Your kind of solo trip

A person wearing a helmet and sunglasses rides a bicycle along a sunny, dirt path surrounded by green trees and bushes.

Traveling solo means doing things your way. Costa Mesa makes that easy, with plenty to explore and just enough of a shift from the everyday to feel like a real break.

Set in the heart of Orange County and close to the beach, the city blends art, walkable neighborhoods, and a strong food scene into something easy to navigate. Whether you’re here to wander, try something new, or just take your time, it’s made for me-time.

Have a plan. Or don’t.

One thing usually leads to another. Follow the Costa Mesa Art Walk through Town Center Park, where more than 20 sculptures line the path, then slow things down at California Scenario. If you’re up for more exploring, head to Fairview Park and ride out toward the coast.

Costa Mesa Art Walk

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

Treat yourself. Again and again.

When it comes to food, there’s a menu for whatever you’re craving. South Coast Plaza brings together everything from quick bites to full dinners, including spots like Knife Pleat if you’re in the mood to go all in. Not sure what you want? Collage inside Bloomingdale’s keeps your options open.

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

An overhead view of a wooden table set with plates of gourmet dishes reminiscent of Michelin star restaurants in Orange County, featuring fish with sauce, vibrant salads, a dessert, elegant garnishes, and neatly placed cutlery and napkin.

Knife Pleat

Close-up of glazed chicken drumettes garnished with fresh greens, served on a bed of arugula with a drizzle of sauce on a gray plate.

Silver Trumpet Restaurant

Take yourself on a shopping date. Or two. Or three.

At SOCO and The OC Mix, it’s easy to spend a few hours without trying. Boutiques, home goods, and smaller finds sit alongside coffee, wine, and places to take a break when you feel like it. If you’ve got a dog with you, even better. This area is built for that.

A modern outdoor shopping plaza with white buildings, glass storefronts, green landscaping, and tall trees under a clear blue sky. An arched metal canopy is overhead.

SOCO and the OC Mix

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

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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.

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