Get ready to step into sunshine in Costa Mesa. Summer doesn’t wait for the calendar here; it simply arrives—early, and with many gifts—and takes us along for the ride. If your summer daydream is floating in pools under palm trees or making waves in the ocean (or maybe you’re more of a sweat-it-out-on-the-green sort of a person?), the city has so many ways to get a taste of saltwater.

Since we’re perfectly placed between L.A. and San Diego, getting to Costa Mesa is a breeze. Flying in? Choose John Wayne Airport (SNA) and skip the LAX chaos entirely.

West Coasting at its Best
One of the perks of the city is how close you are to the coast, and without all the coastal crowding. You have your pick of beaches just minutes away, like Laguna Beach (think tide pools, coves, and a boardwalk), Newport Beach (think classic piers and perfect golden sand), and Huntington Beach (our fave place for a nighttime bonfire). If you want even more adventure, we recommend whale-watching from Newport Harbor or, if you’re new to water fun, getting some surfing lessons.

Getting to this gem of Orange County, nestled between L.A. and San Diego, is a breeze. If you’re not close enough to drive, here’s a local tip: fly into O.C.’s beloved John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the stress of LAX. You’ll thank us later.

If you’re more of a “floating in the pool with a tropical cocktail” vibe, check out our favorite places to splash outside of the Pacific: 

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa: Boutique and lakeside with artsy flair—and a heated pool.

The Westin South Coast Plaza: Resort-style pool. Perfect for cooling off after a pickleball match. Huge with no risk over secondhand splash. 

Costa Mesa Marriott: Pool overlooks the lake for double the serene vibes.Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach: Close to everything, and with two heated pools. Let the European vibes temporarily whisk you away.

Play Costa Mesa Style
Pickleball and more: Tanager Park has free outdoor pickleball courts, while the Westin South Coast Plaza has gorgeous new courts for guests, and there are indoor courts if you need to beat the heat at the Downtown Recreation Center.

Photo by @westinsouthcoastplaza

Golf: Enjoy the ocean air on the two lush courses at the Costa Mesa Country Club.

Parks and trails: Fairview Park is among the best places in the city to watch the sunset. If you’re chasing peace with your walk—or your bike ride from the park to the sand, via bike trail or bike lane—try the nature preserve that is Talbert Regional Park. TeWinkle Park is family-friendly with lakes and many, many picnic benches, and Costa Mesa Skate Park has zones for skateboarders and rollerbladers of all levels of skill.

And when the sun goes down, the nights in Costa Mesa glow. Warm patios, speciality cocktails, and a foodie scene that spans everything from laid-back local favorites to refined dining that’s an experience just as much as it’s a meal.

Photo by @ondaafterdark

From pool floats to ocean waves, Costa Mesa invites you to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and say Why not? to a little more fun this season. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a long, lazy summer stay at one of our many lovely hotels, Costa Mesa is the place where endless summer lives.