Things to Do in Costa Mesa

The county’s cultural anchor brings top Broadway tours, dance, and global headliners to an architecturally striking campus. Look for 2025–26 season gems and outdoor plaza happenings. Covered by BroadwayWorld and the Center’s own season pages.

This Tony Award–winning company champions new American plays alongside beloved classics. The 2025–26 lineup underscores why national critics watch SCR’s premieres. Praised regularly by the Los Angeles Times and industry press.

The museum’s new home anchors contemporary art in Costa Mesa with ambitious exhibitions and frequent free public programs. Its 2025 calendar makes it an easy add before or after a show next door.

Isamu Noguchi’s sculptural landscape is a serene, free-to-visit ode to California’s geography—open daily into the evening. Frequently cited by local arts writers as a must between OCMA and the theater district.

Short for Little American Business, this indie‑driven complex mixes local boutiques, art installations, and creative eateries. Ongoing 2025 renovations add more small retailers, reinforcing its community focus highlighted by local media.

An independent, musician‑run venue where national acts share the stage with rising locals—plus a solid gastropub menu. Its packed 2025 calendar and local press love make it a reliable night out.

Learn wheel‑throwing or hand‑building in small classes led by working artists; monthly memberships keep locals creating. Regularly featured on the city’s event calendars for approachable maker nights.

A Thursday ritual for chefs and neighbors—farm‑direct produce, regional specialties, and hot foods. Confirmed active through 2025 by the city’s tourism calendar, it’s a taste of local agriculture in the heart of town.

Chef Tony Esnault’s modern French dining room remains one of OC’s most acclaimed tables, recognized by the Michelin Guide. Ideal for a pre‑show tasting menu or celebratory lunch.

Chef Amar Santana’s lively Spanish spot pairs wood‑grilled steaks with tapas and sherry. Steps from the theaters, it’s a critic‑favored pre‑show choice noted by the Michelin Guide.

A neighborhood brewery with community at its core—think club meet‑ups, classes, and seasonal parties alongside balanced house beers. Its 2025 anniversary slate underscores a steady local following.

Born in Costa Mesa’s surf industry, Almond crafts boards and hosts a thoughtful retail space for fins, gear, and locally designed apparel. A tasteful window into the city’s board‑building heritage.