Everyone’s invited

A wide sandy beach with few people, gentle waves, and a distant row of palm trees creates a peaceful setting reminiscent of costa mesa attractions. Three people sit on beach towels near the water, enjoying the calm, sunny atmosphere.

Family trips come with a lot to figure out. This one doesn’t have to.

Costa Mesa puts you right in the middle of Orange County, close to Disneyland, the ocean, and everything in between. From open parks and nearby beaches to laid-back places to eat and explore, it’s easy to build a day that works for everyone.

Start early, take your time, and see where the day takes you. There’s plenty to do, and even more ways to make it your own.

A full day, your way.

It’s easy to mix it up here. At Fairview Park, trails wind through wetlands, over bridges, and all the way toward the coast if you’re up for it. For something more central, Triangle Square adds an easy mix of photo spots, food, and bowling.

A paved path curves through a grassy park area in Costa Mesa with trees providing shade. Bushes and open fields stretch into the distance under a partly cloudy sky, reminiscent of the serene landscapes of Mesa Verde.

Fairview Park

Triangle Square

A woman in a white t-shirt, pink gingham skirt, blue sandals, and white sunglasses stands in front of a colorful mural with large flowers, leaves, and palm trees. She holds a round blue bag and looks to the side, smiling.

Costa Mesa Bloom

A person is silhouetted in the foreground while bowling in a glowing bowling alley with neon blue lighting and pins set up at the end of the lane.

Tavern + Bowl

Full plates, no debates.

Meals here are easy to figure out. The Crack Shack keeps things fun with space to play while you wait, and Pitfire Artisan Pizza is a safe bet for just about everyone. Add in local favorites like Wahoo’s Fish Tacos and The Straw’s over-the-top shakes for a sweet finish.

A stacked burger with bacon, grilled chicken, lettuce, a large fried onion ring, and melted cheese on a seeded bun, served on a metal tray with parchment paper.

The Crack Shack

Two women sit at a table in Costa Mesa, enjoying tacos and drinks, smiling and laughing. Various food trays and beverages are spread before them. The background features a decorative wall with green leaves and large white hibiscus flowers.

Playa Mesa Mexican Kitchen

Walk. Browse. Repeat.

The LAB Anti-Mall and The CAMP keep things relaxed with open-air spaces, local shops, and spots to sit while the kids reset. There’s always something to look at, including a few photo-worthy corners along the way.

The LAB

The LAB Anti-Mall keeps shopping weird in the best way, mixing indie boutiques, local eats, public art, and creative spaces in one of Costa Mesa’s coolest hangouts.

The CAMP

The CAMP is Costa Mesa’s eco-friendly retail campus, where leafy outdoor spaces, independent shops, local restaurants, coffee spots, and creative businesses come together in one seriously cool setting.

Room for everyone.

Ramada by Wyndham Costa Mesa/Newport Beach keeps you close to the beach with practical extras like kitchenettes and a pool. For more space, Residence Inn by Marriott Costa Mesa adds full kitchens, breakfast, and room to spread out.

A swimming pool at dusk at Ramada Costa Mesa, surrounded by lounge chairs and a white fence, with palm trees and illuminated hotel buildings in the background under a deep blue sky.

Ramada Inn & Suites

A tan, two-story building with a sloped roof and palm trees sits under a blue sky, its sign reading Residence Inn Costa Mesa by Marriott on the exterior.

Residence Inn by Marriott

You might also love…

A stay for every style

Explore Hotels

Three women pose and smile in front of a large mural with handwritten text about art, perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog. Another person with curly hair faces them, possibly taking a photo. The mural is on a tan wall with greenery above.

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa

Two women sit on outdoor steps, chatting near the Orange County Museum of Art—a modern, angular building with large windows and a unique architectural design—under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

Free Things to do in Costa Mesa

Dancers in vibrant costumes perform traditional Mexican folklórico on a checkered outdoor stage, with musicians playing in the background and a metal scaffold structure overhead.

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa