Costa Mesa, California Travel Guide
City City in California, part of the Los Angeles area
South Coast Plaza and the Segerstrom Center anchor Costa Mesa’s pull: shoppers and theatergoers arrive for big-brand retail and performances, while nearby surf at Newport and a dense restaurant scene keep evenings lively.
Why Visit Costa Mesa, California? #
Art, shopping and a thriving dining scene put Costa Mesa on many Southern California itineraries. South Coast Plaza brings high‑end brands, while the Segerstrom Center for the Arts stages Broadway, ballet and chamber music. Nearby Newport Beach surf breaks and local craft kitchens combine for classic SoCal variety-fish tacos and farm‑to‑table plates are common finds. Visitors often stay in Costa Mesa to mix cultural nights with easy access to beaches and surf culture.
Who's Costa Mesa, California For?
Costa Mesa is a strong food destination: South Coast Plaza’s upscale restaurants, The LAB and The CAMP’s creative eateries, and a lively gastropub scene. Expect quality dining across price points.
South Coast Plaza anchors high-end shopping and designer dining; several nearby boutique hotels and premium services cater to upscale travelers. Luxury experiences are concentrated around the plaza and Harbor Boulevard.
Date nights are easy here - art house cinemas, intimate restaurants in The LAB and short drives to Newport Beach for sunset. It’s a refined, romantic Orange County option without big-city crowds.
Costa Mesa’s nightlife centers on craft cocktail bars and late-night spots in The Lab and along 17th Street. It’s not Vegas-level, but nightlife is lively on weekends with local DJ nights and bar crawls.
Top Things to Do in Costa Mesa, California
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- South Coast Plaza - World-class shopping center with high-end stores, dining, and frequent cultural events.
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Major performing-arts complex hosting ballet, Broadway, concerts, and the Orange County Museum.
- Orange County Fairgrounds - Home of the annual Orange County Fair and year-round fairs, concerts, and exhibitions.
- The LAB Anti-Mall - Creative retail compound with independent shops, food trucks, murals, and local weekend markets.
- Fairview Park - Large coastal prairie preserve offering biking, equestrian trails, and seasonal birdwatching opportunities.
- The CAMP - Eco-minded shopping complex with cafes, wellness shops, and outdoor dining patios.
- SOCO + The OC Mix - Converted industrial blocks housing local designers, craft food, and independent boutiques.
- TeWinkle Park - Quiet family-friendly park with playgrounds, duck pond, picnic lawns, and seasonal events.
- Back Bay Loop Trail (Upper Newport Bay) - Scenic 10-mile loop through Upper Newport Bay for birding, walking, and cycling.
- Crystal Cove State Park - Sandy coves, tide pools, and preserved historic cottages along coastal hiking trails.
- Laguna Beach - Artist-filled coves, galleries, and seaside trails with frequent public art displays.
- Disneyland Resort (Anaheim) - Iconic theme park resort with rides, parades, character experiences, and multiple hotels.
- Catalina Island (Avalon) - Ferry-accessible island with boutique shops, coastal walks, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boats.
- Mission San Juan Capistrano - Historic 18th-century mission with gardens, ruins, and famous annual swallows' return.
Where to Go in Costa Mesa, California #
South Coast Metro
Costa Mesa’s polished cultural and luxury-shopping hub anchored by South Coast Plaza and the Segerstrom Center. It’s where visitors go for designer stores, big shows and high-end dining. Expect crowds on performance nights and weekend shopping hours.
Top Spots
- South Coast Plaza - One of the largest high-end malls in the U.S. with luxury brands.
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Major performing-arts venue with regular Broadway, orchestra and dance shows.
- Upscale restaurants - Michelin-caliber and chef-driven dining around the plaza.
The Lab & The CAMP
A funky, locally minded pocket known for design-forward shops, outdoor communal seating and independent restaurants. Great for people who prefer local makers and a relaxed afternoon of browsing. Definitely more interesting for repeat visitors than chain-centric malls.
Top Spots
- The LAB - Creative cluster of independent shops, galleries and eateries.
- The CAMP - Outdoor, eco-minded shopping + dining focused on independent brands.
- Local breweries and cafés - Neighborhood spots for a casual drink or brunch.
Mesa Verde / Westside
A residential side of Costa Mesa with dependable neighborhood restaurants and parks. It’s quieter than the mall area and convenient if you want beach access without the crowds of central tourist zones. Comfortable and low-key.
Top Spots
- Local parks - Family-friendly green spaces and playgrounds.
- Neighborhood restaurants - Reliable comfort-food joints favored by locals.
- Access to Newport Beach - A short drive to coastal sights and beaches.
Plan Your Visit to Costa Mesa, California #
Best Time to Visit Costa Mesa, California #
Visit Costa Mesa in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) for the nicest mix of mild temperatures, sunshine and fewer crowds. Winters are mild and wetter, while summers are warm and ideal for beach days though mornings often start with marine layer.
Best Time to Visit Costa Mesa, California #
Costa Mesa, California's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 70 mm of rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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How to Get to Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa is easiest reached via John Wayne Airport (SNA) - the nearest airport - while Long Beach (LGB) and Los Angeles International (LAX) are alternatives for more flight options. Regional rail (Amtrak/Metrolink) stops at Santa Ana and Irvine, with OCTA buses and rideshares covering the short last-mile into Costa Mesa.
John Wayne Airport (SNA): The closest airport to Costa Mesa, located in Santa Ana about 5-10 miles from most parts of Costa Mesa. Taxi or rideshare to central Costa Mesa typically takes 10-25 minutes and usually costs in the range of about $15-35 depending on traffic and time of day. OCTA buses and private shuttles also serve the airport - expect a 20-45 minute trip to Costa Mesa by public transit with single-ride fares typically around $2.00.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Los Angeles International (LAX): Long Beach Airport is about 15-20 miles northwest of Costa Mesa; rideshares or taxis run roughly $25-45 and take about 20-35 minutes. LAX is farther (35-50 miles depending on route); rideshare or taxi to Costa Mesa usually takes 45-90 minutes and often costs $60-100+. From LAX you can also use shuttle services or combine the FlyAway/Metro/Metrolink routes into Orange County - expect longer door-to-door times (often 90+ minutes) and varying fares depending on connections.
Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink regional trains stop at nearby stations such as the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center and the Irvine Transportation Center. From those stations a short rideshare, taxi or OCTA bus can get you into central Costa Mesa in 10-25 minutes. Regional train fares vary by distance and service (typical one-way ranges for short regional trips are roughly $5-$15).
Bus: Orange County’s bus network (OCTA) serves Costa Mesa with frequent local routes connecting to the Santa Ana transit hub, Newport Beach and surrounding cities. Single-ride OCTA fares are generally around $2.00; a bus trip within the immediate area typically takes 10-35 minutes depending on origin and transfers.
How to Get Around Costa Mesa, California
Costa Mesa is best navigated by car or rideshare for speed and convenience; regional rail and OCTA buses are useful for budget travel and trips to neighboring cities. For short local errands, biking and scooters are practical, while walking is fine for compact areas but not for long cross-city trips.
- Driving / Rental car (Varies (rental rates)) - Costa Mesa and the surrounding Orange County suburbs are very car-friendly; a rental or personal car is the most flexible way to get around, especially for beaches and shopping centers. Parking is widely available but can be busy near South Coast Plaza, the Triangle, and Newport Beach on weekends. Factor in freeway congestion during weekday peak hours (I-405 and SR-55 are the main corridors).
- Rideshare & Taxi (Uber/Lyft, taxi) ($8-25 (local trips)) - Rideshare is the go-to for short, reliable trips in Costa Mesa - fast for door-to-door travel and widely available throughout the day. Short trips across the city typically run $8-25; fares rise with distance and heavy traffic. Taxis are available but less common than app-based services; both are convenient for airport transfers when you prefer not to rent a car.
- OCTA bus ($2.00) - Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) runs the local bus network serving Costa Mesa, connecting to Santa Ana, Newport Beach and shopping/office areas. Fares are generally around $2.00 for a single ride; routes and frequencies vary by corridor, so check schedules for evenings and weekends. Buses are economical but can be slower than driving because of stops and transfers; useful for budget travel and linking to regional rail stations.
- Metrolink & Amtrak (regional rail) ($5-15) - Regional rail (Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner) serves nearby Santa Ana and Irvine stations and is handy for trips to Los Angeles, San Diego and other Southern California destinations. From the station a short rideshare or bus will get you into Costa Mesa; fares depend on distance/zones (short regional trips commonly fall in the $5-$15 range). Trains are comfortable and avoid freeway traffic but run on fixed schedules - plan connections carefully.
- Biking & e-scooters ($1 unlock + $0.30-0.50/min (scooters)) - Costa Mesa is reasonably flat in many neighborhoods and increasingly bike-friendly; local streets, bike lanes and paths make cycling practical for short trips. Shared e-scooters and dockless bikes are commonly available in commercial areas - typical pricing is an unlock fee plus a per-minute charge (e.g., ~$1 unlock + $0.30-$0.50/min). Use bike lanes where provided and watch for traffic when crossing major roads.
- Walking - Walking works well for short distances within neighborhoods, the Triangle/office parks, and around shopping areas like South Coast Plaza, but Costa Mesa is too spread out for walking to be the main way of getting around the city. Sidewalks are generally present in commercial zones; wear comfortable shoes and plan for sun/heat in summer.
Where to Stay in Costa Mesa, California #
- Econo Lodge Costa Mesa - Basic, no-frills budget stay
- Red Lion Inn & Suites Costa Mesa - Affordable, convenient location
- Courtyard by Marriott Costa Mesa/Fountain Valley - Comfortable mid-range near shopping
- Hampton Inn & Suites Costa Mesa/Newport Beach - Good location, reliable amenities
- The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa - Upscale rooms, close to South Coast Plaza
- Luxury resorts in nearby Newport Beach - Coastal resorts and high-end dining
- Courtyard by Marriott Costa Mesa/Fountain Valley - Central for shopping and beaches
- The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa - Great location for first-time visitors
- Hampton Inn & Suites Costa Mesa/Newport Beach - Family rooms and free breakfast
- Courtyard by Marriott Costa Mesa/Fountain Valley - Pool and larger room options
- The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa - Quiet rooms, business center available
- Courtyard by Marriott Costa Mesa/Fountain Valley - Reliable Wi‑Fi and work areas
Where to Eat in Costa Mesa, California #
Costa Mesa is one of Orange County’s most interesting dining towns: trendy neighborhoods (The Lab, The CAMP), strong chef-driven restaurants, and a big concentration of international cuisine near South Coast Plaza. Expect creative modern Mexican, high-quality sushi, and seasonal California plates.
It’s a good place to sample tasting menus or try a chef’s take on regional Mexican dishes; lunch traffic around the mall and evening crowds at The Lab keep the energy lively.
- Taco Maria - Chef-driven modern Mexican tasting menu.
- Haven Kitchen & Bar - Seasonal American plates in Costa Mesa.
- Hatch Chile Co. - Southwestern flavors and roasted chiles.
- Mestizo Cocina Mexicana - Authentic Mexican dishes and regional specialties.
- Sushi Roku - Contemporary sushi and Japanese fusion.
- Bluefin Sushi - Fresh rolls and Japanese small plates.
- Flower Child - Healthy bowls, wraps and vegan-friendly options.
- Native Foods Café - Whole-foods vegan sandwiches and entrees.
- The Stand - Vegetarian burgers and plant-based sides.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Costa Mesa, California's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Costa Mesa, California #
Costa Mesa is one of Orange County’s better evening playgrounds - think creative dining, intimate music rooms, and lively bar scenes rather than one big club. The LAB and The CAMP anti-malls are local legends for casual nights; South Coast Plaza offers upscale pre-theater dinners. The 17th Street/The Triangle area concentrates bars and late-night bites. Dress ranges from casual to dressy for nicer restaurants; expect later weekend closing times in busier spots.
Best Bets
- The LAB (Anti-Mall) - Quirky shops, bars and restaurants - great casual evening hangout.
- The CAMP - Outdoor dining and craft-focused restaurants with relaxed patio vibes.
- South Coast Plaza - Upscale shopping with high-end restaurants and pre-theater dining options.
- The Triangle / 17th Street - Cluster of bars and late-night eateries - popular weekend spot.
- SOCO & The OC Mix - Design and dining complex with unique late-night restaurant choices.
- Local music rooms and small venues - Intimate live shows and rotating DJ nights around town.
Shopping in Costa Mesa, California #
Costa Mesa is one of Orange County’s main shopping destinations, anchored by South Coast Plaza - a major luxury mall - and flanked by independent-design corridors such as The LAB and The CAMP. The city mixes high-fashion stores, specialty boutiques, and creative local brands. Bring comfortable shoes; expect a mall experience for luxury shopping and a hip, casual vibe in the artful neighborhoods.
Best Bets
- South Coast Plaza - Large luxury mall with designer boutiques and upscale dining.
- The LAB Anti-Mall - Independent boutiques, local designers, and hip cafés in a creative setting.
- The CAMP - Eco-friendly shops and outdoor-oriented brands with relaxed dining.
- SOCO & The OC Mix - Collection of indie stores, home goods, and contemporary eateries.
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts Shop - Unique gifts, books, and arts-related merchandise from performances.
- Costa Mesa Farmers' Market - Local produce, prepared foods, and seasonal artisanal vendors.
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