TrainDay: Orange Circle, Bowers Cherry Blossom Festival & Santa Ana Downtown

Join us this Sunday for an TrainDay and urban hike revealing Orange County's history, nature, and culture!

The Plan: We will meet at Irvine Train Station at 9:00 AM and take the 9:21 AM Metrolink (OC Line 1661) to the Orange Station (arriving 9:40 AM). From there, we'll grab a bite for breakfast at the historic Orange Circle before hiking through the vintage residential streets of Orange. We will then meander down the Santiago Creek Trail, making our way to Bowers Museum to enjoy the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival.

After soaking in the festival, our urban hike continues through the heart of Downtown Santa Ana, where we'll explore local street art, historic architecture, and the vibrant culture of the city. We will walk to the Santa Ana Train Station to catch the 5:22 PM southbound Metrolink (OC Line 1668) for our ride back to Irvine, arriving at 5:36 PM.

Details:

• Meet-Up: 9:00 AM – Irvine Metrolink Station (15215 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618). Arrive by 9:00 AM to park, get your $10 Metrolink SoCal Day Pass at the ticket kiosks (hit "Buy Tickets", then "Metrolink SoCal Day Pass"), cross the bridge to the far side, and reach the north end of Platform 1 by 9:21 AM, where the 2ndwbd car will load. Let’s try to meet there—so we can board and sit together.
• Departure: 9:21 AM Metrolink OC Line 1661 from Irvine to Orange (arriving 9:40 AM).
• Return: OC Line 1668 at 5:22 PM from Santa Ana Station to Irvine (arriving 5:36 PM).
• Train Fare: $10 Metrolink SoCal Day Pass Seniors/Students $5 – buy at the station (use cash or card, but avoid bills larger than $20
• Parking: Free at Irvine Metrolink Station.

TrainDay2LA — Important Info This is an urban hike, not a guided tour. We’re just a bunch of curious folks exploring OC’s hidden gems by train and on foot — and that can include all sorts of big-city sights and surprises. Expect to walk 6 ish miles on both hard pack and dirt surfaces YMMV

Restroom access is limited. I don’t schedule bathroom stops, but when I see a public restroom, I’ll usually let the group know. This route may have few or no obvious bathrooms for long stretches. There are Bathrooms at Irvine Station, on the train and at Santa Ana Station. If frequent bathroom breaks are essential, this may not be the right outing for you.
There will be no sweep so stay together and follow the leader to avoid getting separated.

Disclaimer: Group organizer, assistant organizers, and event hosts assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.