A Group Travel Guide to Costa Mesa, California's Best Destinations

South Coast Plaza

If your group loves to shop, South Coast Plaza isn't just a mall—it is an international destination. As the largest shopping center on the West Coast, it features over 250 boutiques and 30 restaurants, ranging from fast-casual bites to Michelin-starred dining experiences like Knife Pleat. Groups travel from all over the world to browse luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Harry Winston. Because the complex is so massive, spanning across Bear Street with a connecting bridge, parking can be an absolute nightmare, especially on weekends or during the holiday season.

When you rent a charter bus in Costa Mesa for a shopping excursion, you eliminate the need for your group members to circle the parking structures for hours. Your driver can drop your group off right at the designated motorcoach entrance near the concierge, allowing you immediate access to the shops. Your group can shop until they drop, storing their bags securely in the bus’s undercarriage storage bays, leaving their hands free for lunch at Din Tai Fung or a coffee at the VIP access lounge. Whether you are bringing a tour group or a bridal party looking for the perfect outfits, South Coast Plaza is a must-visit.

Address: 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

For groups seeking culture and sophistication, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is the heartbeat of Orange County’s performing arts scene. This sprawling campus hosts Broadway shows, jazz concerts, classical symphonies, and ballet performances in venues like the Segerstrom Hall and the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. It is a fantastic destination for school music departments, senior citizen outings, or corporate galas. The architecture alone, with its sweeping glass facades and the Connector sculpture by Richard Serra, makes it worth the visit.

Coordinating arrival times for a curtain call can be stressful when everyone is driving separately. A late arrival means you might be held in the lobby until intermission. With a private minibus or charter bus rental from Charter Bus Costa Mesa, you ensure that your entire party arrives with plenty of time to find their seats. We can arrange for a drop-off right on Town Center Drive. After the show, your driver will be waiting to take you to a post-show dinner at a nearby restaurant like Vaca or The Capital Grille, turning a simple night out into a seamless, high-end experience.

Address: 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

OC Fair & Event Center

The OC Fair & Event Center is perhaps the busiest location in the city, hosting over 150 events annually, including the famous Orange County Fair every summer. During the fair, millions of visitors descend upon Costa Mesa to enjoy carnival rides, fried food, livestock exhibits, and concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre. Throughout the rest of the year, the fairgrounds host the Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall (a veteran's museum), and various expos ranging from gun shows to night markets. Traffic around the 55 Freeway and Fairview Road during these events is notorious.

Renting a charter bus to the OC Fair & Event Center is the smartest move for large groups. Instead of paying individual parking fees for every car—which can add up quickly—and walking nearly a mile from the outer lots, your charter bus can utilize the designated drop-off zones for large vehicles. This is particularly helpful for school field trips visiting Centennial Farm or youth groups attending the fair. Your group can stay air-conditioned and comfortable on the bus while traffic crawls outside, hopping out right at the gate ready for fun.

Address: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

The LAB Anti-Mall

For a completely different vibe from South Coast Plaza, take your group to The LAB Anti-Mall. “LAB” stands for “Little American Business,” and this indoor-outdoor retail campus focuses on youth culture, art, and unique local boutiques rather than big-box chains. It features art installations, a "CD tunnel" entrance, and plenty of Instagram-worthy backdrops. It is a favorite destination for college groups, creative agencies on team outings, or anyone looking to explore the hipster side of Orange County. Across the street is The CAMP, an eco-friendly retail campus focusing on health and wellness.

Parking at The LAB is notoriously tight and compact, often leading to frustration for drivers trying to find a spot. A sprinter van or minibus rental is the perfect solution for navigating this trendy area. Your driver can drop your group off on Bristol Street, allowing you to explore the vintage shops, grab a coffee at Nook, or enjoy vegan cuisine at Seabirds Kitchen without the stress of vehicle logistics. It is the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon hang-out with friends or colleagues.

Address: 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

California Scenario (The Noguchi Garden)

Hidden in plain sight within a corporate business park, California Scenario—commonly known as The Noguchi Garden—is one of the country's premier outdoor sculpture gardens. Designed by world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this 1.6-acre public space represents different geographical characteristics of California, including the forest, the desert, and the river. It is a serene, contemplative space featuring the iconic “Spirit of the Lima Bean” sculpture, honoring the Segerstrom family’s agricultural roots. This is an excellent stop for art students, photography clubs, or architecture enthusiasts.

Because this garden is located within a working office complex, large group arrivals need to be handled with discretion and precision. A charter bus rental allows your group to visit this hidden gem without crowding the employee parking structures. Your driver can drop you near the entrance and idle nearby while you take a walking tour of this magnificent, minimalist landscape. It serves as a perfect, quiet interlude during a busy day of sightseeing in Costa Mesa.

Address: 611 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

TeWinkle Park

If you are organizing a company picnic, a family reunion, or an elementary school field trip, TeWinkle Park is the crown jewel of Costa Mesa’s park system. Spanning 49 acres, the park features a beautiful lake with a waterfall, athletic fields, tennis courts, and the famous “Angels Playground,” an accessible play area designed for children of all abilities. It is located directly across from the OC Fairgrounds and offers a lush, green escape from the urban environment.

Transporting picnic supplies, sports equipment, and a large group of energetic kids is made infinitely easier with a charter bus. You can utilize the undercarriage storage of a 56-passenger motorcoach to haul coolers, folding chairs, and outdoor games. Charter Bus Costa Mesa can arrange for a bus to stay on-site, giving your group a cool place to rest if the California sun gets too intense, or simply to serve as a central meeting point before heading home. It transforms a chaotic day at the park into a streamlined, enjoyable event.

Address: 970 Arlington Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

SoCO and The OC Mix

For foodies and design lovers, the South Coast Collection (SoCO) and The OC Mix offer a curated shopping and dining experience that is distinct from the traditional mall. This design center features over 70 showrooms for interior design, alongside a food hall (The OC Mix) that boasts award-winning eateries, coffee bars like Portola Coffee Roasters, and specialty cheese shops. It is also home to a popular Saturday Farmers' Market. This destination is perfect for interior design firms, culinary student tours, or wedding parties looking for unique decor inspiration.

Navigating the parking lot on a busy weekend, especially during the Farmers' Market, can be challenging. By booking a minibus rental with Charter Bus Costa Mesa, your group can bypass the congestion. We can drop you off right at the entrance to The OC Mix, allowing you to sample artisan foods and browse showrooms at your leisure. If your group purchases large items or cases of wine, having a charter bus with ample storage space means you won’t have to cram purchases into the trunks of multiple rideshare vehicles.

Address: 3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Talbert Regional Park

For nature enthusiasts and scout troops, Talbert Regional Park offers a slice of wilderness right on the edge of the city. Located near the Santa Ana River, this park consists of nearly 180 acres of rugged trails and diverse habitats. It is divided into zones that facilitate hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. It acts as a gateway to the Santa Ana River Trail, which leads all the way to the ocean. It is an ideal spot for biology field trips or hiking clubs looking to explore the local flora and fauna.

Accessing the trailheads with a large convoy of cars can be difficult due to limited parking in specific zones. A charter bus rental solves this instantly. Your driver can drop your group at the North or South entrance and pick you up at a different location if you plan on doing a point-to-point hike. After a long day on the trails, there is nothing better than climbing into a climate-controlled bus with reclining seats to rest your legs on the ride back home.

Address: 1298 Victoria St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Phone: 657-669-1450

Book Your Costa Mesa Group Trip Today

Charter Bus Costa Mesa is ready to help you explore the City of the Arts in comfort and style. Whether you are shopping at South Coast Plaza, catching a show at Segerstrom, or exploring the hidden corners of the LAB Anti-Mall, we have the perfect vehicle for your group. Our reservation agents are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Don’t let traffic on the 405 or parking woes ruin your event. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.

You can reach us by calling 657-669-1450. Call us today to secure your bus rental and make your next Costa Mesa adventure unforgettable!