Four young adults walk down a wide, modern staircase inside a bright building with large glass windows and unique architectural design, perhaps discussing their favorite day trips from Costa Mesa.

See it all.
And escape
it too.

Nearby Destinations

Costa Mesa puts you minutes from some of Southern California’s biggest draws—like Disneyland^®, Knott’s Berry Farm, world-famous beaches, and top-tier sports and concert venues. But here, you get to skip the crowds and come home to a city known for its food, culture, and chill. Now that sounds like a dream vacation.

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Costa Mesa’s Guide to a Surreal Good Time

Think sun-soaked days, chef-worthy dining, and creative inspiration at every turn. It’s a vacation that’s, well, actually refreshing.

Explore Now

Four friends laugh and walk together along a sunny beach near Costa Mesa, California, with the ocean and other beachgoers in the background. They are wearing swimsuits and enjoying a fun, relaxed day.

Circular orange text reads ORANGE COUNTY with CA in bold orange letters in the center, all on a light background.

Big parks? Right down the street.

Disneyland^®, Knott’s Berry Farm, and more are just a quick drive away. Stay in Costa Mesa for easy access to the fun, and a much more relaxing place to recharge after a full day out and about.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in formal outfits, stand together smiling in front of a backdrop with colorful fireworks and a castle, capturing the magic often found at Costa Mesa attractions.

Disneyland Resort

A theme park with colorful roller coasters, including a red and yellow track in the foreground and a tall tower decorated with stars and stripes under a clear blue sky.

Knott’s Berry Farm^®

A smiling family of four poses with arms raised in front of the colorful LEGOLAND California entrance sign, a perfect destination for day trips from Costa Mesa, with large LEGO blocks and a bright welcome display in the background.

LEGOLAND^® California Resort

Sports fans, you just scored.

Whether it’s baseball, hockey, or just stadium snacks and good times, Costa Mesa puts you steps from the action. Angel Stadium and Honda Center are both in the neighborhood, so your getaway can come with a side of game day.

Angel Stadium

Honda Center

Wild things to do.

Hey, animal lovers, nature fans, or just-curious wanderers. There’s something magical about spending the day among creatures big and small. These nearby zoos and aquariums offer up-close moments, open-air escapes, and a change of pace from your usual itinerary.

A dolphin swims underwater in clear blue water, with a few smaller fish in the background—an enchanting sight often enjoyed on day trips from Costa Mesa as sunlight beams filter from above, illuminating the scene.

Aquarium of the Pacific

A close-up of a koala nestled among green eucalyptus leaves and tree branches, with sunlight highlighting its grey fur and round ears—a perfect snapshot from one of the wildlife day trips from Costa Mesa.

San Diego Zoo

A colorful zoo entrance sign with the word ZOO in large green and blue letters and silhouettes of monkeys on top and on the letter Z, set against a blue sky—perfect for memorable day trips from Costa Mesa.

Santa Ana Zoo

A dolphin with its mouth open swims in clear blue water, showing its teeth—a scene you might spot on day trips from Costa Mesa.

SeaWorld

Museum hopping, anyone?

Curious minds, assemble. Costa Mesa puts you within easy reach of standout museums, like UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, and Discovery Cube for hands-on science and family fun. Whatever you’re into, there’s a museum (or four) with your name on it.

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

Bowers Museum

A modern building with bold, colorful wave patterns on its exterior walls, tall glass entrance, and geometric shapes, surrounded by palm trees and landscaping under a clear sky.

Discovery Cube Orange County

A vintage silver biplane with a wooden propeller is displayed in a brightly lit Costa Mesa hangar. The aircraft’s exposed engine and landing gear are visible, with other planes showcased in the background.

Lyon Air Museum

A collage shows a modern planetarium building exterior, a bright lobby with a large Saturn model, and the interior of a domed theater with rows of blue seats.

OCC Planetarium

Explore what’s happening around town.

September 19, 2026–October 18, 2026

Into the Woods

A person with long hair and a red hat smiles while holding a cheeseburger with toppings, shown up close in a casual indoor setting.

September 20, 2026–September 26, 2026

Orange County Burger Week

A person in dark clothing holds a rectangular white plate with several small appetizers made of crispy potato chips, garnished with chopped chives.

October 2, 2026–October 4, 2026

Relish: A Food, Wine and Spirits Experience

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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

See it all. And escape it too.

Nearby Destinations

Nearby Destinations

Nearby Destinations

Costa Mesa’s Guide to a Surreal Good Time

Big parks? Right down the street.

Sports fans, you just scored.

Wild things to do.

Museum hopping, anyone?

Explore what’s happening around town.

Into the Woods

Orange County Burger Week

Relish: A Food, Wine and Spirits Experience

You might also love...

Let's keep this trip going.

See it all.
And escape
it too.

Big parks? Right down the street.

Let's keep
this trip going.