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Things to do in Costa Mesa
Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, the city of Costa Mesa is a popular tourist destination. The city has a lot to offer to its tourists so if you are looking for a short getaway from Los Angeles, consider a visit to the orange county.
The following article has been designed in a way to help you figure out the things that you can do in Costa Mesa. We have divided into sections like places to visit, restaurants to eat at, venues to shop at and hotels to stay in. So what are you waiting for? Pack your traveling back and make your way to Costa Mesa.
1.What is Costa Mesa famous for?
The city of Costa Mesa is only a thirty minutes drive away from Disneyland and hence one of the most traveled to locations. The city boasts of the Segerstrom Center of Arts where you have the chance to spend your time watching theater. Costa Mesa is also famous for its anti-malls, which will completely change the way you envision the process of shopping. The LAB and The Camp are some of the most visited anti-malls of Costa Mesa.
Not just this, the town is also famous for its various eating outlets which will leave you asking for more and more. Costa Mesa is also famous for its parks, one of them being the Isamu Noguchi’s California Scenario. There is a lot to explore in the city and we hope that this guide will help you ascertain the places you would like to visit on your tour to Costa Mesa.
Also Read more about the Best Things to do in Pittsburgh
2.Best Places to visit in Costa Mesa
I. Segerstrom Center of Arts
Designed by the renowned artist Cesar Pelli and built in the year 1986, the Segerstrom Center of Arts is a sight to behold. The Segerstrom Center consists of a number of halls where different performances are held all round the year. Here at the Segerstrom Center, you would be able to catch some of the most amazing theater performances.
So if you are looking for things to do costa mesa which involve spending an evening watching performances, Segerstrom Center is just the right place for you. To book your tickets at the Segerstrom Center, visit their official website.
II. Huntington Beach
A visit to the orange county would be incomplete without a visit to Huntington Beach. Hailed at the surf city of the United States of America, you are bound to have the time of your life at this beach. This is one of the best things to do in costa mesa along with your family. Plan a vacation to the beach and experience the luxury of a lifetime.
There are a number of resorts at the beach where you can enjoy amenities like spas, pools, restaurants, boutiques, and waterslides. This trip will help you calm your nerves and fall in love with Costa Mesa, CA. For more information on the things that you can plan at this venue.
III. South Coast Plaza
It is common knowledge that the city of Costa Mesa owes its fame to the incredible South Coast Plaza. Celebrated as the largest shopping center of the US West Coast, the South Coast Plaza will leave you completely astounded. One of the best things to do in Costa Mesa is to visit the South Coast Plaza. The plaza is hie to boutiques, restaurants, shopping centers, and even the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
South Coast Plaza is a heavenly experience and if you are looking for things to do in Costa Mesa that involve spending some money in exchange for luxury, this place is certainly for you. At the Coast Plaza, you would be able to find the latest items in the market and thereby you would be able to keep yourself up to date to the changing trends in the fashion industry. If you have any queries with respect to the kind of commodities that you will be able to find at the South Coast Plaza.
IV. Location 1980
Owned by artist Jesse Fortune, there is no place like Location 1980. This is the perfect place to visit if you are into local art. Here you have a chance to discover the work of the local artists of Costa Mesa.
Location 1980 also organizes exhibitions from time to time so make sure you keep yourself updated by checking out their website. If you are lucky, you will also be able to meet the artists at Location 1980 and gain invaluable insight of their work.
3.Five places where you can taste the finest food of Costa Mesa, CA
I.Taco Maria
One of the best things to do in Mesa, California is to gorge on the sumptuous food that it has to offer. If you are visiting Disneyland and would like to take a short drive, head straight to Costa Mesa and taste the Orange county’s heavenly delicacies. We recommend you visit the award-winning restaurant Taco Maria.
The restaurant is loved by food critics and was voted as LA Times’ 2018 Best Restaurant of the Year. At Taco Maria, place an order for a pork belly taco and treat the foodie in you. We also recommend you to try amongst other things, scallop ceviche.
II.Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
Craving some Mexican food in Costa Mesa? We have the perfect place for you: Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant. The restaurant is located in the iconic Laguna Landmark building and has been in business since the year 1977.
At the restaurant, you can feast on nachos, quesadillas, tacos, platillos, and other Mexican delights. The restaurant also has a special children’s menu which you must check out if you are taking the trip with your young ones.
III.Old Vine Kitchen and Bar
Have some in the city of Costa Mesa with a visit to Old Vine Kitchen and Bar. This place is renowned all over the city for its excellent staff service and menu. This place makes for a perfect date venue as you have the option of dining under the night sky.
The restaurant cum bar is also famous for its seafood so make sure that you eat to your heart’s desire. We urge you to try out the many cocktails and the fine wine that Old Vine Kitchen and Bar has to offer.
IV.St Patisserie Chocolat
Experience the flavor of Paris in Costa Mesa itself by traveling to St Patisserie Chocolat. The confectionary shop is owned by French chef Stephane Treand MOF. If you have a sweet tooth you must stop by at the shop and check out their wide range of pastries. The shop also sells bonbons, eclairs, tarts, and macarons so make sure that you pack some for your further travel.
V.Seabirds Kitchen
If you are a vegan and looking for places to eat in the orange county, we recommend you Seabirds Kitchen. The restaurant started its business in the year 2010 and since then has been growing strong by the day. Seabirds Kitchen owes its popularity to its vegan-friendly menu which also happens to be completely organic.
The restaurant also offers food specially designed for kids, so make sure that you check out their menu. If you looking for things to do at the weekend then you must head straight towards Seabirds Kitchen as they have a unique brunch menu for the weekends. We hope that the food at Seabirds Kitchen leaves you satiated.
4. Shop till you drop at the Orange County
I.The Camp
Costa Mesa bustles will shopping outlets referred to as “anti-mall”. One such anti-mall, that you must visit on your Costa Mesa shopping venture is The Camp.
If you are a nature lover and believe in sustainable existence then the anti-mall, Camp is just the right place for you. The Camp has earned its reputation in Orange country for being green, eco-friendly, and dedicated to promoting the work of local artisans.
Here you can shop for a number of organic items and explore a wide range of other products. The Camps also organizes activities like exhibitions, art shows, and other educational events so make sure that you sign up for their newsletter and remain updated. Visit The Camp and indulge in a unique experience.
II.The LAB Anti-mall
A visit to Costa Mesa would be incomplete without a visit to the LAB. The Little American Business is an anti-mall which is based on the fundamental of providing you an experience of shopping which is better than the regular mall experience. The LAB is one of the most aesthetic places that you would visit in Costa Mesa, so make sure that you keep your camera handy.
It is a good idea to visit LAB when you are looking for things to do in costa mesa because you will not run out of things to do. Here you would be able to spot a number of shopping plazas and award-winning restaurants. The LAB also organizes a number of events throughout the year so make sure that you stay informed. A visit to little American business will leave you completely satisfied.
5. Some Parks to visit in Costa Mesa
I.Fairview Park
If you are looking for things to do in Costa Mesa along with your kids, we suggest a visit to Fairview Park. Sprawling over an area of 208 acres, Fairview Park makes for one of the top attractions for families. At the park, you can spend your day indulging in outdoor activities.
The park has it all, open fields, sanctuary, and even the beach. Tourists often spend their time at the park doing activities like running, biking, and hiking. A visit to Fairview Park would make for one of the best things to do in Costa Mesa as you would be able to spend some quality time with your family, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
II.TeWinkle Park
One of the best ways to spend your hours at Costa Mesa California is to head toward TeWinkle Park. Covering an area of 49 acres, the TeWinkle Park makes for a perfect getaway destination. If you are looking to do things with your family, it is a great idea to visit the park.
At the park, you can spend your time lazying on the beautiful grass and appreciating the beauty of nature. The park also has a barbecue area, picnic tables, and restrooms so you might want to plan your trip accordingly. Make sure that you pack your badminton rackets and enjoy a nice game at the park.
III.Isamu Noguchi’s California Scenario
Hailed as one of the most incredible sculpture gardens in Costa Mesa, the Isamu Noguchi’s California Scenario is indeed quite a sight to behold. The garden is meant to symbolize the geographical characteristics of the city of California. This has been achieved by utilizing indigenous plants and materials in the installation.
The most famous artifice of the garden is The Spirit Of The Lima Bean and has been composed by around fifteen granite rocks. A visit to the garden will be quite a unique experience and we highly recommend it.
6. Experience the nightlife at Costa Mesa, CA
I.Strut Bar and Club
If you are looking for LGBTQ+ friendly nightclubs, make a move towards Strut Bar and Club. The bar is celebrated as one of the country’s premier Gay bar and club. It is dedicated to the theme of ’80 America and comes with the promise of a good time. To check out their cocktail menu, visit their official website.
II.The Country Club
If you are looking for clubs to spend time with your family, The Country Club is just the right place for you. The club is famous for its dining experience and live music so you are bound to have a fun time.
7. Is Costa Mesa a good place to live?
Costa Mesa in Orange County is rated as one of the best places to live in California. This is because of a number of reasons. Firstly, Costa Mesa makes for a perfect place for living for anybody who is looking to live in a liberal space.
Costa Mesa is home to a number of bars, restaurants, parks, and shopping outlets. If you are made of money and are willing to spend a few bucks in exchange for a luxurious lifestyle, Costa Mesa is definitely the place that you should consider for settling in.
Apart from this, Costa Mesa also has a number of acclaimed public schools so you need not worry about the kind of education that your children will receive in Orange county. To add to this, Costa Mesa was also ranked by the FBI as one of the United State of America’s safest cities to live in.
The nearest airport to Costa Mesa is Santa Ana(SNA) Airport which is at a distance of 4.3 miles.
If instead of settling permanently you are looking to spend a vacation at Costa Mesa, you can consider the following options:
I.Avenue of the Arts Hotel
Located across the Segerstrom Center for Arts, the Avenue of Arts Hotel is one of the most aesthetic places where you can stay in Costa Mesa. The rooms in the hotel are designed in a way that will ensure that you have a comfortable stay. The hotel also has a luxurious dining space and provides for live music on Thursday nights.
II.The Westin South Coast Plaza
Located at a proximate distance to the John Wayne Airport, the Westin South Coast Plaza is an ideal location for your stay. Apart from the luxurious rooms, the plaza is famous for the delicious food that they serve their customers. The hotel boasts of a rooftop heated pool, tennis court, and workout center. Not just this, it is also located near the beaches( Laguna and Newport).
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