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
1. 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
2. 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:
3. Fairview Park
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
4. TeWinkle Park
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
5. Diego Sepulveda Adobe
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
6. 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:
7. 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
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