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Beaches & Outdoors in Costa Mesa

Fun in the sun hits different here. And the best part? It’s all close by and easy to get to. Turn right for the beach, left for bike trails, or straight ahead for picnic-perfect parks. Make the outdoors a full-day adventure or just a quick stop. No matter how long you stay, Costa Mesa makes it easy to enjoy every moment your way.

Get Outside. Stay Outside.

Sun, sand, trails, and greens—and yes, still more to discover. Getting out and exploring is a breeze here. Dive in, wander out, and come back again and again for a whole new day of fun.

Three people lie on grass in Costa Mesa, laughing and playfully covering their faces. One wears a red jacket, another denim, and the third a white graphic t-shirt. A brown bag and red purse rest nearby at Mesa Verde Park.

Your Guide to a Surreal Good Time

From Michelin-rated meals to museum moments, everything in the city just clicks. Making plans is effortless, from coffee at sunrise to cocktails at sunset, and every moment feels curated. All you have to do is show up.

Four people walk along a sandy beach near a pier, smiling and wearing casual summer clothes and sunglasses. The scene captures the relaxed vibe of beaches near Costa Mesa, with the ocean, pier, and bright sky in the background.

Chase the Sunshine in Costa Mesa

Enjoy sun-soaked moments by the pool or head to the beach, then watch the sky turn pink and orange at sunset. Costa Mesa is where every moment feels like golden hour.

Three people stand in a surf shop, smiling and laughing among colorful surfboards. A woman in front holds a red board, while a man and another woman interact in the background—capturing the cheerful vibe of Costa Mesa events.

Hidden Gems from the City’s Treasure Chest

Discover our hidden gems with a treasure-map guide featuring secret cafes, artisan workshops, surf culture, craft breweries, and local legends waiting to be explored around every corner.

Coast through the day.

From Huntington Beach to Newport Beach and Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa puts the Pacific at your fingertips. Surf, sunbathe, or explore tidepools. You can spend the whole day soaking up the sun or just pop by for the perfect sunset. Either way, the coast is minutes away, easy to reach, and always worth it.

Colorful flowers and greenery frame a rocky coastline with turquoise water. Waves crash against cliffs, and a few tall palm trees and houses are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Laguna Beach

Aerial view of a coastal city near Costa Mesa, featuring a wide blue bay dotted with sailboats and yachts, and densely packed houses and buildings lining the shoreline under a clear sky.

Newport Beach

A long pier with two small buildings extends over the ocean in pet friendly Costa Mesa, with people walking along it. Waves crash below, and the sky is clear and bright blue.

Huntington Beach

A turquoise pergola with CRYSTAL COVE written on top shades picnic tables on a sandy beach near Costa Mesa, with ocean waves, a wooden fence, and cliffs in the background under a clear blue sky.

Crystal Cove Tidepools

A scenic coastal view with cliffs, a sandy beach, rocky shoreline, and blue ocean waves under a partly cloudy sky. Some houses and greenery are visible atop the cliffs.

Corona Del Mar Beach

Tee off with a view.

Whether you’re a pro or just playing for fun, Costa Mesa’s courses offer fairways with a side of ocean. Costa Mesa Country Club, Tustin Ranch Golf Club, and Monarch Beach Golf Links all serve up beautiful greens and ocean breezes that make every swing a little more enjoyable.

Aerial view of a golf course with green fairways, scattered trees, ponds, a clubhouse with red-tiled roof, golf carts, and a parking lot; cityscape and blue sky in the background.

Costa Mesa Country Club

A golf green covered with numerous small red flags, surrounded by trees and a white flag marking the hole, with people and golf carts in the background.

Strawberry Farms Golf Course

A golf course with lush green lawns, sand traps, tall palm trees, a small pond with a fountain, and a clubhouse in the background under a clear blue sky.

Tustin Ranch Golf Club

A scenic golf course with lush green fairways, several sand bunkers, and trees, set along a coastline with the ocean and gentle waves visible in the background at sunset.

Monarch Beach Golf Links

A scenic golf course with lush green fairways, sand bunkers, and tall trees under a bright blue sky, with mountains visible in the background.

Newport Beach Golf Course

A lush green golf course with sand bunkers overlooks a blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky. A lone tree stands near the top of a hill, and small sailboats are visible on the water in the distance.

Pelican Hill Golf Club

Park it all over town.

Lush lawns, winding trails, and hidden green spaces turn every visit into a mini adventure. With 28 parks to choose from, Costa Mesa makes it easy to get outside year-round. Whether you’re craving a quiet moment, a family outing, or an active day with friends, there’s a green space that fits your pace.