Life moves so fast, and we’re always scrolling, scheduling, or sprinting to the next activity. In all the chaos, it’s easy to forget that inspiration and rejuvenation are essential aspects of life. To stay happy and healthy, it’s important to occasionally prioritize slowing down, taking some deep breaths, and letting ourselves wander until we find something that speaks to us or helps us reset. There’s no better place to wander than the city of Costa Mesa—known as the City of the Arts®, this thriving, vivid community proves that creativity isn’t just confined to stuffy galleries. You’ll find it in Costa Mesa’s walkable streets, the architecture, the performances, and the energy
If you’re new to this artistic gem of Orange County, the good news is we’re easy to find, tucked between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south, and we’re right by some of the best beaches in all of California. If you’re flying in for your inspiration wander, try John Wayne Airport (SNA).
This is your invitation to come, wander and explore, get lost and found, and blur the lines of where creativity, performance, and community converge.
Wander Well in Costa Mesa
You don’t need an itinerary or to stress out about parking upon arrival; the city’s very walkable, and you’ll stroll past colorful murals, chic coffee shops, or well-curated boutiques within minutes. But if you want some pointers for the best of what the city has to offer, we’ve collected some of the best spots.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) has all sorts of events to choose from: ballet, Pacific Symphony performances at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, and Tony-award-winning musicals at Segerstrom Hall are just some of the ever-changing roster. We’ve had some of our favorite experiences on the Segerstrom campus, those rare moments where the curtains close and we get chills—and then the world falls away, and it’s just us and the performers on stage.
Right next door is South Coast Repertory, which hosts world-class performances with powerful storytelling and offers acclaimed classes. (Pedro Pascal, before he was the Mandalorian or Joel Miller, honed his craft here.) If you’re craving even more theatrics (or just the chance to live vicariously through characters for a little while), Costa Mesa Playhouse puts on transformative, community-driven productions.
Take a little stroll from South Coast Repertory to the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), an enormous, light-filled structure filled with personal, daring, and beautiful contemporary art. This is one of our favorites not only for the time we’ve spent wandering, getting glimpses into other perspectives and experiences, but also because admission is always free. Take it from us: If you’re having a rough time, just show up to OCMA and let the art take you on a journey.
Next up on the wander agenda is Noguchi Garden, officially known as California Scenario. This sculpture landscape is like being transported to another world, but it stays grounded in the indigenous plants and materials of California. It’s a vital, peaceful outdoor space, and it feels like getting lost and finding something vital at the same time. Our favorites are the Forest Walk and Desert Land.
Leave Feeling Better—Just Not in the Way You Expected
Every place we’ve described is within steps, not miles stuck in a car. Costa Mesa proves you don’t have to go far to go deep. After your wander, you might not even leave with a souvenir—but how you feel after spending time exploring art and human experience is priceless.
You can always make your wander a day trip, but we recommend giving yourself the cushion of spending a night or more to really let the environment sink in. We have hotels to fit every budget and preference. Step outside of your hectic life, come to Costa Mesa, and leave feeling refreshed and inspired in ways you never anticipated.
