With a vibrant performing arts scene, a Tony® Award-winning play production house and an incredible public art walk with its own free mobile audio tour, Costa Mesa is a city dedicated to celebration of the arts. At the center of it is Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA), Orange County’s performing arts and theater complex and home to the world’s leading dance companies, Broadway shows, award-winning classical, jazz and cabaret artists, family entertainment, special events and year-round educational programs, also the home to the Orange County Museum of Art.
VISUAL ARTS
Boasting a unique collection of public sculptures by world-famous artists, Costa Mesa's visual arts are a feast for the eyes. In the Theater & Arts District, you'll delight in our free audio tour of these spectacular pieces, and don't miss the stunning new Orange County Museum of Art, open October 2022.
Connector
The 65-feet-high, 360-ton sculpture of weathered steel is the tallest of Richard Serra’s works to date, and is set on a pentagonal ground plan.
Noguchi garden
Though its official name is California Scenario, locals lovingly use the moniker for its creator, famous Japanese sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
the ram
The Ram by Charles O. Perry is the second sculpture installed in Town Center Park, across from the Westin South Coast Plaza.
PERFORMING ARTS
Costa Mesa hosts iconic Broadway shows like "Hamilton" and "Wicked", concerts by world-famous artists like Yo Yo Ma and Tony Bennett, and is the home to a resident dance company, symphony and chorale.
Segerstrom Hall was designed by Charles Lawrence and features the distinctive Grand Portal arch and "Fire Bird" sculpture that have become emblematic of Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
south coast repertory
South Coast Repertory is a professional resident theatre, founded in 1964 by David Emmes and Martin Benson. The Tony® Award-winning theater is one of America's foremost producers of new plays.
MURALS AND STREET ART
Costa Mesa has an incredible collection of murals throughout the city. Definitely its largest is "Welcome Home" by Shepard Fairey, standing 55 feet high and visible from the 405 freeway that intersects the city. "What I hope is that people who enjoy it also come to understand how positively art impacts the community and will come to support more of it," says Fairey.
costa mesa bloom
Commissioned by Travel Costa Mesa in 2018 and dedicated to the city, this original piece by Aaron Glasson highlights native flora and fauna of the city. Watch the video on its creation!
dolly parton
Created in 2021, this homage to the famous country singer is not only for her legacy with the gay/queer community but also her support in finding the vaccine for COVID.
kobe and friends
Painted after his tragic death in 2020, the mural honors the legacy of the great Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, plus the 6 other victims of the LA helicopter accident.
CULINARY ARTS
With 3 Michelin Star restaurants and 6 featured in the California Michelin Guide, Costa Mesa is truly at the top of the culinary art form in Orange County. Foodies eat in Costa Mesa, it's just that simple. Find out more about your Eatcation® in Costa Mesa!
knife pleat
Receiving its Michelin Star in 2021, this French-inspired fine dining spot holds its elegant court in the Penthouse at South Coast Plaza. Offering lunch, dinner and high tea.
hana re sushi
This exclusive omakase experience is one you won't soon forget. Chef Atsushi Yokoyama offers his private table plus just 10 seats for seafood flown in fresh daily from Japan.
taco maria
A multiple-time James Beard Award finalist, Chef Carlos Salgado offers upscale Mexican cuisine that will have you rethinking what you know about tacos, at a restaurant named for his mom.
DESIGNER FASHION
South Coast Plaza is where the world comes to shop. Featuring 250 boutiques and 30 restaurants, South Coast Plaza rivals Rodeo Drive and Ginza in Tokyo with its designer offerings, in some cases right off the runway.
louis vuitton
As the only of its kind in the United States, the atelier in the Penthouse at South Coast Plaza offers stunning personalization of your Vuitton purchase.
Largest on the west coast
South Coast Plaza has some of the country’s first views of couture right off the runways of Fashion Week it its 2.8 million square feet of retail and dining space.
a shopping destination
Top designers at the center include Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Cartier, Prada, Jimmy Choo and well, just about every major fashion designer in the world.
