California Map Costa Mesa
Introduction
Located in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is a vibrant and diverse city that offers something for everyone. From stunning beaches and scenic mountains to world-renowned shopping and dining, this city has it all. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a culture vulture, there are plenty of things to see and do in Costa Mesa.
Top Attractions
South Coast Plaza
The South Coast Plaza is a mecca for fashion enthusiasts and luxury shoppers. With over 250 boutiques and 30 restaurants, this shopping center is one of the largest in the United States. From designer clothing to high-end jewelry, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here.
OC Fair & Event Center
The OC Fair & Event Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the annual Orange County Fair. This 23-day event features carnival rides, live music, farm animals, and a wide variety of food and drinks. Other events at the center include concerts, trade shows, and cultural festivals.
Hidden Gems
The LAB Anti-Mall
The LAB Anti-Mall is a unique shopping destination that features a collection of independent boutiques and restaurants. This outdoor mall has a bohemian vibe and is a great place to shop for one-of-a-kind items.
The Camp
The Camp is another outdoor shopping center that is focused on sustainability and eco-friendliness. The stores here sell eco-friendly products and the restaurants serve organic and locally sourced food.
Food Scene
The Crack Shack
The Crack Shack is a fried chicken restaurant that serves up some of the best chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders in town. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.
The Boiling Crab
The Boiling Crab is a seafood restaurant that specializes in Cajun-style seafood boils. The restaurant is known for its spicy sauce and messy but delicious dining experience.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Concerts in the Park
During the summer months, the city hosts free concerts in the park. These concerts feature local and regional bands and are a great way to enjoy live music without spending any money.
Happy Hour Specials
Many restaurants and bars in Costa Mesa offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks and food items. Check out places like Mesa, The Country Club, and Habana for great deals.
Outdoor Adventures
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is a beautiful park that offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The park also features a variety of wildlife, including deer and coyotes.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach is a popular destination for water sports and outdoor activities. From surfing and stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking and sailing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the ocean.
Historical Landmarks
The Segerstrom Ranch House
The Segerstrom Ranch House is a historic home that was built in the early 20th century. The house is now open to the public for tours and features period furnishings and artifacts.
The Diego Sepulveda Adobe
The Diego Sepulveda Adobe is a historic home that was built in the mid-19th century. The house is now a museum and features exhibits on the history of the area.
Family-Friendly Activities
Pretend City Children’s Museum
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum that is designed for children ages 0-8. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a grocery store, a farm, and a construction site.
The Pacific Amphitheatre
The Pacific Amphitheatre is a venue that hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year. From concerts to comedy shows to magic acts, there’s always something going on here.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The CAMP Night Market
The CAMP Night Market is a unique outdoor market that features artisanal food and drink vendors, live music, and local artists. The market is held on the last Friday of every month.
The LAB Art Walk
The LAB Art Walk is a monthly event that showcases local artists and their work. The event also features live music and food vendors.
Natural Wonders
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is a beautiful park that features hiking trails, beaches, and tide pools. The park is also home to a historic district with 46 cottages that were built in the 1930s and 1940s.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is a wetland area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and mammals. The preserve features hiking and biking trails, as well as a visitor center with exhibits on the area’s ecology.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Wayfarer
The Wayfarer is a live music venue that features local and regional bands. The venue also has a restaurant and bar that serves craft beer and cocktails.
The Triangle
The Triangle is a shopping and entertainment complex that features a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as a movie theater and bowling alley.
Local Markets
The SoCo Farmers’ Market
The SoCo Farmers’ Market is a weekly market that features local produce, artisanal food products, and handmade crafts. The market is held on Saturdays from 9am-2pm.
The Orange County Market Place
The Orange County Market Place is a year-round market that features over 1,000 vendors selling everything from clothing to antiques to fresh produce. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7am-4pm.
Beaches and Mountains
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a picturesque beach town that is known for its art galleries and eclectic shops. The beach itself is a great place to swim, surf, and sunbathe.
Santiago Peak
Santiago Peak is the highest peak in Orange County and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The peak can be accessed via hiking or mountain biking trails.
Cultural Immersion
The Bowers Museum
The Bowers Museum is a museum that features exhibits on world cultures and art. The museum also hosts events and performances throughout the year.
The Pacific Chorale
The Pacific Chorale is a professional choir that performs classical and contemporary choral works. The choir performs at various venues throughout Orange County.
Art and Music Scene
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a performing arts center that hosts a variety of shows and events, including Broadway shows, dance performances, and concerts.
The Orange County Museum of Art
The Orange County Museum of Art is a museum that features contemporary and modern art. The museum also hosts lectures, workshops, and other events.
Walking Tours
The Costa Mesa Historical Society Walking Tour
The Costa Mesa Historical Society offers a walking tour of the city’s historic district. The tour includes stops at historic homes and landmarks.
The South Coast Plaza Art Walk
The South Coast Plaza offers a self-guided art walk that features over 30 works of art throughout the shopping center. The art includes sculptures, paintings, and installations.
Architectural Marvels
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is not only a cultural hub, but also an architectural marvel. The center’s buildings are designed in a modernist style and feature unique geometric shapes and angles.
The Segerstrom Concert Hall
The Segerstrom Concert Hall is a state-of-the-art concert venue that features a stunning glass facade and a unique pipe organ.
Historical Sites
The Diego Sepulveda Adobe
The Diego Sepulveda Adobe is not only a museum, but also a historic site. The adobe is one of the oldest buildings in Orange County and is a great place to learn about the area’s history.
The Fairview Park Historical Society
The Fairview Park Historical Society offers tours of the park’s historic buildings and artifacts. The park is also home to a Native American archaeological site.
Biking Routes
The Santa Ana River Trail
The Santa Ana River Trail