Best Places to Trick or Treat in Costa Mesa!

If you're looking for the best places to trick or treat in Costa Mesa this Halloween, you're in luck. Costa Mesa has some incredible neighborhoods where residents go all out with Halloween decorations, creative displays, plenty of candy and streets full of families.

Having grown up in Costa Mesa, Halloween has always been one of my favorite times of year. It's also one of those holidays that really highlights what makes our neighborhoods special. From elaborate haunted houses in Mesa Verde to neighborhood traditions in Mesa Del Mar, there are plenty of places to experience Halloween in Costa Mesa.

Here are some of my favorite Costa Mesa neighborhoods and streets for trick-or-treating in 2026.

1. Mesa Verde Inner Loop – Maui, Samar & Baker

If you're looking for some of the best Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating in Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde's Inner Loop is a great place to start.

Streets like Samar Drive, Maui Place and Baker Street have long been popular with local families during Halloween. You'll find decorated front yards, spooky displays, neighbors handing out candy and plenty of kids making their way from house to house.

Some homes go all out with elaborate themes, while others stick to classic pumpkins, cobwebs and skeletons.

The Inner Loop can get especially busy on Halloween night, so expect crowds and lots of activity.

Best for: Families looking for a lively Halloween atmosphere, decorated houses and a classic neighborhood trick-or-treating experience.

2. Mesa Verde State Streets – Family-Friendly Halloween Fun

The State Streets in Mesa Verde are another one of my favorite areas for Halloween in Costa Mesa.

The State Streets offer a fun trick-or-treating experience without necessarily having the same crowds as the Inner Loop.

Many residents decorate their homes, and you'll typically see families walking around together, neighbors sitting outside handing out candy and plenty of younger trick-or-treaters.

This is a great option for families with little ones who want to enjoy the decorations and Halloween excitement without some of the more intense haunted-house displays.

Best for: Younger kids, families and anyone looking for a more relaxed trick-or-treating experience.

3. Mesa Del Mar – One of Costa Mesa's Favorite Halloween Neighborhoods

If you've spent Halloween in Mesa Del Mar, you know this neighborhood loves a reason to celebrate.

Located near TeWinkle Park, Mesa Del Mar is known for its community traditions, neighborhood parades, block parties and holiday celebrations.

Halloween is no exception.

Residents decorate their front yards, families head out together and the streets can fill with trick-or-treaters. It's not unusual to see neighbors gathered outside, kids in costumes and homes stocked with plenty of candy.

One of the things I love most about Mesa Del Mar is that Halloween feels like a neighborhood-wide event rather than just another night of trick-or-treating.

Best for: Families, groups of friends and anyone looking for a strong neighborhood community atmosphere.

4. Freedom Track Homes – A Westside Costa Mesa Halloween Favorite

Over on the Westside, the Freedom Track Homes are another great option for Halloween.

This neighborhood is known for its wide, tree-lined streets, longtime residents and community traditions, including its neighborhood Halloween parade.

You'll find decorated homes, families out walking and plenty of neighborhood spirit.

The Freedom Track has that classic Costa Mesa feel where neighbors know one another and local traditions continue year after year.

It's a great neighborhood to explore if you're looking for a festive Halloween experience on the Westside.

Best for: Families looking for a walkable neighborhood, community traditions and a fun Halloween atmosphere.

5. Eastside Costa Mesa – East 18th Street, Broadway & More

Eastside Costa Mesa is another area worth exploring for Halloween, especially if you love seeing creative decorations.

Streets like East 18th Street and Broadway have been local favorites for decorated homes, with some residents creating impressive Halloween displays featuring skeletons, lighting and themed front yards.

For families looking for a slightly quieter experience, residential streets around Flower and Magnolia can also be worth exploring.

One of the things that makes Eastside Costa Mesa fun is the variety of homes. You'll find charming original cottages, remodeled homes and custom properties, all with different approaches to decorating for Halloween.

Participation varies from block to block, but some pockets can be especially festive.

Best for: Halloween decoration enthusiasts, families who enjoy exploring different streets and anyone looking for creative displays.

Costa Mesa Halloween House Decorating Contest 2026

One of the best parts of Halloween in Costa Mesa is seeing how much effort residents put into decorating their homes.

Each year, Torelli Realty hosts the Costa Mesa Halloween House Decorating Contest, highlighting some of the most creative, spooky and festive homes throughout the city.

From elaborate haunted houses to creative family-friendly displays, it's a fun way to discover new streets and neighborhoods throughout Costa Mesa.

The 2026 winners will be selected October 26, giving residents time to enjoy the displays leading up to Halloween.

If you love driving around to look at decorated Halloween houses, keep an eye out for the contest winners and featured homes for more local inspiration.

Tips for Trick-or-Treating in Costa Mesa

Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026, so popular Costa Mesa neighborhoods may be especially lively this year.

A few helpful tips before heading out:

• Start early with younger kids. Around 5:30–6:00 PM can be a good starting point, depending on the neighborhood and when residents begin handing out candy.

• Park thoughtfully. Popular streets in Mesa Verde and Eastside Costa Mesa can get crowded.

• Bring a flashlight. Even familiar neighborhoods can have uneven sidewalks, driveways and dark areas.

• Be respectful of residents. Stick to walkways, watch for decorations and only approach homes that appear to be participating.

• Explore a few blocks. Sometimes the best decorations are on smaller side streets rather than the busiest roads.

What Makes Halloween in Costa Mesa So Special?

What I love about Halloween in Costa Mesa isn't necessarily which neighborhood has the most candy or the biggest decorations. It's seeing the community come together.

It's neighbors decorating their homes, parents walking the same streets they grew up on and families creating traditions of their own.

Whether it's the Inner Loop in Mesa Verde, the family-friendly State Streets, the community traditions in Mesa Del Mar or the festive streets of Eastside Costa Mesa, each neighborhood has something different to offer.

As a lifelong Costa Mesa resident and local Realtor with Torelli Realty, these neighborhood traditions are a big part of why I love living and working here.

If you're considering buying or selling a home in Costa Mesa, I'm always happy to share more about the different neighborhoods, local market and what makes each area unique.

Happy Halloween, Costa Mesa!

Kendra Fisher | Torelli Realty | Costa Mesa Realtor