How To Have Family Fun In Costa Mesa California

Looking for a fun, family-friendly destination in California? We found that Costa Mesa had so much to offer on a recent trip. Not only was it an easy add-on to a Disneyland or beach vacation it also had unique things to do. Check out what we loved about Costa Mesa and where to stay when you visit.

Costa Mesa, a destination city in Orange County, California is centrally located next to Newport Beach, Anaheim and Huntington Beach. Costa Mesa is known as the “City of the Arts” for good reason – home to the Segerstrom Center, the town boasts performing arts that will satisfy anyone’s taste for culture.

Added to that – there’s so much to be said for Costa Mesa – the city is close to sports, fine food and active adventures for your family. In this post, we’ll explore where to stay, where you should eat and experiences that are worth your time. So, with that, let’s dig in!

Where To Stay In Costa Mesa

Hilton Costa Mesa/Orange County

During our time in Costa Mesa, we stayed at the Hilton Costa Mesa/Orange County. Centrally located on Bristol Street off the 405 freeway, the Hilton is a non-pretentious yet luxurious hotel for your stay. If you have a family of five like us, request two bedrooms that are adjoining rooms – which gives everyone enough room to stretch out. Kids of all ages will love the pool.

We were able to experience the Bristol Palms restaurant and enjoyed a gourmet breakfast buffet that was to die for. From fresh squeezed orange juice to pancakes to scratch-made omelets, Bristol Palms has it all!

Residence Inn Costa Mesa

After my daughter relocated to the area for school I was introduced to the Residence Inn. I’ve stayed at many others and love this chain for families. Between the extra space in the rooms, free breakfast and a kitchenette, everyone will be happy. We loved the landscaping. Along with the pool and the firepits it all gave off a very welcoming feel.

The Residence Inn Costa Mesa is conveniently located near the 405 freeway and the 73, four miles from the beach and walking distance to shopping and dining. 

The staff here is always friendly and resourceful. They remember our names and were able to accommodate extending a stay with no room change. Other guests also mentioned that they were repeat customers and loved the property.

This dog-friendly hotel welcomes pets with doggie treats at reception. A Residence Inn van is often available for transportation within a 3 mile radius (inquire ahead of your stay to verify).

What to Do in Costa Mesa

Rockreation

While in Costa Mesa, we experienced Rockreation, which started in Costa Mesa. It now has locations in West Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. Rockreation is a climbing gym, yoga studio and workout facility. It’s perfect for families and serious climbers alike. Our kids took immediately to climbing. Our guide fitted us with climbing shoes and harnesses and explained the safety ins-and-outs. It was apparent that safety was the number 1 priority. Parents can feel safe and guided during their time ascending and descending. All five of our family members climbed various difficulty of walls, from easy to more advanced. We highly recommend you experience climbing, build confidence and burn energy all in one step.

Lyon Air Museum

If you love planes and aviation, a must-visit activity is Lyon Air Museum, which is right to the runway at John Wayne Airport. The Air Museum features historic World War II era warplanes, Army vehicles and race cars. This is all in an open environment where you can easily go under the planes and see under the bombers, including a B-25, B-17 Flying Fortress and many more. Our kids got a kick out of checking out the plane’s underbelly and seeing the bomb cavities.

One thing I thought was cool – there are oil pans underneath the engines of these WW II beasts, showing that these are functional planes, not relics sitting in some museum.

The Lyon Air Museum is just $13 for adults and $6 for kids over 5-17.

Angels Stadium

Looking for some family fun? Check out Angels Stadium in Anaheim, which is a short 15-minute drive from Costa Mesa. That’s one fantastic thing about Costa Mesa itself: the city is home to many great activities and amenities and other killer family experiences are just a quick 15-20 minute drive. The Angels played host to the Houston Astros and we had so much fun. There’s music throughout the breaks, keeping our young kids entertained. For food, there are lots of options beyond the typical “hot dog, soda and popcorn” typically found at most American ballparks.

At the end of the Angels game, we witnessed a fantastic fireworks display, which is normal for Saturday home games in Anaheim. Sadly, the Angels lost, but we had a great time anyways.

Knott’s Berry Farm

On our third day in Orange County, we ventured over to Knott’s Berry Farm and enjoyed a day of rides, shows and theme park experiences. We kicked off our time there with the Wild West Stunt show right at the entrance to the park. It’s 13 minutes and is a perfect way to start your time off at Knott’s. Then, we hit Camp Snoopy, which is full of carnival-style Peanuts-themed rides for the younger kids.

We also spent time in the Ghost Town and hit classic rides such as the Calico Mine Train and the Log Ride. Knott’s is always compared to Disneyland – and as much as I love Disney, I’m thankful there’s an alternative just down the road. Knott’s has a fun theme with a mix of western thrills, Snoopy-land and roller coasters as far as the eye can see.

Where to Eat in Costa Mesa

At the entrance of CAMP in the heart of Costa Mesa is an amazing bakery and coffee location called Blackmarket Bakery. This funky destination features egg sandwiches, delicious coffee and amazing sweet treats in a fun, industrial, pirate- themed bakery. Our kids loved the decor of Blackmarket – and had fun playing on the Scrabble magnetic walls.

Do you love southern food with SoCal vibes? Then check out Memphis Cafe, a quirky restaurant that offers comfort food with a twist. We sat outside to enjoy the SoCal late-summer weather and I had chicken and waffles while the kids had fruit, pancakes and eggs to start their morning. The service was on point and the food was downright delectable.

Right next to the Memphis Cafe is the LAB, Costa Mesa’s anti-mall. In this wonderful collection of shops, boutiques and small cafes – fun decorations abound as well as  places to chill while grabbing a new outfit or grabbing brunch. We were there on Sunday morning and almost all of Orange County’s hipster population was enjoying Sunday brunch, it seemed.

One of the most-fun meals we had was at the Crack Shack, which is on the border of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. If you’re into fried chicken (that’s pasture raised in Southern California), biscuits and amazing coleslaw you will be thrilled. At the Crack Shack, you order at a counter outside and go inside to dine, play corn hole or order a drink from the bar.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Costa Mesa. The city is home to amazing experiences and being right in the heart of Orange County, fabulous sports and outdoor experiences are abound. In addition to the Angels being next-door in Anaheim, the Chargers NFL team has Costa Mesa as their home base, meaning you can watch them practice within the city during the late summer each year.