{"id":12228,"date":"2026-04-21T15:15:52","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T23:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/?p=12228"},"modified":"2026-04-21T15:15:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T23:15:52","slug":"worth-the-walk-try-the-seenic-route-through-costa-mesa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/worth-the-walk-try-the-seenic-route-through-costa-mesa","title":{"rendered":"Worth the Walk: Try the Seenic Route Through Costa Mesa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some cities are made for driving. Some cities are made for living\u2014even strolling, slowing down to savor every step. Costa Mesa is the latter; it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Costa Mesa is only a breezy few minutes from the beach. If you\u2019re driving in, it\u2019s easy to point your GPS to Orange County, with Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. If you\u2019re flying in, we recommend nearby John Wayne Airport<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Near the Beach and Bike Your Way Into Summer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your perfect day starts with the ocean air and some waves, you should stay at one of Costa Mesa\u2019s beach-close hotels, like Best Western<\/a>, Ramada<\/a>, Hampton by Hilton<\/a>, or OC Hotel<\/a>. Once you\u2019re 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\u2011key, high\u2011reward summer activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While you\u2019re in the neighborhood, walk to the OC Fair<\/a> 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.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re the type to prefer a bit more nature than sand and waves, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fuel up along the way with a stop at Nudae Coffee<\/a> for something iced and aesthetic, and later, you should grab a gut\u2011healthy, flavor\u2011packed lunch at Fermentation Farm<\/a>. (The chili is incredible here, but don\u2019t overlook the tacos!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay in the Center of Everything in Costa Mesa\u2019s Arts District<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>, Avenue of the Arts<\/a>, The Westin South Coast Plaza<\/a>, or Hilton<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From your Arts District hotel, you can walk to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n