Why Costa Mesa Stands Out in Orange County
When people think of Orange County, they often picture beaches and suburban sprawl. But Costa Mesa — tucked between Newport Beach and Santa Ana — is something different entirely. It's a compact, walkable city with a genuine urban energy: world-class performing arts, a buzzing restaurant scene, internationally renowned shopping, and a creative community that punches well above its weight. I've helped dozens of clients buy and sell homes in Costa Mesa, and I always tell them the same thing: this city has a lifestyle that's hard to find anywhere else in OC.
Whether you're a longtime resident looking to rediscover your backyard or someone considering a move to the area, here's my local guide to the best things to do in Costa Mesa, CA.
Arts and Culture
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is the cultural crown jewel of Orange County, and arguably one of the finest performing arts venues in the entire Western United States. Located right in the heart of Costa Mesa, Segerstrom presents Broadway touring productions, world-class ballet companies, classical music by the Pacific Symphony, jazz performances, and an International Dance Series that brings in companies from across the globe.
In 2026, the Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary alongside the 20th anniversary of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall — making this an especially exciting year to catch a show. The outdoor Argyros Arts Plaza hosts free community events throughout the year, so even if you're not buying tickets, there's often something happening on the campus worth stopping for. I regularly take out-of-town buyers here — it's an instant "aha" moment for people who didn't realize this level of culture existed in suburban Orange County.
Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)
The Orange County Museum of Art recently moved into a striking new home at Segerstrom Center's campus, designed by Morphosis Architects. OCMA focuses on California and contemporary art, with rotating exhibits that consistently draw national attention. Admission is reasonably priced, and the building itself — with its dramatic angular facade — is worth seeing even from the outside. If you're exploring the arts campus, OCMA and the Segerstrom Center together make for a full day.
The Arts District at South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza isn't just a mall — it's a genuine cultural institution. The complex hosts its own arts programming, including outdoor sculpture installations and seasonal events tied to the Segerstrom Center next door. The annual "Festival of Arts" tie-ins and holiday programming draw crowds from across Southern California. It's also home to some of the finest galleries in the region.
Shopping
South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza is the largest shopping center west of the Mississippi, and it's a legitimate destination in its own right. With over 250 stores ranging from luxury flagships like Chanel, Gucci, and Hermès to accessible favorites, the Plaza draws over 23 million visitors annually. But what makes it special beyond the brands is the sheer quality of the experience — the architecture, the dining, the events calendar, and the seamless connection to the arts campus next door.
For my clients relocating from major metropolitan areas, South Coast Plaza is often one of the first things I mention. It resolves a common concern: "Will I have access to the kind of retail and dining I'm used to?" Yes — and then some.
SOCO and the OC Mix
For a completely different shopping vibe, head a few miles to SOCO and the OC Mix. This open-air complex in the SoBeCa (South of Bear Street, Coast) neighborhood features independent boutiques, home design showrooms, artisan food vendors, and specialty retailers that you won't find at a traditional mall. The Saturday farmers market here is one of the best in OC — local produce, small-batch goods, and a community feel that's genuinely neighborhood-oriented.
Dining and Nightlife
Knife Pleat
For a special occasion dinner, Knife Pleat is one of the finest restaurants in Orange County, full stop. Located inside South Coast Plaza, it's a Michelin-recognized French restaurant led by Chef Tony Esnault. The tasting menu changes seasonally, the wine list is exceptional, and the service is impeccable. It's the kind of place you take clients, celebrate milestones, or impress anyone who thinks OC doesn't have serious dining.
The Lab Anti-Mall
The Lab is Costa Mesa's counterculture answer to South Coast Plaza — an eclectic outdoor complex of independently owned restaurants, vintage shops, and creative spaces. It's where you'll find the city's more bohemian side, with rotating pop-ups, food trucks, and events. Nearby, The Camp is a similar concept with a more outdoor and wellness-focused curation. Together, they form what locals call "the Anti-Mall district" — a refreshing contrast to the luxury retail just a few miles away.
Dining on 17th Street
17th Street is Costa Mesa's main dining artery, lined with an impressive mix of neighborhood restaurants, cafes, and bars. From authentic taquerias to upscale New American spots to craft cocktail bars, the corridor offers something for every mood and budget. As a local, I find myself on 17th Street regularly — it's the kind of street that evolves constantly and rewards repeat visits.
Outdoor Activities and Parks
TeWinkle Park
Costa Mesa's largest park, TeWinkle, sits at the center of the city and anchors an impressive outdoor amenity: an 18-hole disc golf course, baseball fields, tennis courts, a pond, and ample open green space. The adjacent Skate Park is one of the best in Orange County. It's a true community hub, and on weekends you'll see every demographic out there — families, athletes, teenagers, seniors walking the path. For buyers with kids, the proximity of a park like TeWinkle to a neighborhood genuinely raises the quality of daily life.
Fairview Park
Fairview Park is a hidden gem — a largely undeveloped open space preserve on the west side of Costa Mesa that feels almost rural compared to the density around it. Miles of soft-surface trails wind through coastal sage scrub, and on clear days you can see the ocean. It's a favorite spot for dog walkers, trail runners, and anyone who wants to feel like they've left the city behind without actually driving anywhere.
Close to the Beach
Costa Mesa is minutes from Newport Beach, one of the finest beach communities in California. The drive to Newport's beaches — from the Peninsula to Crystal Cove State Park — is typically 10 to 15 minutes from most Costa Mesa neighborhoods. This proximity to the coast is one of the city's most underrated selling points; you get coastal access without paying coastal prices.
Events and Entertainment
OC Fair (Annual, Summer)
The Orange County Fairgrounds sits right in Costa Mesa, and each summer the OC Fair transforms the grounds into one of California's signature summer events. With carnival rides, live music headliners, competitive exhibits, deep-fried food, and an agricultural heritage element that connects the region's history, the Fair draws over a million visitors over its month-long run. Locals know to go on weekday mornings to beat the crowds.
Year-Round Events at the Fairgrounds
Outside of Fair season, the OC Fairgrounds hosts a remarkable range of events throughout the year — concert series, swap meets (the OC Marketplace runs year-round on weekends and is an institution in its own right), trade shows, cultural festivals, and sporting events. Living near the Fairgrounds means there's almost always something happening within walking distance.
Free Events at Segerstrom Campus
The City of Costa Mesa partners with the Segerstrom Center to offer a rotating schedule of free outdoor performances and community events on the Arts Plaza. These range from jazz nights to dance performances to holiday programming — a genuine community resource that reflects Costa Mesa's commitment to making arts accessible. I tell my buyers: this is the kind of thing that shows up in your life when you live here, and you end up going more often than you'd expect.
What It's Like to Live in Costa Mesa
I've worked with buyers across Orange County, and Costa Mesa occupies a unique position in the market. As of mid-2026, the median home price in Costa Mesa is approximately $1.3M to $1.5M, depending on neighborhood and property type — more accessible than Newport Beach next door, but with many of the same lifestyle advantages. The Eastside commands premium prices (medians around $1.9M) for its walkability and charming bungalow stock, while the Westside and Mesa Verde offer more entry points for buyers stretching into homeownership.
What draws buyers here, consistently, is the combination: walkable streets, independent restaurants and shops, exceptional arts and culture, easy beach access, and a community identity that feels distinct from the rest of suburban OC. Homes in strong Costa Mesa neighborhoods have historically held their value well, and the city's continued investment in arts and infrastructure makes it a place I feel confident recommending to clients with a long horizon.
If you're curious about what's available in Costa Mesa — whether that's a Eastside bungalow, a Mesa Verde family home, or a Westside condo — I'm happy to walk you through the current inventory and what different price points actually get you.
Ready to Explore Costa Mesa?
Whether you're visiting for a day or seriously considering a move, Costa Mesa rewards exploration. It's a city that reveals itself over time — there's always a new restaurant to try, a show at Segerstrom to catch, or a trail at Fairview Park you haven't walked yet.
If you have questions about living in Costa Mesa or want to see what's currently on the market, call or text me at 949-285-9519 or visit andrew-homes.com. I've helped many clients find their home in Costa Mesa, and I'd love to help you find yours.