Where creativity meets coast.

Just 35 miles south of Los Angeles, Costa Mesa was incorporated in 1953, back when it was a semi-rural farming community of just over 16,000 people. Today? It’s a buzzing city of over 113,000, known for its arts scene, shopping destinations, and an unbeatable dining game.

But the roots run deeper. The name “Costa Mesa” (Spanish for “coastal tableland”) was chosen back in 1920 by locals who wanted something that truly captured the feel of the area. Before that, it was called Harper—often confused with the nearby town of Haperlville—and residents held a naming contest to settle the issue once and for all. A local teacher named Alice Plumer suggested “Costa Mesa” and won $25 and the honor of helping name what would become one of Orange County’s most distinctive cities.

South Coast Plaza isn’t just shopping—it’s one of the world’s top luxury destinations. With over 230 boutiques under one roof, it rivals fashion icons like Fifth Avenue and Bond Street. From Prada to Cartier, Chanel to Hermès, this is where fashion houses plant their flagships, and where design, dining, and culture come together in one seriously elevated experience. Add in free parking, easy access, and plenty of space to browse, and you’ve got shopping that feels like a sport. A very fashionable one.