A smiling woman in a white tank top and jeans rides a mechanical bull indoors, raising one arm triumphantly, while a group of people in the background watch and cheer—one of the exciting things to do in Costa Mesa.

One city.
Endless experiences.

Experiences in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa isn’t just a place to see—it’s a place to jump in. Whether you’re rolling sushi, throwing clay, or finding your flow in a yoga class, the experiences here are anything but ordinary. Go big, go local, or just try something new. This city serves up hands-on fun and fresh perspective, every time.

Something different? Try a lot of it.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Costa Mesa. From interactive experiences to local treasures, this city is your ticket to a day (or many) you won’t forget. Here’s a few ideas to get your next adventure started.

Five people in a workshop, some in aprons, gather around a table covered with leather rolls and tools, smiling and chatting. Shelves with organized boxes line the wall—a creative spot if you’re looking for things to do in Costa Mesa.

Hands-On Adventures in Costa Mesa

Discover the best hands-on experiences in Costa Mesa, from pottery and painting to snake yoga and cooking classes. Plan your artistic getaway today to learn new skills and make memories.

A group of people in colorful traditional Japanese clothing stand outdoors, perfect for those seeking unique cultural experiences among the things to do in Costa Mesa. One person holds a large red parasol; several have flowers and ornaments in their hair.

Experience Japanese Culture in Costa Mesa

Discover Japan-inspired culture, food, and festivals in Costa Mesa. From the OC Japan Fair to ramen shops and fine dining, get lost in a city full of flavor.

A museum exhibit displays colorful posters, zines, and black-and-white photos on a wooden frame, with a mannequin in the background—an edgy showcase of punk youth culture and one of the unique things to do in Costa Mesa.

Fandom Fun In Costa Mesa

Feel free to openly celebrate what you love in a hub where fans feel at home. Shop, eat, and embrace shared passions, from collectibles to live performances, there’s plenty of ways to geek out in the city.

Go on and wine about it.

Whether you’re into natural wines, small‑batch bottles, or creative pairings, there’s always a new pour waiting to be your next favorite. Explore local favorites like Wine Lab and Semi Tropic Wines, or take a short drive to Orange Coast Winery. Wine not?

Semi Tropic Wines

A kitchen shelf displays colorful wine bottles above hanging glasses. Below, a chalkboard with drawings sits on the counter, surrounded by a plant, microwave, and coffee machine—perfect inspiration for things to do in Costa Mesa.

Third Place

A charcuterie board with cured meats, cheese, crackers, figs, jam, and olives sits beside a wine glass and a rack of six wine-filled test tubes—one of the unique things to do in Costa Mesa—on a wooden table surrounded by greenery.

Wine Lab

A dimly lit table set with wine glasses, a tall bottle of rosé wine, elegant dishes of gourmet food, and a small modern lamp creating a cozy dining atmosphere—perfect for those exploring things to do in Costa Mesa.

Bar Tinto

Two glasses of white wine, bottles of olive oil, and a plate with cheese, grapes, olives, and bread are set on a counter—perfect for anyone exploring things to do in Costa Mesa among vibrant shelves of wine bottles and glassware.

We Olive & Wine Bar

Hit pause and unwind.

From soothing massages to hot yoga, there’s wellness for every mood and schedule. Take a full day to pamper yourself or squeeze in a quick refresh. Either way, your perfect “me-time” is ready when you are.

A person reclines at a salon sink with water streaming from a circular shower head onto their hair, under blue ambient lighting and a blanket draped over their shoulders—a relaxing treat among the top things to do in Costa Mesa.

Invita Head Spa

A wooden barrel sauna with two striped towels hanging on its door sits next to an outdoor shower and a rectangular soaking tub—one of the relaxing things to do in Costa Mesa—set against a paneled wall.

WREN

OmniaPiel

A person lies on a treatment bed with eyes closed while another uses blue glass facial globes to massage their face—a relaxing spa treatment, perfect for those seeking rejuvenating things to do in Costa Mesa.

Facial Lounge

A bright, modern beauty treatment room with pastel pink and white decor, two treatment beds, large windows, built-in shelves with supplies, and arched mirrors—a perfect spot to unwind among the top things to do in Costa Mesa.

Hairy Little Things Salon

Get creative with your day.

Costa Mesa is full of experiences you can touch, taste, and take home. Try a cooking class or sip and paint (then sip some more). From quirky yoga sessions to hands-on art, there’s always something new to create, discover, or just have fun with.

Three people in a workshop, wearing aprons, smile and examine a strip of leather. Tools and supplies hang on a pegboard in the background—a fun option if you're searching for creative things to do in Costa Mesa.

Saltwater Leather

A woman uses a sewing machine at a worktable while a man with a beard and glasses stands beside her, observing. They are in a workshop with sewing equipment and supplies visible in the background.

CANVASWORKER

Five women sit at pottery wheels in a bright studio, shaping clay with their hands. Shelves with pottery and supplies are on the wall behind them, and plants are visible in the background.

Costa Mesa Ceramics

A spacious art studio with wooden floors, easels, and canvases on long tables, surrounded by assorted chairs. Artworks and supplies fill the room, with decorative lights overhead—an inspiring spot among the best things to do in Costa Mesa.

Inspired Art Wine

A woman cooking in a kitchen store, smiling as she seasons meat in a frying pan on an electric stove—one of the fun things to do in Costa Mesa—with shelves and shoppers visible in the background.

Sur La Table

Take the scenic (and secret) route.

See Costa Mesa in a whole new way. From local art walks to curated food experiences and insider city explorations, these guided adventures put the city’s secrets right at your feet.

A large humpback whale breaches near a boat filled with people watching, with a coastal city and hillside homes visible in the background.

Davey’s Locker Whale Watching & Sportfishing

A yellow submarine named Nautilus floats on the blue water near a coastline with boats and a white domed building in the background under a clear sky.

Catalina Adventure Tours

A group of young adults enjoy a sunny day on a small white boat with a navy canopy, talking and relaxing as the boat cruises on calm water. The driver steers while others stand or sit, holding drinks.

Newport Fun Tours

A group of people on a boat near Costa Mesa take photos of an orca surfacing in the ocean on a sunny day, with distant hills visible in the background.

Newport Landing Whale Watching

Find your movement.

Costa Mesa makes it easy to move your way. Bike the scenic Santa Ana River Trail, hike through Fairview or Talbert Regional Parks, or swing by the courts at the Costa Mesa Tennis Center.

Three bright yellow tennis balls are stacked on an outdoor tennis court next to two tennis rackets, with trees and a net in the background—perfect for those seeking fun things to do in Costa Mesa.

Costa Mesa Tennis Center

A white dive boat labeled Socal Diver Los Angeles CA floats on clear blue water near a rocky island, not far from Costa Mesa. Several people with diving equipment are on board, enjoying the sunny sky.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing

A woman in a peach shirt and gray pants rides a red bicycle on a sunny path, smiling. Another person on a blue bicycle is partially visible next to her. Shrubs and a clear blue sky are in the background.

Pedego Electric Bike Tours

Three people smile and laugh while standing among colorful surfboards in a shop. A woman in the foreground holds a red surfboard, with two others happily chatting in the background.

Surf Lessons

Play tide and seek.

Take a break from the city and explore nearby coastal beaches just outside Costa Mesa. Rent a boat and chart your own course, catch a sunset cruise in Newport Beach harbor, or hop over to Catalina Island for a day of island exploration.

Two older adults sit inside a small boat with windows, smiling and talking. There are flowers and water visible in the background.

Balboa Boat Rentals

A person steers a blue electric boat with a canopy on calm water, with waterfront houses and palm trees visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Newport Harbor Boat Rentals

Catalina Island

Explore what’s happening around town.

Women dressed in yellow and white costumes with raffia skirts stand outdoors in a line with hands on hips, preparing for or performing a traditional dance.

July 21, 2026–July 28, 2026

Tuesday Night Dance: Hula at Argyros Plaza

A smiling woman holds a large pink cotton candy at a fair. Text reads: OC Fair. Your adventure awaits. July 17 - Aug 16. Tickets on sale now! The background is lively with festive decorations.

July 17, 2026–August 16, 2026

2026 OC Fair – Your Adventure Awaits

Concert poster with retro orange, cream, and tan sunburst design, flowers, music notes, and a peace sign. Text reads: An Outrageous Concert. Happy Together Tour 2026.

July 22, 2026

The Happy Together Tour 2026 at The Pacific Amphitheatre

A woman with a high messy bun and wearing a bright green, long-sleeve, polka dot top passionately sings into a microphone on stage, with stage lights and drum equipment visible in the background.

July 23, 2026

Lauren Daigle at Pacific Amphitheatre

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A stay for every style

Explore Hotels

Aerial view of a bustling fairground with colorful tents, amusement rides, food stalls, and crowds enjoying a sunny day. Featured in a Costa Mesa travel blog, the Ferris wheel and distant cityscape create an inviting backdrop.

Our Best Tips and Tricks for The OC Fair

Besteas for Life: A 48-Hour Friend Trip in Costa Mesa

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.

Endless Summer Awaits: Soak Up the Sun in Costa Mesa

One city. Endless experiences.

Experiences in Costa Mesa

Experiences in Costa Mesa

Experiences in Costa Mesa

Something different? Try a lot of it.

Go on and wine about it.

Hit pause and unwind.

Get creative with your day.

Take the scenic (and secret) route.

Find your movement.

Play tide and seek.

Explore what’s happening around town.

Tuesday Night Dance: Hula at Argyros Plaza

2026 OC Fair – Your Adventure Awaits

The Happy Together Tour 2026 at The Pacific Amphitheatre

Lauren Daigle at Pacific Amphitheatre

You might also love...

Let's keep this trip going.

One city.
Endless experiences.

Something different? Try a lot of it.

Take the scenic (and secret) route.

Let's keep
this trip going.