Theater & Arts District

A modern concert hall with curved glass architecture and warm lighting stands next to a fountain with arcing water jets in the heart of Costa Mesa’s theater arts district, set against a city skyline at dusk.

Can this much fit into one block? In Costa Mesa’s Theatre & Arts District, it does. Live performances, modern art, and a steady run of world-class shows all land here. It’s where the city’s creative side shows up, and doesn’t hold back.

Featured

Take a seat. Stay a while.

At the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, big-name Broadway shows and live performances land in a setting that feels surprisingly intimate. One night it’s a touring favorite, the next it’s something new. But either way, it’s the kind of place that turns any evening into something you’ll talk about later.

Explore Segerstrom Hall

A modern building with a large, illuminated archway and geometric design, photographed at night. The structure has tan stone and white surfaces, with spotlights highlighting its architectural features.

It doesn’t stop at the stage.

A great performance is just one part of it. The UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art brings modern works and rotating exhibitions into the mix, while California Scenario, known locally as Noguchi Garden, offers a quieter kind of experience where sculpture and landscape meet.

A woman in a floral skirt walks outside a modern building with white, geometric architecture, large windows, and a staircase on the left side of the image.

UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art

A small stream with clear water flows through a desert garden, bordered by light stone slabs, reminiscent of the Noguchi Garden Costa Mesa. In the background are cactus plants, dry grass, and a leafless tree against a high white wall.

California Scenario (Noguchi Garden)

A colorful outdoor sculpture features a blue abstract figure with uplifted arms, a circular striped design above, and a seated purple human silhouette in front, set against a building and clear blue sky.

South Coast Repertory

Dinner, with a little mmmmore to it.

At Vaca, Spanish flavors meet a lively, modern setting with tapas, paella, and a menu that’s hard to narrow down. Nearby, Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar keeps things seasonal and classy, making it a natural stop before or after a show.

Vaca

A plated dessert at Silver Trumpet Restaurant Costa Mesa features a square piece of cake, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a purple and white orchid, toasted coconut flakes, and a drizzle of sauce on a gray plate.

Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar

Stay in the scene.

From lakeside views at Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel to modern suites at Costa Mesa Marriott, everything here keeps you close to what you came for.

Avenue of the Arts, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

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

See more of the city.

Keep exploring all of Costa Mesa and uncover the neighborhoods, local favorites, and award-winning flavor that make this city endlessly discoverable.

A smiling couple holding hands walks past a modern outdoor café with wooden chairs and green plants, enjoying one of the charming Costa Mesa attractions. The woman wears a red dress, while the man sports a purple shirt and gray pants.

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is where Costa Mesa slows down and savors the day. With sprawling parks like Fairview and Estancia, and boutique shopping at SOCO & The OC Mix, this neighborhood is perfect for open-air adventures and unrushed afternoons.

Two women browse a wall display of colorful cards and books in a cozy, well-lit shop with wooden shelves and hanging paper decorations, nestled in Costa Mesa’s vibrant theater arts district. One woman holds a card while the other looks on.

SoBECA District

Trendy, eclectic, and full of energy, SoBECA is where Costa Mesa urban edge thrives. Find craft breweries like Green Cheek and Salty Bear and creative shops like The Inconvenience Store, all within walking distance.

Shoppers walk through a brightly lit outdoor shopping center in the evening, one of the standout Costa Mesa attractions. String lights hang above, and stores like DSW Shoes line both sides of the walkway under a dark blue sky.

South Coast Metro

From the world-famous South Coast Plaza to trendy spots like Metro Pointe and hidden gems along Ramen Row, this neighborhood offers endless ways to shop, savor, and soak in the city’s energy.

Westside

Laid-back meets plenty of personality on the west side. Cozy, locals-only cafés and only-in-Costa-Mesa boutiques stand next to manicured parks and quiet streets. It’s the perfect neighborhood to slow down and see where the day takes you.

Eastside

With easy access to Newport Back Bay and trendy urban corners, Eastside has a little something for everyone. Wander 17th Street for Instagram-worthy bites and longtime local favorites like Hi-Time Wine Cellars and Sidecar Doughnuts.

Outdoor dining area with empty tables and chairs under red umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and colorful flower planters, set in front of restaurant storefronts on a sunny day in the vibrant Theater Arts District Costa Mesa.

Central

From the bustling OC Fair & Event Center to family-friendly escapes like TeWinkle Park and action-packed fun at Costa Mesa Skate Park, there’s always something happening in this hub.