Need a stylish and artsy coastal escape in Orange County? Head to Costa Mesa! Shop world-class malls, explore vibrant arts centers, dine at trendsetting restaurants, and relax just minutes from the beach. Whether you're seeking culture, shopping, or California sunshine, Costa Mesa is the perfect modern getaway.

Costa Mesa, CA Highlights:

  • South Coast Plaza: Shop at one of the largest and most luxurious shopping centers in the United States.
  • Segerstrom Center for the Arts: Catch Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, and other world-class performances.
  • The LAB Anti-Mall: Explore this funky shopping and dining hub filled with independent boutiques, art, and eco-friendly vibes.
  • Fairview Park: Hike, bike, or picnic in this large park with scenic bluffs, open fields, and trails.
  • Orange County Fairgrounds: Attend the annual OC Fair, year-round markets, or concerts at this lively event space.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Costa Mesa is during the spring and summer (March–September) when the weather is sunny and ideal for beaches, outdoor events, and patio dining. The OC Fair in July and August brings extra excitement.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Costa Mesa is located near the junction of I-405, SR-55, and SR-73, about 40 miles south of Los Angeles.
  • By Air: John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest airport, just 10–15 minutes from Costa Mesa’s main attractions.
  • By Train: Nearby Irvine Station and Santa Ana Station connect Costa Mesa to Amtrak and Metrolink services, with local transport options.

Where to Stay

  • Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Stylish lakeside hotel with modern rooms, a pool, and close proximity to South Coast Plaza and Segerstrom Center.
  • The Westin South Coast Plaza – Upscale hotel connected by a footbridge to South Coast Plaza, offering sleek rooms and a serene pool area.
  • Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach – Charming boutique-style hotel with European décor, spacious suites, and convenient access to both Costa Mesa and the beaches.

Best Things to Do

Segerstrom Center for the Arts


See world-class performances or explore a stunning modern arts venue.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

© Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Established in 1986 as the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the renamed Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a modern performing arts center and one of the top Costa Mesa attractions. Designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the center is the artistic home to three resident companies, namely the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the Pacific Symphony, and the Pacific Chorale.

Several performance venues comprise the center, including the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall, the 2,000-person Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the 375-seat multi-functional Samueli Theater, the 250-seat Judy Morr Theater, and the 46,000-square-foot (4,300 square-meter) Arts Plaza. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents some educational programs and classes in the arts, such as master and Broadway classes, summer camps, and the ABT William J. Gillespie Dance School.

600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, Phone: 714-556-2787

South Coast Repertory Theater


Visit an acclaimed theater or see captivating live productions.

South Coast Repertory Theater

© South Coast Repertory Theater

Established in 1964 by David Emmes and Martin Benson, the South Coast Repertory Theater (SCR) is a resident professional theater. It is widely regarded as one of America's foremost producers of new plays. The SCR features an extensive new play development program that boasts a range of workshops, commissions, readings, and residencies, from which up to five world premieres are produced each season.

The theater season runs from September to June each year and includes works drawn from classic and modern theater repertoires that are presented on a variety of stages. The SCR also offers a selection of educational and outreach programs and has been the recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award for Distinguished Achievement for new play development.

655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, Phone: 714-708-5555

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Fairview Park


Walk scenic nature trails or bike through open grasslands and wetlands.

Fairview Park

© Courtesy of buharina - Fotolia.com

Fairview Park is a 208-acre public park that features open fields, rolling hills, a tranquil forested sanctuary, and a beautiful beach. A network of trails crisscross the park, and they are perfect for walking, hiking, running, biking and horseback riding while shady picnic areas with tables and secluded coves are available for rest and relaxation.

The park offers large grassy areas for kite and model airplane flying, as well as free model train rides on the third weekend of each month. Fairview Park plays hosts to several community events throughout the year, including the annual Fish Fry, which involves various kinds of entertainment, carnival rides, and prize drawings to raise money for local community organizations. If you are wondering what to do in Costa Mesa with kids, this is a great place to visit.

2525 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, 92627

TeWinkle Park


Explore peaceful picnic spots or visit shaded walking paths and sports courts.

TeWinkle Park

© Courtesy of AjF - Fotolia.com

Named after local businessman and first mayor of Costa Mesa, Charles TeWinkle, TeWinkle Park is a 49-acre space that offers residents and visitors to Costa Mesa a beautiful urban area in which to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park features an array of modern amenities, including barbecue areas, picnic tables, restrooms, and shady shelters, as well as several sports and utility fields.

Enjoy a game of baseball or softball on the full sized fields, or play a match on one of the twelve tennis courts. A lovely lake with a waterfall sets the scene for the perfect picnic while a special children’s play area called Angels Playground is ideal for the little ones.

970 Arlington Avenue, Costa Mesa, 92626

Diego Sepulveda Adobe


Discover early California history or walk through a beautifully preserved historic site.

Diego Sepulveda Adobe

© Courtesy of travelcostamesa.com

Resting on a bluff overlooking the Santa Ana River bed in Estancia Park, the Diego Sepulveda Adobe, also known as the Costa Mesa Estancia or the Santa Ana Estancia, is the second oldest structure in Orange County and stands as a memorial to the early settlers of the area. Originally built between 1817 and 1823 to house the traveling herdsmen who tended horses and cattle from Mission San Juan Capistrano to Alta in the south, the adobe and surrounding land was later purchased and restored by the Segerstrom family in 1940. Today, it stands as a local history museum.

Operated by the Costa Mesa Historical Society, the museum represents four distinct periods in Orange County history, namely Indian, Mission, Spanish, and Victorian.

1900 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, Phone: 714-754-5300

South Coast Plaza


Visit luxury boutiques or explore high-end dining options.

South Coast Plaza

© South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza is an upscale shopping center that offers patrons a luxurious shopping experience. Home to an array of deluxe boutiques, brand stores, award-winning restaurants, personal shopping services, and modern amenities, South Coast Plaza is world-renowned for its unparalleled retail collection. Located within walking distance of Costa Mesa’s beautiful beaches and sprawling resorts, the center features luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, Tiffany & Co, Hermés, and Massimo, as well as major department stores like Sears, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Bloomingdales.

The Plaza caters to every taste with a variety of dining options ranging from quick bites and specialty foods to casual, family-friendly dining and fine dining, as well as a selection of cafés, bars, and lounges. South Coast Plaza’s Concierge provides an array of services to make your shopping and dining experience extra special, including personal shopper services, foreign language assistance, currency exchange, gift certificates, and wheelchairs.

3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, Phone: 1-800-782-8888

Where to Eat:

Avila's El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant


Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine or visit a warm, family-friendly eatery.

Avila's El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant

© Avila's El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant

Established in 1977 by Maria Elena, Avila's El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant that serves an array of authentic and traditional Mexican food. Located in a historic Laguna Landmark building on the ocean side of town, Avila's boasts a warm and welcoming ambiance and beautiful sea and sunset views. The menu features delicious homemade Mexican fare including starters of mahi-mahi ceviche, nachos, and quesadillas, a variety of soft tacos, platillos, handmade tortillas, fajitas, and burritos for mains. If you are looking for romantic date ideas, this is a great place to try.

You will also find exclusive Ranchito specials such as Botana Carnitas (pork marinated in lemon and garlic) and Asada Encebollado (tender strips of rib eye steak served on a skillet with grilled onions and accented with Mama Avila's own Chile Negro). A separate children’s menu offers smaller portions of favorites such as chicken fingers and burgers, and a catering and banquet menu is available for special occasions and other events.

2101 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA, Phone: 949-642-1142

More Places to Eat

  • Old Vine Kitchen & Bar – Trendy spot offering globally inspired small plates, craft cocktails, and a stylish atmosphere.
  • Habana – Vibrant Cuban restaurant located inside The LAB Anti-Mall, serving colorful dishes and cocktails in a lush courtyard setting.
  • Mastro’s Steakhouse Costa Mesa – Elegant fine-dining steakhouse perfect for a special night out near South Coast Plaza.
  • Playa Mesa Mexican Kitchen – Modern Mexican eatery with farm-to-table ingredients and award-winning margaritas.

If you are interested in local events:

  • OC Fair (July–August) – Massive summer fair featuring rides, concerts, food competitions, and farm exhibits at the OC Fairgrounds.
  • Summer Concert Series at Segerstrom Center (Summer) – Free outdoor concerts under the stars at the arts plaza.
  • SOCO Farmers Market (Year-Round, Saturdays) – Enjoy local produce, artisan foods, and crafts at this popular weekly market at SOCO and The OC Mix.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Costa Mesa, California:

  • Newport Beach (10–15 min) – Relax on the beach, take a harbor cruise, or shop at Fashion Island.
  • Laguna Beach (20–30 min) – Visit art galleries, stroll Main Beach, and explore tide pools and coves.
  • Huntington Beach (20 min) – Enjoy "Surf City USA" with sandy beaches, a vibrant pier, and surf competitions.
  • Irvine Spectrum Center (20 min) – Shop, dine, and ride the giant Ferris wheel at this massive open-air lifestyle center.
  • Disneyland Resort (20–30 min) – Spend a magical day at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure just up the road in Anaheim.
  • Where is Costa Mesa located?
    • Costa Mesa is situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, just a mile from the beach.
  • What is the history of Costa Mesa?
    • Originally starting as an agricultural community, Costa Mesa was officially incorporated in 1953 and has since grown into a modern, vibrant city.
  • What attractions are in Costa Mesa?
    • The city is home to the famous Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a variety of shopping destinations, 30 well-maintained parks, a golf course, and three libraries.
  • What nearby destinations can visitors explore?
    • Costa Mesa is a short drive from some of California’s most famous beach towns, including Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach. It is also a quick trip to Disneyland Resort.


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa – A stylish lakeside retreat near arts and culture venues. Explore South Coast Plaza – Shop at one of the largest luxury malls in the U.S.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and sunny, perfect for beach trips. The Westin South Coast Plaza – A comfortable stay with easy access to shopping and dining. Relax at Newport Beach – Just a short drive away, enjoy sun, sand, and ocean waves.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Hilton Costa Mesa – A centrally located hotel ideal for exploring the city. Attend a Show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Enjoy world-class performances and concerts.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and festive, great for holiday events. Residence Inn by Marriott Costa Mesa – A cozy and budget-friendly option. Visit the OC Fair & Event Center’s Winter Fest – Enjoy holiday lights, ice skating, and seasonal treats.

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