Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Clutch Finds in Costa Mesa: Luxury Shopping for the Modern Man
Looking for your next standout piece, elevated essential, or surprising style upgrade? Costa Mesa is where you’ll find it. As the center of Orange County, Costa Mesa is easy to get to by plane or car, good for exploring, and packed with refined shopping experiences you won’t find anywhere else. (We mean it. Keep reading for the very first standalone Zaraman in the whole world.)
The city of Costa Mesa is centrally located in Orange County, just minutes from the coast and a quick, stress‑free ride from John Wayne Airport (SNA). It’s the ideal home base for shoppers who live for convenience and a curated mix of luxury, emerging brands, and accessibility.
Costa Mesa Is Where You’ll Find Your Next Clutch Find
From niche labels to globally famous designers, Costa Mesa has a shopping scene that’s both elevated and personal. Whether you’re hunting for rare apparel, premium accessories, or lifestyle upgrades, you’ll find it here.
For the automotive‑obsessed and design‑driven, Period Correct blends motorsport culture with minimalist streetwear. This atelier is a master of clean silhouettes, limited drops, and gear that feels engineered as much as styled.
Quiet Golf has a modern, understated approach to sport‑inspired apparel. Think elevated basics, muted tones, and pieces that work almost everywhere, from the course to the cafe.
Luxury at South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza is the crown jewel of Costa Mesa shopping. This sprawling shopping destination with over 230 boutiques is home to the world’s top brands, but with an intimate, personal feel. It’s not pretentious, it’s just chill. And yes, it’s indoors and air‑conditioned, which makes it the perfect retreat on warm SoCal days.
Photo by South Coast Plaza
Other South Coast Plaza shops you shouldn’t miss include:
- Dior Beauty Flagship: Exclusive products, personalized consultations, and a boutique experience you won’t find elsewhere
- Zaraman: Sharp, modern menswear with global edge
- Collegium: Premium footwear and apparel, all handmade in Italy, plus the new Café Collegium for a refined mid‑shopping break (Head’s up: Their Coconut Matcha Cloud is perfectly refreshing!)
Refined Dining at South Coast Plaza
Shopping here pairs perfectly with elevated dining. South Coast Plaza has everything from Michelin‑starred cuisine to modern Asian fusion. Costa Mesa’s dining scene adds the perfect finish to your retail adventure.
Photo by South Coast Plaza
Treat yourself to:
- Knife Pleat: Michelin‑starred French cuisine
- Armani/Caffè: Sleek Italian coffee and light bites in a fashion‑forward setting
- AnQi Bistro: Modern Asian fusion with dramatic flair
- Hamamori: Pristine sushi and omakase
Shop, Dine, Then Unwind
After a full day of clutch finds and luxury experiences, there’s nothing more refreshing than checking into a Costa Mesa hotel to relax, recharge, and make the most of your stay. Enjoy top-tier rooms, amenities, and proximity to South Coast Plaza and local boutiques.
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Your Guide to a Swell Time: Summer Fun & Sun in Costa Mesa
Planning a Southern California summer escape? Costa Mesa is the perfect home base—beach‑close, full of outdoor activities, and buzzing with major summer events including the OC Fair and Pacific Amphitheatre shows.
Never been to Costa Mesa? We’re centrally located in Orange County, which means Los Angeles is to our north and San Diego is to our south. We give this tip all the time, but trust us and fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the rush of other, less laid-back airports. SNA is closer, calmer, and minutes away from a city full of attractions.
Have a Swell Time This Summer
Saying we’re beach-adjacent is underselling things. Costa Mesa is surrounded by some of the best beaches in Orange County, each offering a different coastal vibe:
Newport Beach: Classic SoCal surf, harbor cruises, and miles of sandy shoreline
Huntington Beach: “Surf City USA” with a fun pier and beach paths
Corona del Mar: Coves and tide pools straight out of a postcard
Balboa Peninsula: Bikes, body surfing, and the historic Fun Zone
Laguna Beach: Beautiful coves and some of the best swimming in the state
We honestly can’t think of a better day than spending it in the water and soaking up the sun—-then capping it all off with dinner, drinks, and entertainment.
Summer Fun Outdoors and With the Arts
A SoCal summer can’t be reduced to just the beach, especially not in a place like Costa Mesa. The OC Fair returns to Costa Mesa this summer with all the classic fun like over‑the‑top fair food, carnival rides, live music, agricultural exhibits, and family‑friendly entertainment. From July through August, the fairgrounds are thrumming with excitement, especially on nights when Pacific Amphitheatre concerts spill into the fair experience. It’s one of Costa Mesa’s biggest summer traditions and a must‑do for visitors of all ages.
The city also happens to be a haven for music lovers. Check the summer programming at Pacific Amphitheatre, including Sugar Ray in July and Alison Krauss and Union Station in August.
Every summer, Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Argyros Plaza turns into a vibrant outdoor gathering place, offering free and low‑cost events to bring the community together. The plaza is always the place to be during summer: there’s live music and cultural festivals, outdoor movies, dance nights, and family‑friendly activities. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy warm evenings, discover local talent, and experience Costa Mesa’s creative spirit in the open air.
Pacific Symphony’s America 250 programming brings patriotic performances to Costa Mesa as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. This summer’s concerts blend American classics, orchestral favorites, and community‑focused events that celebrate the country’s diverse artistic heritage. With outdoor performances and warm evening breezes, it’s a memorable way to experience live music under the Southern California sky.
Whether you’re all about the ocean or an artist at heart, summer in Costa Mesa has something for everyone. Make it a summer to remember and stay in a Costa Mesa hotel.
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Posted in Misc
Endless Summer Awaits: Soak Up the Sun in Costa Mesa
Get ready to step into sunshine in Costa Mesa. Summer doesn’t wait for the calendar here; it simply arrives—early, and with many gifts—and takes us along for the ride. If your summer daydream is floating in pools under palm trees or making waves in the ocean (or maybe you’re more of a sweat-it-out-on-the-green sort of a person?), the city has so many ways to get a taste of saltwater.
Since we’re perfectly placed between L.A. and San Diego, getting to Costa Mesa is a breeze. Flying in? Choose John Wayne Airport (SNA) and skip the LAX chaos entirely.
West Coasting at its Best
One of the perks of the city is how close you are to the coast, and without all the coastal crowding. You have your pick of beaches just minutes away, like Laguna Beach (think tide pools, coves, and a boardwalk), Newport Beach (think classic piers and perfect golden sand), and Huntington Beach (our fave place for a nighttime bonfire). If you want even more adventure, we recommend whale-watching from Newport Harbor or, if you’re new to water fun, getting some surfing lessons.
Getting to this gem of Orange County, nestled between L.A. and San Diego, is a breeze. If you’re not close enough to drive, here’s a local tip: fly into O.C.’s beloved John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the stress of LAX. You’ll thank us later.
If you’re more of a “floating in the pool with a tropical cocktail” vibe, check out our favorite places to splash outside of the Pacific:
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa: Boutique and lakeside with artsy flair—and a heated pool.
The Westin South Coast Plaza: Resort-style pool. Perfect for cooling off after a pickleball match. Huge with no risk over secondhand splash.
Costa Mesa Marriott: Pool overlooks the lake for double the serene vibes.Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach: Close to everything, and with two heated pools. Let the European vibes temporarily whisk you away.
Play Costa Mesa Style
Pickleball and more: Tanager Park has free outdoor pickleball courts, while the Westin South Coast Plaza has gorgeous new courts for guests, and there are indoor courts if you need to beat the heat at the Downtown Recreation Center.
Photo by @westinsouthcoastplaza
Golf: Enjoy the ocean air on the two lush courses at the Costa Mesa Country Club.
Parks and trails: Fairview Park is among the best places in the city to watch the sunset. If you’re chasing peace with your walk—or your bike ride from the park to the sand, via bike trail or bike lane—try the nature preserve that is Talbert Regional Park. TeWinkle Park is family-friendly with lakes and many, many picnic benches, and Costa Mesa Skate Park has zones for skateboarders and rollerbladers of all levels of skill.
And when the sun goes down, the nights in Costa Mesa glow. Warm patios, speciality cocktails, and a foodie scene that spans everything from laid-back local favorites to refined dining that’s an experience just as much as it’s a meal.
Photo by @ondaafterdark
From pool floats to ocean waves, Costa Mesa invites you to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and say Why not? to a little more fun this season. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a long, lazy summer stay at one of our many lovely hotels, Costa Mesa is the place where endless summer lives.
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Looking for Something Fun to Make or Do? Costa Mesa Has Answers
Looking for the perfect activity to spark your creativity this summer? Want something new, group‑friendly, and a memory that lasts longer than the Instagram Story? Costa Mesa is packed with hands‑on workshops, classes, and experiences that let you make, move, taste, and try new things. Use this Q&A guide to find your next creative adventure.
Never been to Costa Mesa before? We’re centrally located in Orange County, just minutes from the coast and easy to reach. John Wayne Airport (SNA) sits less than 10 minutes away, making it one of Southern California’s most convenient destinations for a quick getaway or weekend adventure.
Your Guide to Creative Side Quests in Costa Mesa
Q: Where can I dive into maker culture or learn a new craft?
A: Urban Workshop is your go‑to, one-stop makerspace for building, crafting, and creating. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at woodworking, blacksmithing, textiles, photography, or even build your own hydroponics system, Urban Workshop has classes, project sessions, and 1:1 mentoring. Memberships are available if you want ongoing access to tools and training.
Q: I’ve never sewn before. Can I still make something cool?
Without a doubt! Try a workshop at Canvas Worker. They offer guided sewing workshops where you’ll learn safety, technique, and how to operate an industrial sewing machine—even if you’ve never touched one before. And at the end, you’ll walk away with a beautifully crafted bag that’s built to last and made with your own hands.
Q: What if I want to try pottery or ceramics?
A: Costa Mesa has multiple studios for people at every skill level.
ARTime Barro: Workshops, an online basics course, and classes for adults, teens, and kids, including Spanish language instruction. Experienced potters can also rent studio time.
Costa Mesa Ceramics: Youth and adult classes plus private bookings for large groups. Perfect for team‑building or a creative night out.
Photo by @inspiredartwine
Q: Is there a fun, artsy activity I can do with friends (and maybe wine)?
A: Yes—book a sip‑and‑paint session at Inspired Art & Wine. Choose from themed workshops like their beloved Bob Ross‑Inspired Oil Workshop (happy little trees included), or try wine bottle and glass painting. They also offer private events and mobile painting sessions.
Q: What’s the most unique hands‑on experience in Costa Mesa?
A: Snake Yoga at LXRYOGA. For real. This private yoga session (for up to four guests) incorporates calm, slithering snake companions to help you ground and relax. Even nervous first‑timers often end up bonding with their assigned snake. (Yes, it happened to us. We’ve brought several people into the snake yoga fold!) The local couple behind LXRYOGA use their own pet snakes and offer limited sessions per month, so you can be comfortable knowing both you and the snakes are in for a positive experience.
Q: Are there any hands‑on outdoor or farm experiences?
A: Visit Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center. This three‑acre working farm offers tours, gardening classes, and year‑round workshops. It’s free, family-friendly, and unexpectedly one of our favorite places to grab an aesthetic grid photo. Check the OC Fair & Event Center calendar for farmers markets, expos, and seasonal events where you can dig your hands into real soil.
Photo by @surlatable
Q: Where can I level up my cooking or cocktail‑making skills?
A: Costa Mesa has classes for both foodies and aspiring mixologists.
Sur La Table: Learn everything from French pastries to pasta‑making to date‑night dinners. Warning: you may want to buy half the store afterward.
Mercado Gonzalez: Coming soon, this incredible Mexican market will offer cooking classes for folks looking to delve deeper into authentic Mexican cuisine.
Photo by @sevillanightcluboc
Q: I want something active. Any dance classes?
A: Head to Sevilla for salsa and bachata nights. Every Wednesday, OC Salsa hosts beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes at Sevilla Nightclub. No partner is required. It’s such a great way to work up a sweat, and you’ll learn some new moves to take with you.
If you’re more into boots‑and‑boogie, head to Westwood Coast for weekly line‑dancing nights.Tuesdays are Family Country night, starting at 6:30 p.m. and open to ages 10+ with a parent/guardian. Thursdays are 21+ starting at nine and ending at midnight. All experience levels are welcome, and instructors are on hand to help beginners dive right in.
Q: Where should I stay after a full day of hands‑on fun?
A: Costa Mesa’s hotels are ready to help you recharge. After a day of pottery, painting, yoga, or cooking, unwind at one of Costa Mesa’s welcoming hotels—perfect for turning your creative day trip into a relaxing getaway.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
From pottery wheels to paintbrushes, sewing machines to snakes (yes, snakes!), Costa Mesa is the place to learn new skills, try something unexpected, and make memories you’ll talk about all year.
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Posted in Events, Music & Art, Play, Travel
Spring Into a Costa Mesa State of Mind: Longer Days, Brighter Ways
Spring is here, which means longer days, extra sunshine, and finally saying goodbye to those too-early sunsets. This is the best time to soak up every last golden hour, and there’s no better place to do it than Costa Mesa. Picture this: coastal California vibes, epic dining scenes, endless sunshine, unparalleled shopping, and hands-on experiences all in one place with hotel options that won’t break your bank.
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Posted in Misc
