Tag costa mesa activities

Graduating from college is an incredibly thrilling moment—diploma in hand, future ahead, and a world full of possibilities right at your feet. But alongside all that excitement comes the question: what next? For many, the answer is moving to a new city and starting fresh. If that city happens to be Costa Mesa, California, you’ve picked a vibrant, creative, and welcoming place full of recreation opportunities to begin your post-grad chapter. But now that you’re here, there’s a new challenge: how do you make friends in a new city after graduating? Let’s dive into what makes Costa Mesa the perfect place to find your new tribe and how to go about doing it! 

Community Events Are Your New Best Friend

Costa Mesa has an incredible arts and culture scene, and tapping into this is a great way to meet new people. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts isn’t just for concerts and plays; it’s also a great community gathering spot that offers open-air events, pop-up experiences, and workshops that draw locals of all backgrounds.

You’ll also find the city buzzing with seasonal festivals, night markets, and live music. Any of these events make for plenty of opportunities to strike up a conversation with someone new. Plus, not only do these events allow you to enjoy Costa Mesa’s creative energy, but they’re also natural icebreakers. “Hey, have you tried the food truck tacos?” can be the start of a brand-new friendship.

Volunteer—Connect While Giving Back

Volunteering is one of the most fulfilling ways to meet people. In Costa Mesa, there are dozens of organizations that are always looking for help, from food pantries and animal rescues to community gardens and cultural nonprofits.

The people who volunteer tend to be generous, socially-minded, and passionate, making them an excellent group to connect with as you build your new life in the city. And the satisfaction you feel from doing good? That’s just the bonus.

Keep Learning—In Fun Ways

Whether it’s learning to cook pasta from scratch or painting your first sunset, group classes give you an instant community. Costa Mesa has a variety of offerings through community centers, art studios, and even local businesses that double as creative spaces.

Check out what’s available on community bulletin boards or local social media accounts. When you learn alongside others, the shared vulnerability and encouragement can create an atmosphere that’s perfect for forming friendships.

Work Hard, Network Smart

Moving into your career life? Costa Mesa has a vast (and thriving) professional scene, and even better, networking here doesn’t have to feel stiff or awkward. Many of the city’s co-working spaces host happy hours, speaker panels, and social events designed for young professionals and entrepreneurs. 

These settings are goldmines for meeting others who are navigating the same transition from college life to career building. You don’t need to impress anyone. Just ask questions, listen, and be open to conversations that might surprise you.

Let Tech Lend a Hand

There’s no shame in turning to technology to make friends. Platforms like Meetup, Bumble BFF, and Facebook Events offer access to interest-based groups and get-togethers happening all over Costa Mesa. Want to join a trivia team? Practice conversational Spanish? Try aerial yoga? There’s probably a Meetup for that.

Start by searching within a 10-mile radius and exploring a few low-commitment events. Digital introductions can quickly turn into real-life connections, especially when everyone’s there for the same reason: to meet new people.

Be Patient, But Put Yourself Out There

We’ll leave you with one last bit of advice, and it might be the most important. Always keep in mind that making new friends takes time. It’s easy to feel discouraged if connections don’t happen instantly. But being open, curious, and consistent is key. Your first few coffee chats might not lead to a lifelong friend, but the next one might.

Give yourself a little bit of grace as you settle into your new life. Some weeks will be filled with plans and people; others might feel quiet. And you know what? Both are okay! The important thing is to keep showing up to events, classes, and conversations.

Ready to Find Your People in Costa Mesa?

With so many things to do in Costa Mesa and a community full of creative, active, and welcoming people, you’ve got everything you need to build your new social circle. Embrace the experience, try something new, and let Costa Mesa become more than just your new city—it can become your new home.

Costa Mesa is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the California coast and is situated in one of the most vibrant urban areas of the country, the greater Los Angeles area. Following this, there’s plenty to love both for those who are seeking surf and sun, as well as cultural activities to try in Costa Mesa.

It can be challenging to determine exactly where to start in places like these. That is why we created this guide: to help you get your bearings in one of the nicest places in America and provide you with ten activities to try in Costa Mesa.

1.  Go to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a cultural institution that seeks to serve Orange County by providing a venue for the arts. The centerpiece of the compound is the Segerstrom Theater, which provides 1,800 seats for viewers interested in seeing the programming.

The building itself also constitutes a sight to see. Designed by Cesar Pelli, one of the world’s most celebrated modern architects, the compound boasts inventive design and sleek features that make it an attraction in its own right.

2.  Find the Noguchi Gardens

Isamu Noguchi was a Japanese-American designer and architect who set up installations all over the country, including in Costa Mesa. You can visit one of his famous Gardens in Costa Mesa and explore the interactive work of this beloved artist.

3.  Hit the Beach

Located in Southern California, Costa Mesa is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Beaches like Newport Beach boast some of the beautiful views and interesting people-watching that California beaches are famed for.

4.  Visit the Orange County Museum of Art

The Orange County Museum of Art is located inside the previously mentioned Segerstrom Center for the Arts. As the newest addition to the Center, the museum is one of the most beautiful buildings in Southern California and boasts one of the most impressive collections of art in the region.

5.  Go Golfing

Southern California is one of the premier golf destinations in the United States, and Costa Mesa has some of the finer courses available in this region. Try your hand at 18 holes at the famous Costa Mesa Country Club, or try going to the Los Lagos Golf Course for additional fun.

6.  Listen to the Pacific Symphony

The Pacific Symphony is a full orchestra that operates out of Costa Mesa and is one of the larger symphonies performing on the West Coast today. Music lovers can enjoy some of the classics while they bask in the beautiful scenery of coastal California.

7.  Visit the Anti-Mall

The Anti-Mall is not your typical mall. The collection of quirky and off-the-beaten-path types of vendors might charm those who do not normally enjoy shopping. The Anti-mall was conceived as a place where locals could share and consume local goods and meet other members of their community.

8.  Eat to your Heart’s Content

Costa Mesa boasts a reputable dining scene with emissaries of many different types of cuisine from which to sample. It has one of the healthiest and most vibrant dining scenes in California. Some of the venues of note include Water Grill, Habana, and Tableau Kitchen and Bar.

9.  Follow the Costa Mesa Beer Trail

In addition to having stellar restaurants, Costa Mesa is also known for the plethora of breweries that have opened their doors in the past several years. If you like to have a couple of laughs with friends over pints, then you would likely find some kindred spirits on the Costa Mesa Beer Trail.

10.  Take a Hike

Costa Mesa is adjacent to some extensive hiking trails that constitute the Orange County Trail System. This trail system offers hours and hours of outdoor fun. It has fabulous views and camaraderie from connecting with your fellow hikers. The hiking system covers much of the interconnecting cities of Orange County.

For All of Your Travel Ideas

Travel Costa Mesa exists to help people access all of the great things about Costa Mesa. If you are interested in exploring the hidden gems in the city, contact us today so we can help you create travel plans and choose which activities to try in Costa Mesa, Orange County.