Discover Costa Mesa
35 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Newport Beach Back Bay Trail
A scenic trail overlooking the bay, ideal for nature and wildlife photography.
Rhoades Ranch Trail
A scenic trail offering views of the surrounding landscape and Big Canyon, ideal for nature and landscape photography.
California Scenario
California Scenario is a beautiful garden featuring a variety of plants and sculptures. It's a great spot for nature and art photography.
Fairview Park
Costa Mesa's largest park, offering 208 acres of diverse landscapes including walking trails, tall grasses, and large trees. It's perfect for nature and landscape photography.
The LAB Anti-Mall
A vibrant indoor/outdoor space that once was a night-vision goggle factory. It offers eclectic street art, unique architecture, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for capturing street photography or urban art.
South Coast Plaza
An upscale shopping center with sleek architecture and vibrant decorations, suitable for high-end interior photography.
Orange County Museum of Art
A museum featuring modern and contemporary art, offering opportunities for architectural and cultural photography.
The Camp
A trendy, bohemian spot in Costa Mesa featuring murals and wooden elements, ideal for lifestyle and street photography.
Costa Mesa Downtown
The heart of Costa Mesa, offering a mix of modern architecture, street life, and cultural events, ideal for capturing urban lifestyle and architecture photography.
SOCO and The OC Mix
A marketplace featuring small boutiques, craft coffee, exceptional dining, and 'gram-worthy aesthetics. It's ideal for lifestyle and street photography.
Noguchi Garden
Noguchi Garden is a unique outdoor urban garden amidst office buildings in Costa Mesa, offering lush foliage, tranquil pathways, and modern sculpture art. It's a perfect spot for capturing family portraits or urban nature scenes.
Canyon Park
A scenic park with natural beauty and walking trails, ideal for capturing serene landscapes and wildlife.
Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)
The Orange County Museum of Art offers a contemporary setting with modern architecture and rotating exhibitions, providing interesting backgrounds for art and fashion photography.
Back Bay Nature Preserve
A serene natural area with trails and a variety of wildlife, offering opportunities for nature and landscape photography. It features a tranquil bay and diverse birdlife.
Harbor Park
A scenic park with coastal views and picnic areas, suitable for capturing family and landscape photography.
Talbert Regional Park
A natural park with trails and diverse wildlife, perfect for nature and landscape photography.
Triangle Square
A vibrant area with a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, ideal for capturing street culture and lifestyle photography.
Coffee Dose
Coffee Dose is a charming spot with a modern aesthetic, perfect for capturing intimate moments and details of coffee culture.
Orange Coast College
A campus with a mix of modern architecture and natural surroundings, offering opportunities for capturing educational and lifestyle photography.
Costa Mesa City Hall
A modern building with unique architecture, offering opportunities for capturing urban and architectural photography.
Estancia Park
A community park with playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas, suitable for capturing family and lifestyle photography.
TeWinkle Park
Located in Costa Mesa, this park features large pine trees, man-made ponds, and a playground, making it suitable for family portrait photography.
Costa Mesa Bloom
A vibrant mural commissioned by Travel Costa Mesa, celebrating the city's native flora and fauna, and its diversity. It offers a colorful backdrop for photography, especially street or mural art.
Costa Mesa Historical Society Museum
A museum showcasing the city's history, offering opportunities for capturing cultural and historical photography.
Newport Bay Nature Preserve
A protected area with diverse wildlife and scenic views of the bay, suitable for nature and wildlife photography.
Upper Newport Bay
A scenic area with opportunities for nature and wildlife photography, offering views of the surrounding wetlands and bay.
Muth Interpretive Center
Part of the Talbert Regional Park, offering educational displays and scenic views of the nature preserve.
Harbor View Nature Preserve
A protected area with diverse wildlife and scenic views of the bay, suitable for nature and wildlife photography.
Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm is a working farm showcasing agricultural practices and historic farming equipment. It offers a rustic setting for nature and documentary photography.
Newport Back Bay Loop Trail
A scenic trail with opportunities for nature and landscape photography, offering views of the surrounding wetlands and bay.
Mesa Verde Park
Mesa Verde Park offers walking trails and open spaces, making it suitable for nature photography and capturing serene landscapes.
Newport Aquatic Center Paddleboard Launch
A scenic spot for capturing paddleboarders and the tranquility of the bay.
Costa Mesa Bloom Mural
A vibrant mural representing the city's diversity and native flora. It is a great spot for street art photography.
Fairview Village Community Park
A smaller park with open spaces and play areas, ideal for casual family portraits.
Mariners Park
A scenic park with opportunities for capturing family activities and park life.