Need a weekend away, but don’t want to break the bank? Here are our top 7 ideas for free things to do in OC this spring. Save on your stay with our latest hotel deals.
Art Walk
As the City of the Arts, Costa Mesa has plenty of free public art. Take advantage of the beautiful Southern California weather and go on our Costa Mesa Art Walk. The path will take you from Anton Blvd to the area around Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Repertory before ending in South Coast Plaza. There are also plenty of restaurants along the way, if you decide to stop for a bite.
OCMA
Orange County Museum of Art has free events each month, including film screenings, book signings and dance performances. OCMA is located in Santa Ana, across the street from South Coast Plaza.
Brilliance: A Night of Music and Light
Segerstrom Center for the Arts offers free concerts on Argyros Plaza throughout the year. Brilliance: A Night of Music and Light, on March 7, combines art, music and technology in collaboration with University of California, Irvine Emergent Media + Design students and faculty. The event includes an outdoor dance floor and light-up headphones for a silent disco and interactive art pieces.
Rock, Paper, Scissors: ¡Damas!
Celebrate International Women’s Month at Rock, Paper, Scissors: ¡Damas!, a free concert on Argyros Plaza March 21. In addition to music, there will be a panel of local women innovators, a photo booth and kid-friendly arts and crafts.
OC Beaches
Enjoy the warmer weather at the beach! Costa Mesa is closest to Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Corona del Mar. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, check out Huntington Dog Beach.
OC Parks
Orange County has a lengthy list of parks to visit, but we have a few favorites. Upper Newport Bay is 1,000 acres of coastal wetlands with trails for walking, biking and horse riding. The 10.5-mile Back Bay Loop trail includes scenic spots along with the Back Bay Science Center and the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. TeWinkle Park in Costa Mesa is 49-acres that’s great for picnics, barbeques and sports. There’s baseball, softball and utility fields, tennis courts and the nearby skate park. TeWinkle park is also home to Costa Mesa Bark Park. Bird watchers can visit Fairview Park on March 14 for the World Wildlife Audubon Bird Walk.
If you’re still looking for more ideas for fun, free activities in the OC, check out our calendar and or activities page. Not sure where to dine during your stay? Be sure to look at our restaurants page for some great options. Don’t forget to save on your stay with our hotel deals. Tag us on Instagram during your stay, @travelcostamesa.
