Location: Costa Mesa
Top Things to do in Costa Mesa
The 10 Best Things to Do in Costa Mesa, United States
Costa Mesa is a city in Orange County, California. Since its incorporation in 1953, the city has grown from a semi-rural farming community of 16,840 to a primarily suburban and edge city with an economy based on retail, commerce, and light manufacturing. The population was 109,960 at the 2010 United States Census.
Restaurants in Costa Mesa
1. Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
One of the region's premier performance venues.
Reviewed By GeoWayland_NYUSA - Wayland, NY USA
We had the 2018 Midwinter Barbershop Harmony Convention here. All of the musical events were held in the concert hall. The last night featured over 800 voices, the organ, plus the voices of those in the audience. This is a stunning place to hear music.
2. Lyon Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Lyon Air Museum (LAM) is a 30,000-sq.ft. facility based at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif. Founded by Maj. Gen. William Lyon, USAF (Ret), the museum houses a fleet of superbly conditioned, operational and historically significant World War II-era aircraft and vehicles. Docent-led tours take visitors for a walk through history as they stroll among machines and artifacts that helped define the 20th century. Interactive educational exhibits intended to inspire viewers provide in-depth narratives about the history of each aircraft.
Reviewed By ransom007 - Anaheim, California
Located near the John Wayne Airport, this museum is an aircraft hangar with some magnificent specimens of World War II aircraft including a B-17 and a B-25. There are other military vehicles as well as some vintage automobiles.There are several large maps on the walls showing air operation theaters from World War II along with several displays of interest. There is a good amount of free parking available right outside the entrance. The is a great place to spend a couple of hours, especially if you are interested in World War II history. When I went, there was a docent available for further information.
3. Balboa Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By JanieMG
The ferry ride was a short trip over to Balboa Island. I walked around and saw many beautiful homes. It's pretty much all residental property, but gorgeous views. The ferry runs continuously and carries people and up to 3 cars. The cost is only $1.00 per person to cross over each way
4. Sherman Library & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Horticultural retreat that features a museum of living plants, walking paths, bubbling tile fountains and a library devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest.
Reviewed By SaminDC - DC
It’s a one square block lovely garden with several different plant types including in bloom tulips, ferns, and dessert plants. The library still has a card catalog and offered a bunch of California kids’ books for young visitors’ perusal
5. South Coast Plaza
Reviewed By Lumerian - Costa Mesa, California
The malls are dying out and South Coast Plaza is a classic that is still alive. All of the top stores are represented. Two sides connected by a bridge. My wife and I love to eat at Ruby's on the Crystal Court side of the mall. See's Candies is a Southern California legend and is a must try for any traveler. Even if you don't buy anything, the food options are amazing.
6. San Clemente Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 960 reviews
Reviewed By JOregon_11 - Hood River, Oregon, USA
Piers that go out in the ocean are so interesting and beautiful to me. In the three weeks that we recently spent in California, the San Clemente pier was the only one we were able to visit. The walk out to the end on the sunny, windy day was exhilarating!
7. Orange County Coast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By delacy498 - El Paso, Texas
This is the best place to take dogs. Huntington Beach has a dog beach. Dogs can also walk along the sidewalk that runs along the beach. If you travel further south, there's Newport Beach and Fashion Island--dogs are welcome. Even further south, there's Laguna Beach, that allows dogs on the beach off season. But dogs are welcome around town and in the park overlooking the ocean all year round
8. Corona Del Mar State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By Steve R - Orlando, Florida
Spent a few hours wondering around the beach and loved it! The rocks are beautiful and give it all its charm. This is a gorgeous oasis in the heart of the OC!
9. Tewinkle Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Splanky - Claymont, Delaware
We have a small dog and appreciated the segregation of two different sized dog play areas. There are seats and picnic tables provided in a treed dog park. Entrance is through double gates for safety. Refilling water dishes are provided for the dogs, along with doggie poo bags and waste cans. Our dog had a great time!
10. Newport Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By pwncess - Nevada
Friends and I walked Newport Beach in December, 2017 and it was simply beautiful. Experienced tidal pools for the first time in all my 49 years and marveled at the tiny crabs, sea urchins, and anemones we found. It was truly an amazing experience to watch sea life in its natural habitat vs Sea World or a tank.
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