Costa Mesa is just one mile from the Pacific Ocean with bountiful sunshine and minutes from surfing, sailing and other beach activities. Orange County offers some of the best natural parks and wildlife destinations in Southern California.
Beaches
Laguna Beach
Approximately 3 million tourists visit Laguna Beach each year. Laguna Beach contains more than 20 different public beaches for visitors to enjoy.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach consists of more than 8 miles of beach bordering Newport Bay and extending from the Santa Ana River jetty to Crystal Cove State Park.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is bordered by Newport Beach on the south side and by Costa Mesa directly to the east, just 4 miles from the exciting, event-packed Huntington Pier.
Parks
Costa Mesa Bark Park
The Costa Mesa Bark Park is a 2-acre fenced park where dogs can legally play and run leash-free. It is the only area in Costa Mesa where dogs are not required by ordinance to be on a leash and its popularity continues to increase.
Fairview Park
The 208-acres of public land in Fairview Park contain open fields, trails, hills and a forested sanctuary. It’s a wonderful park for horseback riding, hiking, walking, running and biking enthusiasts.
Volcom Skate Park
Volcom Skate Park was designed to include different areas that can accommodate skaters and skateboarders who have various levels of ability. Only skateboards and roller skates are allowed in Volcom Skate Park.
TeWinkle Park
There are 3 shelters, 3 restrooms, 5 barbecues, 30 picnic tables, one playground, one baseball field, 2 softball fields, a utility field, 12 tennis courts, an amphitheater and a lake with a waterfall in TeWinkle Park.
Lions Park
Lions Park has 13 picnic tables, two barbecues, one hot coal dispenser, one electric outlet, a drinking fountain, a shelter, a restroom, one playground and one softball field with bleachers.
Upper Newport Bay
Upper Newport Bay (known by locals as The Back Bay) contains 1,000-acres of coastal wetlands; a great location for birdwatchers. Many bird species can be observed here including the California Gnatcatcher, the San Diego Cactus Wren and the Burrowing Owl.
Talbert Nature Preserve
Open year round, the Talbert Nature Preserve has nearly 200 acres of scenic landscape, perfect for Costa Mesa locals and visitors that want to get outside.
Orange County Great Park
Upon completion, the Orange County Great Park will cover more than 1,300 acres, transforming the former El Toro airbase into one of the world’s greatest metropolitan parks.
Moon Park
You don’t have to be an astronaut to walk on the moon at Moon Park in Costa Mesa. A giant concrete dome, complete with various sized craters is the highlight and inspiration for the name of the park.
Other Activities in Orange County
Rockreation
For those seeking a family-friendly workout beyond gyms, yoga or pilates, rock climbing could be your answer. Replete with ropes, gear and cool gadgets, rock climbing is a great way to build strength and endurance throughout your body in a surprisingly low-impact way.
Royal Aviation
Ever wanted to fly your own plane? You can have the opportunity right here in Costa Mesa. Royal Aviation, based at John Wayne/Orange County Airport, offers aircraft charter rentals, aircraft leasing, flight classes and certification programs for pilots. Experience the thrill of a lifetime flying an airplane.
Newport Fun Tours
Have an exciting sightseeing adventure around the Newport Peninsula or a tranquil harbor sunset cruise, Newport Fun Tours offers both extreme and demanding adventures for the physically fit as well as electric equipment for those who prefer to be entertained at a leisurely pace.
Balboa Boat Rentals
Balboa Boat Rentals offers customers a variety of opportunities for recreational boating in clean, safe and reliable boats.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing
The boats belonging to Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching are well maintained and kept clean, and they and offer a full galley with hot and cold food, beer, soda, chips and candy. Rods and reels are available for rent and a day license for anyone over 16 years of age is required.
Newport Landing Whale Watching
Newport Landing Whale Watching offers whale-watching tours and sportfishing every day of the year. Now is the time to get a great deal on whale watching with a special $15 deal on 2.5-hour whale-watching tours!
Costa Mesa Tennis Center
The Costa Mesa Tennis Center offers hourly court rentals, lessons and competative leagues for children and adults.
Sky High Sports the Trampoline Place
Sky High Sports is a unique and fun activity that will have you bouncing off the walls – literally. With trampolines covering the ground and the walls, Sky High Sports allows you to bounce as high as you can without the fear of falling!