The Best Outdoor Activities in Costa Mesa: Parks, Trails, and More

 

Costa Mesa, California, located in the heart of Orange County, offers visitors and residents alike an impressive variety of outdoor activities. With its mild climate, scenic parks, and accessible trails, Costa Mesa is the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy nature. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure or a peaceful retreat, Costa Mesa has something for everyone. Below is a guide to the best outdoor activities in the city, highlighting parks, hiking trails, recreational activities, and hidden gems.

1. Explore Beautiful Parks

Costa Mesa is home to several parks offering expansive green spaces, picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic views. Perfect for families, groups, or individuals looking to unwind outdoors, these parks are the ideal starting point.

Fairview Park

  • Location: 2525 Placentia Ave
  • Highlights: Walking trails, model train rides, birdwatching, and native flora
    Fairview Park is one of the largest parks in Costa Mesa, featuring over 200 acres of open space. The park offers multi-use trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, with views of the natural wetlands and the Santa Ana River. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it provides a habitat for various bird species, including hawks and herons. On select weekends, you can enjoy miniature train rides operated by the Orange County Model Engineers.

TeWinkle Park

  • Location: 970 Arlington Dr
  • Highlights: Duck pond, sports fields, playground, and tennis courts
    TeWinkle Park is a local favorite, known for its beautiful duck pond, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths. Families can enjoy the playground, while sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the tennis courts, skate park, and baseball fields. This park offers plenty of shaded areas, making it perfect for picnicking on sunny days.

2. Take a Stroll or Ride Along the Trails

Costa Mesa is intersected by several scenic trails ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading. These trails allow visitors to explore the city and beyond while enjoying Southern California’s natural beauty.

The Santa Ana River Trail

  • Length: 30 miles (extends beyond Costa Mesa)
  • Activities: Biking, running, walking
    This scenic trail follows the Santa Ana River from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean. It's a great option for cyclists or long-distance runners, offering coastal views and cool ocean breezes. Whether you’re planning a short ride or a day-long excursion, the Santa Ana River Trail offers convenient access points in Costa Mesa.

Talbert Regional Park Trails

  • Location: Near Fairview Park
  • Highlights: Wooded paths, wildlife sightings, and wetland ecosystems
    Talbert Regional Park is a hidden gem near the Santa Ana River that offers both natural landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. Its trails take you through coastal forests, grasslands, and wetlands. This park is ideal for birdwatching, photography, or a quiet walk to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

3. Enjoy Water Activities at Newport Back Bay

While Costa Mesa doesn’t have direct oceanfront access, it’s a short distance from Newport Beach’s famous Back Bay. The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy water-based activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.

  • What to Do: Rent a kayak or paddleboard from one of the nearby rental shops and explore the tranquil waters of the Back Bay.
  • Why It’s Worth It: Paddling along the calm bay offers opportunities to spot wildlife, such as egrets, stingrays, and sea lions. For those who prefer land-based activities, there are scenic trails along the shoreline for hiking and cycling.

4. Visit the Costa Mesa Skatepark

  • Location: TeWinkle Park Skatepark
    For skating enthusiasts, the TeWinkle Park Skatepark is a must-visit. Designed for skateboarders and inline skaters of all skill levels, the park features bowls, ramps, and grind rails. There’s plenty of space for beginners to practice their skills, and advanced riders will find challenging features to test their abilities.

5. Relax and Unwind at The CAMP

  • Location: 2937 Bristol St
    If you’re looking for a more leisurely outdoor experience, head to The CAMP, a sustainable shopping and dining hub designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. This eco-friendly center features outdoor seating areas, yoga events, and art installations. The CAMP’s laid-back vibe is ideal for those looking to enjoy some fresh air without committing to strenuous activity.

6. Golf and Outdoor Sports

Costa Mesa also offers plenty of options for sports lovers, including golf courses and recreational facilities. If you’re into golf or just want to enjoy some time outdoors, consider visiting the following:

Costa Mesa Country Club

  • Location: 1701 Golf Course Dr
  • Highlights: 36-hole course, driving range, and clubhouse
    The Costa Mesa Country Club features two 18-hole courses, perfect for both novice and experienced golfers. Set amidst lush landscapes, the club offers a peaceful environment for a round of golf or practice at the driving range.

7. Seasonal and Community Events in Costa Mesa’s Outdoor Spaces

Throughout the year, Costa Mesa hosts outdoor events in its parks and community spaces, ranging from food festivals to concerts.

  • Concerts in the Park: Held at Fairview Park during summer months, featuring live music and food trucks.
  • Farmers Markets: Costa Mesa’s farmers markets, such as the OC Fairgrounds Farmers Market, are great for enjoying fresh air and locally grown produce.
  • OC Fair: While technically held at the Orange County Fairgrounds, this iconic event offers plenty of outdoor attractions, including rides and petting zoos.

8. Discover Local Art at the Noguchi Garden

  • Location: 611 Anton Blvd
    Known as the “California Scenario,” the Noguchi Garden is an open-air art installation designed by famed artist Isamu Noguchi. This serene garden celebrates California’s diverse landscapes with sculptures representing deserts, rivers, forests, and agricultural fields. It’s a quiet spot perfect for meditation, photography, or enjoying some peaceful time outdoors.

9. Hit the Beach – Just Minutes Away

While Costa Mesa doesn’t sit directly on the coast, it’s only a 10-15 minute drive to some of Orange County’s best beaches. Newport Beach and Huntington Beach are popular options for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

  • Newport Beach: Ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.
  • Huntington Beach: Known as "Surf City USA," it offers great surfing conditions and a bustling pier.

10. Bike Around Town and Beyond

Costa Mesa’s bike-friendly roads and access to regional bike trails make it easy to explore the city on two wheels. Consider renting a bike to explore nearby parks, the Back Bay Loop Trail, or even ride down to the beach. Many parks and trails connect seamlessly, allowing cyclists to enjoy Costa Mesa’s scenic beauty without needing a car.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, Costa Mesa offers an abundance of outdoor activities to suit all interests and energy levels. From scenic parks and peaceful trails to kayaking in the Newport Back Bay and skateboarding at TeWinkle Park, there’s something for everyone. With year-round sunshine and beautiful natural surroundings, Costa Mesa is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy’s outdoor lifestyle. So, lace up your shoes, grab your bike or paddleboard, and explore everything this vibrant city has to offer.

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