Picture Costa Mesa as a treasure chest tucked between surf and city. Once you open it, you’ll have your pick of gleaming gems: secret menus, late-night haunts that locals guard like dubloons, and artisan workshops. This spring, we’re inviting you to follow the clues in Costa Mesa to uncover sunlit patios, tucked-away cafes, and one-of-a-kind goods. Consider this guide a map to your next overnight escape.
Never been to Costa Mesa? It’s not a hunt to find us; just follow your compass (or GPS) to Orange County. Costa Mesa is minutes from the beach, and it’s easy to get to hotspots like Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. Here’s another local secret: if you’re coming by plane, make sure you’re landing at John Wayne Airport (SNA) to beat traffic and long lines.
The Crew’s Picks
The crew at Travel Costa Mesa has a lot of experience hunting down the city’s best treats and activities. This is stuff of local legend, so listen closely.
For some of the best Vietnamese food you’ll have in your life, hit up Eastborough Market. It’s tucked into the back and draped with greenery, which means it’s easy to overlook, but if you’re in the know, it’s one of the best food spots in The Camp. Stop in and get the Pho Baugette with a side of Bahn Mi pickles and Jasmine Lime Iced Tea.
Saltwater Leather Co. is a family-run, small-batch atelier producing vegetable-tanned leather goods. That’s a fancy way of saying they make some of the coolest bags, shoes, and accessories you can imagine. The family brought the craft secrets of leatherwork from Capri back to Costa Mesa. If you want your heirlooms handmade and not manufactured, this is the place to go. And don’t miss out on their one-of-a-kind, one-off offerings for something uniquely your own.
Tin Lizzie Saloon has the distinction of being the oldest tavern in the area. Well, actually, it’s the longest-standing LGBTQ+ bar in Orange County, which means it’s living history. Tin Lizzie takes you out of time to a lush, red-soaked space with embossed velvet walls. You can get a taste of queer history and an excellent cocktail—we rec trying the indulgent, coffee-flavored Black Magic.
The Secret Sip Spots
Love coffee, but a little tired of samey Starbucks or the tweeness of many local coffee places? Yeah, us too. Great news: the vibe, and the coffee, at Gremlin Garage is unlike anywhere else. You get the extra fun of following the java scent through workshops and garages to find the unique, woman-owned space. Try a signature drink like the famous Burnt Honey Latte or the self-titled The Gremlin, but remember to snoop around the space to find the secret menu (or ask the staff for pointers). It’s got some seasonal tastes and some wild drinks, like the Mango Sticky Rice Matcha. Yum.
If, like us, you’re one of the many who’ve fallen for the creative macha craze, we recommend hitting up Daydrift Coffee. It’s an artsy little corner with delicious flavors like Strawberry Yuzu Matcha, Banana Pudding Matcha, and our favorite, the Mugwort Matcha. You can also try some viral treats, like the Dubai Chewy Cookie.
Compass Points for Wave Riders
One of the joys of Costa Mesa is how close to the surf it is. We’re minutes away from some of the best beaches in California, like Newport Beach and Pirate’s Cove Beach. That means we’ve got a bunch of surfers, and Costa Mesa Surf Club celebrates the community with apparel and gear. Board craftsman Tanner Prairie teamed up with surf industry maven Rick Lohr to bring the history and the artistry to SoCal boarders and surfies. Nab a hat and blend in with the locals.
Whether you’re a surfing novice or a real ripper, Costa Mesa has everything you need to catch some waves. From stock surfboards to custom, handpainted creations, and even gear (and sunscreen), Pure Glass has your back.
The Crown Jewel of Car Culture
If you’re deep into fashion subcultures, you can’t miss Period Correct. Count Tyler, The Creator among the fans of the brand, which celebrates motorsports and car culture with luxe craftsmanship and exclusive fabrics. Try to find somewhere cooler, we dare you.
Drop Anchor for a Cold One
After a long day of following map clues to shopping and dining, the best way to recoup is to stop by Salty Bear Brewing. Get yourself a cold glass of craft California beer and slake a day’s worth of thirst with a menu of classics like the Bear Moon White Ale and even some fun twists like Aloha Guava Kolsch. Some of our best Friday nights have been at Salty Bear, and we’re delighted to invite you to experience it.
Costa Mesa is full of treasures, from handmade crafts to secret sips and ales fit for salty dogs. For a true local’s experience, you should take it easy and explore the map at your own pace—which is why Costa Mesa is a perfect overnight escape. Whether you’re a lone explorer or bringing the whole crew, there’s a Costa Mesa hotel for every treasure hunter and for every budget. So check your compass, hoist your sails, and get ready for an adventure.
