It’s always nice to have a few days away to reconnect with the family, and Costa Mesa offers an wide variety of activities for families.

Want to grab breakfast for the whole family that won’t eat up your budget? Start your day with a light bite at Shirley’s Bagels on 17th Street, serving up rich, chewy bagels with your choice of toppings, muffins, or even acai bowls. If you’re looking for something vegetarian and healthy, drop across the street at Avanti Café for light, fluffy omelets and toasted handmade breads.

Now that the family’s full, take a short drive down Newport Boulevard to visit the majestic Pacific Ocean. The boardwalk of Newport Pier offers an arcade, games, rides and of course a stunning stretch of sand and surf to keep the kids occupied. Adults can rent many kinds of water and land recreational toys from Newport Fun Tours.

After an afternoon at the beach, the kids are sure to be hungry, and a burger and shake is definitely in order. Costa Mesa has its own In n’ Out Burger, serving the incredibly fresh burgers and fries famous the country over, or you could stop at TK Burgers, another delicious burger joint that will leave you feeling like a real local.

It’s been an eventful day! Time to brush the sand off and enjoy the evening. Your playground for kids and adults alike is South Coast Plaza, southern California’s largest shopping center. Take the kids to enjoy the Carousel Horse in the Carousel Court, and stroll the rest of the center to enjoy shops of the world’s great designers, and kid-friendly stores like Gymboree, Justice and the Lego Store.

For dinner, the child’s dining paradise in South Coast Plaza is surely Rainforest Café, located on the lower level. This tropical jungle-themed restaurant keeps kids and parents entertained with animated animals, simulated rain and a lush landscape.

What an incredible day in Costa Mesa – families will be amazed at the variety of things to do here. Staying another day? Great, because there’s more to do for the kids tomorrow – how about Discovery Science Center or Bowers Museum? And of course, Disneyland Park is just a short ride away. For more great ideas on what to do in Costa Mesa, see the Couples or Singles itineraries.

Couples looking for a weekend getaway can find romance, adventure, fun or all of the above in Costa Mesa. But where should you start?

Begin your Costa Mesa weekend with a luxurious breakfast (or if you’ve slept in, brunch!) at Old Vine Café, located at The Camp shopping center. The café serves menu items reflecting regionalism and the use of seasonal ingredients - a berry crepe with the freshest fruit, or a more indulgent biscuit and sausage gravy? When you’ve eaten your fill, take a stroll through The Camp and enjoy browsing the shops on the charming, environmentally friendly campus. Just cross the street to visit The Lab, the other anchor to Costa Mesa’s SoBeCa district, to browse more eclectic home and fashion boutiques.

Time for a snack? Stop at Habana for a glass of their famous sangria or stroll a bit further behind The Lab to visit Memphis Café, serving delightful Southern homestyle cuisine – and the best gumbo you’ll find this side of New Orleans! It’s easy to see how Costa Mesa was named one of the finalists in the USA Today/Rand McNally “Best of the Road” competition of 2011.

Take a short drive down Newport Boulevard to visit the majestic Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a romantic walk on the boardwalk of Newport Pier, and stop at the 17th Street Promenade on the way back to experience how the locals live in this relaxed, friendly beach community. But it’s time to get ready for the evening! You’ve no doubt purchased tickets to one of the incredible Broadway shows or concerts at Segerstrom Center for the Arts – and you won’t regret it. Stop at one of the nearby incredible restaurants like The Capital Grille or Pizzeria Ortica for their prix-fixe theater menu, and observe the magnificent architecture as you cross the campus to your show. Your senses abuzz when leaving the show, it’s the perfect time to take in an after-show martini and dessert at Mastro’s – their incomparable butter cake is calling you!

What a day! From flip-flops to dress shoes, you’ve had a day filled with romance, adventure and fun. Staying another day? See the Family or Couples itineraries for other great ideas on how to experience Costa Mesa.

Costa Mesa has no shortage of activities for singles looking to relax, or play. Explore this sample itinerary and hopefully you’ll see a little of both.

Start your day with breakfast at a local favorite, Plum’s Café, serving their famous “Dutch Baby” deep-dish pancake and a variety of omelets and exclusive dishes. Side Street Café is another spot with a gigantic breakfast menu, a breakfast place with character and great people watching. Stroll the shops of Newport Boulevard, or on your drive around town, stop at The Lab or The Camp for a truly eclectic and enjoyable shopping experience on environmentally sensitive campuses featuring art, home and fashion boutiques.

All that exploring requires a bit of relaxation! Call before you come to town to book a massage at Chocolate Day Spa, with a delicious chocolate theme, or Nordstrom Spa for a mani/pedi in the world-famous South Coast Plaza. A little pampering never hurt anyone! Drop in for a lunch bite at the decadent Marché Moderne, serving rustic French cuisine, or Hamamori for fresh, delicious sushi.

More shopping is definitely in order for the afternoon, and you’ve saved the best for last. Indulge in stores from the world’s top designers like Prada, Fendi, Gucci and Dior, or visit the flagship Orange County Macy’s, Forever 21, or even Gap or Banana Republic. Whatever your brand choice or budget, South Coast Plaza has an option for you. Make sure to cross the stunning Bear Street bridge to visit the Apple Store, Crate and Barrel and find the gateway to even more great shopping at Metro Pointe at South Coast.

Getting ready for a night out on the town starts with happy hour at Charlie Palmer – with an array of specialty cocktails and small-plate appetizers like Kobe sliders and bacon-wrapped dates, you’ll whet your appetite for the night to come. Those looking for a relaxed pub atmosphere can stop at Skosh Monahan’s or Durty Nelly’s, where you’ll be welcomed with a smile and a pint. If you’re looking for a lounge or nightclub experience, end your delightful day at Sutra at Triangle Square, where the OC crowd goes to be seen, or Mesa at The Camp, a more-laid back club with a contemporary feel and retractable open-air roof.

Not ready to leave Costa Mesa yet? See the Families or Couples itineraries for other great ideas on how to explore the city.