Looking for the perfect activity to spark your creativity this summer? Want something new, group‑friendly, and a memory that lasts longer than the Instagram Story? Costa Mesa is packed with hands‑on workshops, classes, and experiences that let you make, move, taste, and try new things. Use this Q&A guide to find your next creative adventure.

Never been to Costa Mesa before? We’re centrally located in Orange County, just minutes from the coast and easy to reach. John Wayne Airport (SNA) sits less than 10 minutes away, making it one of Southern California’s most convenient destinations for a quick getaway or weekend adventure.

Your Guide to Creative Side Quests in Costa Mesa

Q: Where can I dive into maker culture or learn a new craft?

A: Urban Workshop is your go‑to, one-stop makerspace for building, crafting, and creating. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at woodworking, blacksmithing, textiles, photography, or even build your own hydroponics system, Urban Workshop has classes, project sessions, and 1:1 mentoring. Memberships are available if you want ongoing access to tools and training.

Q: I’ve never sewn before. Can I still make something cool?

Without a doubt! Try a workshop at Canvas Worker. They offer guided sewing workshops where you’ll learn safety, technique, and how to operate an industrial sewing machine—even if you’ve never touched one before. And at the end, you’ll walk away with a beautifully crafted bag that’s built to last and made with your own hands.

Q: What if I want to try pottery or ceramics?

A: Costa Mesa has multiple studios for people at every skill level.

ARTime Barro: Workshops, an online basics course, and classes for adults, teens, and kids, including Spanish language instruction. Experienced potters can also rent studio time.

Costa Mesa Ceramics: Youth and adult classes plus private bookings for large groups. Perfect for team‑building or a creative night out.

Photo by @inspiredartwine

Q: Is there a fun, artsy activity I can do with friends (and maybe wine)?

A: Yes—book a sip‑and‑paint session at Inspired Art & Wine. Choose from themed workshops like their beloved Bob Ross‑Inspired Oil Workshop (happy little trees included), or try wine bottle and glass painting. They also offer private events and mobile painting sessions.

Q: What’s the most unique hands‑on experience in Costa Mesa?

A: Snake Yoga at LXRYOGA. For real. This private yoga session (for up to four guests) incorporates calm, slithering snake companions to help you ground and relax. Even nervous first‑timers often end up bonding with their assigned snake. (Yes, it happened to us. We’ve brought several people into the snake yoga fold!) The local couple behind LXRYOGA use their own pet snakes and offer limited sessions per month, so you can be comfortable knowing both you and the snakes are in for a positive experience.

Q: Are there any hands‑on outdoor or farm experiences?

A: Visit Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center. This three‑acre working farm offers tours, gardening classes, and year‑round workshops. It’s free, family-friendly, and unexpectedly one of our favorite places to grab an aesthetic grid photo. Check the OC Fair & Event Center calendar for farmers markets, expos, and seasonal events where you can dig your hands into real soil.

Photo by @surlatable

Q: Where can I level up my cooking or cocktail‑making skills?

A: Costa Mesa has classes for both foodies and aspiring mixologists.

Sur La Table: Learn everything from French pastries to pasta‑making to date‑night dinners. Warning: you may want to buy half the store afterward.

Mercado Gonzalez: Coming soon, this incredible Mexican market will offer cooking classes for folks looking to delve deeper into authentic Mexican cuisine.

Photo by @sevillanightcluboc

Q: I want something active. Any dance classes?

A: Head to Sevilla for salsa and bachata nights. Every Wednesday, OC Salsa hosts beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes at Sevilla Nightclub. No partner is required. It’s such a great way to work up a sweat, and you’ll learn some new moves to take with you.

If you’re more into boots‑and‑boogie, head to Westwood Coast for weekly line‑dancing nights.Tuesdays are Family Country night, starting at 6:30 p.m. and open to ages 10+ with a parent/guardian. Thursdays are 21+ starting at nine and ending at midnight. All experience levels are welcome, and instructors are on hand to help beginners dive right in.

Q: Where should I stay after a full day of hands‑on fun?

A: Costa Mesa’s hotels are ready to help you recharge. After a day of pottery, painting, yoga, or cooking, unwind at one of Costa Mesa’s welcoming hotels—perfect for turning your creative day trip into a relaxing getaway.

Ready to Plan Your Adventure?

From pottery wheels to paintbrushes, sewing machines to snakes (yes, snakes!), Costa Mesa is the place to learn new skills, try something unexpected, and make memories you’ll talk about all year.