Costa Mesa, California in Orange County doesn't have a beach. Its tantalizing hilltop views from many condominium complexes certainly sport a beach, however. And What Costa Mesa enjoys, no beach has. Start with the Orange County Fair, an annual tradition for over 100 years. Then move onto South Coast Plaza, the shopping destination with every boutique and couture shop you'll find in Beverly Hills. Next head over to the Orange County Performing Arts Center with world class Pacific Symphony, is the premier concert venue featuring musical productions and entertainment from top artists.
Costa Mesa is an affordable residential community on top of all of its other amenities, and often overlooked as a vacation spot. Tourists can have the beach and have the cheap hotels, as well, thanks to some affordable accommodations up the hill.
From busy Harbor or Newport Boulevards, you can access most everything in the city, including nearby Orange County Airport just a few short miles away.
The city also is home to Orange Coast College, one of the busiest and best community colleges in Southern California. Its offerings are extensive and include graphic arts.
If you think the Fairground itself is just open one month a year during the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, think again. Orange County Market Place, the year-round weekend farmers market and shoppers paradise outdoors provides free entertainment, Pet Days, Easter Treasure, Halloween, and Christmas with Santa. In addition to special events its weekly highlights include food vendors and real deals on products. Most weeks there are also cat shows, dog shows, gem shows, gun shows, car shows, etc. at the Fairground meeting space.
A really fun activity for kids that is open daily is the Centennial Farm at the OC Fairgrounds. It includes barnyard animals, exhibits and hands-on learning for all ages.
And while you are visiting, don't overlook two of our favorites that provide history reminders. There's a train ride in a public park some weekends, and an historic adobe, both close to Adams and Harbor Blvd.
When visiting, be sure to check out Taco Jr., one of our favorite "eats" on Harbor Blvd. Annual events focused on eating include
Lions Club Costa Mesa Newport Harbor Fish Fry Festival.
Wear off the calories with another event, the Costa Mesa Community Run.
Costa Mesa, Orange County's Entertainment Capital
From Cotati to Costa Mesa, Accordion Festivals Put the Big Squeeze on California
Popcorn Day Free Popcorn at OC Market Place in Costa Mesa
Hearse Parade and Farmer Mike's Giant Pumpkin Carving
Orange County's Pacific Symphony Opera
Over 20,000 Attend Orange County Market Place. St. Patrick's Festival