De la Garza always dreamed of one day acting, but questioned whether or not a career in acting was something that could really be attained. If it were not for her mother's urging, De la Garza might never have pursued acting.

De la Garza started off as a model and then moved to television commercials to pay the bills. By then, the acting bug had bitten her. She moved to New York and began to study for future roles.

Alana resides in the New York Area with her husband. She has participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethons and in her spare time she likes to relax by taking yoga and kick-boxing classes.