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.

FEATURED

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.

Women dressed in yellow and white costumes with raffia skirts stand outdoors in a line with hands on hips, preparing for or performing a traditional dance.

July 21, 2026–July 28, 2026

Tuesday Night Dance: Hula at Argyros Plaza

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

Concert poster with retro orange, cream, and tan sunburst design, flowers, music notes, and a peace sign. Text reads: An Outrageous Concert. Happy Together Tour 2026.

July 22, 2026

The Happy Together Tour 2026 at The Pacific Amphitheatre

A woman with a high messy bun and wearing a bright green, long-sleeve, polka dot top passionately sings into a microphone on stage, with stage lights and drum equipment visible in the background.

July 23, 2026

Lauren Daigle at Pacific Amphitheatre

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A stay for every style

Explore Hotels

Aerial view of a bustling fairground with colorful tents, amusement rides, food stalls, and crowds enjoying a sunny day. Featured in a Costa Mesa travel blog, the Ferris wheel and distant cityscape create an inviting backdrop.

Our Best Tips and Tricks for The OC Fair

Besteas for Life: A 48-Hour Friend Trip in Costa Mesa

Four people walk along a sandy beach near a pier, smiling and wearing casual summer clothes and sunglasses. The scene captures the relaxed vibe of beaches near Costa Mesa, with the ocean, pier, and bright sky in the background.

Endless Summer Awaits: Soak Up the Sun 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.

Tuesday Night Dance: Hula at Argyros Plaza

2026 OC Fair – Your Adventure Awaits

The Happy Together Tour 2026 at The Pacific Amphitheatre

Lauren Daigle at Pacific Amphitheatre

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.