Costa Mesa is a city of more than 113,500 residents, located in Southern California’s Orange County. It lies approximately 35 miles south of Los Angeles, among some of the most famous beach communities in the country. Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and the inland city of Santa Ana surround Costa Mesa.
History
Costa Mesa, positioned on a plateau overlooking Newport Beach, was originally settled by Native Americans and was referred to as the village of Lukup. The land that we now know as Costa Mesa was occupied by Spanish settlers from the time they discovered it until the mid-1800’s, when California became a part of the United States. With an influx of European settlers, a small yet prosperous farming community formed. Costa Mesa became a city in 1953 and has experienced economic and population growth since incorporation. Today, Costa Mesa is a prominent commercial and industrial hub in the greater Los Angeles area.
Climate
Costa Mesa visitors and residents enjoy the temperate climate that makes Southern California one of the most desired locales in the nation. The average temperature throughout the winter months ranges from 69 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures range from 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter marks the rainy season, while precipitation is a rare event in the summer.
“City of the Arts”
Costa Mesa earned its slogan, “City of the Arts,” in 1999 and strives to live up to this message today. These popular attractions illustrate the reasons why Costa Mesa has adopted this widely-known motto:
Costa Mesa Playhouse: This 73-seat, nonprofit community theatre showcases the work of talented performers to members of the community in a small setting.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts: This 14-acre campus is home to four venues that host countless performances in dance, music, acting and other performing arts disciplines.
South Coast Repertory Theatre: This theatre hosts award-winning plays on the campus of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Youth Art Gallery: Costa Mesa encourages creativity among area youth with an art gallery located in the lobby of their city hall, dedicated to the display of art created by children of Costa Mesa Schools and Costa Mesa Youth Nonprofit organizations.
Outdoor Recreation
In addition to the activities typically associated with coastal living, Costa Mesa offers a list of city parks, a dog park, a skate park, a tennis center and the Santa Ana River Trail, waiting to welcome residents and visitors who are eager to take advantage of Costa Mesa’s desired climate.
Los Angeles Chargers
In 2017, the San Diego Chargers NFL team relocated to the Los Angeles area and is now known as the Los Angeles Chargers. Costa Mesa is home to the team’s offices and training facilities. The Chargers currently play their home games at nearby StubHub Center. In 2020, Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park is scheduled to open to host both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams.
