Costa Mesa, CA

Costa Mesa, CA

The epicenter of SoCal style, shopping, and performing arts.

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Things to know

Discover Costa Mesa.

South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza

Shopping

One of the largest luxury shopping destinations in the US, South Coast Plaza is a global retail landmark. Beyond designer boutiques, it's a cultural hub with fine dining, public art, and the adjacent Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

OC Fair & Event Center

OC Fair & Event Center

Culture

This sprawling venue hosts the iconic summer OC Fair, a beloved SoCal tradition of rides, food, and concerts. Year-round, it transforms for the weekly SoCo Farmers' Market, seasonal festivals, and eclectic trade shows.

The Lab & The Camp

The Lab & The Camp

Food

Twin 'anti-malls' that define Costa Mesa's alternative, eco-conscious spirit. The Lab is a creative retail village, while The Camp offers artisan coffee, craft beer at Gunwhale Ales, and farm-to-table eats in a rustic, community-focused setting.

things to do

Things to Do in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa balances high culture with local flavor. Spend a day exploring its renowned arts complex, then unwind in its innovative retail and dining districts.

See a Show at Segerstrom Center

Arts & Culture

Catch a Broadway tour, a classical performance by the Pacific Symphony, or a contemporary dance piece at this world-class performing arts campus. The architecture itself, including the iconic Segerstrom Hall, is a sight to behold.

Hunt for Treasures at SoCo

Shopping

The SOuth COast Collection is a design-centric marketplace featuring home decor showrooms, unique boutiques like the Cheese Shop, and popular eateries. It's the perfect spot for finding one-of-a-kind furniture and gifts.

Eat Your Way Through The CAMP

Food & Drink

Grab a coffee at Bad Coffee, enjoy a craft beer at Gunwhale Ales, and savor a meal at Taco María or Seabirds Kitchen. This outdoor lifestyle center is a community gathering spot focused on sustainable, high-quality vendors.

Stroll the Talbert Nature Preserve

Nature

Escape the urban buzz on peaceful trails through coastal sage scrub and along the Santa Ana River. This 200-acre preserve offers a quiet retreat for birdwatching, walking, and connecting with local ecology.

Catch a Volleyball Game at The Vanguard University

Sports

Cheer on the Lions at this local NCAA Division II university. The campus hosts exciting basketball and volleyball games in an intimate, spirited environment that feels distinctly community-oriented.

Experience Live Music at The Wayfarer

Nightlife

This intimate venue and gastropub in The Lab complex hosts an eclectic mix of local and touring indie, rock, and alternative acts. It's the heart of the city's burgeoning live music scene.

neighborhoods

Neighborhoods to Explore

While not officially divided into traditional neighborhoods, Costa Mesa's distinct districts each offer a unique slice of the city's character, from retail meccas to residential charm.

South Coast Metro

Upscale Retail

The city's bustling core, anchored by South Coast Plaza and the Segerstrom Center. This is where luxury shopping, fine dining, high-rise offices, and performing arts create a sophisticated, energetic urban atmosphere.

The Lab & The Camp Area

Boho Creative

Centered around Bristol Street, this is Costa Mesa's alternative soul. The adjacent 'anti-malls' foster a community of artists, foodies, and eco-conscious shoppers in a uniquely designed, laid-back environment.

Mesa Verde

Suburban Charm

A peaceful, established residential neighborhood east of the 55 freeway, known for its excellent schools, tree-lined streets, and family-friendly parks like TeWinkle Park. It offers a quieter, suburban counterpoint to the city's bustle.

The Westside

Industrial Chic

An evolving area near the OC Fairgrounds, blending industrial spaces with innovative breweries, automotive shops, and hidden-gem restaurants. It's a testament to Costa Mesa's gritty, creative, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Triangle

Convenience Hub

A dense, walkable square bordered by Newport Blvd, 19th St, and Harbor Blvd. Packed with chain restaurants, movie theaters, big-box stores, and condos, it's a practical, always-busy center for everyday errands and entertainment.

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