live comedy shows, all near the John Wayne Airport for a perfect evening escape.

SUNSET AND DINNER

At the given places, travelers can enjoy the sunset, have a hearty meal, and relax with serene views.

• Fashion Island: For Upscale shopping, ocean view, and delicious dining.
  • Address: Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660, United States
  • Distance from SNA Airport: 5.8 miles
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: 12 minutes

• Top of the V (Tustin): It is perfect for rooftop dining and serene views.
  • Address: Top of The V, 1601 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, United States
  • Distance from SNA Airport: 12.7 miles
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: 15 minutes

NIGHT LIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT

If someone wishes to enjoy night parties, then these places are perfect hubs for them as they offer a lively environment to everyone, while staying close to the SNA airport.

• Costa Mesa’s SOBECA District: Travelers can enjoy bars, live music, and the local culture of the city.
  • Address: SOBECA District, 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
  • Distance from SNA Airport: 3.6 miles
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: 9 minutes

• Improv at Irvine Spectrum: It is a comedy club with lively energy and a vibrant retail center.
  • Address: Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618, United States
  • Distance from SNA Airport: 14.2 miles
  • Estimated Time of Arrival: 15 minutes

NOTE: This time has been estimated by taking cars, not the other public transport. If a traveler is traveling by public transport, it can take him more than the estimated time to reach the destination.

Tips for travelers to explore the best things to do near John Wayne Airport (SNA)

1. Ground Transportation: All of the above-mentioned things are located very close to the airport, nearly 15 to 20 minutes away. To reach there, travelers must use the SNA Ground Transportation, which offers various options like cabs, rental cars, etc.

2. Luggage Storage: SNA Airport has multiple luggage storage options available. Travelers can easily enroll, keep their luggage in the designated compartments, and roam freely without the worry of theft.

3. Manage Time: Travelers must always manage their time for the places they are going to visit to avoid last-minute chaos. 

4. Avoid Traveling during Peak Time: Passengers must confirm the peak timing of these places and must avoid traveling during that time. 

Concluding Statement

Several options are available for things to do near John Wayne Airport (SNA). Travelers can easily locate these places as they are situated within a 15-20 minute distance from the SNA airport. Whether they are looking for something historic or comforting, or a loud party, everything is present to make their time enjoyable and entertaining, especially during layovers. It offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventurous things.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)