Area Code 949 Location

Area code 949 serves Costa Mesa, California, in the heart of Orange County along the Southern California coast. It reaches a wide swath of South OC, connecting beach towns, master‑planned communities, and major shopping and arts hubs. In Costa Mesa, 949 phone numbers are common for South Coast Plaza, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the OC Fair & Event Center. The region sits in the Pacific Time Zone and anchors a busy mix of business, culture, and coastal living.

Major cities and landmarks covered by 949 include:

• Costa Mesa — South Coast Plaza, Segerstrom Center, OC Fair & Event Center
• Newport Beach — Fashion Island, Balboa Peninsula, Crystal Cove State Park
• Irvine (parts) — University of California, Irvine (UCI)
• Laguna Beach — art festivals and coastal galleries
• Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods
• Dana Point — Dana Point Harbor
• San Juan Capistrano — Mission San Juan Capistrano
• San Clemente — San Clemente Pier and coastal neighborhoods
• Mission Viejo, Lake Forest (parts), Rancho Santa Margarita

Area code 949 was established in 1998 after a split from 714 to meet growing demand for phone numbers in South Orange County. Today it covers a continuous stretch of the OC coast from Newport Beach to San Clemente and the inland communities just east of the coast. Businesses, schools, and residents across these cities rely on 949 phone numbers for local and regional connections. Many mobile, VoIP, and business lines use 949, so seeing a 949 prefix often points to a South OC origin.

Costa Mesa’s central spot near the 55, 405, and 73 freeways makes 949 a convenient base for work, shopping, and beach access. The code ties together popular destinations—from UCI and arts venues to surf spots and historic sites—within a single South County network. It’s a recognizable marker of Orange County life, blending coastal recreation with a strong business and education scene.

Established: 1998 (North American Numbering Plan Administrator)