This Southern California City Is the New Go-To Hub for Family Travel
As family travel trends continue to evolve, one Southern California city is becoming a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. Costa Mesa, located in the heart of Orange County, offers an affordable and convenient home base for families exploring major attractions such as Disneyland, Newport Beach, and Los Angeles, without the high price tag of larger cities.
A Budget-Friendly Alternative for Exploring Southern California
With major destinations just a short drive away, Costa Mesa provides families with easy access to top-tier entertainment while maintaining affordability. Disneyland is just 20 minutes away, and Newport Beach is a mere 15-minute drive. Sports fans can catch Major League Baseball games, as well as professional hockey, football, basketball, and soccer, within close proximity.
“While Costa Mesa’s central location allows visitors to enjoy a variety of activities, its accommodation costs remain a key factor in its rising popularity,” said Eleanor Moody, a travel expert at HomeToGo. “For 2025, the median nightly price per person for a vacation rental stay here is $93, lower than California’s overall median of $101.”
Diverse Attractions for Every Age Group
Costa Mesa isn’t just a gateway to nearby destinations; it has plenty to offer within its own borders. The city has a vibrant arts and shopping scene, including productions at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and upscale shopping at South Coast Plaza. Music lovers can browse an extensive vinyl collection at Factory Records, while fashion enthusiasts can find unique vintage pieces at local boutiques.
For adventure seekers, Costa Mesa’s surf and skate culture adds an exciting edge. Iconic brands such as Vans, Volcom, RVCA, and Rip Curl were founded there, making it a haven for action sports enthusiasts. Outdoor lovers can enjoy 30 parks, a municipal golf course, and Southern California’s signature sunny weather nearly year-round.
Tourism on the Rise
Tourism in Costa Mesa is steadily increasing, as data reflects a growing interest among American travelers. In 2023, visitors spent $883 million in the city, a 7.1% increase from the previous year and a 10% jump compared to 2019.
“In 2025, we’re seeing Costa Mesa rise in popularity among family travelers,” said Moody. “HomeToGo data indicates that 89% of searches for stays in the city now come from U.S. vacationers, up from 78% in 2024.”
Notably, visitors are also staying longer. The average trip length has increased to 26 days, a 49% boost from last year, as travel groups have grown in size to an average of 5.1 people per booking.
Looking Ahead
Since 1995, Travel Costa Mesa has been working to promote the city’s tourism industry through targeted marketing and outreach efforts. Ongoing efforts ensure Costa Mesa remains an attractive destination for families seeking unique experiences at a reasonable price.
As more travelers discover Costa Mesa’s value and accessibility, the city is set to become one of Southern California’s premier family-friendly destinations.
About Travel Costa Mesa
Travel Costa Mesa is the official tourism board dedicated to showcasing the city’s attractions, events, and hospitality options for visitors worldwide. Learn more at travelcostamesa.com.
Rachel K. Belkin is an Austin‑based and Pittsburgh-based educator, writer, marketing director, and travel advisor. She is the founder and editor‑in‑chief of Probe the Globe, a travel publication with content syndicated on national and global outlets. Rachel collaborates with businesses and community organizations to tell stories and create content that informs, inspires, and strengthens connections. Her travel, lifestyle, and health reporting has appeared on MSN, Yahoo News, AP News, HuffPost, Matador Network, EuroNews, the Associated Press, WGN, Hometalk, and in on‑air segments for Fox 7 Austin, KXAN, and CBS Austin. She also speaks at community and industry events, sharing stories on travel, marketing and branding strategy, and breast cancer survivorship.
