Rendezvous for two.

A couple joyfully holds hands and splashes in shallow ocean waves on a sunny Huntington Beach, California day, with a clear blue sky and distant coastline in the background.

Costa Mesa sets the scene. You bring the chemistry. Whether it’s your first steps into the city limits or you’ve got your own itinerary, this city delivers an endless mixof experiences to enjoy together.

Start with brunch at Salty Horse or Outpost Kitchen, wander hand-in-hand through the art at t UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, or explore the shops and hidden corners of The LAB and SOCO. Grab cocktails at Ruin Bar, catch a show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, then linger over dinner at Vaca or Habana.

Want to take it slow or fill the day? Totally your call. This is your time, your way. Just the two of you, with Costa Mesa as the backdrop.

From brunch to golden hour. All the sweet spots.

Your perfect day together might start with coffee and vintage vinyl hunting, or maybe it’s drinks before a show. In Costa Mesa, there’s no wrong way to spend time together.

Coffee

Tan stone slabs form a geometric pathway over a shallow stream, with large rocks and sparse greenery in a minimalist space—evoking the modern flair of a costa mesa art walk, bordered by a plain wall.

Noguchi Garden

A woman and man take a selfie in front of a colorful mural near Segerstrom Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa, featuring a large portrait of a smiling blonde woman in a sparkling blue outfit, surrounded by bright flowers and birds.

Art Walk

A long pier extends over calm ocean water at sunset, with vibrant orange, pink, and purple clouds filling the sky above a coastal town—capturing the beauty of beaches near Costa Mesa.

Beaches

Great dates deserve great tables.

Costa Mesa’s food scene isn’t just good, it’s award winning good. Sit at the table of a James Beard Award-winning chef, or peruse the menu of a restaurant recognized by the Michelin guide. It’s okay to get a little fancy.

A green glass filled with a yellow cocktail, topped with crushed ice, garnish, and smoke rising from the drink, sits on a rustic wooden bar with warm lighting and blurred decor in the background.

Habana

A colorful salad with grilled tofu cubes, tortilla strips, red onions, leafy greens, and fresh cilantro is served on a white plate over a multicolored, abstract table surface.

Seabirds Kitchen

A Japanese food stall called Gyutan Tsukasa with colorful signs and menus stands inside a modern food court. Nearby, people are seated at tables near another eatery, Matcha Ren. The space is bright and spacious.

Mitsuwa Marketplace

Wandering is a love language here.

Not every couple’s idea of fun is shopping. But in Costa Mesa, it’s less about the bags and more about the moment. Open-air strolls through The LAB and The CAMP. Local makers. Great coffee. Nowhere to be but here. Stop in if something catches your eye, or don’t. The best part? You’re doing it together.

A woman in a bright yellow fringe dress and high heels walks outdoors on a covered walkway, carrying luxury shopping bags, including a large Dior bag, under a clear blue sky.

South Coast Plaza

The LAB

Rooms with room to breathe.

Art-forward hotels, spacious suites, and no car required. You’ll find yourself with plenty of room to relax between adventures. Close to the beach, close to everything else you’ll want to explore, and just far enough from home to feel like an actual break.

A large white Marriott Costa Mesa hotel building with multiple balconies, tall palm trees in front, and a clear blue sky overhead. The hotel entrance and surrounding greenery are visible at the base.

Costa Mesa Marriott

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

Explore what’s happening around town.

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

Two men are in front of a blurred cityscape at night. Large white text above them reads NELLY and TOO $HORT, with a dollar sign replacing the S in SHORT.

August 2, 2026

Nelly at Pacific Amphitheatre

Seven actors in elaborate period costumes stand in a line singing on stage, under a large, gold, draped theatre curtain with a dramatic black backdrop.

August 12, 2026–August 30, 2026

Phantom of the Opera at Segerstrom Hall

Three men stand in front of a golden background with glowing light beams radiating outward. The man in the center faces forward, wearing a COLUMBIA sweatshirt. The other two look away in opposite directions.

August 12, 2026

AJR at Pacific Amphitheatre

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