Theater & Arts District
36 Hours in the Theater and Arts District of Costa Mesa
The Theater and Arts District makes Costa Mesa such a cultural hub of Orange County. In a single neighborhood, visitors and locals are treated to exhibitions, cultural events, fine arts, and more, creating memories and experiences that are deeply human. Our itinerary aims to make planning your time in this neighborhood slightly easier so you can get the most out of your trip to Costa Mesa. Though this is only a single block of the city, it is densely packed with experiences that will make memories for years.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Costa Mesa is OC's home for performing arts! Each season, Costa Mesa welcomes award-winning and fan favorite Broadway shows in the city's South Coast Metro area, including those like "Hamilton," "Dear Evan Hansen," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Cats." With Segerstrom Center for the Arts' beautifully crafted theater and intimate feel, Costa Mesa is the ideal place to plan a weekend getaway to enjoy your favorite show.
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
South Coast Repertory is a professional resident theater and one of the best kept secrets for an intimate setting for viewing new plays. SCR's extensive new play development program consists of commissions, residencies, readings, and workshops, from which up to five world premieres are produced each season.
COSTA MESA ART WALK
California Scenario, known by locals as "Noguchi Garden", brings various California geographies together in a sculptural oasis of indigenous plants and materials. It's one of the highlights on Costa Mesa's Art Walk, where you can take a free audio tour of 20 different incredible art pieces around the city, by internationally renowned artists.
Vaca
Headed by “Top Chef” front-runner Amar Santana, Vaca dishes up a Spanish style menu of tapas, paellas, mouthwatering steaks and ocean-caught seafood. The flavorsome menu is matched with one of the most impressive wine and cocktail lists in town and an unmatched ambiance that combines Spanish and California cool in perfect harmony.
OCMA
The biggest grand opening of the decade came to Costa Mesa in Oct. 2022, when the architecturally stunning Orange County Museum of Art opened in the Theatre & Arts District. Enjoy 4,500 pieces in the collection of modern art plus rotating exhibitions. Best of all, admission is free thanks to a generous endowment by Lugano Diamonds.
The Westin South Coast Plaza
Luxury is the theme of the Westin South Coast Plaza’s stunning property. Just a short walk between South Coast Plaza and Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where you can catch Broadway theater, this is the location for a high-end getaway to unwind and recharge.
Avenue of the Arts
Unparalleled comfort and a scenic lakeside setting facing Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Orange County Museum of Art are found in this AAA Four-Diamond boutique hotel. The music inspired hotel features first-class hospitality and is just two blocks from South Coast Plaza.
Costa Mesa Marriott
This newly renovated, art-inspired, all-suite hotel is within walking distance to Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange County Museum of Art, South Coast Plaza and several exciting dining options. Guests will enjoy a comfortable, modern living/work area in every suite perfect for business or pleasure.
Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar
Inside the AAA 4-Diamond rated Avenue of the Arts Hotel, Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar offers creative, seasonal and healthy cuisine in a sleek and modern setting. It's the perfect spot to stop for a cocktail or a bite before you head to your play or concert.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Costa Mesa is OC's home for performing arts! Each season, Costa Mesa welcomes award-winning and fan favorite Broadway shows in the city's South Coast Metro area, including those like "Hamilton," "Dear Evan Hansen," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Cats." With Segerstrom Center for the Arts' beautifully crafted theater and intimate feel, Costa Mesa is the ideal place to plan a weekend getaway to enjoy your favorite show.
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
South Coast Repertory is a professional resident theater and one of the best kept secrets for an intimate setting for viewing new plays. SCR's extensive new play development program consists of commissions, residencies, readings, and workshops, from which up to five world premieres are produced each season.
COSTA MESA ART WALK
California Scenario, known by locals as "Noguchi Garden", brings various California geographies together in a sculptural oasis of indigenous plants and materials. It's one of the highlights on Costa Mesa's Art Walk, where you can take a free audio tour of 20 different incredible art pieces around the city, by internationally renowned artists.
Vaca
Headed by “Top Chef” front-runner Amar Santana, Vaca dishes up a Spanish style menu of tapas, paellas, mouthwatering steaks and ocean-caught seafood. The flavorsome menu is matched with one of the most impressive wine and cocktail lists in town and an unmatched ambiance that combines Spanish and California cool in perfect harmony.
OCMA
The biggest grand opening of the decade came to Costa Mesa in Oct. 2022, when the architecturally stunning Orange County Museum of Art opened in the Theatre & Arts District. Enjoy 4,500 pieces in the collection of modern art plus rotating exhibitions. Best of all, admission is free thanks to a generous endowment by Lugano Diamonds.
The Westin South Coast Plaza
Luxury is the theme of the Westin South Coast Plaza’s stunning property. Just a short walk between South Coast Plaza and Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where you can catch Broadway theater, this is the location for a high-end getaway to unwind and recharge.
Avenue of the Arts
Unparalleled comfort and a scenic lakeside setting facing Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Orange County Museum of Art are found in this AAA Four-Diamond boutique hotel. The music inspired hotel features first-class hospitality and is just two blocks from South Coast Plaza.
Costa Mesa Marriott
This newly renovated, art-inspired, all-suite hotel is within walking distance to Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange County Museum of Art, South Coast Plaza and several exciting dining options. Guests will enjoy a comfortable, modern living/work area in every suite perfect for business or pleasure.
Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar
Inside the AAA 4-Diamond rated Avenue of the Arts Hotel, Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar offers creative, seasonal and healthy cuisine in a sleek and modern setting. It's the perfect spot to stop for a cocktail or a bite before you head to your play or concert.
