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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.

Le Chateau Garden Bistro is on-site at Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach, and we highly recommend dining al fresco in the courtyard. It’s the picture-perfect dupe for a chic, European cafe. Bon appetit!

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.

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Culture in the morning, coast in the afternoon. Sounds like a dream, but it’s just the way of things in Costa Mesa. Thanks to its unbeatable location in Orange County, you have your pick of activities. You can start your day surrounded by world-class art and end it with your toes in the warm sand. If you’re craving ocean adventures or a dose of creativity, or a little of both, we’ve designed a fun, sunny itinerary that takes advantage of everything Costa Mesa has to offer.

We’re just minutes away from Southern California’s most iconic beaches. Costa Mesa’s sweet spot in Orange County, with Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south, means we’re only minutes away from John Wayne Airport (SNA). If you’ve travelled in SoCal and haven’t flown into or out of SNA, take it from us: nothing beats the ease of this airport.

Start With Culture

Ease into the day with a stroll through UCI Langson Orange County Museum of Art (formerly known as OCMA), where thought-provoking galleries and rotating exhibitions set the tone moving forward. This is a perfect way to warm up before the waves: this itinerary is designed to nourish your mind, spirit, and body.

This is the stage where you want to swipe on some sunscreen. The next stop is exploring Noguchi Garden, a serene, sculptural landscape that feels like a hidden gem and highlights California’s ecosystems. 

Pair the garden exploration with a wander through the Costa Mesa ArtWalk to experience the city’s public art scene. This is your final refreshing contrast before your coastal afternoon.

Head to the Coast

Now that you’re ready to get your beach on, we recommend starting with whale-watching at Newport Landing. You get out on the water in a cruise where you’ll get up close and personal with marine giants. It’s a memory that lasts a lifetime for sure.

Next, you can either rent a boat, swim, ski, or surf, depending on your comfort with water adventures. Newport Beach’s calm harbor is a great place for beginners and seasoned pros alike.

If you’re hungry and don’t want to hit up a restaurant while you’re sandy and salty, the great news is you can bring a picnic to the beach. It’s a vibe. Pack snacks, bring a blanket, and turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary moment.

Wind Down in Costa Mesa

After your coastal adventures, return to Costa Mesa for dinner, drinks, or a relaxing evening exploring local shops and cafes. It’s the best way to balance a beach day with the city’s signature cultural energy. 

Don’t let our suggestions box you in, either: If you’re a beach-first kind of person, then do what makes you happy. Just don’t forget to check out all the other activities the city has in store.

Where to Stay

Destress by staying in a beach‑close Costa Mesa hotel. You’ll be minutes from the water, the arts, and all the sunny SoCal moments in between. Great options include Best Western, Ramada, Hampton by Hilton, and OC Hotel. Staying local keeps you close to everything you need for a sunny summer trip.

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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.

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In need of a weekend getaway with your ride‑or‑dies? Get the group chat started, because we have your itinerary right here. Costa Mesa is the perfect place to meet up, catch up, and live it up. We’ve sketched out a two-day itinerary to make sure you experience the best of it all with your besties—-the besteas for besties agenda is in full swing!

Centrally located in Orange County, Costa Mesa sits between Los Angeles and San Diego. We’re minutes from the beach and just a stress‑free hop from John Wayne Airport (SNA). Road‑tripping in? You’re an easy drive from the Inland Empire, San Diego, Palm Springs, or even Las Vegas if you’re feeling ambitious. However you get here, the vibes start the moment you arrive.

Meet Your Perfect Besties Itinerary 

Day 1: Caffeine, Cute Shops, and a Night Out

Kick off the trip at Daydrift Coffee, located in one of the best spaces in the city, The CAMP. Getting your morning fuel on here is honestly a delight; you can stroll the CAMP grounds (see what we did there?) and sip fun matcha creations in the spirit of besteahood. 

Now that you’re fueled, head to South Coast Plaza for the best luxury shopping on the West Coast. Whether you’re just browsing or balling out, there’s hundreds of boutiques, global brands, and neat spots to explore. (We recommend a stop into POP MART to grab some matching blind boxes.)

Next stop is Salty Horse to make sure you’re hydrated and fed after all that shopping. This new addition to the Costa Mesa dining scene has excellent breakfast and lunch fare, along with a tasty variety of coffee and tea options. We can never choose between Pitaya Pancakes and their Mesa Nachos. Salty or sweet? But if you’re bringing your bestie, you can order both and share.  

After all the luxe of South Coast Plaza, it’s time for something with a totally different vibe: treasure hunting. Landers Supply House is a family-owned Costa Mesa institution that recently relocated to The LAB. Don’t worry, you can still find their curated vintage Western goods, while 2nd Street (just across the street!) is perfect for scoring pre‑loved fashion gems. Matching jackets? Statement accessories? A random but perfect find? Yes to all of it.

For dinner, after all that shopping, it’s time to go hard and delicious at Folks Pizzeria. The red and white pizza flavors are Costa Mesa mainstays, and there’s veg options for those so inclined. 

After the pizza has settled and the sun has gone down, it’s time to head to Cowboys & Poodles for cocktails, disco balls, and a whole lot of personality. This hidden spot is playful, colorful, and built for a night out with your favorites. We can’t think of a better way to end the day than sipping cocktails with friends in a speakeasy.

Day 2: Theme Park Thrills and Beachy Chills

We went hard on food and drink in day one, but day two is all about Orange County big-time mainstays: the mouse and the beach. 

Head over to Disneyland, a quick trip from Costa Mesa, bright and early—or whenever you manage to crawl out of your comfy bed (we don’t judge!). Don’t forget the sunscreen. Hit up your favorite rides, get matching mouse ears, make memories, and split a churro; it’s all magical here. 

Save some light in the day for a gorgeous beach experience at one of the beaches nearby Costa Mesa. Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Corona del Mar are all minutes away, each with its own vibe. Whether you’re tanning, strolling, or dipping your toes in the water, it’s the perfect way to reset before dinner.

Make It a Besties Staycation

To make the most of your 48 hours, stay overnight in a Costa Mesa hotel. You’ll be close to everything, including coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and the beach, with comfy rooms and amenities that make the whole trip feel elevated without putting a strain on your wallet. No rushing, no long drives. Just quality time.

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Summer tastes better in Costa Mesa. From juicy burgers to fresh-made paletas and handscooped treats, things just hit different here. Maybe it’s the sunshine, or maybe it’s the bold flavors and new spots always pushing the boundaries. Whatever the reason, Costa Mesa is a necessary foodie stop, and we’ve curated the best summer bites here.

Costa Mesa sits in the heart of Orange County. This means we’re minutes from beaches and a quick ride from John Wayne Airport (SNA). If you’re driving in, we’re nestled between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. If you like, make it a foodie trip and follow your appetite down the coast.

Take a Bite Out of Summer

Palms n’ Patties is one of the newest additions to Costa Mesa’s dining scene. It’s a haven for burger lovers who prefer quality, organic, grass-fed beef. There’s no seed oil, either; their tasty fries are cooked in beef tallow. Our fave is the Grilled Smash (with house Pn’P Sauce) with a side of Green Mayo. Think In-N-Out but elevated.

Salt and Lime Modern Taqueria is the sort of place to have a perfect meal on the perfect SoCal day. With their house-made blue-corn tortillas (and tortilla chips), fresh local produce, and innovative flavors, we’ve sipped and savored some of our favorites here. Try a Smoky Pear Mezcal Margarita with a Seared Yellowtail taco (we live for the yuzu aioli and pickled ginger). If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with the Churro Sundae served with small-batch horchata ice cream. Yum.

Dine on the patio to watch the sunset or simply to take in a little extra sunshine. 

Stella Jean’s 17th Street location in Costa Mesa actually shares space with Pop Pie Co., so this is a best of both worlds dinner-and-dessert event. After a tasty, savory pie like Green Hog & Cheese, Get yourself the best of small-batch flavor with Stella Jean’s mainstays like the vegan and gluten-free Mango Sticky Rice flavor, or try a seasonal treat while it’s available.

The combo of outdoor dining options and delicious tapas at Cafe Sevilla couldn’t be more summery if it tried. The sangria is an absolute must try, but our favorite is always Happy Hour, Wednesday–Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Can’t beat a $10 craft cocktail!

Looking for nostalgia? Looking for nostalgia but better? Hit up The Straw for milkshakes out of your dreams with a bright, retro feel. There’s flavors for everyone, ranging from over the top (like The STREET, which is a cookies-and-cream shake with cookie dough topping that’s colored to look like everyone’s favorite muppety consumer of cookies) to beautifully subtle (like Mr. Grey, an earl grey, lavender, and honey shake).

Inside Mercado González, you’ll find paletas made fresh daily—fruity, creamy, and crafted right in front of you. Through the glass walls, you can watch the team mix, pour, and freeze each batch, turning simple ingredients into the most refreshing summer treat. 

Make it an Eatcation®
With so many summer bites, cool treats, and new flavors to explore, Costa Mesa is the perfect place to turn a day of snacking into a full Eatcation®. Stay overnight in a Costa Mesa hotel, enjoy easy access to every dining district, and savor every last bite of your summer getaway.

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