Things To Do
in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is a vibrant city located in Orange County, California, known for its thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, offering a variety of performances and events throughout the year. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy exploring South Coast Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the country.
Costa Mesa also boasts beautiful beaches nearby, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café. Afterward, visit the South Coast Plaza for some shopping and people-watching.
Grab lunch at one of the many eateries in the area. Spend your afternoon at the OC Fair & Event Center to explore local events and exhibitions.
Unwind with a casual dinner at a nearby restaurant. If you're in the mood, check out a live performance at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Enjoy breakfast at a beachfront café before heading to the nearby beaches. Take a stroll along the shore to enjoy the fresh ocean air.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach. Spend the midday soaking up the sun, swimming, or trying out some water sports.
Dine at a seafood restaurant with ocean views. Cap off the day by watching the sunset over the Pacific.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant arts and culture scene, including galleries and theaters.
- Diverse dining options with a variety of cuisines.
- Proximity to beautiful beaches and outdoor recreation areas.
- Strong sense of community with numerous events and festivals.
- Good access to shopping and entertainment venues.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other U.S. cities.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Hot summers can be uncomfortable for some residents.
- Air quality can be affected by nearby industrial areas.
Best Activities in Costa Mesa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Mesa with various hiking trails in Talbert Regional Park.
Explore the open space and trails at Fairview Park, perfect for outdoor activities and picnics.
Head to nearby Newport Beach for a day of sun, sand, and water activities like swimming and surfing.
Tours
Uncover the best of Costa Mesa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Costa Mesa
Visit one of these nice places.
An eco-friendly retail center with a unique, outdoor setting offering a variety of photo opportunities.
A stunning arts complex with modern architecture, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for photography.
A scenic natural area offering panoramic views of the bay, wetlands, and diverse wildlife, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Food in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish, fish tacos are a must-try in Costa Mesa, offering fresh and flavorful seafood with a variety of delicious toppings. Some recommended places to try fish tacos include Bear Flag Fish Co. and Wild Taco.
Must-Try!
Healthy and refreshing, acai bowls are a staple in Costa Mesa and can be found at places like Banzai Bowls, offering a delightful blend of acai, fresh fruits, and granola.
Satisfy your cravings with a California burrito, filled with carne asada, french fries, cheese, and salsa. Try this local favorite at places like Chronic Tacos and Taco Asylum.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Costa Mesa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Hosted on Thursdays, the farmers market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious street food, making it a perfect spot for sampling local flavors.
This vibrant outdoor market features various food trucks and vendors, offering a diverse range of street food from gourmet tacos to fusion cuisine, providing a unique culinary experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Costa Mesa, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially in public settings.
It is customary to greet others with politeness and express gratitude by saying 'please' and 'thank you' in social interactions.
Costa Mesa is a diverse community, so it is important to embrace and respect different cultures, traditions, and beliefs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Costa Mesa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Costa Mesa
Ensure a smooth experience
In Costa Mesa, United States, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, bars, and other service-oriented businesses. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
Payment in Costa Mesa, United States, is mainly done using credit/debit cards or cash. Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted. It is less common for businesses to accept checks as a form of payment.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Costa Mesa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for mild weather, blooming flowers, and various cultural events like the Newport Beach Film Festival.
Ideal for beach activities, outdoor concerts, and the Orange County Fair.
Great for experiencing local harvest festivals, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds.
Enjoy holiday celebrations, Christmas events, and cooler weather for exploring without the summer crowds.
Costa Mesa at Night
Hiking in Costa Mesa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large regional park in Orange County offering numerous trails for hiking, as well as scenic views and picnic areas.
A community trail that runs through Tustin, providing a nice pathway for hiking and biking with views of the surrounding areas.
Located in Orange, this park features hiking trails, wildlife, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Located along the coast, this state park features rugged hills and scenic coastal views, with a variety of hiking trails.
Offers a network of trails that allow hikers to enjoy the natural beauty of the wetlands and the bay area.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Costa Mesa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Costa Mesa by plane.
The closest major airport to Costa Mesa, located about 5 miles away. It serves domestic and a limited number of international flights.
Located approximately 40 miles northwest of Costa Mesa, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States, offering numerous international and domestic flights.
Situated around 20 miles northwest of Costa Mesa, it serves primarily domestic flights but does include some international service.
Located about 35 miles east of Costa Mesa, this airport serves as a secondary hub for both domestic and some international flights.
Approximately 90 miles south of Costa Mesa, this airport offers a variety of international and domestic services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Costa Mesa, comprising a significant majority of the population.
A growing demographic group, encompassing individuals of various cultural backgrounds.
Includes a diverse range of ethnicities, with significant representation in the community.
A smaller yet vital demographic group contributing to the city's cultural landscape.
Reflects the increasing diversity of identities among residents.
Represents a small segment of the population with rich cultural heritage.
A very small demographic group within the city, adding to the multicultural character.
The Soul of Costa Mesa
Discover the essence of Costa Mesa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Costa Mesa is known for its proximity to some of the best surf spots in Southern California, attracting surfers from all over.
Soccer has a significant following in Costa Mesa, with youth leagues and adult teams active in the community.
Basketball is popular in schools and recreational leagues throughout Costa Mesa, with many courts available for play.
Baseball is a favored sport with numerous Little League teams and local adult leagues operating in the area.
With its skate parks, Costa Mesa has become a hub for skateboarding, drawing enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Costa Mesa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Costa Mesa embraces vegetarian and vegan diets with many restaurants offering plant-based options, such as Green Tomato Grill and Vegan Nirvana, known for their diverse and flavorful meat-free dishes.
Those with gluten restrictions can explore places like Toast Kitchen + Bakery and Old Vine Kitchen & Bar, which provide a range of gluten-free offerings, ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Costa Mesa with these cultural adventures.
