What to do in Costa Mesa, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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A spiral staircase with a blue-tinted glass floor and white railings.
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.

Things to do

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

฿3,639
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

฿1,000
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

฿2,469
per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
Relaxing Sunset Cruise in Newport Beach

Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach

฿827
per adult
88% 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

฿1,555
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island
Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff

Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff

฿1,941
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

฿2,949
per adult
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour
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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 centre. 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 for the activities you enjoy most.
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East Side Costa Mesa

When in East Side Costa Mesa, you can plan a visit to Orange County Fair and Events Center and Pacific Amphitheatre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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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.

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Central

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

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Downtown Costa Mesa

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

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.

Day trip destinations from Costa Mesa

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Irvine

A crowded beach with waves, palm trees, and houses in the background.

Newport Beach

A bustling promenade with palm trees, a beach, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Huntington Beach

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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 Centre for the Arts and Huntington Beach Beaches. The average stay in Costa Mesa is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your holiday, 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.80 kilometres from the city centre of Costa Mesa is East Side Costa Mesa and Downtown Costa Mesa is 0.48 kilometres 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 holidaying 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 neighbourhoods 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.