🎨 Best Things to Do in Costa Mesa, CA (Local Picks + Hidden Gems
Costa Mesa blends creative culture, standout dining, and some of the best shopping in Orange County. World-class performances to design-forward retail and a buzzing local food scene, it’s a city that rewards both first-time visitors and locals. Whether you’re planning a full day or a quick stop, these are the can’t-miss experiences. Learn: About Costa Mesa
🎯 Top Things to Do
Segerstrom Center for the Arts — Broadway shows, concerts, and major cultural events
📍 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626OC Fair & Event Center — home to the OC Fair, festivals, and year-round events
📍 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Noguchi Garden (California Scenario) — peaceful, minimalist sculpture garden
📍 611 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Costa Mesa Art Walk + Murals — a growing creative scene throughout the city
Spa Nordstrom (South Coast Plaza) — elevated spa experience inside Nordstrom
📍 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
🍴 Food & Drink Scene
Knife Pleat — Michelin-starred French dining inside South Coast Plaza
📍 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Sidecar Doughnuts — small-batch, made-fresh daily (local favorite)
📍 270 E 17th St #18, Costa Mesa, CA 92627Arc Food & Libations — industrial-chic brunch and dinner hotspot
📍 3321 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Coffee Scene — Portola Coffee Roasters, Neat Coffee, and local favorites
📍 Multiple locations throughout Costa Mesa
🔗 Explore: Costa Mesa Coffee Trail and Costa Mesa’s Beer Trail
🎨 Art & Culture
South Coast Repertory — nationally recognized theater productions
📍 655 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Segerstrom Hall — world-class performing arts venue
📍 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) — contemporary art in a striking modern space
📍 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
🎶 Nightlife & Live Music
The Wayfarer — live music venue with an intimate feel
📍 843 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627Mesa — dinner turns into nightlife with DJs and energy
📍 725 Baker St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Cowboys & Poodles — (speak easy) eclectic, artsy bar with strong personality
📍 1668 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 🔗 Explore: OC Speakeasy Guide
👨👩👧 Kids & Family
TeWinkle Park — playgrounds, duck ponds, and open green space
📍 970 Arlington Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Goat Hill Junction Railroad — miniature train rides and family fun
📍 2480 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627Centennial Farm (OC Fairgrounds) — working farm with animals and seasonal exhibits
📍 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
🛍️Shopping & Style
South Coast Plaza — world-class luxury shopping destination
📍 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 🔗 Explore: South Coast Plaza Luxury Shopping StayThe LAB Anti-Mall — alternative retail + indie culture
📍 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626The CAMP — eco-conscious shops and casual eats
📍 2937 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626SOCO & OC Mix — curated boutiques and design-forward shopping
📍 3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 🔗 Explore: Orange County Cool Shopping Guide
🎉 Seasonal & Holiday Highlights
OC Fair (Summer) — the city’s biggest annual event
📍 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Pacific Amphitheatre — concerts and live events during fair season
📍 100 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626626 Night Market — large-scale night market featuring food vendors, shopping, and live entertainment (select dates)
📍 OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Winter Fest OC — seasonal holiday experience with snow, skating, and Santa
📍 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
🚴♂️ Outdoor & Active Lifestyle
Fairview Park — expansive trails and nature views
📍 2525 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 🔗 Explore: The City of the Arts with Your PupSanta Ana River Trail — biking and walking access
📍 Multiple access points throughout Costa MesaCosta Mesa Skate Park — local skate spot
📍 900 Arlington Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 🔗 Explore:Skate Parks in OC
⏱ Daily: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PMCosta Mesa Country Club (Golf)
📍 1701 Golf Course Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626Fitness Studios — Pilates, yoga, and boutique workouts (check ClassPass/Groupon) 🧡Locals Love: TRIM FITNESS
🏨 Where to Stay
🔗 Explore: Best Hotels in Costa Mesa
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa — lakeside, boutique luxury feel
📍 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 👉 Book Avenue of the Arts →The Westin South Coast Plaza — walkable to shopping and dining
📍 686 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 👉 Check Rates at The Westin →Costa Mesa Marriott — central location near South Coast Plaza
📍 500 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 👉 Book Costa Mesa Marriott →
