Nestled in the heart of Orange County, California, Costa Mesa is a city that balances sophistication with laid-back SoCal charm. Incorporated in 1953, the city evolved from fertile lima bean farms and ranchos into a cultural, culinary, and shopping destination — a place where high art meets surf culture, designer boutiques nestle beside food trucks, and the Pacific Ocean whispers just beyond the skyline. Today it’s known for its strong arts community, world‐class shopping, dynamic culinary scene, and as a vibrant hub between Los Angeles and San Diego, with the beaches just minutes away.
Costa Mesa’s uniqueness comes from its layers: the artistic institutions that draw world-class performers, the neighborhoods where locals gather, the festivals that celebrate both heritage and innovation, and the mix of global cuisines found in casual cafés to Michelin recognized restaurants. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, look, listen, taste—and find authentic, local energy.
Here are the must-see places in Costa Mesa that give you both history and inspiration:
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
A crown jewel of the city’s cultural life. With its sweeping modern architecture, Segerstrom hosts Broadway productions, dance companies, orchestras, and contemporary shows. It’s not just about what’s on stage — the building itself, the surrounding sculpture gardens, and the plazas make it a satisfying visit even if you’re only attending a matinee or exploring between shows.
Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)
A newer architectural gem, OCMA showcases modern and contemporary art. Its rotating exhibits, public installations, and thoughtful curated shows make it a place to spend hours wandering, reflecting, being surprised.
South Coast Plaza
If you love shopping, this is your cathedral. South Coast Plaza is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping complexes in the U.S., boasting over 250 boutiques and designer brands. Whether you’re hunting for high fashion or just enjoying the spectacle, it's a destination.
The LAB Anti-Mall & The CAMP & The OC Mix
These are Costa Mesa’s more quirky, creative shopping + dining neighborhoods. The LAB Anti-Mall (also known simply as “The LAB”) features eco-friendly, artistic boutiques, food trucks or unique restaurants, vintage flair, and a relaxed vibe. The CAMP is similar — wellness, design, style, casual eateries. The OC Mix brings together pop-ups, specialty shops, food experiences, all with more of a local, artisanal touch.
OC Fair & Event Center
One of the city’s gathering places for large-scale fun: fairs, concerts, agriculture exhibits, and more. Particularly notable is the Orange County Fair, a Summer highlight, with rides, food, art displays, music, and a festive atmosphere that brings people together from all over.
Diego Sepúlveda Adobe
For a sense of history, this restored adobe building (early 1800s) is one of the oldest structures in the county and offers a glimpse into the mission ranchos era, early Californian life, and how the land was used long before modern development.
Neighborhoods, Markets, Festivals & Unique Local Experiences
These are places & events locals love — where culture comes alive in daily life:
Sobeca District / Theater & Arts District: These are more than just labels: they’re areas where you feel the pulse of local life — galleries, theaters, performance venues, street art, cafés, mingling of residents and visitors.
Neighborhoods like Mesa Verde, South Coast Metro, Eastside, Westside: Each has its own flavor—Mesa Verde with its parks, South Coast Metro with arts & malls, Eastside/Westside with more residential but increasingly happening local businesses.
Orange County Fair (Annual Summer Fair): Think carnival rides, giant food stands, craft booths, livestock shows, live music under the summer sky. It’s a tradition that encapsulates community joy.
Art Walks & Public Art Installations: The city emphasizes public art; walking through some neighborhoods, you’ll find murals, sculptures, and installations that surprise and delight.
Dining & Food Culture: Where Flavor Meets Innovation
Costa Mesa is, truly, a foodie’s playground. The range of flavors, presentation, ambiance, and creativity is impressive.
Taco María → One of the highest-profile Mexican restaurants in the area. Carlos Salgado has been recognized by national food media; dishes are elevated, beautiful, deeply flavorful.
Vaca → Spanish tapas done with elegance; perfect for sharing plates, wine, and social dining.
Knife Pleat → For something upscale and refined, Knife Pleat delivers contemporary fine dining with precision, artistry and attention to detail.
Seasons 52 → Lighter, seasonal American cuisine, wine-focused; good for casual yet sophisticated meals.
Din Tai Fung → A globally loved Taiwanese dumpling restaurant. The xiao long bao are especially popular; expect a line sometimes, but for many, it’s worth the wait.
Local gems & casual spots → Think of craft bakeries, coffee shops, small ethnic eateries — little flavor explosions whether in Vietnamese, Japanese, American comfort food or fusion.
Activities: Shopping, Nightlife & Outdoor Adventures
To get your senses fully alive in Costa Mesa, here are the activities and experiences you shouldn’t miss:
Shopping beyond the mall: Yes, South Coast Plaza is iconic; but for something more local and offbeat, The LAB, The CAMP, OC Mix offer boutique shopping, design goods, vintage finds, and an atmosphere that invites lingering.
Outdoor parks & green spaces: Fairview Park and other local parks provide hiking trails, morning jogs, picnic spots, open lawns, views. Getting out into nature - even in urban Costa Mesa - is rewarding.
Nightlife & live performance: Small venues, bars, the Segerstrom Center, concerts at the Amphitheatre (especially during summer), everything from jazz and classical to indie and pop. Also, cozy bars or rooftop lounges in shopping districts where locals unwind.
Festivals & Events: The Orange County Fair, seasonal food-festivals (like “Taste”), holiday events. These offer a chance not just to see the city but to feel its community, its rhythm, its heart.
Practical Travel Tips
To make your trip smooth and rich, here are some “insider” tips:
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall (May–October) tends to offer the best weather — warm, sunny, scarcely rainy. If you're okay with larger crowds, summer brings events and festivals, but also higher hotel rates. If you prefer cooler temps and fewer people, spring or early fall is ideal.
Getting around: Renting a car is helpful, especially if you want to explore beaches, parks, and more remote spots. However, many of the central neighborhoods, shopping areas, arts districts are walkable, or accessible via rideshare. If staying near South Coast Plaza or near the coast, you can combine walking + short drives.
Where to stay: Choose your base depending on what you want most: if shopping & upscale dining are priorities, staying near South Coast Plaza or South Coast Metro gives you luxury convenience; if you prefer a more local, artsy feel, neighborhoods near The LAB/THE CAMP might inspire more intimate experiences.
Tickets & reservations: For shows at Segerstrom Center, concerts, or for high-end restaurants like Knife Pleat, Vaca, or others on the Michelin-listed roster, advance reservation is strongly recommended. Also check event calendars for concerts, fairs (especially the Orange County Fair) in advance.
What to pack & prepare: Comfortable shoes (for walking shopping districts, art walks, parks), sunscreen (this is SoCal sun), layers for evenings (coastal breezes can bring cooler air), a camera (or phone with battery!) because there are plenty of photogenic spots.
Why Costa Mesa Belongs on Your Bucket List
Imagine afternoons wandering through striking modern art displays, evenings in refined tasting menus, mornings strolling markets and quirky boutiques, and occasional escapes to the coastline just minutes away. Costa Mesa California is a city of layers: it has the polish of high culture, but it never feels pretentious; the energy of trend and design, yet anchored in community and history. For travelers wanting more than postcards — wanting flavors, textures, artists, local life — Costa Mesa delivers.
It’s a place that surprises: you might come for one museum and end up staying for the food; come for shopping and stay for a performance; come for the beach but leave knowing the city itself was the destination. If you're mapping out your next trip in Southern California, Costa Mesa is a rich, surprisingly multidimensional stop that deserves more time, curiosity, and appetite.
Click here to read about A Culinary Journey: Discovering the Best Restaurants in Costa Mesa, California.