Some cities are made for driving. Some cities are made for living—even strolling, slowing down to savor every step. Costa Mesa is the latter; it’s got parking galore, of course, but the streets beckon walking, biking, and especially cruising to a beach or a beautiful park. Put your comfiest shoes on and get ready to find surprises around every corner and down every trail.
Costa Mesa is only a breezy few minutes from the beach. If you’re driving in, it’s easy to point your GPS to Orange County, with Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. If you’re flying in, we recommend nearby John Wayne Airport (SNA) for the convenience and the lack of LAX hassle. But the best part? Once you arrive in Costa Mesa proper, you can ditch the car. The city is made for wandering.
Stay Near the Beach and Bike Your Way Into Summer
If your perfect day starts with the ocean air and some waves, you should stay at one of Costa Mesa’s beach-close hotels, like Best Western, Ramada, Hampton by Hilton, or OC Hotel. Once you’re checked in, you can hop on a bike and cruise your way toward the sand. Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Corona del Mar are all within easy pedaling distance, making it the perfect low‑key, high‑reward summer activity.
While you’re in the neighborhood, walk to the OC Fair during its summer run. Funnel cakes, concerts, carnival rides, and warm nights under the lights are all right there, without ever needing to park. (Plus nothing beats a walk in the glorious California sunshine while enjoying some fair food.)
If you’re the type to prefer a bit more nature than sand and waves, it’s easy to walk or bike the Upper Newport Bay Back Bay Loop, one of the most scenic routes in Orange County. This is a gorgeous spot for wildlife sightings too.
Fuel up along the way with a stop at Nudae Coffee for something iced and aesthetic, and later, you should grab a gut‑healthy, flavor‑packed lunch at Fermentation Farm. (The chili is incredible here, but don’t overlook the tacos!)
Stay in the Center of Everything in Costa Mesa’s Arts District
If your strolling scene is less beaches and more art walks, shows, and delicious meals, we have the itinerary for you. Stay in the world-famous Arts District in hotels like the Costa Mesa Marriott, Avenue of the Arts, The Westin South Coast Plaza, or Hilton.
From your Arts District hotel, you can walk to:
- South Coast Plaza for luxury shopping and designer finds
- Incredible food, including Michelin‑rated dining, just steps away
- OCMA (Orange County Museum of Art) for cutting‑edge exhibitions
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts for Broadway shows, concerts, and outdoor programming
- Costa Mesa ArtWalk for murals, installations, and creative inspiration
- Noguchi Garden, a serene architectural landmark
- Moongoat Greenhouse, a dreamy coffee stop tucked inside a plant‑filled oasis
It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can wander all day and never run out of things to see, sip, or savor. Get your stroll on and get a local’s perspective of the city.
Wow, What a Day In Costa Mesa
After a full day of walking, biking, beaching, sipping, and exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to a cozy hotel room to rest your legs. Whether you stay near the beach or in the heart of the Arts District, Costa Mesa—and our incredible hotels for every budget—makes every step worth it.
