Category Travel Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa sits within easy reach of the beautiful beaches that vary enough that even the most beginner with no surfing experience isn’t at a disadvantage. Travelers who visit Costa Mesa and want to try surfing for the first time often make the mistake of heading to wherever looks most impressive. This usually ends in disappointment. Those movie-worthy waves are for surfers who know what they are doing. The Costa Mesa surfing spots that serve beginners well share distinct qualities. They have appropriate wave sizes, sandy bottoms, and enough room to fall, something that will happen frequently. 

What to Look For

The difference between the right beach and the wrong one for a beginner is significant enough to affect whether it is a repeated experience. The first thing to consider is wave size. Smaller, slower waves give you more time to learn how to catch the perfect wave. A wave with a gradual break across a wide area is going to be easier on a beginner than one that moves fast and closes quickly. It is nice to think that you’ll get out on the water and falling won’t be an issue after the first time or two. Even experienced surfers frequently fall, and sandy bottom beaches are much more forgiving than reefs. Crowd levels are a safety consideration as much as a comfort one. To become a good surfer, expect to fall repeatedly in unpredictable directions. Doing that when there are large crowds increases the risk that you or someone else will get hurt. 

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is the closest, most beginner-friendly beach option near Costa Mesa. It runs long enough that you can find varying conditions depending on where you set up. Wave quality leans toward slow-rolling waves that give the average beginner enough time to get their feet on the board before going under the water. The beach’s sandy bottom makes for an easier, less damaging impact.

Huntington Beach

One of the most well-known surf destinations in the area is Huntington Beach. The coastline stretches long enough that you may find large crowds and waves that probably aren’t the best for a new surfer. Avoiding crashing into the crowd is difficult in itself. If you migrate to another area, you might find a shift in energy and a beach that opens up, so beginners have some room. Conditions along this stretch are consistent enough on most days to be learnable. 

Bulsa Chica State Beach

Bolsa Chica State Beach is a good option for beginners. Generally, less-recognized shores mean smaller crowds. Waves in this region are gentle and forgiving compared to higher-traffic spots. A slower, smaller break is far more beneficial when learning to surf. The wave that gives you three seconds to find your footing rather than one is going to be far more useful than a wave that only gives you one. 

Catching the Best Beginner-Friendly Waves

One of the best ways to get started on the right foot when learning to surf is choosing the right beach with the right waves. Costa Mesa offers a range of beaches within a short drive, with suitable conditions on most days. There is no perfect beach that eradicates the learning curve, but you can make it significantly shorter by choosing a beach with waves within your skill level and abilities. 

Costa Mesa is home to some of the best beginner-friendly beaches. Contact us today!

Think back to the very first show you ever saw. For many, it is during a school field trip; for others, it is because a relative sparks their passion for the first time. For those with this enthusiasm, that feeling you got the first time comes alive again at every Segerstrom Center for the Arts show. The thought of the show may make it difficult to contain your excitement, but when you visit Costa Mesa, there is something of intrigue to be found all over the city. Tour Costa Mesa city highlights while you take in a show in the captivating city by the seaside. Be part of the magic that Segerstrom Center for the Arts creates at every event. 

Shows

The euphoria that grabs you by your heartstrings is striking from the moment you step through the Segerstrom Center doors. The architecture itself isn’t just stunning; it’s also home to the beautiful echoes of past performances, the excitement of present ones, and the anticipation of those upcoming. Segerstrom Center shows are for people from all walks of life, cultures, and religions. Art tells a story, and at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, hundreds of stories are brought to life in unique and mesmerizing ways every day. What Segerstrom Center offers:

• Dance performances
• Broadway shows
• Jazz and cabaret musicians
• Engaging speakers
• Orchestra performances
• Ballet
• Theater productions
• Outdoor concerts
• Movies on the plaza
• Educational programs
• Museums

Tickets

There is nothing like holding a ticket that promises a night of gripping fascination. Securing your seat is easy, and Segertrom Center for the Arts offers options for every taste and budget. You can purchase your tickets online, by phone, or in person. If you aren’t sure which ticket is right for you, a member of the staff can help you choose the performance that will captivate you most and determine the best seating options for an unforgettable experience. Art is for everyone, no matter their socioeconomic status, and Segerstrom Center offers flexible pricing across a wide range of events. 

If you want to make sure you get to be a part of the magic of popular touring productions or world-renowned artists, get your tickets early. These events sell out faster than you think, and if you don’t keep up, you will miss out. The Center’s email list and social media channels keep spectators in the know about when new shows go on sale and where they can snag a deal. 

Tips for The Event

The magic at Segerstrom Center begins long before you take your seats and the curtain begins to go up. The most frequently overlooked but most bothersome complaints at an event are parking and in-and-out traffic. Plan time for parking, ticket pickup, an exploratory stroll through the campus, and an extra 25 to 30 minutes for those unexpected events. An easy way to make sure you’re in your seat on time is to mentally move the start time up. That is the new start time. 

The Center makes shows accessible to all. If you require special accessibility, get acquainted with wheelchair-accessible seating locations, where to get assistive listening devices, and other available accommodations. If you really want to make your event one not to be forgotten, consider extending your visit and exploring the beauty of Costa Mesa. This high-energy, creative city will be your new favorite destination. 

Final Curtain

Stories unfold, dreams become reality, and memories are unforgettable within the doors of Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Step into the story time and again. Newcomers become lifelong lovers and repeat visitors rekindle the familiar spark of anticipation with every visit. Art brings people of all kinds together and creates friendships and experiences that last forever. 

Awaken the spark of anticipation by choosing your show and fan the flame into fire with tickets to Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 

Tourists who visit Costa Mesa often play it safe by sticking to the well-known attractions. Still, they often miss out on the authentic cultural experiences that make this Orange County city special. Big-name destinations are popular for a reason and have their own appeal, but the real character of Costa Mesa lies in its bones. How residents spend time in the community reveals a different side of the city. For those looking for things to do in OC that get to the heart of this cultural explosion of community, Costa Mesa has a wealth of diamonds in the rough for hot spots to visit during your trip. 

Local Coffee Spots

Local coffee shops, seemingly built into the city’s natural design, are a great way to start any Costa Mesa vacation. You can skip the chain shops in favor of independent cafes that roast their own beans and know regulars by name. Morning crowds can be found at some of the most unassuming establishments for a dose of quality espresso and a feel for life as a local. Outdoor seating areas at some local businesses create neighborhood gathering spots where social interactions occur naturally. Arriving early is always a good idea for these local treasures, as seating is limited. Grab a spot with your favorite coffee and pastry and post up while you watch the vibrant city wake up. 

Costa Mesa Shopping

Costa Mesa’s outdoor shopping centers are a staple of the city, featuring sustainability-minded retailers, a farmers market on Saturdays, and casual dining options. Shopping malls in Costa Mesa are frequented daily by locals for everyday essentials rather than an occasional destination spot. Other shopping venues offer alternatives ranging from vintage shops to record stores and unconventional boutiques. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear live music from the courtyard while residents swing by food shops for a quick lunch.

Arts District

Costa Mesa is famous for its footprint amongst the art and creative community. Small galleries, design studios, and showrooms occupy converted warehouses and industrial spaces. Locals survey furniture shops or check out art exhibitions without the crowd typical of more publicized gallery districts. Art walks motivate many galleries to stay open extended hours. These events attract a local crowd that mingles while enjoying new work. 

Dining

Upscale dining and local favorites alike can be found in Costa Mesa. Reservations are recommended for fine dining in the area, as seating can be hard to come by on a walk-in basis. More casual meals and creative craft cocktails can be found not too far away at a local eatery around the corner. Some restaurants are popular for their seasonal menus that often attract a lot of attention from locals. Open kitchen concepts, where diners can watch their meal preparation, and a wine list that features lesser-known labels but doesn’t compromise fine dining quality, are a hit for locals in the area. 

Travel Costa Mesa Like a Local

Experiencing Costa Mesa like a local means slowing down, venturing to unusual places, and prioritizing the authentic over the artificial. The city is a vibrant place to make unforgettable memories. Visiting the main attractions is always encouraged, but if you have some extra time during your visit, checking out a lesser-known spot may be the best part of your vacation. 

Planning a visit and want to learn more about how to experience Costa Mesa like a local? Learn more today.