MAKING A DAY OF IT

You’ve done the Discovery Science Center--now what? There’s plenty more in and near Santa Ana to fill up the day.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Bowers Museum of Cultural Art--south of the science center at 2002 N. Main St., (714) 567-3600. Permanent and temporary exhibits of cultural art. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, Fridays-Sundays; 10 a. m.-9 p.m. Thursdays.Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission $2-$6, children under 5 free. Admission to Kidseum included. Free parking.

Kidseum--operated by Bowers Museum at 1802 N. Main St. Hands-on cultural art experiences for children, such as projects, costumes and musical instruments. Open weekends only, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission included with Bowers Museum admission: $2-$6, children under 5 free. Free parking.

Palm Court--small, quaint courtyard with art galleries and the Green Parrot Cafe. Across from the Bowers Museum at 2035 N. Main St.

Discovery Museum of Orange County--3101 W. Harvard St., (714) 540-0404. Eleven acres of Victorian buildings, a working smithy, orchards and hiking trails through natural settings. Meant to be a hands-on lesson in turn-of-the-century living. Open to the public Wednesdays-Fridays, 1-5 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission $3-$4, children under 3 free. Parking is free.

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park--First Street just west of the Santa Ana Freeway, (714) 835-7484. Elephant rides Saturdays and Sundays. Open daily, except Christmas and New Year’s Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $2-$4, children under 3 free.

Artists Village--nine-block area bounded by Broadway, 1st, 3rd and Main streets. The village includes artists’ studios, galleries, theaters, cafes and architecturally significant buildings.

Orange County Center for Contemporary Art--an artist-run gallery, is open Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at 208 N. Broadway, (714) 667-1517.

Floral Park--Santa Ana’s neighborhood of showcase homes, bounded by 17th Street, Flower Street, Broadway and West Riverside Drive.

French Park--one of Santa Ana’s early neighborhoods, with many restored houses. Bounded by Civic Center Drive East, Washington Avenue, Spurgeon Street/Bush Street and the railroad tracks to the east.

DOWNTOWN

Latino Fourth Street Retail District--between Main Street and Broadway.

Old Orange County Courthouse Museum--local and regional history exhibits plus restored 1901 courtroom sometimes used as movie set. Open Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed weekends except for special events. Tours on Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission free. 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., (714) 834-3703.

DINING

Restaurants close to the Discovery Science Center with a sophisticated flair.

Zov’s Bistro, Tustin, 17440 E. 17th St. at Yorba Street, (714) 838-8855

Nouvelle Mediterranean plates such as Moroccan salmon with couscous, rack of lamb and angel hair pasta with feta cheese. A bakery in the back makes rustic breads, brioche and dazzling desserts. Wine list features California varietals.

Entrees: $8-$17 for lunch; $11.95-$21.95 for dinner. Hours: Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Dinner: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 5-10 p.m. Saturdays.

Topaz Cafe, Santa Ana, Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., at 20th Street, (714) 835-2002.

California and Southwest dishes--grilled vegetables, fresh fish and updated favorites such as chile rellenos, posole and enchiladas--served in a Spanish courtyard setting. Wines by the glass, agua frescas and margaritas.

Entrees: $5.95-$13.95 for lunch; $10.95-$16.95 for dinner. Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Dinner: 5-9 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays.

Citrus City Grille, Orange, 122 N. Glassell St. at Chapman Avenue off the Orange Circle, (714) 639-9600

California cuisine: roast duck in cherry sauce with asparagus; risotto with grilled tiger shrimp; and meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes. Wine list and martinis in a rainbow of flavors from the orange peel, made with Cointreau, to the Cajun with pepper vodka and jalapen~o garnish.

Entrees: $5-$12 for lunch; $5-$24 for dinner. Hours: Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner 5 -10 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

NEARBY MALLS

* MainPlace on Main Street just north of the Discovery Science Center.

* South Coast Plaza on Bristol Street at the San Diego Freeway in Costa Mesa.

Maps and information available at Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, (714) 541-5353.