Southern California Vacations Have Never Been Better!

Costa Mesa offers quintessential Southern California vacations: beautiful scenery, remarkable dining and world-class entertainment. At Holiday Inn Express & Suites Costa Mesa Hotel, we make it easy to enjoy it all.

Not only are we located just three miles from John Wayne Airport, we're only minutes from the most popular Orange County attractions: Balboa Island, Newport Beach, Disneyland Park, South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island, Costa Mesa Golf Club and so much more.

For hotels near Newport Beach, choose the Holiday Inn Express, and discover all these incredible attractions and things to do in Costa Mesa:

Outdoor Adventure | Amusement Parks | Shopping | History & Culture | More Attractions

Outdoor Adventure

Balboa Island - an exciting man-made island resort connected to Newport Beach that blends high-retail with boardwalk-reminiscent pleasures (3 miles)

Newport Beach - incredible oceanfront sights and beach-bound fun await you at Newport Beach (3 miles)

Balboa Beach - the highlight of Balboa Island, this is where residents and visitors alike spend those gorgeous Southern California afternoons (6 miles)

Huntington Beach - with over eight miles of sandy beachfront and terrific tides, Huntington Beach is the place for surfers and body boarders (8 miles)

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve - a nature preserve for the local wetlands, this is a great place for birding or general sightseeing (12 miles)

Crystal Cove State Park - bikers and hikers alike love the 2000-acres of undeveloped woodlands at Crystal Cove (13 miles)

Laguna Beach - this sensational seaside community is home to some of Southern California's most beloved beach, not to mention a vibrant art community (18 miles)

Catalina Island - this is the place to see and be seen, a sparkling resort community visited by celebrities and tourists all throughout the year. An hour-long ferry ride is required to reach the island. (30 miles)

Amusement Parks

Disneyland Park - known as the "Happiest Place on Earth", this the original Disney-themed amusement park, and it's only 20-25 minutes out in Anaheim, CA (16 miles)

Disney's California Adventure - a newer addition to the Disneyland complex, California Adventure features a personality all its own (16 miles)

Knott's Berry Farm - declares itself "America's 1st Theme Park", having opened in 1940. The large park is just as beloved today. (21 miles)

Raging Waters - Southern California 's largest water park (35 miles)

Castle Park - multi-purpose theme park features mini golf, theme rides, roller coasters, log ride and much more (40 miles)

Shopping

The Lab - a stylish "anti-mall" offering several boutique brands (3 miles)

Fashion Island - upscale, open-air mall in Newport Beach (4 miles)

Metro Pointe Center - charming lifestyle center with dining & shopping (4 miles)

South Coast Plaza - popular retail center features eclectic boutiques, California exclusives and several award-winning restaurants (4 miles)

Corona del Mar Plaza - beautiful Corona del Mar is the backdrop for this bustling mall, don't miss Sprinkles Cupcakes (5 miles)

Irvine Spectrum Center - this lifestyle center blends popular brands shopping and dining with live evening entertainment (12 miles)

The Block at Orange - family-friendly outdoor mall features a skatepark, bowling lanes and several big brand retailers (13 miles)

MainPlace Mall - diverse mall has over 180 stores and boutiques (13 miles)

Downtown Disney - exciting retail center with the spirit of Disney, located at Disneyland Park, no admission required (16 miles)

History and Culture

Orange County Performing Arts Center - a massive complex for dance, Broadway shows, concerts, entertainers, musicals and theatre (4 miles)

South Coast Plaza Repertory - renowned theatre company in Costa Mesa (4 miles)

Bren Events Center - a multi-purpose arena located on the beautiful campus of the University of California, Irvine (6 miles)

Crystal Cathedral - a Protestant Christian megachurch and landmark (13.5 miles)

Mission San Juan Capistrano - a famous historical attraction, this mission was founded in 1776 by Franciscan friars (22 miles)

More Attractions

Orange County Fairgrounds - site of the annual Orange County Fair (1 mile)

Hoag Hospital - One of the finest medical facilities in Southern California (2.8 miles)

Costa Mesa Golf Club - 36 holes, pro shop, driving range, good rates (3 miles)

Newport Pier - a hotspot for anglers or anyone who likes a leisurely stroll (4 miles)

Discovery Science Center - exciting science museum features over 100 interactive, "hands-on" exhibits - perfect for the kids! (11 miles)

Angel Stadium of Anaheim - home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (14 miles)

Honda Center - known locally as "The Pond", the Honda Center is home to the NHL's Anaheim Ducks (14 miles)

Aquarium of the Pacific - large aquarium with over 650 species (24 miles)

Medieval Times - famous theme restaurant entertains guests with utensil-free eating and a fabulous display of knightly contest (21 miles)

Dodger Stadium - Historic ballpark is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers (43 miles)