If your idea of a great time includes sunshine, cold beer, and patio hangs, Costa Mesa is calling your name. This is the kind of city where you can brewery‑hop by day, rooftop‑sip by night, and let warm breezes, golden‑hour glow, and ice‑cold pours carry you through a summer weekend you’ll want to repeat. 

To make your trip even easier, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know in a quick, scroll‑friendly Q&A.

Your Costa Mesa Summer Questions, Answered

Q: Where exactly is Costa Mesa?

A: Right in the middle of Orange County, California, which means we’re close to the beach, packed with great food, and conveniently next door to John Wayne Airport (SNA). Prime summer territory!

Q: What’s the vibe of a summer trip here?

A: We’re a laid-back SoCal city with tons of sunshine, cold beer, breezy patios, and long afternoons that turn into golden‑hour nights. We’re also known for our shopping experiences, our strong love of the arts, and for our proximity to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the state.

Q: Which breweries should I hit first?

A: Our perfect brewery hop would start with Green Cheek Beer Co. for crisp lagers and juicy IPAs. Next, we’d hit up Salty Bear Brewing Co. for easy‑drinking summer beers. Don’t miss Synth Beer Co., especially on Tuesdays when Tacos Tenoch pops up with the perfect pairing.

Q: Where should I go for outdoor dining?

A: Costa Mesa has some great outdoor dining options. Our picks include Cafe Sevilla, which brings zingy Spanish flavors and a patio that glows at night, and Casa de Onda serves Mexican-American plates on a sun‑splashed patio that feels like a mini vacation. Both are perfect for settling into a warm summer evening. Folks Pizzeria also has outdoor dining, so you can try some locally beloved slices in the sunshine.

Q: Any rooftops or aesthetic spots I shouldn’t miss?

A: AhbA is your pink‑washed rooftop moment with bright cocktails, trendy bites, and peak golden‑hour energy. It’s the kind of place that instantly becomes the highlight of your weekend.

Q: What makes Costa Mesa the ideal spot for a summer getaway?

A: Well, we don’t want to brag, but Costa Mesa is everything great about Southern California rolled into one fun town. We’ve got great food, great entertainment, craft brews, world-class surfing and swimming in the ocean just miles away, the largest luxury shopping destination on the West Coast…and a generally fun, laid-back attitude. Whatever you want to do, you can do it here, and you’ll be working on your tan while you do it.

Ready for your pitcher‑perfect weekend? Book a stay at a Costa Mesa hotel and make the most of every sip, sunset, and summer vibe this city pours.