Overview
Santa Ana and Costa Mesa, California, a vibrant urban duo with a combined population of 450,000, hide an offbeat allure where quirky arts scenes, secret coastal haunts, and historic oddities draw adventurous travelers beyond their Orange County beaches, attracting over 50 million visitors to the region yearly. Santa Ana, founded in 1869 as a farming hub, and Costa Mesa, established in 1920 as a port town, sit 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 90 miles north of San Diego, cradled by the Santa Ana River and Pacific Ocean. Beyond Disneyland proximity and surf shops, this area offers eccentric gems like a museum of quirky neon signs, a hidden tiki bar in a historic diner, and vibrant street art in Santa Ana’s Calle Cuatro. It’s an offbeat coastal playground where Chicano culture, quirky creativity, and beach access collide, perfect for those craving unique adventures over tourist staples.
Top Attractions (Neon, Theater & Tiki Bars!)
Neon Museum at Bowers Museum
Explore quirky 1930s Orange County neon signs and a stunning collection of vintage Chicano art.
Calle Cuatro Murals
Wander 4th Street's historic district where colorful murals tell tales of Chicano heritage and SoCal life.
South Coast Repertory
A Tony Award-winning theater in Costa Mesa, perfect for catching quirky local plays in a modern venue.
Tiki Bar at The Wayfarer
A hidden bar inside a historic 1950s diner, serving Polynesian cocktails with retro beach vibes.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
A 3,000-seat venue in Costa Mesa showcasing quirky avant-garde performances and outdoor sculptures.
Fairview Park
A 208-acre coastal mesa with quirky kite-flying fields and fascinating fossil-hunting trails.
Unique Stories & Facts (Surfers, Signs & Shark Teeth!)
- Neon Glow: The Bowers Museum’s quirky 1937 neon sign from a citrus crate label is a historic relic from Orange County’s farming past.
- Mural Surge: A 2010s art boom transformed Calle Cuatro’s old mercados into vibrant outdoor galleries celebrating Chicano pride.
- Tiki Hideout: The Wayfarer's tiki bar was a popular 1950s surfer hangout and is now a quirky, retro-themed cocktail nook.
- Fossil Finds: The trails of Fairview Park are home to quirky, 10-million-year-old shark teeth, remnants from when the area was a prehistoric sea.
Best Travel Seasons (When to Visit Santa Ana & Costa Mesa!)
Spring (Mar-May)
Mild weather (60-75°F) and blooming jacarandas make it ideal for exploring murals and flying kites at the park.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Warm temperatures (75-85°F) are perfect for the beach season, but it's the busiest time, so book the tiki bar early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Cool, pleasant weather (65-80°F) and fewer crowds make this the perfect time for theater shows and art strolls.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Chilly days (50-70°F) are perfect for enjoying cozy hidden bars, festive events, and the area's many indoor museums.
Popular Activities (Beyond the Beach!)
- Neon Touring: Explore the Bowers Museum to see its quirky collection of vintage 1930s signs and historic Chicano art.
- Mural Strolling: Wander through Calle Cuatro, where 4th Street’s vibrant, Chicano-inspired murals come to life.
- Theater Watching: Catch a quirky local play at the Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, where local stories shine.
- Tiki Sipping: Relax at The Wayfarer's tiki bar for expertly crafted cocktails in a hidden, historic diner nook.
- Art Viewing: Tour the Segerstrom Center to admire its impressive collection of avant-garde sculptures and quirky performances.
- Fossil Hunting: Take a trek through Fairview Park to find quirky, 10-million-year-old shark teeth on the coastal trails.
Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)
There are no casinos within 30 miles of Santa Ana or Costa Mesa, as California law restricts non-tribal gaming. The nearest major casino is the San Manuel Casino, about 60 miles away. For quirky thrills closer to the city, explore the local tiki bars or vibrant murals instead.
Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)
For a classic all-you-can-eat coastal feast, **Golden Corral** is just 5 miles from downtown Santa Ana. While not a buffet, **Goa Indian Cuisine** in Costa Mesa (2 miles away) is a local favorite famous for its hearty curry platters and quirky, delicious naan varieties.
Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles - OC's Quirkiest Side!)
Bowers’ Citrus Sign
A quirky Orange County farming relic, this authentic 1937 neon crate label is a highlight of the Bowers Museum.
Calle Cuatro’s Giant Cactus Mural
An oversized piece of Chicano art on 4th Street, this iconic cactus mural is a vibrant tribute to local heritage.
Segerstrom’s Kinetic Sculpture
A quirky and massive moving metal artwork, this outdoor display at the Segerstrom Center is a beloved local landmark.
Fairview’s Fossil Shell
This quirky park trail find is an authentic 10-million-year-old oyster shell from when the area was underwater.
Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles - Ghosts of Orange County!)
- Old Orange County Courthouse (Santa Ana):** The spirits of ghostly judges are said to haunt the halls of this historic 1901 building.
- Yost Theater (Santa Ana):** Phantom performers are rumored to flicker the stage lights at this beautifully restored 1912 venue.
- Black Star Canyon (Silverado, 15 mi):** Ghostly Native American spirits are said to roam this historic 1800s trail after dark.
Local Events & Festivals (OC's Offbeat Calendar!)
- Santa Ana Art Walk (First Saturday Monthly):** A celebration in Calle Cuatro where Chicano creativity shines with live mural painting.
- OC Fair (July-August):** A massive event at the Costa Mesa fairgrounds, famous for its quirky pig races and local art exhibits.
- Día de los Muertos (October):** A vibrant cultural festival on 4th Street in Santa Ana with beautiful altars and quirky traditional dances.
- Pacific Symphony Holiday Pops (December):** See the Segerstrom Center come alive with a quirky, festive orchestral twist on holiday classics.
Lodging Options (From Posh Stays to Coastal Sites)
Luxury: Avenue of the Arts
(Costa Mesa) A boutique hotel offering lakeside elegance and a prime location near the arts centers. (From $200/night).
Mid-Range: The Westin South Coast Plaza
(Costa Mesa) A hotel with a modern vibe, connected to the famous South Coast Plaza shopping center. (From $150/night).
Budget: Motel 6 Santa Ana
(Near Downtown) A reliable and simple stay providing great value for budget travelers. (From $80/night).
Camping: Crystal Cove State Park
(Laguna Beach, 15 mi) Beautiful coastal campsites perfect for an RV or tent escape on the beach. (From $25/night).
Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights – Tacos, Ramen & Fried Chicken!)
Playground
(Santa Ana) An acclaimed restaurant famous for its delicious pork belly tacos and quirky farm-to-table flair.
The Camp
(Costa Mesa) A food hall with an eco-chic vibe, known for its tasty vegan ramen and quirky outdoor seating.
Taqueria El Zamorano
(Santa Ana) An authentic Chicano dive beloved for its incredible al pastor tacos and vibrant murals.
Memphis Cafe
(Costa Mesa) A popular spot serving up Southern soul food, like fried chicken, with a quirky retro decor.
Travel Tips
- What to Pack: For a fall visit (September), pack shorts for 65-80°F weather, plus sunscreen and comfy shoes. Book tiki bar visits early as Calle Cuatro gets crowded.
- Safety First: Tourist zones are generally safe, but always be aware of your surroundings and watch for pickpockets at crowded festivals.
- Accessibility: Downtown Santa Ana and areas of Costa Mesa are walkable, but attractions are spread out. Check OCTA bus routes for getting around.
Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles (Explore Orange County!)
- Huntington Beach (10 miles):** "Surf City USA," famous for its iconic pier, surf culture, and beautiful beaches.
- Newport Beach (10 miles):** A city known for its coastal luxury, beautiful harbor cruises, and upscale shopping.
- Anaheim (10 miles):** A major entertainment hub, home to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and major sports venues.
- Laguna Beach (15 miles):** A charming city with a vibrant artsy vibe, stunning coves, and beautiful beaches.
Recommended Duration of Stay
3-4 Days: The Ideal Offbeat Itinerary. This provides enough time to explore the unique museums, hunt for murals, and discover the quirky coastal haunts of both cities without feeling rushed.
Target Travelers
- Art Enthusiasts: From the vibrant Calle Cuatro murals to the impressive sculptures at the Segerstrom Center.
- History Buffs: Explore neon relics from OC's past and learn about local Chicano heritage.
- Families: Enjoy the fun of fossil hunting in the park and the exciting local fairs and festivals.
- Adventure Seekers: Hunt for hidden tiki bars, take ghost tours of haunted courthouses, and explore the local food scene.
Destination Joke
Because even its cacti glow in neon!
Listen to Our Podcast Episode!
"Santa Ana/Costa Mesa, CA: Offbeat OC Quirk" - Your 7-minute audio journey to the cities' hidden gems!
Your OC Offbeat Urban Guide!
Ready to explore Orange County's quirky side? This guide is your ticket to Santa Ana and Costa Mesa's best offbeat museums, vibrant street art, secret tiki bars, and must-try SoCal eats.
Ebook Coming Soon!What's Your OC Vibe?
Answer to find your perfect offbeat adventure!
History Buffs will love the neon signs, Art Enthusiasts can explore the street art, and Adventure Seekers will hunt for tiki bars!
City lovers can wander the urban murals, while nature fans will love the coastal trails!
Those interested in the past will love the Chicano relics, while the spooky-inclined can tour the ghostly courthouses!