City of the Arts^®

If you’re into the unexpected, you’re in the right place. Welcome to Costa Mesa.

Southern California’s
best kept secret.

Centrally located and culture-forward, Costa Mesa is where Orange County keeps its cool. We’re minutes from beaches, near big-name parks and shopping, but with a whole creative beat of our own. From performing arts to perfect tacos, it’s the kind of place that keeps showing you more the longer you stay.

Two women ride bikes on a sunny day along a Costa Mesa path. Both are smiling; the woman in front wears a cap, sunglasses, and a blue shirt, while the woman behind has a yellow shirt and rides a pink bike with a basket. Greenery is visible in the background.

Weekend plans? Found them.

Two women sit at a table in Costa Mesa, enjoying tacos and drinks, smiling and laughing. Various food trays and beverages are spread before them. The background features a decorative wall with green leaves and large white hibiscus flowers.

Take an Eatcation^®

A variety of elegantly plated gourmet dishes on a table in Costa Mesa, including fish with sauce, a colorful salad, desserts, and butter with bread, all arranged artfully on different plates.

Award Winning Restaurants

A bowl of ramen topped with two soft-boiled eggs, roasted pork, corn, green onions, and mushrooms sits on a wooden table in Costa Mesa beside tacos, rice, and a wooden spoon with a gray napkin underneath.

Best Ramen

Three friends stand at a bar in Costa Mesa, smiling and holding drinks. One person leans on another, and they all appear relaxed and happy in the warmly lit indoor setting.

Best Breweries

A barista with glasses and tied-back hair works behind a coffee machine, surrounded by mugs and steam, in a warmly lit Costa Mesa café adorned with string lights and a cozy atmosphere.

Best Coffee

Best Sushi

A tall glass filled with a blue and white swirled milkshake, topped with whipped cream, crushed cookies, a round cookie, and two churros, served on a marble surface at Silver Trumpet Restaurant Costa Mesa.

Best Desserts

A vegan omelet topped with avocado slices, filled with vegetables and plant-based meat, served with diced, roasted potatoes on a white plate labeled Breakfast Republic #Vegan in Costa Mesa. An English muffin is on a separate plate nearby.

Best Brunch

Two people holding colorful drinks with creative toppings, one with green matcha and lemon slice, the other with pink whipped cream and a flower—perfect for an eatcation in Costa Mesa. One person has a tattooed arm, adding a unique touch to this vibrant scene.

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A woman in a bright yellow, tiered dress and black heels walks outdoors under a modern, curved canopy in Costa Mesa, carrying DIOR shopping bags and a black handbag on a sunny day.

South Coast Plaza

A colorful, eclectic Costa Mesa store interior features red-patterned stairs with a HOME sign at the top, wooden shelves, plants, baskets, and shoppers browsing and chatting. Industrial lighting and decor create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

The CAMP

The LAB

Outdoor shopping mall in Costa Mesa with palm trees, colorful flower planters, and shop signs like Karl Strauss. Sunlight casts shadows on the wide walkway, and there are shops and restaurants in the background.

Metro Pointe

A woman wearing a denim shirt and jeans is browsing clothes on a rack in a bright, modern Costa Mesa boutique with colorful items displayed on shelves and tables.

17th Street

A bright, modern outdoor shopping area in Costa Mesa with plants, palm-like trees, and tables with umbrellas. Glass storefronts line the walkway as sunlight filters through a curved glass roof, casting soft shadows on the ground.

SOCO & The OC Mix

Triangle Square

Two women outdoors in Costa Mesa, smiling and walking. One has long blonde hair, sunglasses, and a blue dress. The other has long dark hair, a red hat, layered necklaces, and a black top. The image is framed in an orange circle.

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A brightly lit performing arts center in Costa Mesa at dusk features Segerstrom Hall’s grand archway, a modern glass building, tall banners, and a fountain with water jets in the plaza. A cityscape with an office tower is visible in the background.

Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

A woman in a long, floral skirt stands near the modern, angular exterior of a white building with large windows and tiled walls in Costa Mesa. A staircase with a metal railing leads up on the left side.

UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art

A large, abstract yellow sculpture shaped like a spiral stands outdoors on a concrete plaza along the Costa Mesa Art Walk, surrounded by grass, trees, and modern glass buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

The Ram

Pacific Symphony

A modern theater building labeled REPERTORY is brightly lit at dusk, with people entering. The Segerstrom Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa stands nearby, with a tall sign, glass high-rise, trees, and a well-kept lawn completing the scene.

South Coast Repertory

A person’s hand, wearing a gold bracelet, uses a paintbrush to add detail to a colorful, abstract painting filled with swirling patterns of pink, green, purple, and blue—a burst of creativity unfolding in a sunlit Costa Mesa studio.

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A golf course in Costa Mesa features a green with a flagstick marking the hole, trees in the background, and long shadows stretching across the grass under a clear sky—hinting at early morning or late afternoon.

Costa Mesa Country Club

A long pier extends over calm ocean water at sunset, with vibrant orange, pink, and purple clouds filling the sky above a coastal town—capturing the beauty of beaches near Costa Mesa.

Huntington Beach

Aerial view of a large grassy hill with winding dirt trails, surrounded by green and brown vegetation. Residential houses border the edge in the background, just a short drive from popular beaches near Costa Mesa.

Fairview park

Newport Beach

A family of four is sitting on a blanket in a sunny Costa Mesa park, enjoying a picnic. Trees and grass surround them, and a large bag is placed nearby. Everyone appears relaxed and happy together.

TeWinkle Park

Two women sit back-to-back on a paved surface outdoors in Costa Mesa. One, in a red jacket, smiles at the camera, while the other, in denim and a black hat, checks her phone. Both have bags and are relaxed. A green border circles the image.

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Five women sit at pottery wheels in a bright Costa Mesa studio, each shaping clay with their hands. Shelves with supplies and plants fill the background, while buckets and tools are scattered on the tables between them.

Costa Mesa Ceramics

Three people in a workshop, wearing aprons, smile and examine a strip of leather. Tools and supplies hang on a pegboard in the background—a fun option if you're searching for creative things to do in Costa Mesa.

Saltwater Leather

A person lies on a treatment bed with eyes closed while another uses blue glass facial globes to massage their face—a relaxing spa treatment, perfect for those seeking rejuvenating things to do in Costa Mesa.

Facial Lounge

A group of people on a boat near Costa Mesa take photos of an orca surfacing in the ocean on a sunny day, with distant hills visible in the background.

Newport Landing Whale Watching

A woman uses a sewing machine at a worktable while a man with a beard and glasses stands beside her, observing. They are in a workshop with sewing equipment and supplies visible in the background.

CANVASWORKER

A smiling woman wearing a white top and blue jeans rides a mechanical bull indoors in Costa Mesa, raising one arm as a group of people watch and cheer. The image is framed by a yellow circular border.

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Explore All

Your detour to unforgettable.

Three women pose and smile in front of a large mural with handwritten text about art, perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog. Another person with curly hair faces them, possibly taking a photo. The mural is on a tan wall with greenery above.

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa

Get into the spirit of fall in Costa Mesa with pumpkin patches, seasonal sips, spooky adventures, and fall fashion. Discover festive events and plenty of ways to celebrate autumn in Orange County.

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Dancers in vibrant costumes perform traditional Mexican folklórico on a checkered outdoor stage, with musicians playing in the background and a metal scaffold structure overhead.

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa, California, with Latin American cuisine, cultural performances, and local events. Explore the restaurants, arts, and experiences that showcase the city’s vibrant Hispanic heritage.

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Trending and New

Let the good finds roll.

Modern restaurant with turquoise and beige decor, abstract blue shapes hanging from the ceiling, round tables set with dishes, blue floral centerpieces, and cushioned chairs and sofas arranged throughout the bright, stylish space—creating a contemporary dining experience reminiscent of Vox Kitchen Costa Mesa.

Blue Box Café

Located inside Tiffany & Co. at South Coast Plaza, Blue Box Café by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud serves afternoon tea, seasonal dishes, desserts, and cocktails with beautiful Tiffany Blue details at every turn.

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Two people sit inside a vintage photo booth with a blue curtain in Costa Mesa, while another person's legs show beneath a neighboring booth's dark curtain. Both booths are decorated with stickers and signs.

Booth By Bryant

Want a cool keepsake from your visit to Costa Mesa? Head over to The CAMP and snap some cool pics at Booth By Bryant! These viral, celeb-loved vintage photo booths print out iconic black-and-white photo strip for just $5.

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A busy indoor food court in Costa Mesa with people sitting at tables eating and chatting under hanging star-shaped lights, near food vendor stalls with colorful signs—perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog feature.

Mercado Gonzalez

The Mexican food scene in Costa Mesa is heating up, and Mercado González is your ticket to an epic south-of-the-border feast. This is not just a market; it’s a culinary fiesta! Now open.

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A hand holds up a pair of black leather sandals with toe loops inside a Costa Mesa store, with shelves displaying wallets and leather goods in the background.

Saltwater Leather

Tucked into a creative enclave just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Saltwater Leather Co offers a hands-on Belt Bar and custom Italian sandal experiences to craft your own luxury goods.

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A contemporary art gallery in Costa Mesa with high ceilings displays large sculptures, colorful wall art, photos, and mixed media installations. The centerpiece is a pink carousel structure draped in fabric, surrounded by various artworks.

UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art

This free museum located in Costa Mesa makes a bold impression, inside and out with rotating exhibits all year long. Each season brings new perspectives that spotlight different themes, emotions, and creative voices. Some displays are even interactive, so you can literally step into the art!

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Close-up of a person holding a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and onions in Costa Mesa. The words Feast mode are overlaid on the image, and a yellow button reads Explore Eat & Drink.

Explore Eat & Drink

The soul of SoCal.

Costa Mesa doesn’t just sit in the center of SoCal, it adds heart to it. You’ll feel it in the art, the music, the energy of a city that moves to its own rhythm. Come for the location, stay for the feeling you can’t quite pin down (but know you like).

About Costa Mesa

Two people sit and chat on wooden benches outside a white stucco building with an archway labeled MERCADO MESA in Costa Mesa. The sunny setting features plants and large windows, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Orange text in a circular layout reads ORANGE COUNTY, with CA in bold letters at the center and a nod to Costa Mesa. The design resembles a stamp, using a modern, sans-serif font on a light background.

YOUR TRIP, YOUR RULES

Pick Your Costa Mesa Adventure

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to do Costa Mesa. Whether you’re here for the arts, the good life, or a getaway that goes easy on your wallet, we’ve got a trip with your name on it. Find your vibe and make it yours.

A man and woman browse colorful ceramic dishes at a vibrant market stall indoors, surrounded by decorative bowls, plates, and hanging star ornaments.

Arts & Culture Experiences

From Broadway-worthy performances to bold public art, Costa Mesa’s creative scene knows how to make an entrance. Discover why we’re the City of the Arts.

Three people sit indoors by a large window at the Segerstrom Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa. One woman takes a photo with her phone, another smiles and looks right, while a man looks up. Trees and sky are visible outside.

Budget-Friendly Adventures

Who says a great getaway needs a big price tag? Discover free art, affordable eats, and unexpected adventures that leave more room in your budget for the good stuff.

A woman in sunglasses and a green striped dress holds Chanel and orange shopping bags while walking outdoors on a sunny, modern walkway.

Elevated Costa Mesa Experiences

From award-winning restaurants to designer shopping and stylish stays, Costa Mesa has plenty of ways to treat yourself. Go ahead, make your getaway feel a little extra special.

Two men smiling while taking a selfie together in front of a wall of colorful metal drums.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Getaways

Come as you are and make Costa Mesa your own. Discover vibrant dining, lively nightlife, and creative experiences in a city that welcomes you to be yourself.

A journey that’s uniquely yours

Plan your visit.

A stay for every style

Explore Hotels

Five people in a workshop, some in aprons, gather around a table covered with leather rolls and tools, smiling and chatting. Shelves with organized boxes line the wall—a creative spot if you’re looking for things to do in Costa Mesa.

Get creative in Costa Mesa

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A woman with a tattooed arm smiles while drinking from a glass in a dimly lit bar with red lighting.

Cheers to happy hour

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Three friends sit at an outdoor table, laughing and enjoying tacos, salads, and drinks. One woman covers her mouth while laughing, another holds a taco, and a man looks at his phone, smiling.

Plan a bestie getaway

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City of the Arts®

Southern California’s best kept secret.

Weekend plans? Found them.

Your detour to unforgettable.

Let the good finds roll.

The soul of SoCal.

Pick Your Costa Mesa Adventure

Plan your visit.

Let’s keep this trip going

City of the Arts^®

Southern California’s
best kept secret.