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Arts & Culture Travel Costa Mesa

Make your next vacation a work of art in Costa Mesa, where modern museums meet classic theater and the Pacific Ocean is just minutes away. Known as the City of the Arts®, creativity is a part of Costa Mesa’s DNA. At the center of it all is Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a world-class cultural campus dedicated to the performing and visual arts. Take a stroll and get inspired by Costa Mesa’s public art installations, like the photo-worthy California Scenario by Isamu Noguchi. Costa Mesa’s artmosphere might just be the thing you need to start writing that novel, sit down with a sketchbook, or come up with your next great idea.

HOW TO GET TO COSTA MESA

Closer Than You Think

Right in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa is easy to get to whether you’re road-tripping or flying in. Drive in from across Southern California, or land at John Wayne Airport (SNA), just minutes away. Then get to the good stuff.

Find Your Way Here
Aerial view of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, featuring its arched building, plaza, and fountain, with urban sprawl and mountains in the distance, representing one of the many affordable things to do in the area.
Green text in a circular pattern reads CALIFORNIA 1953, with COSTA MESA written in the center—perfect for anyone exploring Costa Mesa attractions—set against a light background.

Drape yourself in drama.

You know that feeling when the lights go down, and the curtain opens? That’s what it feels like when you let Costa Mesa take the stage. See a locally produced performance at our Tony Award-winning theater, South Coast Repertory, or go big and belt out Broadway tunes at Segerstrom Hall. If you’re a fan of the classics, don’t miss Pacific Symphony at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

City of the Arts®
Four dancers in yellow costumes perform with flowing blue ribbons outdoors. A crowd watches, and the bright sun shines behind modern glass buildings and trees.

Arts & Culture Experiences

Located in the heart of Costa Mesa’s Theater and Arts District is Segerstrom Center for the Arts, an arts mecca where theater, music, dance, and visual arts take center stage. Spend some time immersed in the sights and sounds and take home a spark of creativity as a souvenir.

Cue the Curtain
Modern concert hall and city building illuminated at night, with a bright fountain in the foreground and clear night sky above. Urban architecture and nighttime ambiance are highlighted.

Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is an architectural gem, home to Pacific Symphony, with world-class acoustics and performances spanning classical, jazz, pop, and beyond.

Take Your Seat
A modern, glass-walled building at night with COAST in large illuminated letters on the curved roof, bright outdoor lighting, and a wet reflective plaza in front, set against tall city buildings in Costa Mesa City of the Arts.

South Coast Repertory

South Coast Repertory is a Tony® Award-winning, professional resident theatre, and widely regarded as one of America’s foremost producers of new plays.

Explore the Theater
The image shows Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa, City of the Arts—a modern building with a large glass arch, palm trees, and a fountain in front at sunset. The street and sidewalk lead up to the entrance.

Segerstrom Hall and Judy Morr Theater

From Broadway hits and ballet in the nearly 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall to intimate black box performances in the Judy Morr Theater, there’s a show for every kind of night out.

See What’s Showing

Walk. Wow. And Wonder.

Step into our sunny, street-level canvas. Start with a free, self-guided Art Walk audio tour to discover 20+ art installations, then marvel at towering outdoor sculptures like The Ram, Fire Bird, or Connector or visit our modern art museum, UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, for thought-provoking and immersive experiences. 

Start Exploring
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Art you can eat.

Here, delicious bites and playful art go hand in hand. Whether you’re here for a glamorous night out for a show that starts with a chef-driven meal and wine pairing or a full-day art walkabout fueled by budget-friendly tacos, you’ve got options.

Get a Taste
A white plate with artfully arranged slices of fish, green asparagus, small leaves, mustard seeds, and green sauce dots on a white background. The presentation is minimalist and elegant.

Stay & play.

Stay where Costa Mesa’s creative energy is always close by. From stylish boutique stays to familiar name-brand favorites, the city’s hotels put you within easy reach of world-class performances, contemporary art, public installations, and some of Orange County’s best shopping and dining.

Explore Hotels
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Make Yourself at Home

Customize your Costa Mesa hotel experience, whether you're after art-forward luxury, coastal energy, a chic boutique, or a comfortable name-brand favorite.

A modern hotel lobby with dark wood floors, a round beige rug, purple velvet sofas and chairs, art on the walls, and large windows letting in natural light.

Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

An artful lakeside stay made for culture lovers, with stylish design and a prime location near Segerstrom Center for the Arts, UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, and South Coast Plaza.

Hotel Details
Modern living room with two beige sofas, blue and cream pillows, a wooden coffee table, and large windows with city views. Neutral tones and elegant decor create a spacious, inviting atmosphere.

The Westin South Coast Plaza

Stay in the heart of Costa Mesa’s Theater & Arts District, with Segerstrom Center for the Arts, UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, public art, and world-class shopping just steps away.

Hotel Details
Modern hotel bar at Marriott Costa Mesa with blue stools at the counter, red chairs around tables, shelves stocked with bottles, a large TV above the bar, and large windows letting in natural light.

Costa Mesa Marriott

An all-suite stay surrounded by Costa Mesa culture, with the Theater & Arts District, live performances, museums, public art, and South Coast Plaza all nearby.

Hotel Details
A large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lounge chairs sits in front of the multi-story Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa hotel with balconies, shaded by palm trees and set against a backdrop of blue sky.

Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa

A full-service home base close to Costa Mesa’s biggest cultural attractions, from acclaimed performances and contemporary art to standout dining and shopping.

Hotel Details
A fenced outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs, surrounded by greenery and trees, sits beside a light-colored house at Residence Inn Costa Mesa under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Residence Inn by Marriott Costa Mesa

Settle into a spacious suite before heading out to explore Costa Mesa’s creative side, from colorful murals and indie shops to museums, performances, and public art.

Hotel Details
Modern hotel room at OC Hotel Costa Mesa with a bed, blue accents, a large surf-themed mural, flat-screen TV, desk with chair, mini-fridge, and wood flooring. The decor features beach and ocean motifs.

OC Hotel Costa Mesa

A colorful boutique stay that fits right in with Costa Mesa’s creative personality, with local art, eclectic neighborhoods, indie shopping, and cultural attractions within easy reach.

Hotel Details
Experience comfort and style in this Ayres Hotels room, featuring two queen beds with white bedding and patterned runners, nightstands with lamps, a desk with a chair, a dresser, and windows adorned with patterned curtains that allow plenty of natural light to brighten the space.

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach

A relaxed home base for a culture-filled getaway, putting Costa Mesa’s museums, performing arts, distinctive shopping, and creative neighborhoods just a short drive away.

Hotel Details
Elegant hotel lobby with large chandeliers, marble floors, pink armchairs, a blue-patterned rug, and arched windows. A glass entry door and several mirrors complete one of the most sophisticated event venues in Costa Mesa.

Best Western Plus Newport Mesa Inn

A convenient stay for exploring Costa Mesa beyond the usual, with easy access to the city’s arts, live performances, public spaces, and local cultural attractions.

Hotel Details
Modern Hampton Inn Costa Mesa Newport Beach hotel room with two double beds, blue headboards, a window with sheer curtains, a yellow chair at a desk, floor lamp, and coffee station on a wooden cabinet. Decor is neutral and contemporary.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Costa Mesa

A laid-back starting point for discovering Costa Mesa’s creative side, from murals and local makers to museums, performing arts, and neighborhood finds.

Hotel Details
A neatly made hotel bed at Ramada Costa Mesa with white linens and three pillows, featuring a tray with fruit, a cup, and a napkin. The room offers warm lighting, a wooden headboard, a mirror, and a sitting area with flowers.

Ramada by Wyndham Costa Mesa

Stay close to Costa Mesa’s eclectic westside, where independent businesses and creative energy offer a different side of the city’s arts and culture scene.

Hotel Details

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Hotels in Costa Mesa

A stay for every style

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Hands-on adventures

Classes & Workshops
A group of people in colorful traditional Japanese attire stand outdoors, their backs to the camera—a scene perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog. One holds a bright red parasol, while several display floral hair decorations beneath a clear blue sky.

Experience Japanese culture in Costa Mesa

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The artful side of Costa Mesa

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