Things to do in Costa Mesa

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Costa Mesa

Types of activities

Where to stay

Costa Mesa Travel Guide

Segerstrom Center for the Arts which includes art and interior views

Segerstrom Center for the Arts showing art, modern architecture and interior views

White Sand Beach in Costa Mesa Caifornia, USA.

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Costa Mesa

Popular places to visit

Colorful Shapes, domed ceiling, stained glass ceiling, stained-glass, glass dome, Architecture

South Coast Plaza

During your visit to Costa Mesa, you can search for that perfect souvenir at South Coast Plaza. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its charming coffeehouses.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

This majestic venue is the heart and soul of Orange County’s performing arts community.

Orange County Fairgrounds

Enjoy a stop at Orange County Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Costa Mesa. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or check out its charming coffeehouses.

Connecting the 18th and 19th floors at Hyundai Financial.

Orange County Museum of Art

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa. Experience the entertainment choices and lively festivals in this romantic area.

Orange Coast College

Explore the campus of Orange Coast College during your visit to Costa Mesa. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or experience its entertainment choices.

The LAB Antimall

During your trip to Costa Mesa, you can do some window-shopping at The LAB Antimall. Discover the entertainment choices in this walkable area, or seek out the local tours.

Costa Mesa Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Costa Mesa at Costa Mesa Country Club. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its charming coffeehouses.

Costa Mesa Farmers' Market

You can enjoy retail therapy at Costa Mesa Farmers' Market during your trip to Costa Mesa.

Metro Pointe at South Coast

During your visit to Costa Mesa, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Metro Pointe at South Coast. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Areas of Costa Mesa

kayaks and canoes on Newport Beach back bay in California on a sunny spring day

East Side Costa Mesa

Though East Side Costa Mesa might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Orange County Fairgrounds and Costa Mesa Country Club.

Westside Costa Mesa

Westside Costa Mesa might not have many top sights, but Balboa Peninsula Beaches and Costa Mesa Country Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Daytime view of a historic church in the urban core of Costa Mesa, California, USA.

Downtown Costa Mesa

When in Downtown Costa Mesa, you can plan a visit to Balboa Peninsula Beaches and Costa Mesa Country Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Buildings Coastline Pacific Ocean Santa Barbara California

Mesa Verde

While visiting Mesa Verde, you might make a stop by sights like Costa Mesa Country Club and Mesa Verde Shopping Center.

Central

While visiting Central, you might make a stop by sights like Orange County Fairgrounds and Costa Mesa Farmers' Market.

Sobeca District

If you're spending some time in Sobeca District, The LAB Antimall and The Camp are top sights worth seeing.

Irvine

Newport Beach

Huntington Beach

Lyon Air Museum which includes an airport and aircraft

Santa Ana

Frequently asked questions

Is Costa Mesa worth visiting?

Costa Mesa offers a unique mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or traditional cuisine, there's plenty you'll find here.

How do I spend a day in Costa Mesa?

When you've checked off top attractions like Huntington Beach Pier and Crystal Cove State Park, spend the rest of your day enjoying Costa Mesa's shopping and dining scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Costa Mesa?

You can't leave without visiting Crystal Cove State Park, rated the top tourist attraction in Costa Mesa.

Is three days enough to stay in Costa Mesa?

Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, such as Huntington State Beach, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and Huntington Beach Beaches. The average stay in Costa Mesa is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your vacation, Anaheim isn't far away.

Is Costa Mesa a walkable city?

Some top attractions in Costa Mesa, such as Huntington State Beach and Huntington Beach Beaches, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.80 kilometers from the city center of Costa Mesa is East Side Costa Mesa and Downtown Costa Mesa is 0.48 kilometers away.

What are some activities to do in Costa Mesa with kids?

Deciding what to do in Costa Mesa with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Costa Mesa for adults?

Bowers Museum and Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse are just a few of the things to do in Costa Mesa. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.

Are there free things to do in Costa Mesa?

In Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach Beaches is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to explore the best free things to do in Costa Mesa.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Cars