Our Southern California sunshine may provide us with the perfect endless summer escape in Costa Mesa all year round, but the realities of back to school season are coming in hot. If you’re clinging to those last days of freedom, there are still plenty of ways to squeeze some more summer fun into your weekend plans.
Check out the Farmers Market
Of all the things to do in Costa Mesa, one of the most relaxing might be grabbing a cup of coffee and getting outside for a morning wandering through one of Orange County’s best famers’ markets at SOCO and The OC Mix! Every second Saturday of the month brings an expanded version complete with live music, free balloon animals for kids and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.!
Artful Dining
When you’re done browsing fresh produce and making new friends with local shop owners, stop by one of SOCO and The OC Mix’s great restaurants like Pueblo, Arc Food & Libations, or LA Times’ Best Restaurant of the Year Taco Maria. Or, check out any of the other Costa Mesa local favorites like SOCIAL (where you can enjoy a boozy coffee cocktail with your lunch), Outpost Kitchen for fresh sandwiches and salads or Oak & Coal for laid back Japanese Yakitori.
Take a bike ride
Costa Mesa is home to several bikeable trails and neighborhoods. Begin your ride in Fairview Park to enjoy some Southern California wildflowers before hitting the riverbed, which will take you all the way to Huntington Beach. Or, start near Costa Mesa’s popular 17th Street to take on a trail through the Upper Newport Back Bay, 10.5 miles of paved trail around a scenic nature preserve. If you need to rent a bike, try The Cyclist, Two Wheels One Planet or E-LUX Electric Bikes.
Soak in the Sun
What could be better than spending the last few days of summer relaxing poolside? Plan for a mini weekend getaway spent at Avenue of the Arts or The Westin South Coast Plaza, both of which provide ample poolside lounge opportunities. As a bonus, the Lobby Lounge at The Westin will keep you hydrated and full with a full menu of drinks and California cuisine. At Avenue of the Arts, relax in a cabana with cocktails and seasonal bites from the Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar.
Get Some Vitamin Sea
While Costa Mesa may not be on the actual coastline, it’s only minutes to spectacular Orange County beaches. Take a drive down to Huntington, Newport or Laguna for spectacular sands and waves. If you’re not one to lay on the sand, there are also plenty of opportunities for paddle boarding, kayaking and even yoga on the water in Newport Harbor!
Plan a Disneyland Day
With school back in session and the Disneyland® Resort summer crowds subsiding, now is the perfect time to plan a trip to visit the Mouse! Costa Mesa hotels offer a free daily Disneyland shuttle that will drop you off and conveniently pick you up directly at the entrance to the park! No need to worry about parking or a long walk back to the car after a day of “Up” themed donuts, the latest flavored churro and all of your favorite rides. Learn more about Travel Costa Mesa’s Disneyland shuttle.
