Family Travel
Looking for your next family getaway but feeling like you need to stay closer to home? Consider a road trip to Orange County, home to Disneyland, 42-miles of coastline and pristine beaches where you can soak up some sun and the kids can run free. At the heart of Orange County, and just about an hour south of Los Angeles and 90 minutes north of San Diego, Costa Mesa is a perfect home base for the family for a weekend or longer. Just a few miles from the beach, residents and visitors love the mild temperatures year-round, averaging 72 degrees, sunshine and coastal breezes. So, grab the kids and head out for a new adventure.
WHAT TO DO
Visit Fairview Park with hiking and biking trails that will take you through wetlands and over scenic bridges, past a golf course and if you’ve got the stamina, you can take the Santa Ana Riverbed straight to the beach. Visit Triangle Square for a memorable family photo opportunity in front of the Costa Mesa Bloom mural, located at the corner of Harbor Blvd. and 19th Street. While you’re there, you can explore a few restaurants that are open and even make a reservation for some family fun bowling at Tavern + Bowl.
WHERE TO EAT
You’ll find a wide selection of family-friendly dining in Costa Mesa. The Crack Shack, from Top Chef winner Richard Blais, serves up the freshest, free-range chicken. Kids love to play cornhole while waiting for their food and parents can enjoy a refreshing beverage from the bar. Pitfire Artisan Pizza is another option, sure to please any pizza lover and was named one of the top kid-friendly restaurants in Costa Mesa by Gayot. Many of our breweries are kid-friendly and walkable, so parents can enjoy a little adult-focused experience. Other great family options include Costa Mesa-original restaurant, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, and Playa Mesa Mexican Kitchen.
WHERE TO SHOP
Capture special moments by visiting Costa Mesa’s unique outdoor malls – The LAB and The CAMP. Local retailers sell jewelry, clothing, eco-friendly items products for the outdoor enthusiast. Located just across the street from each other, these eco-friendly campuses are perfect for grabbing a bite and sitting on a bench or swing nearby to enjoy the local passersby and the unique art dabbled through the spaces. Check out the colorful oil-can water fountain at The LAB – it’s a popular photo opp.
WHERE TO STAY
Ramada Inn & Suites offers an ideal location in Costa Mesa, our closest hotel to the beach. Rooms with kitchenettes, a beautiful pool and restaurant on site make it convenient for families. For a little more space and the convenience of a full kitchen, check out Residence Inn by Marriott offering a full breakfast bar and evening happy hour, plus swimming, barbecue pits, volleyball and basketball courts. All Costa Mesa hotels are ready to welcome you into safe, healthy environment.
