Fourth Street’s a Fiesta

Fourth Street in Santa Ana isn’t a place you go looking for--it finds you. It’s a part of the city you stumble on when you’re busy running errands or when you take an accidental turn down a side street.

The Ronald Reagan Federal Building looms over a small but bustling Fiesta Marketplace, on 4th Street near Civic Center. But don’t let the marketplace’s size fool you: It’s big enough to offer something for everyone, even if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Families take leisurely strolls and couples walk hand in hand, gazing through bridal shop windows. Small children chase after their mothers, asking for spare change for a treat. Perhaps it’s a churro, freshly peeled fruit, a hot dog or a cold drink. There seems to be a food cart vendor on every corner.

There are intimate restaurants, such as Taqueria Guadalajara (305 E. 4th St., [714] 953-1191; open 7 a.m.-midnight daily), where you’re greeted with the aroma of meat searing on the grill and the constant chatter of customers ordering tacos, talking to each other and taking care of their grocery needs.

Go Fourth

The street bubbles with activity. You can pick up a cake at a family-run bakery, such as Moya’s Bakery (220 E. 4th St., No. 105, [714] 953-0657; open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday) or buy authentic Western wear at El Faisan Mexican Imports and Western Wear (321 E. 4th St., [714] 543-7740; open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily). The store holds a lot of merchandise in a small space. Cowboy hats are stacked on top of one another, and leather vests of various colors and styles hang from racks. Brightly colored shirts and leather belts with big shiny buckles also grab attention.

Don’t think this is just a men’s clothing store: The store is split into two sections separated by a brick walkway. Half houses men’s furnishings and the other, women’s clothing, such as traditional Mexican dresses.

Here Comes the Bride

Looking for a wedding gown? Stop on 4th Street. As you walk down the six-block area between Birch and French streets, you’ll have your pick of bridal shops, such as Humberta’s Bridal Shop (212 W. 4th St., [714] 550-0401; open 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday) or Romance Bridal (324 W. 4th St., [714] 953-9275; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday).

Daniel’s Jewelers (202 W. 4th St., [714] 973-2117; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday) is one of a few stores that have rings and other sparkling things for your sweetheart.

Thinking about a honeymoon or maybe just a small vacation? Think travel agencies--this area has them, such as Central Travel and Tour Service (302 W. 4th St., [714] 542-5441; 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday). Not only does it provide traditional traveling services, but it cashes paychecks, sells money orders and wires money across the world.

Near a carousel where children line up to wait their turn is St. Teresa’s Catholic Gift Shop (300 E. 4th St., [714] 542-6907; 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday). Owner Sam Romero says his store sells “general religious stuff” and gifts, such as prayer cards, bookmarks and statues of the Virgin de Guadalupe for First Communion celebrations.

Bibles and crucifixes are also popular, says Romero, who has operated his business for 16 years, nine in its current location.

Romero, who used to sell newspapers across the street, speaks fondly about his neighborhood and improvements made by the city.

“Weather permitting, Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days,” Romero said. Foot traffic near his store is heavy.

After you’ve done some shopping, you can catch a film at Teatro Fiesta (305 E. 4th. St., [714] 541-4351). It’s a small theater that doesn’t have the amenities of a larger one, but you can see a new release such as “Scream 3” for only $5.50. Children, students with a valid ID and seniors pay $3.

Films are subtitled in Spanish. If you have a date or loved ones who don’t speak English, bring them.

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IF YOU GO

* Getting there

From the Santa Ana Freeway, take the Grand Avenue exit south to 4th Street (about a half-mile), turn west on 4th Street.

* Uplifting news

In 1998, Santa Ana invested $12 million to renovate the 4th Street area.