Besteas for Life: A 48-Hour Friend Trip in Costa Mesa

Day 1: Caffeine, Cute Shops, and a Night Out

Kick off the trip at Daydrift Coffee, located in one of the best spaces in the city, The CAMP. Getting your morning fuel on here is honestly a delight; you can stroll the CAMP grounds (see what we did there?) and sip fun matcha creations in the spirit of besteahood.Now that you’re fueled, head to South Coast Plaza for the best luxury shopping on the West Coast. Whether you’re just browsing or balling out, there’s hundreds of boutiques, global brands, and neat spots to explore. (We recommend a stop into POP MART to grab some matching blind boxes.)

Next stop is Salty Horse to make sure you’re hydrated and fed after all that shopping. This new addition to the Costa Mesa dining scene has excellent breakfast and lunch fare, along with a tasty variety of coffee and tea options. We can never choose between Pitaya Pancakes and their Mesa Nachos. Salty or sweet? But if you’re bringing your bestie, you can order both and share.

After all the luxe of South Coast Plaza, it’s time for something with a totally different vibe: treasure hunting. Landers Supply House is a family-owned Costa Mesa institution that recently relocated to The LAB. Don’t worry, you can still find their curated vintage Western goods, while 2nd Street (just across the street!) is perfect for scoring pre‑loved fashion gems. Matching jackets? Statement accessories? A random but perfect find? Yes to all of it.

For dinner, after all that shopping, it’s time to go hard and delicious at Folks Pizzeria. The red and white pizza flavors are Costa Mesa mainstays, and there’s veg options for those so inclined.

After the pizza has settled and the sun has gone down, it’s time to head to Cowboys & Poodles for cocktails, disco balls, and a whole lot of personality. This hidden spot is playful, colorful, and built for a night out with your favorites. We can’t think of a better way to end the day than sipping cocktails with friends in a speakeasy.

Day 2: Theme Park Thrills and Beachy Chills

We went hard on food and drink in day one, but day two is all about Orange County big-time mainstays: the mouse and the beach.

Head over to Disneyland, a quick trip from Costa Mesa, bright and early—or whenever you manage to crawl out of your comfy bed (we don’t judge!). Don’t forget the sunscreen. Hit up your favorite rides, get matching mouse ears, make memories, and split a churro; it’s all magical here.

Save some light in the day for a gorgeous beach experience at one of the beaches nearby Costa Mesa. Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Corona del Mar are all minutes away, each with its own vibe. Whether you’re tanning, strolling, or dipping your toes in the water, it’s the perfect way to reset before dinner.

Make It a Besties Staycation

To make the most of your 48 hours, stay overnight in a Costa Mesa hotel. You’ll be close to everything, including coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and the beach, with comfy rooms and amenities that make the whole trip feel elevated without putting a strain on your wallet. No rushing, no long drives. Just quality time.