Spring Into a Costa Mesa State of Mind: Longer Days, Brighter Ways

Published Mar 20, 2026, 3:25pm

Spring is here, which means longer days, extra sunshine, and finally saying goodbye to those too-early sunsets. This is the best time to soak up every last golden hour, and there’s no better place to do it than Costa Mesa. Picture this: coastal California vibes, epic dining scenes, endless sunshine, unparalleled shopping, and hands-on experiences all in one place with hotel options that won’t break your bank.

Sea You There

A coastal scene with rocky cliffs, tall palm trees, and sandy beaches bordering clear blue ocean water. People walk along the shore, and houses are visible on the hills in the background under a bright blue sky. — Photo by @cabennetts.png

Costa Mesa is just minutes away from California’s best beaches! Whether it’s embarking on a whale watching excursion, taking a leisurely stroll along the pier, or catching waves in Huntington Beach, there’s no shortage of coastal adventures to explore.

Head to the Theater

Segerstrom Hall’s curved, golden facade and glass-enclosed lobby glow at sunset. A round fountain with arcing water jets sits out front, and modern buildings rise in the background.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts welcomes the latest and greatest Broadway shows, award-winning musicians, and international ballet and dance companies. This spring, enjoy a dynamic lineup of performances, including:

Forever K-Pop (May 9, 2026): a celebration of K-pop hits, choreography, and global pop culture.

American Ballet Theatre’s Sylvia (April 9–12, 2026): a visually stunning ballet filled with myth, romance, and breathtaking choreography.

Dancing with the Stars: Live! – 2026 Tour (April 23, 2026): fan-favorite pros bring high-energy routines straight from the ballroom to the stage.

My Fair Lady in Concert (April 24–25, 2026): the beloved classic comes to life with soaring vocals and timeless charm.

Pacific Symphony’s Mozart, Say & Tchaikovsky (May 7–9, 2026): an inspiring evening of powerful and moving classical music.

Kid-Friendly Play

Three young children are placing large, colorful plastic pegs into a black, wall-mounted board with holes at an interactive exhibit. Other people and activity can be seen in the background.

Planning a spring vacation with the whole family? Help the kids build their imagination at the OC Fair & Event Center’s Imaginology fair on April 11th-12th. The free annual weekend of programming provides an approachable and interactive way for kids to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Some highlight activities this year include:

Up-close animal encounters, like hatching chicks and llamas, reptiles, and butterflies

Make-and-take projects like succulent terrariums, fossils, and mini robots

Live shows and experiences, including aerial performances and high-energy bubble demonstrations

Eat, Eat, Eat

An overhead view of a table set with various gourmet dishes, including colorful salads, plated fish with sauce, artistic desserts, and a glass of white wine. A napkin, fork, and knife rest on one plate.

Costa Mesa is known as the Eatcation^® destination of SoCal. From celebrity chefs to international favorites, you’ll find a dining option for everyone!

For a little bit of everything, head to Mercado González, where you’ll find a lineup of puestos serving up authentic, flavor-packed Mexican dishes all under one roof.

Looking to dine al fresco? Soak up the sunshine with a relaxed outdoor lunch or mid-day pick-me-up at Milligram Coffee. When golden hour hits, wind down at Semi Tropic Wines, where curated natural wines and live jazz music set the tone for a relaxed evening.

And if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, reserve a table at Knife Pleat, Costa Mesa’s Michelin-recognized gem, for an unforgettable dining experience that’s as refined as it is delicious.

Where to Stay

Aerial view of a rectangular outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs, cabanas, palm trees, and seating areas, with manicured green lawns and flower beds in the background.

Costa Mesa is home to hotels that fit every budget and are just minutes away from the best attractions in Orange County. Explore Where to Stay.

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Four young adults smiling and walking together outside a modern building; one woman in a red hat leads the group, while the others chat and follow, carrying shopping bags.