Things to do in Costa Mesa

Activities, attractions and tours

A beach at sunset with waves gently lapping onto the shore.
A pier extending into calm waters at dusk with a beach and a building on the left.
A beach with clear turquoise water and white sandy shores.
A sunset at a beach with a lighthouse, a wooden pier, and bicycles.
A flag with "COSTA MESA" and "City of the Arts" text, waving against a sunset sky.

Things to do

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

P6,359
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
Disneyland® Park

Disneyland® Resort Tickets (International)

P21,311
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Disneyland® Resort Tickets (International)
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

P3,960
per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
Relaxing Sunset Cruise in Newport Beach

Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach

P1,161
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach
Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

P2,990
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

P2,465
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim

Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim

P5,598
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim
Hollywood Sign seen from Dolby Theater

Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour

P6,234
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour
The Escape Game: 60-Minute Adventures at Irvine Spectrum

The Escape Game: 60-Minute Adventures at Irvine Spectrum

P2,989
per adult
The Escape Game: 60-Minute Adventures at Irvine Spectrum
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What to do in Costa Mesa

Stay near popular Costa Mesa attractions

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South Coast Plaza

9.0/10 (1,210 reviews)
South Coast Plaza houses over 275 boutiques and restaurants, making it the West Coast's largest shopping center. Explore luxury brands like Hermès and Chanel, then dine at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants.
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Where to stay in Costa Mesa

Find the best Costa Mesa areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Costa Mesa
Learn more about Costa Mesa
A pier extending into the water with birds on the shore and the sky at sunset.

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 Fair and Events Center and Pacific Amphitheatre.

A person sitting on a colorful striped pathway surrounded by greenery and trees.
Photo by K Bianca
Open Photo by K Bianca

Westside Costa Mesa

If you're spending some time in Westside Costa Mesa, The Wayfarer and Tiki Bar are top sights worth seeing.

A white building with a red-tiled roof, a large circular window, and a bell tower.

Downtown Costa Mesa

If you're spending some time in Downtown Costa Mesa, Time Nightclub and Tiki Bar are top sights worth seeing.

A marina filled with boats, a coastal town with buildings, and a clear sky.

Central

While visiting Central, you might make a stop by sights like Orange County Fair and Events Center and Pacific Amphitheatre.

South Coast Metro

While visiting South Coast Metro, you might make a stop by sights like South Coast Plaza and Metro Pointe at South Coast.

A river with houses on both sides, a bridge, and a clear blue sky.

Irvine

A coastal cityscape with a beach, ocean, and residential buildings during sunset.

Newport Beach

A pier extending into the ocean with people walking along it, a beach with palm trees and umbrellas, and buildings in the background.

Huntington Beach

A large, historic red-brick building with a red-tiled roof, arched windows, and a central entrance with steps.

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.

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