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Soak up the sun. Live in full color.

LGBTQ+ Travel Costa Mesa

A Costa Mesa vacation is just like the weather: warm and inviting. Come as you are, because every hour is golden hour, and your new favorite experience might be right around the corner. Costa Mesa officially recognizes June as Pride Month, yet our friendly, inclusive energy isn’t just a seasonal fling; it’s a year-round commitment. A culture of creatives and community-focused small businesses keep our community bright, open, and endlessly welcoming.

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.

Welcome to the City of the Arts®

Costa Mesa sparkles as Orange County’s creative playground, offering LGBTQ+ travelers an inspiring mix of world-class theater and symphonies, immersive and inspiring museums, stunning public art walks, and fabulous local murals—including a colorful tribute to queer icon Dolly Parton.

Art-venture Here
A woman in a light blue dress poses joyfully in front of a colorful geometric mural that reads CITY OF THE ARTS. The mural features bold shapes and vibrant colors, and the woman stands on one leg with her arms raised.

Arts & Culture Experiences

A little drama? We’re here for it. From Broadway-worthy performances and contemporary art to colorful murals that aren’t afraid to make a statement, Costa Mesa’s creative scene is anything but ordinary. Come for the culture, stay for the standing ovation.

Make a Scene
Dolly Mural with Male Model

Art Walk: Have an Art-venture

Discover 20 works of public art on Costa Mesa’s free Art Walk. From Noguchi’s California Scenario to the towering Connector, tap into the audio tour for backstory on each piece.

Start the Tour
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
Modern architecture of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Texas, featuring angular lines, glass walls, and a high-rise building in the background under a clear sky.

UC Irvine Langson OC Museum of Art

Explore more than a century of California art at UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, where free admission opens the door to painting, photography, new media, and more.

Plan Your Visit

Indulge a little. Relax a lot

Endless ways to get pampered await. Treat yourself to high-fashion shopping, and eco-friendly alternative, The LAB Anti-Mall, rejuvenating spa days, peaceful strolls through iconic Noguchi Garden, and nearby sunny coastal adventures.

Treat Yourself
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.

Where Community Meets Cuisine

Across the city, independent shops, cafés and restaurants are creating spaces where queer travelers and locals alike can show up exactly as they are, whether you’re here for Michelin-recognized meals, to visit one of our many LGBTQ+ owned businesses, or a casual stroll through the city’s “most LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood,” according to IGLTA.

Explore Locally
An overhead view of various dishes, including noodles, grilled meats, fried appetizers, salad, and a pot of soup with shrimp and vegetables, all arranged on a wooden table—reminiscent of the artful presentations found at Michelin star restaurants in Orange County.

Stay & play.

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

Explore All Hotels
Sunny courtyard with a central fountain, green-and-white striped umbrellas, outdoor tables and chairs, potted flowers, and a two-story beige building—it's the perfect spot for the best brunch Costa Mesa has to offer.

Make Yourself at Home

Prioritize your comfort with the perfect hotel for your visit. Stay close to the beach, in the middle of it all in the Theater and Arts District, or off the beaten path with a boutique experience. All you need to do is make the reservation and show up—Costa Mesa does the rest.

Two people with suitcases walk past a hotel front desk in Costa Mesa, California, where three staff members stand behind computers. The background features gold and black artistic panels with classical-style figures.

Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Avenue of the Arts is a stylish, welcoming home base for exploring Orange County. Catch a show, shop the day away, and then unwind with cocktails on the lakeside patio.

Hotel Details
An outdoor hotel pool with clear water at Ayres Hotels, surrounded by lounge chairs, greenery, and cabanas. The building features balconies and large windows, creating a relaxing, inviting atmosphere.

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach

Ayres Hotel brings French Provincial charm and a cobblestone courtyard. Spend the afternoon by one of two heated pools, then dine among the flowers at Le Chateau Garden Bistro.

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 comfortable, convenient stay with complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a central location that makes exploring Costa Mesa and the rest of Orange County easy.

Hotel Details
A modern OC Hotel Costa Mesa entrance features an orange ceiling and railing, wood paneling, a sign reading OC HOTEL 2430, and lush green trees in the background beneath a clear blue sky.

OC Hotel Costa Mesa

Laid-back surf aesthetic and sleek, contemporary rooms puts you minutes from beaches and shopping. Start each morning with complimentary breakfast, then spend a sunny afternoon lounging by the pool.

Hotel Details
A modern Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa hotel room with a large bed, flat-screen TV on a dresser, desk with chair, armchair and lamp, plus large windows offering views of trees and city buildings outside.

Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa

A full-service stay with spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and a central location that puts Costa Mesa’s dining, shopping, arts, and nightlife within easy reach.

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 home base with complimentary breakfast, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location for filling your getaway with Costa Mesa dining, shopping, and local favorites.

Hotel Details
Experience comfort in this modern Marriott Costa Mesa suite, featuring a gray sofa, desk, office chair, large TV, and a window overlooking palm trees. The bedroom with a bed and bedside lamps is visible through an open doorway.

Costa Mesa Marriott

An all-suite stay with room to spread out, a resort-style pool, and South Coast Plaza, arts, dining, and nightlife just minutes away.

Hotel Details
The outdoor swimming pool area at Ramada Costa Mesa features lounge chairs, blue towels, red umbrellas, potted plants, palm trees, a hot tub in the foreground, and multi-story rooms with balconies in the background.

Ramada by Wyndham Costa Mesa

A casual stay close to the action, with an outdoor pool and easy access to Costa Mesa’s dining, nightlife, and eclectic westside.

Hotel Details
A modern hotel suite at Residence Inn Costa Mesa features a living area with a sofa, armchair, fireplace, and TV. The dining table is set for guests. French doors open to the bedroom, and a staircase adds to the spacious layout.

Residence Inn by Marriott Costa Mesa

Spacious suites and full kitchens make this an easy pick for longer getaways, group trips, or anyone who likes a little more room to settle in.

Hotel Details
Modern hotel room at Westin South Coast Plaza with a large bed, two side tables with lamps, a sofa by a window offering city views, a desk and chair, flat-screen TV, and neutral-colored decor.

The Westin South Coast Plaza

An elevated stay in the middle of it all, with South Coast Plaza, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, dining, and cocktails within easy reach.

Hotel Details

Plans? We've Got Some Ideas

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Hotels in Costa Mesa

A stay for every style

Explore Hotels
A white truck decorated with rainbow, transgender, and progress pride flags and colorful streamers carries people waving pride flags during a parade. Two women walk beside the truck; a large tree is in the background.

Pride Month in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa Pride
People dancing and raising their hands in a dimly lit nightclub or bar with colorful blue and red lights in the background. Bottles line the shelves behind the bar—a must-see spot featured on our Costa Mesa travel blog.

Get groovy in Costa Mesa

Dance in Costa Mesa
Two yellow cocktails with ice sit on a wooden table. Each glass has a red chili and salt rim; one is garnished with a dried fruit slice, and the other with an orange marigold flower.

Best Costa Mesa sips

Cheers to You

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