Things to do in Costa Mesa

Activities, attractions and tours

A modern atrium with a glass floor, wooden chairs, and a curved staircase.
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

€89
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
Relaxing Sunset Cruise in Newport Beach

Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach

€22
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

€80
per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

€29
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim

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

€78
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim
Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff

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

€52
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff
Champagne Brunch Cruise from Newport Beach

City Cruises Newport Beach: Premier Champagne Brunch Cruise

€91
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Newport Beach: Premier Champagne Brunch Cruise
The Depths

60 Minute Adventures at The Escape Game in Orange

€38
per adult
60 Minute Adventures at The Escape Game in Orange
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Most popular experiences in Costa Mesa

Tours & day trips

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Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 420 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €89 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
The Boat People Cruise Private Harbour Cruises

The Boat People Cruise Private Harbour Cruises

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Price is €90 per adult
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Water activities

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Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 30 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €81 and current price is €56 per adult
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History & culture

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

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

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 353 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €88 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 5 activities
Walking Food Tour of Little Saigon

Walking Food Tour of Little Saigon

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €80 per adult
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What to do in Costa Mesa

Stay near popular Costa Mesa attractions

A colorful stained glass ceiling with geometric patterns.

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.
A pier extending into the water with birds on the shore and the sky at sunset.

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.

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.

A marina filled with boats, a coastal town with buildings, and a clear sky.

Central

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

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.

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?
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.