Things to do in Costa Mesa

Find and book 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.

Costa Mesa Attractions

They say that good things come in small packages, and this enchanting city is no exception. From top tourist attractions to exciting excursions, there are so many fun things to do in Costa Mesa.

Explore the sights of Costa Mesa with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {83 fun activities in Costa Mesa fun activities in Costa Mesa}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and concentrate on planning the perfect vacation.

Things to do

Disneyland® Park

Disneyland® Resort Tickets

$116
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Disneyland® Resort Tickets
Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

$47
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

$31
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Relaxing Sunset Cruise in Newport Beach

Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach

$25
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach
Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour

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

$92
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Anaheim to LA: Hollywood, Beaches & Famous Film Sites tour
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim

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

$88
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

$99
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

$89
per adult
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour
Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings

Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings

$95
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings
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What to do in Costa Mesa

Free Things to Do in Costa Mesa

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's easy to entertain yourself in Costa Mesa without surrendering a penny.

Tewinkle Park - Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a relaxing stroll around the gorgeous plant life.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Costa Mesa? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

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 Costa Mesa Farmers' Market.

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.

Central

While visiting Central, you might make a stop by sights like Orange County Fair and Events Center and Costa Mesa Farmers' Market.

Sobeca District

If you're spending some time in Sobeca District, The Camp and The LAB Antimall are top sights worth seeing.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Costa Mesa

A wooden bridge over a calm body of water, surrounded by greenery and under a cloudy sky.

Fountain Valley

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

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

A large military aircraft on a tarmac with a city skyline in the background.

Santa Ana

Frequently asked questions

Is Costa Mesa worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Costa Mesa. Make sure to experience the area's blend of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Costa Mesa?
Start your day with a visit to Huntington Beach Pier and Crystal Cove State Park. Then, check out other parts of Costa Mesa for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Costa Mesa?
The top tourist attraction in Costa Mesa is Crystal Cove State Park, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Costa Mesa?
Three days in Costa Mesa is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Balboa Pier and Huntington Beach Beaches are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Anaheim.
Is Costa Mesa a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Costa Mesa, such as Balboa Pier and Huntington Beach Beaches, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.5 miles from the city center of Costa Mesa is East Side Costa Mesa and Downtown Costa Mesa is 0.3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Costa Mesa with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Costa Mesa with kids.

What to do in Costa Mesa for adults?
Bowers Museum and Newport Beach Country Club are just a few of the things to do in Costa Mesa. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Costa Mesa?
In Costa Mesa, Balboa Pier is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to experience the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Costa Mesa.

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