Costa Mesa provides a somewhat walkable environment, with certain areas being more accessible on foot than others. The East Side, for example, offers convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other amenities. While the city has made efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure, such as adding lighting and enhancing safety, some areas may still require a car for errands due to distance or limited connectivity. The mild Southern California weather generally makes walking pleasant, but the spread-out nature of the city can make walking less practical for longer trips.

Biking in Costa Mesa is supported by a network of bike lanes and paths, making it a practical way to get around for shorter distances. The city’s infrastructure includes designated bike routes that connect various areas, though some routes may intersect with busy streets, requiring caution. The relatively flat terrain makes cycling manageable, and the mild weather generally provides comfortable conditions for biking. However, the ease of access to specific destinations may vary depending on the route and proximity.

Javni prijevoz u Costa Mesi prvenstveno se pruža autobusnim uslugama kojima upravlja regionalno tijelo za prijevoz. Ti autobusi povezuju Costa Mesu s obližnjim gradovima i ključnim odredištima, što omogućuje navigaciju područjem bez automobila. Međutim, izgled grada i infrastruktura mogu zahtijevati određeno planiranje jer odredištima možda nisu uvijek izravno dostupni samo jednom rutom. Pješačenje do i od autobusnih stajališta uobičajeno je, a blago vrijeme općenito tome ide u prilog. Javni prijevoz može biti praktičan izbor za one koji dobro znaju rasporede i transfere, ali možda nije uvijek najbrža opcija za kretanje.