Costa Mesa

Watching the cars drive down Interstate 405 in Costa Mesa, it is hard to believe that the area’s first building was an adobe “Estancia,” or way station for vaqueros tending the herds of cattle that grazed the land. By the late 19th century, the small farming community had been named “Harper” after a local rancher. In 1920 its name was changed to Costa Mesa, Spanish words meaning “coastal tableland.” The agricultural town was known for producing sweet potatoes, corn, tomatoes, strawberries and apples. Industries began to move in, but the Depression and a major earthquake took their toll on Costa Mesa’s burgeoning economy. The city recovered during World War II, when thousands of people flooded into the area for training at the Santa Ana Air Force Base. Many of these men returned with their families after the war and began the southern California population boom that still shows no signs of slowing.

Education

Costa Mesa offers educational facilities for all ages. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District serves over 22,000 students in Costa Mesa and nearby Newport Beach. Approximately 30 schools make up the district, including traditional schools for students in grades K-12, an alternative education center and an adult education center. Newport-Mesa schools are dedicated to academic excellence and students attending district high schools consistently score above state and national averages on aptitude tests. Costa Mesa is also home to a branch of Orange County’s public library system. The nonprofit Costa Mesa Senior Center offers services and activities to enhance quality of life for locals age 50 and older.

Attractions & Points of Interest

Officially known as the “City of the Arts,” Costa Mesa offers many inspiring, nationally renowned cultural attractions. The Orange County Performing Arts Center, home to the Pacific Symphony as well as Opera Pacific, is located just across from South Coast Plaza. This world-class facility brings Broadway musicals, dance performances and concerts to Orange County residents. The nationally recognized and artistically innovative South Coast Repertory Theater is also located in Costa Mesa. The theater has approximately 18,000 season ticket holders and has gained a national acclaim due to the number of playwrights who choose to launch new plays there.

The city’s past comes to life at the still-standing Estancia Adobe. The building is now a historical landmark dedicated to the early settlers of the area. Residents interested in further exploring their city’s history can visit the Costa Mesa Historical Society Museum, which honors early settlers and memorializes the events that helped Costa Mesa grow.

The Orange County Fair has taken place in Costa Mesa each summer for over 100 years. One of the city’s oldest and most profitable attractions, the fair today offers fun and excitement for the whole family. The 17-day long event features a carnival, games, food booths and nightly concerts and rodeos. During the rest of the year, the Orange County Fairgrounds and Exposition Center host a Farmer’s Market, car races, and other special events.

Parks & Recreation

Costa Mesa continues to draw new residents and visitors alike. It offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, the most impressive of which is its network of 26 parks. These range in size from one-acre Harper Park, featuring two picnic tables and a playground, to 210-acre Fairview Park, which offers full facilities including restrooms and shelters. Other parks offer basketball courts, volleyball nets, softball diamonds with bleachers, handball facilities, gazebos, lake access and barbecues. Costa Mesa also has a fully fenced, two-acre Dog Park where residents can allow their pets to run free and off-leash. The city is home to the Mesa Verde Golf Course and Country Club, as well as two public courses, Mesa Linda and Los Lagos. Facilities include a clubhouse and a lighted driving range.