Costa Mesa, California Travel Guide

Discover Costa Mesa: A lively blend of culture, shopping, and outdoor fun in the heart of Orange County, California.

Located in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a lively city that offers a perfect blend of culture, shopping, and outdoor activities. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Southern California, yet the city itself is rich with attractions and experiences that make it a worthwhile destination on its own. One of Costa Mesa's crown jewels is the South Coast Plaza, a world-renowned shopping center that attracts visitors from around the globe. With over 250 stores, including luxury brands and unique boutiques, you can spend an entire day exploring its vast offerings. Nearby, you'll find the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a premier venue that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and other cultural events, ensuring there's always something exciting happening. For those who love the outdoors, Costa Mesa boasts several beautiful parks and is just a short drive from the beaches of Newport and Huntington. TeWinkle Park is a local favorite, featuring picturesque lakes, picnic areas, and sports facilities. The city's vibrant dining scene is another highlight, with a diverse array of restaurants offering everything from gourmet cuisine to delicious street food. Whether you're a shopper, a culture enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer, Costa Mesa has something to offer everyone. Its unique charm and myriad attractions make it a must-visit destination in Southern California.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Costa Mesa.

Visit South Coast Plaza early to avoid crowds and get the best shopping experience.
Check the schedule at Segerstrom Center for the Arts ahead of your visit to catch a show or concert.
Take advantage of the free parking available at many shopping and dining areas.
Explore local parks like TeWinkle Park for a relaxing day outdoors.
Consider renting a bike to explore the city and nearby beach areas.
Look out for local food festivals and farmers' markets for a taste of the local cuisine.

Explore Costa Mesa: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Costa Mesa

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Disneyland Park

Discover the magic of Disneyland Park, where beloved characters and thrilling adventures await in Anaheim, California.

4.6

Knott's Berry Farm

Experience the magic of Knott's Berry Farm, a thrilling theme park in Buena Park, California, complete with rides, shows, and delicious dining options.

4.6

Downtown Disney District

Explore the Downtown Disney District, a vibrant shopping and entertainment hub offering unique dining, retail, and unforgettable experiences for all ages.

4.6

Aquarium of the Pacific

Explore the depths of the ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific, a captivating marine haven in Long Beach, California, perfect for families and ocean lovers.

4.6

Best landmarks in Costa Mesa

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

South Coast Plaza

Explore South Coast Plaza, a luxurious shopping destination in Costa Mesa offering high-end boutiques, fine dining, and vibrant art experiences.

4.6

Korean Friendship Bell

Explore the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro, a stunning monument symbolizing peace and cultural ties between the US and South Korea amidst beautiful coastal views.

4.8

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Discover the artistic heart of Costa Mesa at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where captivating performances and stunning architecture await.

4.8

Triangle Square

Discover Triangle Square, Costa Mesa's premier shopping destination blending retail, dining, and entertainment for an unforgettable experience.

4.4

Best restaurants in Costa Mesa

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Maggiano's Little Italy

Experience the heart of Italy at Maggiano's Little Italy in Costa Mesa—where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.

4.5

NORMS Restaurant

Experience classic American breakfast delights at NORMS Restaurant in Costa Mesa – where family dining meets delicious comfort food.

4.2

Water Grill

Experience unparalleled seafood dining at Water Grill in Costa Mesa - where freshness meets flavor in every bite.

4.6

The Crack Shack - Costa Mesa

Experience gourmet chicken dishes in a vibrant atmosphere at The Crack Shack in Costa Mesa – where flavor meets fun!

4.5

Best bars in Costa Mesa

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Yard House

Discover the vibrant flavors at Yard House in Costa Mesa, where great food and craft beer come together in a lively atmosphere.

4.4

Goat Hill Tavern

Explore Goat Hill Tavern, a vibrant cocktail bar in Costa Mesa, offering an unforgettable nightlife experience with great drinks and lively entertainment.

4.3

Mesa

Discover the sophisticated blend of gourmet dining and vibrant nightlife at Mesa in Costa Mesa, California.

4.2

Wild Goose Tavern

Discover the vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere of Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa, California, the perfect American dining experience for food lovers.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Costa Mesa

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Mesa

Discover the elegance and energy of Mesa, a luxurious lounge perfect for dining and nightlife in sunny Costa Mesa, California.

4.2

Tiki Bar

Discover the tropical vibes of Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, where live music and delicious drinks create unforgettable evenings for every tourist.

4.2

Time Nightclub

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Time Nightclub, Costa Mesa's premier venue for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.

3.4

Kitsch Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Kitsch Bar in Costa Mesa, where retro charm meets modern cocktails in a lively atmosphere.

4.2

Best shops in Costa Mesa

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

The Outlets at Orange

Explore The Outlets at Orange for unbeatable deals on top brands amidst a vibrant shopping atmosphere in California.

4.4

Irvine Spectrum Center

Discover the ultimate shopping and entertainment experience at Irvine Spectrum Center, a vibrant hub in Southern California with something for everyone.

4.6

South Coast Plaza

Explore South Coast Plaza, California's premier shopping destination featuring luxury brands, diverse dining, and vibrant cultural experiences.

4.6

Shoreline Village

Experience the vibrant waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment at Shoreline Village in Long Beach, California.

4.6

Explore Costa Mesa on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Costa Mesa, mapped for you.

Costa Mesa Essentials

Costa Mesa is conveniently located in Orange County, California. The nearest major airport is John Wayne Airport (SNA), approximately 5 miles away. Alternatively, you can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is about 40 miles away. From either airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, rideshare service, or use shuttle services to reach Costa Mesa. Amtrak and Metrolink also offer train services to nearby stations in Santa Ana and Irvine, from where you can take a short taxi or rideshare to Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa is well-connected with various transportation options. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) operates an extensive bus network throughout the city and surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Renting a car is also a popular option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. For cyclists, many streets have bike lanes, and there are several bike rental shops in the area. Walking is feasible in certain areas like South Coast Plaza and The LAB Anti-Mall.
The official currency in Costa Mesa is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and you can find them in shopping centers, banks, and convenience stores. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in establishments that may not accept cards. Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay are also widely accepted.
Costa Mesa is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places like malls and public events. While Costa Mesa does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Costa Mesa has several hospitals and urgent care facilities, including Hoag Health Center and Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency police assistance, you can contact the Costa Mesa Police Department at their non-emergency number.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably, as the weather can be warm. Casual attire is acceptable in most places. Avoid overly revealing clothing in family-friendly areas. Religion: Do respect all religious sites and practices. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and those with disabilities. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. It’s customary to be polite and friendly. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and be open to diverse food options. Don't forget to tip, as it is customary in the United States, typically 15-20% at restaurants.
To experience Costa Mesa like a local, visit the farmers' markets to enjoy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with residents, especially in community-oriented spaces like The CAMP and The LAB Anti-Mall. Don't miss out on local events and festivals, such as the Orange County Fair and various live performances at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. For a unique experience, explore the city's art scene, including street art and galleries.

When is the best time to visit Costa Mesa?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Costa Mesa

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Costa Mesa. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
- YesSí
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
- Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
- Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwahn-toh kwehs-tah]
- That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
- It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
- Half past (10)Son las diez y media
  [sohn lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
- MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
- TodayHoy
  [oy]
- TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Dos
  [dohs]
- 3Tres
  [trehs]
- 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
- 6Seis
  [says]
- 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
- 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
- 10Diez
  [dyehs]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

History of Costa Mesa

Long before European settlers arrived, the area now known as Costa Mesa was inhabited by the Native American Tongva and Juaneño/Luiseño people. These tribes thrived in the region, utilizing its rich natural resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.
In the late 18th century, Spanish missionaries and explorers arrived in Southern California. The area became a part of the Spanish missions system, with Mission San Juan Capistrano established nearby in 1776. Following Mexican independence from Spain in 1821, the land was granted to Mexican citizens, leading to the establishment of several large ranchos.
In 1841, the area that is now Costa Mesa was part of Rancho Santa Ana del Chino, a Mexican land grant given to Antonio María Lugo. This vast rancho covered much of what is now Orange County and served as a cattle ranch. The rancho system played a crucial role in shaping the early development of the region.
Following the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, California became a part of the United States, and the rancho lands were gradually subdivided and sold. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century facilitated further development and brought new settlers to the area.
In 1906, a small farming community named Harper was established in the area. The name honored a local rancher, William Harper. The community primarily engaged in agriculture, with crops such as sweet potatoes, corn, and tomatoes being cultivated.
In 1920, the community of Harper was renamed Costa Mesa, meaning 'coastal tableland' in Spanish, to reflect its geographical location on a plateau overlooking the coast. The name change marked a new era of growth and development for the area.
The end of World War II brought significant changes to Costa Mesa. The establishment of the Santa Ana Army Air Base during the war spurred economic growth, and the post-war period saw a housing boom as returning veterans and their families settled in the area. Costa Mesa transformed from a rural community to a suburban city.
Costa Mesa was officially incorporated as a city on June 29, 1953. The incorporation allowed for better governance and infrastructure development, paving the way for the city's rapid growth in the latter half of the 20th century.
In the decades following its incorporation, Costa Mesa developed into a vibrant cultural and economic hub. The construction of South Coast Plaza in 1967 turned the city into a major retail destination. Additionally, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, opened in 1986, became a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene, attracting world-class performances and events.
Today, Costa Mesa is known for its diverse cultural offerings, thriving arts scene, and dynamic economic landscape. The city continues to evolve, blending its rich history with modern amenities and a forward-thinking community spirit.