Wilsons - Family Itinerary
COSTA MESA PARKS
Costa Mesa is home to several parks and nature preserves ready for exploration! Find more than 200 acres of open fields, forested sanctuary and walking trails – and free model train rides on the third weekend of each month – at Fairview Park. Explore more Southern California wildlife in Talbert Regional Park, featuring more than 3 miles of trail through preserved native vegetation just miles from the coastline. For picnic lunches, head to TeWinkle Park in Central Costa Mesa for an afternoon by the park’s scenic lake.
Family Fun
With two performing arts centers in town – Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Repertory – there are plenty of shows to be seen! Families traveling with older children can enjoy the latest Broadway tours, while those with younger children can often catch a kid-friendly show at either. Both also regularly offer sensory-friendly showings, as well. Another kid-favorite is Centennial Farm, a working farm open seven days a week, at the OC Fair & Event Center. Kids can meet livestock like cows, pigs, goats and chickens, learn about agriculture and farming.
PARENT-APPROVED DINING
As an Eatcation™ destination, Costa Mesa is full of great dining options for every taste, from Spanish tapas at Vaca to omasake sushi at Hana re Sushi. But for those times when you need a kid-friendly restaurant that’s still parent-approved, Costa Mesa has you covered. Head to The Crack Shack for a SoCal fried chicken menu dreamt up by “Top Chef: All Stars” winner Richard Blais. Enjoy an over the top fried chicken sandwich and beer in a laid back environment while the little ones enjoy chicken nuggets and a game of cornhole. Or, try Playa Mesa, designed with families in mind, for fresh Mexican-inspired dishes, homemade tortillas and an impressive tequila bar.
EXPLORE OC
Costa Mesa is conveniently located just a few miles from several other Orange County must-sees! Stunning Orange County beaches await (like these six hidden gems), museums are just a short drive and the Happiest Place on Earth is a convenient shuttle ride away from your hotel. Check with your hotel for tickets to the convenient Disneyland® Resort shuttle that will pick you up and drop you off directly at the park’s gates each day!
