Costa Mesa features sun-drenched beaches and a laid-back lifestyle, while keeping you close to Los Angeles’ biggest attractions. Spend your days strolling along wooden piers, visiting world-class art galleries or relaxing on the beach.
Things to do in Costa Mesa
Head to Newport Beach, a golden stretch of sand dotted with family-friendly attractions like the Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Fun Zone amusement park. Huntington Beach is another local favourite, with a pier that stretches over 500 metres into the Pacific Ocean.
One of California's top cultural attractions, the Orange County Museum of Art showcases a treasure trove of contemporary paintings, sculptures and photography. The Irvine Museum Collection is another Orange County institution, highlighting American Impressionist art inspired by the sun-drenched Californian landscape.
Located within John Wayne Airport, the Lyon Air Museum is a must-visit attraction for aviation enthusiasts. It's housed in a repurposed hangar and is filled with vintage aircraft, military automobiles and flight memorabilia. Highlights include WWII aircraft like the B-17 "Flying Fortress" and the Cessna O-1E “Birddog”.
Feel like stretching your legs? Spend a few hours exploring the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. The lush park is laced with scenic hiking trails popular with birdwatchers. Pack your binoculars and learn more about local species at the interpretive centre.
Getting around Costa Mesa
The best way to explore Costa Mesa and Orange Country is by car. The community is 60 kilometres from Los Angeles, with the drive taking approximately 40 minutes. You can also catch public transport to downtown Los Angeles in around two hours.