One of the most anticipated additions to the Disneyland® Resort in its history, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, is now officially open! If you weren’t one of the lucky few to snag the required reservations to visit through the end of June, the waiting period offers plenty of time to start planning your own trip to a galaxy far, far away.
Taking your chance to catch a ride on the Millennium Falcon at the Disneyland® Resort doesn’t mean you have to stay in the busy resort area, though. As Costa Mesa hotels are just 20 minutes from the park, getting to experience both Galaxy’s Edge and everything else Orange County has to offer has never been easier.
The best part? A day at Disney, a day at the beaches, shopping, Broadway and award-winning dining are all within an arm’s reach in during a stay in the City of the Arts®. Find the best Costa Mesa hotels here to make it happen and discover a few tips below for making the most of your trip.
Grown-Up Getaway
When it comes to grown-up getaways, Costa Mesa is your ideal locale for great dining, shopping and the arts. With restaurants by three former “Top Chef” contestants, the Costa Mesa Beer Trail and an abundance of top-rated restaurants, there’s plenty to indulge in.
Theatre fans will love a night at Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a Broadway show like “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.” If Broadway isn’t your thing, the center also hosts a free Summer Jazz concert series and free Movie Mondays on its Argyros Plaza throughout the summer. Grab a drink and bite to eat at the outdoor café and enjoy a relaxing night under the stars!
For more date night ideas, check out some unconventional ideas here.
Shop ‘til You Drop
Looking for the perfect souvenir? Costa Mesa is Orange County’s shopping mecca thanks to international shopping destination South Coast Plaza and small boutique shops at The LAB, SOCO and The OC Mix and The CAMP. As the largest shopping center on the West Coast, South Coast Plaza houses more than 250 retailers, including one of the highest concentrations of designer names under one roof in the country.
The LAB and The CAMP, as well as SOCO and The OC Mix, are the perfect places to pick up some handmade home goods, perfectly curated small label brands and vintage gems.
Family Activities in Costa Mesa
We know the main attraction might be a trip to Disneyland, but there’s plenty more to explore as a family in and around Orange County.
While you’re here, stop in at Centennial Farm, a three-acre working farm featuring fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and educational programming. The farm is open for free public tours throughout the week.
Kids will also love Orange County Model Engineer’s model train rides held on the third weekend of each month at the Goat Hill Junction Railroad. Located within Costa Mesa’s Fairview Park, the free rides take visitors on a 12-minute ride through the park and under miniature bridges.
There are also plenty of family friendly dining options like Playa Mesa where little ones can enjoy a kids’ quesadilla or burrito while Mom and Dad fit in a quick taste test of the laidback restaurant’s impressive tequila list.
Discover more Orange County family itinerary ideas here.
Orange County Beaches
Venture just less than two miles down the road from Costa Mesa’s Westside neighborhood to dip your toes in Newport Beach’s sandy shore or five more miles north to visit Surf City, USA, Huntington Beach. Visiting the beach is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Orange County, and a stay in Costa Mesa keeps you close to every option, including famous Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove.
The OC Fair
If your visit to Orange County falls between July 12 and August 11, you won’t want to miss the The OC Fair! As one of the largest county fairs in the U.S., The OC Fair is an annual highlight including everything from thrilling rides and petting zoos to games, cooking expos, live music and, of course, some classic fair food.
Toyota Summer Concert Series
Every year the Pacific Amphitheatre welcomes one of California’s top concert lineups, the Toyota Summer Concert Series. Beginning on July 4, catch artists like Smokey Robinson, Kool & The Gang, Chicago and Rebelution at the outdoor venue. All tickets also include admission to the OC Fair, so you can make it an all-day event! See a list of this year’s top 10 concerts here.
Hotels for Every Budget
It’s easy to stay central to everything there is to do in Orange County with a stay in Costa Mesa.
Looking for a little luxury? Book your stay at Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, a AAA-rated Four Diamond property, or the Westin South Coast Plaza, just across the street from world class shopping.
For convenient beach access, try OC Hotel, Best Western Plus, Holiday Inn Express & Suites or the Ramada.
No matter which you choose, you’ll be able to take advantage of daily Disneyland shuttle pick-ups.
Check out Costa Mesa hotel deals here to get your planning started.
