Nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles in Orange County, Costa Mesa is a charming city in California that you will find just a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the refreshing beach. Costa Mesa developed from a semi-rural agricultural locality into a modern, lively city. Today, it’s popular for being home to 30 well-maintained pleasant parks, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a golf course, shopping venues, and libraries. Several visitors prefer to explore this fascinating city in California for relaxing vacations, as Costa Mesa offers you numerous fun-filled activities to enjoy. So, if you are wondering which attractions and activities you should not miss when vacationing in this amazing city, think no further. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Costa Mesa, California.
1. Check out Martin Lawrence Galleries
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Martin Lawrence Galleries on Friday, October 23, 2020
Are you an art lover fond of visiting amazing art galleries? Then, do not miss visiting Martin Lawrence Galleries during your trip to this fascinating city in California. You will find this art gallery in lavish South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Watch exquisite sculptures, original paintings, and outstanding artwork by several renowned artists in the world, such as Picasso, Kondakova, Warhol, Murakami, Chagall, and several others.
Martin Lawrence Galleries
Address: Martin Lawrence Galleries, 3333 Bear St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Martin Lawrence Galleries
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 6.30pm
Price: Free admission
2. Take a leisurely walk in Fairview Park
Go for a leisurely stroll in the sprawling 208-acre (84.17-hectare) Fairview Park in this tourist hot spot. It is a wonderful public park, which is home to an open field, a serene forested sanctuary, rolling hills, and enchanting beach. Having a leisurely walk in this green area will refresh your mind and body. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, running, and exploring picnic areas in this charming park.
Fairview Park
Address: Fairview Park, 2501 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Fairview Park
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Watch a concert at Pacific Amphitheater
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoy a wonderful experience of watching a live concert, when vacationing in Costa Mesa, by visiting the Pacific Amphitheater. This amphitheater is situated on the OC Fair & Event Center grounds and it hosts great concerts. So, if you are longing to attend a live performance, book your ticket and visit Pacific Amphitheater for an enjoyable experience.
Pacific Amphitheater
Address: Pacific Amphitheater, 100 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Pacific Amphitheater
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
Price: 25 USD onwards
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4. Drink fresh coffee at Portola Coffee
Enjoy a cup of hot and fresh coffee at Portola Coffee, a hip café, coffeehouse, and roastery in Costa Mesa. At this elegantly redesigned coffee shop, you can choose your choice of coffee from the entire menu of specialty coffee drinks available. Also, relish savory pastries with your cup of coffee.
Portola Coffee
Address: Portola Coffee, 3313 Hyland Ave Suite B2, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Portola Coffee
Opening hours Mon - Fri: 6am - 9pm; Sat: 7am - 9pm; Sun: 8am - 8pm
Price: 16 - 20 USD
5. Go to OC Fair
Visit OC Fair to attend an event or to explore it when holidaying in Costa Mesa. The OC Fair & Event Center is a sprawling 150-acre (60.7-hectare) amazing event venue which hosts more than 150 outstanding events every year by welcoming about 4.3 million visitors. It’s also home to Costa Mesa Speedway, Orange County Fair, Pacific Amphitheatre, and Centennial Farm. So, plan to attend a fun-filled event at OC Fair and tour around it.
OC Fair
Address: OC Fair, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: OC Fair
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 11am - 12am (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
6. Have fun at The LAB
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visit The LAB, a shopping mall in Costa Mesa, to have fun. It is a great indoor-outdoor space which is dotted with restaurants and shops. The LAB also hosts several events attracting visitors throughout the year. You will find events such as the Full Moon Night Market, Happy Lunar New Year, ‘BLOOM Festival at SoBeCa, and LAB Earth Day Night Market. So, spend quality time here.
The LAB
Address: The LAB, 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: The LAB
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm
Price: Admission ranges from Free to 5 USD depending on the event
7. Dine at Habana
If you love relishing Cuban delicacies, make sure you visit Habana, a warm and trendy Cuban restaurant, while touring through Costa Mesa. Candlelit space, trendy vibe, and garden patio adorn its setting. Order your choice of Cuban cuisines and dine at your leisure here. Please your taste buds with chicken empanadas, tuna tartar, Cuban chopped salad, and many more authentic Cuban dishes.
Habana
Address: Habana, 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Habana
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 1am
8. Watch performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Opened in 1986, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, which was previously the Orange County Performing Arts Center, is an outstanding modern performing arts center. It is one of the prominent attractions in Costa Mesa. You can find here many performance venues. Attend an event and appreciate the art and performances here. This center also holds some classes and educational programs in the arts.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Address: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 12 - 90 USD
9. Enjoy fresh oysters at Shuck Oyster Bar
Do you find seafood, particularly oysters, tempting? Then, make it a point to visit Shuck Oyster Bar when in Costa Mesa. Fresh oysters are shipped here daily and they are served in an open, industrial-style ambiance. Order your favorite delicacy of oysters, such as fried oysters, chilled or raw oyster, or any other oyster cuisine, and eat it at ease.
Shuck Oyster Bar
Address: Shuck Oyster Bar, The Mix at Soco, 3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Shuck Oyster Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11.30am - 10pm
Price: 11 - 30 USD
10. Head to THE RAM
Do not miss visiting ‘THE RAM’, which is a bright yellow-colored steel abstraction. It’s 20-foot (6.09-meter) tall structure weighing 7 tonnes (15400 lbs) and it is known for being the first sculpture in the locality. In Costa Mesa, it continues to be a colorful, noteworthy center of attention. Admire this prominent sculpture present in Town Center Park.
THE RAM
Address: THE RAM, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 92626
Website: THE RAM
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10.30am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
Price: Free
11. Marvel at sculptures at Spatio Virtuo Teatro
Sculpture at South Coast Repertory.
Posted by Daniel Salas on Saturday, 10 April 2010
If sculptures fascinate you, plan to visit Spatio Virtuo Teatro, sculpture work in South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. Jason Meadows, an artist from Los Angeles, presents a marvelous collective three individual artworks here. Gaze at fabulous painted steel sculptures at this destination.
Spatio Virtuo Teatro
Address: Spatio Virtuo Teatro, Park Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Spatio Virtuo Teatro
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free
12. Relish Southern fried chicken at Memphis Café
Do you find Southern fried chicken appetizing? Then, visit Memphis Café to enjoy eating it when in Costa Mesa. This food establishment features a hip vibe and serves you with a variety of comfort food delicacies and mid-century digs. So, order scrumptious fried chicken and satisfy your craving for it.
Memphis Café
Address: Memphis Café, 2920 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Memphis Café
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 8am - 10pm; Thu - Sat: 8am - 12am
Price: 11 - 30 USD
13. Buy vintage items at The LAB Anti-Mall
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you fond of vintage items? If yes, plan to visit THE LAB Anti-Mall during your trip to Costa Mesa. You can find here vintage items to shop and add to your collection of antiques. Attend Lost & Found Vintage Flea Market to find a rare and unique vintage finds and buy your choice of classic items.
The LAB Anti-Mall
Address: The LAB Anti-Mall, 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: The LAB Anti-Mall
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm
Price: 27 USD onwards
14. Visit Tour Aux Jambes
Do not miss viewing Tour Aux Jambes, which you will find in Park Tower on popular Town Center Drive, when exploring Costa Mesa. Tour Aux Jambes of Jean Dubuffet means ‘Tower of Legs’ or ‘Encirclement of Limbs’, which signifies a theme of developing a monolithic structure by using entwined elements. This artwork is similar to a three-dimensional jigsaw-puzzle with lines present only on the surface. It is sure to amaze you.
Tour Aux Jambes
Address: Tour Aux Jambes, 695 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 92626
Website: Tour Aux Jambes
Opening hours: Mon: 7am - 3pm; Tue - Thu: 7am - 10pm; Fri: 7am - 11pm; Sat: 5pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
15. Catch a play at Costa Mesa Playhouse
Have an entertaining time by watching a play at Costa Mesa Playhouse, which is a 73-seat community theater that is well known for entertaining the USA’s Orange County for more than 40 years. It dedicatedly features quality, affordable live theater in a cozy setting. Talented singers, actors, dancers, and stage craftspeople, of well-known Orange County, find a welcoming space to practice their craft. So, go to watch a play when holidaying in Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa Playhouse
Address: Costa Mesa Playhouse, 661 Hamilton St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA
Website: Costa Mesa Playhouse
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7.30am - 10pm; Sun: 1.30pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: 5 - 75 USD
16. Tour California Scenario
California Scenario is regarded as one of the prominent sculpture gardens in the USA. Moreover, this marvelous sculpture garden is an outdoor sculpture oasis which can be accessed by the public. The ‘Desert Land’, ‘Forest Walk’, ‘Water Use’, ‘Land Use’, ‘Water Source’, and ‘Energy Fountain’ are six principal elements which form this garden. Visit this incredible minimalistic sculpture garden, which represents the state of California.
California Scenario
Address: California Scenario, 611 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: California Scenario
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 24 hours; Sat: 12am - 12pm
Price: Free
17. Visit Diego Sepulveda Adobe
The Diego Sepulveda Adobe, a unique adobe structure, encompasses about 200 years of the rich history of Costa Mesa in enchanting Estancia Park. You can find it at 1900 Adams Avenue in Costa Mesa. Diego Sepulveda Adobe represents four distinct periods of the history of California in its rooms, namely Indian, Victoria, Mission, and Spanish. Learn about its outstanding historic significance by visiting it.
Diego Sepulveda Adobe
Address: Diego Sepulveda Adobe, 1900 Adams Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Diego Sepulveda Adobe
Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
Price: Free
18. Feed your sweet tooth at ST Patisserie Chocolat
Do pastries and sweets delight you? If yes, enjoy eating delicious pastries and chocolates at ST Patisserie Chocolat, a pastry shop in Costa Mesa. You will find it adjacent to The Pastry School. Order some lip-smacking handmade chocolates and sweets, such as macarons, bonbons, tarts, and many other varieties of sweets, and please your taste buds by eating them.
ST Patisserie Chocolat
Address: ST Patisserie Chocolat, 3321 Hyland Ave, Ste H, Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1545
Website: ST Patisserie Chocolat
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6 - 8 USD
19. Have a picnic at TeWinkle Park
Plan an excursion with your family and kids in TeWinkle Park when relaxing in Costa Mesa. TeWinkle Park is a 49-acre (0.40-hectare) park, which is adorned with a charming lake with a waterfall, that offers you play areas, picnic shelters, ball fields, and great tennis courts. Watch your kids playing in the special children’s play area, which is known as Angels Playground, when you are picnicking here.
TeWinkle Park
Address: TeWinkle Park, 970 Arlington Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: TeWinkle Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 10pm
Price: 15 - 202 USD
20. Play at TrapZone Escape Rooms
Experience a fun, interactive, and adventurous escape room game in Costa Mesa by playing at TrapZone Escape Rooms. Challenge your senses to discover the clues, test your wit to solve the puzzles, and collaborate to escape the room successfully. So, make sure you play a live escape room game at TrapZone Escape Rooms.
TrapZone Escape Rooms
Address: TrapZone Escape Rooms, E, 2900 Bristol St #208, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: TrapZone Escape Rooms
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 10pm
Price: 30 USD
21. Listen to some music at Keys On Main
Are you fond of piano music? If yes, plan to visit Keys On Main, a dueling piano club in Costa Mesa. Watch a Dueling Piano Show that features two outstanding pianos and talented musicians playing the piano and singing melodious songs. Have an entertaining time listening to the tunes of music.
Keys On Main
Address: Keys On Main, 1870 Harbor Blvd suite L1-108, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA
Website: Keys On Main
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 8pm - 2am; Sun: 7pm - 2am (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: 10 USD onwards
22. Explore the food stalls at SOCO Collection & OC Mix
Visit SOCO Collection & OC Mix and spot food stalls to have an excellent culinary experience. Relish savory delicacies in the quaint eateries here. Just order your favorite delicacy or cuisine and satisfy your appetite as you eat leisurely.
SOCO Collection & OC Mix
Address: SOCO Collection & OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: SOCO Collection & OC Mix
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Price: 25 - 50 USD
23. Visit Centennial Farm
Learn about agriculture and its significance to our daily life by visiting Centennial Farm in Costa Mesa. Centennial Farm is a 3-acre (1.21-hectare) working farm. It is home to vegetable and fruit gardens and a noteworthy array of livestock comprising chickens, pigs, oxen, and other farm animals. Get an enriching experience.
Centennial Farm
Address: Centennial Farm, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Centennial Farm
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm
Price: Free
24. Discover Talbert Nature Preserve
Are you a nature lover? Then, do not miss visiting Talbert Nature Preserve when touring through Costa Mesa. Talbert Nature Preserve is a serene public park which features diverse greenery, a lovely pond, a trail system for pedestrians, and a biking area. Beautiful wildflowers and wonderful plants adorn this preserve. So, make sure you explore it.
Talbert Nature Preserve
Address: Talbert Nature Preserve, 1299 Victoria Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA
Website: Talbert Nature Preserve
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 7 USD
25. Enjoy skating at Costa Mesa Skate Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Experience the thrill of skating during your vacations in Costa Mesa by visiting Costa Mesa Skate Park, which is a famous 15,000-square-foot (1393.5-square-meter) skate park housing a kidney-shaped pool, bowl, and several street elements. Just put on a helmet, cover your elbows and knees with full pads, and wear skating shoes and enjoy the fun of skating here.
Costa Mesa Skate Park
Address: Costa Mesa Skate Park, 900 Arlington Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Costa Mesa Skate Park
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 7.30am - 9pm; Tue: 11am - 9pm
Price: Free
26. See the exhibits at Heroes Hall Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Heroes Hall on Monday, February 15, 2021
Heroes Hall Museum in Costa Mesa hosts performances, exhibitions, and educational programs which celebrate the legacy of Orange County’s veterans and other individuals who have served the USA. So, respect and admire the veterans by visiting this outstanding museum and education center in Costa Mesa.
Heroes Hall Museum
Address: Heroes Hall Museum, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Heroes Hall Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
27. Take your kids to Lions Park
Visit Lions Park in Costa Mesa along with your kids and watch your kids play cheerfully there. Lions Park is a small park featuring picnic tables, a playground, a baseball field, and a community center. Your kids will have fun playing various games and exploring this lovely park.
Lions Park
Address: Lions Park, 570 W 18th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA
Website: Lions Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 10pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
28. Walk your dogs at Moon Park
Take time out to take your dogs to pleasant Moon Park in Costa Mesa. A 30-foot (9.14-meter) cratered gray concrete dome, which mimics the lunar surface, is the key feature of this park. Your beloved pet dog will be glad to explore this park. So, spend quality time at Moon Park.
Moon Park
Address: Moon Park, 3377 California St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: Moon Park
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
29. Shop at South Coast Plaza
If you are a shopaholic, you should not miss shopping at South Coast Plaza, a popular regional shopping mall, when in Costa Mesa. It is famous for being the biggest shopping center on the USA’s West Coast. It’s home to a range of brand stores, fascinating boutiques, award-winning restaurants, an unparalleled retail collection, and modern amenities. Whether it is clothes, fashion accessories, or scrumptious food that you want, South Coast Plaza has got it all for you. So, do not miss a pleasant shopping experience at this upscale shopping venue in Costa Mesa.
South Coast Plaza
Address: South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: South Coast Plaza
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 6.30pm
Price: Entry & parking free
30. Shop for luxury items at South Coast Plaza
Enjoy a luxury shopping experience by shopping for luxury items at South Coast Plaza, when holidaying in Costa Mesa. Situated at a walking distance from enchanting beaches and great resorts of Costa Mesa, this shopping center features several luxury brands. You can find here well-known brands, such as Tiffany & Co., Massimo, Chanel, Hermes, and Dior along with prominent department stores, such as Sears, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Macy’s. Spend a good time picking your choice of luxury products and purchasing them at your leisure.
South Coast Plaza
Address: South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Website: South Coast Plaza
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 6.30pm
Price: 869 USD onwards
Make your holiday in Costa Mesa an enjoyable one
Costa Mesa is a wonderful destination to spend a refreshing vacation, for individuals of all age groups. And, all these enjoyable activities will help you explore Costa Mesa outstandingly. So, make sure you go for all these most exciting things to do in Costa Mesa, California, and have enriching travel experience.
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