Tourist activities around Costa Mesa, CA

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 5:39pm

I am coming to LA soon and was thinking about going down to Costa Mesa (all right, I want to see Julia). However, the group I am going with doesn't think they want to go down there. If I can convince them there is some stuff to do down there, they might go. Is there anything interesting in that area?

Also, does anyone know the kind of rush policy they will be having for Wicked in Costa Mesa? Is there a lottery/rush/SRO?

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 8:06pm

Well, I don't know the rush policies, but you are about a block away from some of the best shopping in Orange County. South Coast Plaza and it's various ancillary malls are just a short walk away. So if shopping’s a seller that might work. Many fine restaurants in the area, also.

The Noguchi gardens (also know as “California Scenario”) is an unusual garden wedged between a bunch of office buildings close to the theatre. Not exactly a tourist attraction, but if you are in the area, I always enjoyed the tranquil feeling of the place.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 12:14am

Balboa Island is fun. Shopping, rides, hot shirtless surfer dudes...hell, forget Wicked and go to the beach!

[DAME]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 12:19am

That mall is fantastic! It really is.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 8:05am

forget Wicked and go to the beach!

Sounds like a fun place! I will check it out. And believe me, if it were anyone else, Wicked would not even be on my radar. It's NOT my favorite show, by any means.

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 9:59am

Sueleen,
I forgot about Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula, my college area hang, being close. The Peninsula is one of the nicer beaches in the area. Good idea.

Also, Laguna Beach is about 15 miles south. It's a fun beach colony, art gallery strolling, kind of place. Lots of hunky boys at Main Street beach playing volleyball and basketball. However, summers mean major traffic jams, so you need extra patience in that area.

Ah memories....

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 10:16am

Oh, and the Laguna Beach Sawdust festival! Pageant of the Masters is pretty cool.

[Fiction Writer]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 1:49pm

As everyone said, the mall and the beach.

[Peter]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 2:45pm

I live here. You can shop anywhere, but Id definitely spend time in Laguna Beach. Its not only one of the most beautiful spots in the world, but theres also the Pageant of the Masters and art festivals going on now. The Pageant is a unique theatrical experience where works of Art are recreated onstage nightly by people and with an orchestra. With the right lighting and costumes..it looks like the real thing. Its pretty amazing and its one of those things thats hard to capture with words.. you really need to experience it. Where the Pageant is performed, theres an art festival and two other ones across the street. Less than a mile away from this, just above the main beach area is Heisler park..with its breathtaking coastal/cliff views and walkways. A perfect place for a picnic.

Yes traffic through town on the weekends is tough..but really theres maybe a mile or two backup in the center of town..not bad considering. It will be hard though to find parking on the weekends in the Heisler area. If you can, go during the week, but dont miss this area. Also, there are FREE trolley type shuttles throughout town and you could easily park where you can and take a shuttle where you want to go.
Updated On: 7/14/06 at 02:45 PM

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 3:11pm

Thanks for the suggestions! I may try to check out the Laguna Beach area. Also, what is the name of the mall? Or is there only one people would mention?

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 6:22pm

My family used to drive down to Laguna for the Sawdust Festival every year.

I believe the mall is just referred to as "South Coast Plaza".

I also believe that the OC Fair is going on. I am not sure when you are going to be there, but Cyndy Lauper is going to be there on the 17th, and the fair is in Costa Mesa.

The OC Fair only lasts to the end of July.
Cyndi Lauper at the OC Fair.