One of the most common questions we hear from buyers considering a move to Costa Mesa is: "What's it actually like to live there?" The short answer: it's one of the best-kept lifestyle secrets in Orange County. Costa Mesa may not have the name recognition of Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, but locals know it offers just as much — and in many ways, more.
Here's our insider's guide to the best things to do in Costa Mesa, from dining and shopping to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
World-Class Shopping at South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza isn't just a mall — it's the largest shopping center on the West Coast and one of the highest-grossing retail destinations in the country. With over 250 boutiques and department stores including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co., it attracts visitors from around the world.
But South Coast Plaza is also a dining destination in its own right, with more than 30 restaurants ranging from quick bites to upscale experiences. For Costa Mesa residents, having this kind of retail and dining complex in your backyard is a daily luxury.
The Arts and Culture Scene
Costa Mesa is home to one of the most impressive performing arts centers in the western United States. Segerstrom Center for the Arts hosts world-class ballet, opera, Broadway touring productions, and concerts throughout the year. The adjacent Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) showcases contemporary and modern art in a stunning facility.
The city's Westside also has a growing arts district, with local galleries, studios, and creative spaces that add character and energy to the neighborhood. Events like the Costa Mesa ArtWalk bring the community together around local creativity.
A Food Scene That Punches Above Its Weight
Costa Mesa has quietly become one of the best dining destinations in Orange County. Whether you're looking for a quick taco or an unforgettable fine dining experience, this city delivers:
- The LAB and The CAMP: These anti-mall retail concepts on Bristol Street feature a curated mix of independent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. They're the heart of Costa Mesa's alternative, creative culture.
- 17th Street: A long stretch packed with restaurants, cafes, and bars — perfect for a walking food tour through the Westside.
- South Coast Plaza dining: From ramen to Italian to steakhouses, the restaurant collection at SCP is a destination on its own.
- Local favorites: Costa Mesa is full of neighborhood gems — family-run spots, brunch cafes, bakeries, and taco shops that locals swear by.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities
While Costa Mesa isn't technically a beachfront city, you'd never know it by how quickly you can get to the sand. Huntington Beach and Newport Beach are both just minutes away, giving Costa Mesa residents easy access to some of the best coastline in Southern California.
Within the city, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy:
- Fairview Park: A 208-acre urban nature preserve with trails, wetlands, and views of the coast. It's a hidden gem for hiking, birdwatching, and model airplane flying.
- TeWinkle Park: A popular spot for families with playgrounds, sports fields, fishing lakes, and walking paths.
- Talbert Regional Park: Connects Costa Mesa to Huntington Beach via miles of biking and hiking trails along the Santa Ana River.
- Upper Newport Bay: On the Eastside border, this ecological reserve offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature walks through one of the last remaining coastal wetlands in Southern California.
Sports and Recreation
Costa Mesa's OC Fair & Event Center hosts the annual Orange County Fair every summer — one of the biggest community events in the region. Year-round, the venue hosts swap meets, concerts, food festivals, and special events that keep the local calendar full.
For golfers, the Costa Mesa Country Club offers two public 18-hole courses right in the heart of the city. And with year-round Southern California weather, outdoor fitness — from surfing to cycling to yoga in the park — is just part of the Costa Mesa lifestyle.
Coffee Culture and Nightlife
Costa Mesa has a thriving coffee scene, with local roasters and independent cafes scattered throughout the city. Whether you need a morning pour-over or an afternoon espresso, you won't have to go far.
When the sun goes down, the city offers a solid nightlife scene too — from craft cocktail bars to live music venues to casual sports bars. It's a more laid-back vibe than nearby Newport Beach, which is part of the appeal for many residents.
Costa Mesa has everything you need within a 10-minute drive — great food, world-class shopping, the beach, and a real sense of community. That's hard to find anywhere else in Orange County.
Thinking About Moving to Costa Mesa?
If this sounds like the lifestyle you've been looking for, we'd love to help you find your home here. The More Real Estate Team is based in Costa Mesa and we know every corner of this city. Whether you're looking for a condo near The LAB, a family home in Mesa Verde, or a modern build on the Eastside, we can help you find the right fit.
Contact us today to start your Costa Mesa home search.