Travel Costa Mesa Blog
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
2026 Lunar New Year: Embrace the Year of the Horse in Costa Mesa
Lunar New Year arrives on February 17th, 2026, and Costa Mesa is one of the best places to spend it. From festive dining to unique experiences, the city is brimming with ways to join in the festivities and welcome in the Year of the Horse.
About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays in China, and it is also widely celebrated by other cultures. It is a 15-day celebration marked by many traditions in the home, auspicious wishes, shopping, and spending time with family. The 15th and final day of the holiday is observed as the Lantern Festival, marking the end of the celebration.
Lunar New Year is part of a larger cycle, moving through the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, bringing us out of the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Horse. The symbolism of the snake represents a complex interplay of elements. Its meaning can range from luck and authority to craftiness and mysteriousness.
In 2026, Costa Mesa will feature numerous celebrations and special events throughout the festival, providing cultural experiences that will entertain, educate, and allow you to explore with family and friends. But it doesn’t end there—many places will have ongoing opportunities to celebrate throughout the month, from celebratory menus to unique shopping experiences.
The Lunar New Year Experience at South Coast Plaza
February 12 – March 1, 2026
Shop, Dine, and Celebrate
South Coast Plaza eateries will feature festive menu options, special offers, and activities to immerse you in the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year. Expect thematic decor, shopping deals, and events throughout the entire span of the festival. Be sure to visit Jewel Court for a themed installation and atmospheric decorations featuring a mechanically animated horse.
Year of the Horse Style
Horses are galloping into your favorite luxury boutiques, bringing good fortune for the Lunar New Year. From an embroidered horse on a Montblanc briefcase to beaded AllSaints horse sweatshirt , you can embrace the style as detailed or boldly as you like. Other luxury favorites like Moynat are celebrating with playful Labubu bag charms by Kasing Lung.
Window shop all the Lunar New Year merchandise at South Coast Plaza on their website.
Image via South Coast Plaza
Lunar New Year Exclusives
It’s not often that South Coast Plaza offers a sale or promotion, so when they do, we know it’s going to be good. Now might just be the time to splurge on that handbag or watch you’ve been saving up for.
This year, South Coast Plaza is teaming up with LIULI Crystal Art for an exquisite wine glass set, available as a gift with purchase. LIULI Crystal Art’s gallery is located in Bloomingdales, and the company is known for reinvigorating a style of glass art that dates back to the Han Dynasty in China. Purchases of $4,888 are eligible to receive the exclusive tea set. View the details and more information on the exclusive item here.
Lunar New Year Flavors
Every year, we can’t wait to see what are favorites like Paradise Dynasty, AnQi, and Michelin star winner Knife Pleat are cooking up. If our highlights have you feeling hungry, explore all the specials at South Coast Plaza’s dedicated dining page.
Image via Paradise Dynasty
Lunar New Year Banquet at Paradise Dynasty
Paradise Dynasty is celebrating with a special banquet menu featuring chicken broth with wontons, braised lobster with vermicelli, slow-braised pork knuckle, and an exclusive Lunar New Year cocktail by award-winning mixologist Chris Amiam made with D’USSÉ Cognac, yuzu honey, green tea plum, and lemon.
Lunar New Year Cultural Events
Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival
Saturday, February 7th
1:00 – 6:00 PM
Lunar New Year celebrations take over Centennial Park for a family-friendly, free-to-attend event. Celebrate Asian and Vietnamese culture with live dance performances, cultural exhibits, and food vendors. At 5:45 PM, the celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks show.
Pacific Symphony Lunar Year at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 21st
8:00 PM
Experience a celebration of communities coming together with performances of Eastern and Western music and dance at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Watch as hundreds of performers showcase their talents, including virtuoso guzheng player Bei Bei Monter. Other performers of note include:
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Ron Banks, emcee
Cao Kefan, emcee
Xiangdong Kong, piano
Shunxiang Zhang, jinghu
Dennis Kim, violin
Yaya Dance Academy, Yaya Zhang, artistic director
T.O.P. Awards Dancers
OCMD Violin Studio of Wendy Castill
American Feel Young Chorus — Sam Wei-Chi Sun, director
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
O.C. Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, March 7
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
At the tail end of the Lunar New Year celebrations on March 7th is Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Free for the whole family, the event marks the end of the Lunar New Year season. Be dazzled by a lobby transformed with floating lanterns and then dive into the array of events, including music, dance, art making, food, riddles, and more. Admission is free, but remember to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
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Unique Date Ideas for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day
If “just dinner” is your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day plan, let Costa Mesa spice it up this year. We’ve rounded up 14 unique ways to celebrate with your ride-or-dies. Expect all the fun, all the feels, and absolutely no regrets.
And since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, you’ve got all weekend to celebrate and stay in the city! Scroll for all the details.
1. Take a Paint Class at Inspired Art Wine
Photo by Inspired Art Wine
Art and wine is a timeless combo and Inspired Art Wine is taking it up a notch. They offer painting classes (with wine), as well as wine-focused sessions where you can learn about tasting profiles and create custom labels. For Valentine’s Day, they’re hosting a painting class featuring the scene “London Walk,” perfect for the romantic occasion! Seats are limited, so book yours before they’re gone.
2. Make Custom Belts at Saltwater Leather
Get buckled up for a fun, hands-on date at Saltwater Leather where you’ll make your very own custom leather belts. Match your leathers for a “we’re-in-sync” look or mix different colors to show off your unique styles, opposites attract, after all. Choose the perfect buckle, then seal the deal by engraving your names on them! You’ll leave with a custom leather keepsake you can wear (and brag about) all year long.
3. Take Vintage Photo Booth Pictures
You’ve seen it all over TikTok — now is the perfect occasion to try it. It doesn’t get more romantic or nostalgic than stepping into a vintage photo booth at Booth by Bryant. Snap a few pics before heading to dinner or hop in after a couple of drinks for some perfectly unfiltered fun. Sweet, silly, or slightly chaotic, these timeless black and white photo strips capture the kind of moments you’ll want to keep forever.
4. Book a Romantic Overnight Stay
This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday which is the perfect excuse to celebrate all weekend! Check out these hotels offering romantic and luxurious getaway experiences.
Ayres Hotel – Valentine Package:
- Sparkling Wine
- 4 Chocolate-covered Strawberries
- 2 PM Late Check-out
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel – Valentine Package:
- $100 F&B Credit per night
- Breakfast for Two per day
- Complimentary Bottle of Champagne upon arrival
- Complimentary Overnight Self-Parking
- Rose Petals
The Westin South Coast Plaza – Valentine Package:
- Overnight accommodations
- Welcome Amenity with locally sourced chocolates
- Choice of beverage: bottle of champagne, sparkling cider, or wine
- Complimentary breakfast for two (2) at The Great Room
- Complimentary self-parking for one (1) vehicle
- 2pm late check-out (based on availability)
- Overnight accommodations for you and your ladies
- Festive Galentine’s décor to elevate your stay
- Hand‑decorated Galentine’s sugar cookies — a sweet treat to share
- “Espresso Your Friendship” DIY Espresso Martini amenities, perfect for crafting celebratory cocktails together
Whether you’re with your partner or your best friends, spending the night at a Costa Mesa Hotel is the best way to add a little extra love to the occasion.
5. Stay Classy with Dinner and a Show
Photo by @debophotos
Is there anything more iconic than dinner and a show? Kick-off Valentine’s Day with a decadent 4-course prix-fixe meal at Silver Trumpet—think perfectly seasoned steaks and seafood, hand-crafted desserts, and more deliciousness. Then, take a romantic stroll to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for Michael Feinstein’s Valentine with the Carnegie Hall Ensemble performance.
6. Create a Custom Charm Necklace at Balboa Gold
Photo by Balboa Gold
For a keepsake that stands out, head to Balboa Gold inside SOCO & the OC Mix where you and your besties can design your own custom charm necklace or bracelet. Choose from a selection of meaningful charms, initials, and gemstones to match your personal style. Hanging with your boo? Book a permanent jewelry appointment to make it official with a forever bracelet!
7. Enjoy a Special Dinner in Costa Mesa
Photo by Knife Pleat
Knife Pleat: Treat your special someone to a Michelin-starred experience at Knife Pleat with a luxurious French tasting menu, available on February 13 and February 14. If you can’t make dinner, their Valentine’s Day Afternoon tea will be offered on February 14th from 11:30 to 2:00 PM.
Silver Trumpet:Celebrate love effortlessly with a 3-course prix-fixe menu featuring a choice of starters, including roasted candy cane beets, seafood bisque, or French onion tart; elegant entrées such as lobster raviolo, black cod, or Hudson Valley duck breast; and a decadent pink velvet cake to finish.
Sevilla: Enjoy a fun atmosphere of live Latin music and Spanish cuisine at Sevilla. Their special four-course menu features dishes like warm goat cheese dip, lobster paella valenciana, and orange tart with raspberry meringue for dessert.
The Capital Grille: Enjoy an evening designed for effortless romance, featuring Seared Tenderloin with Butter-Poached Lobster Tails.
8. Treat Yourselves at South Coast Plaza
Photo by South Coast Plaza
This Valentine’s Day, shopping at South Coast Plaza is more than just a retail therapy session—it’s a love affair. With luxury brands, boutiques, and delicious eateries, you’ll find the perfect gift (or treat yourself—no judgment here). Don’t forget to grab a complimentary rose and stop by Laderach for artisanal chocolates that’ll make your heart—and taste buds—melt.
9. Be Inspired at OCMA
Orange County Museum of Art is the perfect unexpected spot for a memorable date night. Stroll hand in hand through the galleries, exploring California and international masterpieces. Did we mention admission is free?
10. Learn Some Moves at Café Sevilla
Photo by Café Sevilla
This Valentine’s Day, spice things up with a Salsa & Bachata dance class at Café Sevilla! No reservations required—just bring your dance partner and some comfy shoes for a night of fun. Start with salsa, then move on to bachata, and put your new skills to the test while dancing into the early morning, until 1:00 am. It’s the perfect way to turn your date night into an unforgettable dance party!
11. Axe Your Ex at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Photo by Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Break free from Valentine’s clichés and axe your ex this February 15th at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales! You read that right. Bring a printed or digital picture of your ex and let out your frustrations by throwing some axes. Make sure to enjoy their wide selection of craft beers while you are there.
12. Take a Wheel Throwing Class at ARTime Barro
Photo by ARTime Barro
For a couple that likes a hands-on approach, we recommend taking a wheel-throwing class at ARTime Barro. Learn core techniques for using a pottery wheel alongside your favorite people with lessons for all levels given by lifelong ceramic experts.
13. Unwind at Facial Lounge
Photo by Facial Lounge
The first few months of the year can be a stressful time, so unwinding on Valentine’s Day is as valid as any date. We recommend booking organic vegan facials at Facial Lounge in Costa Mesa, a spa and lounge where even a few hours can feel like days of relaxation.
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Shopping
Costa Mesa’s Best Food, Shopping, and Experiences in 2025
We’re thrilled to share our end-of-year guide to the best Costa Mesa has to offer. From mouthwatering meals to one-of-a-kind shopping and unforgettable experiences, we’re celebrating the highlights from each of Costa Mesa’s diverse neighborhoods.
How did we choose the best? We tapped into staff and community favorites, kept our finger on the pulse of everything new, and thrilled with every viral video. The result is a curated list of what captured the heart and soul of Costa Mesa in 2025.
We couldn’t include every stop we loved, so we recommend you use this to kick off your itinerary and discover—or rediscover—everything that makes Costa Mesa an unexpected favorite. Let’s dive in and celebrate the best of this year!
Eastside Costa Mesa
Eat: Salty Horse
What makes it special: You’ll be ooo-ing over the drink menu, aaa-ing over the food, and somehow end up with a full spread at Salty Horse. The space is a cowboy meets coastal vibe, with a fusion menu pulling flavors from Asian, Mexican, and American cuisines. In a hurry? Grab their classic Cowgirl Matcha to go. Got time to settle in? The pink pitaya pancakes and loaded soyrizo breakfast burrito are perfect for brunch.
Shop: Paseo 17
What makes it special: This Spanish courtyard-style retail space has everything you need to build-your-own perfect day. You can start with coffee at Milligram, then treat your skin to a facial at Freeface. Refresh your wardrobe at Purre Boutique or find a new signature home scent at Slow Goods. Pick up a freshly made bread at Rye Goods and pair it with artisanal jam from Mercado Mesa or finish strong with an Italian dinner at OSPI.
Experience: Snake Yoga
What makes it special: Only in Costa Mesa! What started as a passion project quickly became a viral sensation at LXRYOGA. As seen in People Magazine, this snake yoga experience pairs you with friendly, non-venomous ball pythons for a unique class that’s both calming and exciting. In small-group sessions, yogis first learn how to hold the snakes, then are paired with their own snake for the duration of the class. It’s the perfect way to conquer your fears—or try something totally out of the ordinary.
Westside Costa Mesa
What makes it special: A local favorite in Costa Mesa’s coffee scene, Neat lives up to its name with simple, elegant décor in minty green and cool cream. Their menu is equally neat, dotted with latte essentials, seasonal favorites, and a lime jasmine green tea that you’ll be coming back for. As day turns to night, Neat undergoes its own transformation, becoming Third Place in 2025, a wine bar with cozy, glowing lighting and rich conversation.
Shop: Saltwater Leather Co
What makes it special: Tucked into a creative enclave just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Saltwater Leather Co is named for the water that nips at their heels. A true family affair, primarily run by mother and son, Jaime and Chase Huante. Some may call Jaime a multi-hyphenate, an accomplished chef, and formerly embroidery and crochet teacher at The CAMP, but it’s her leatherworking that shines the brightest. Their Belt Bar and Custom Italian Leather Sandal experiences are hands on, creatively affirming experiences where attendees walk away with luxury goods made by their own two hands. It’s an experience only possible in Costa Mesa, and it’s one that utterly captivated us in 2025.
Experience: Wayfarer
What makes it special: The Wayfarer is Costa Mesa’s live music venue and gastropub, celebrating over ten years of bringing live performance right to the community. Every style of music has a home at The Wayfarer, and everyone is welcome. Drop by and you might discover your next favorite band. We couldn’t help but take notice of the calibre of talent taking the stage this year, and we can’t wait to see what 2026 holds.
Mesa Verde
Eat: Il Girasole
What makes it special: Blue velvet seats, modern art with colorful impasto, bright and tangy passionfruit, silky smooth tiramisu—Il Girasole is a rich delight for the senses, from the decor to the cocktails to the dishes and dessert. Soon to round out a year in Costa Mesa, the concept belongs to Florence-born Chef Antonio Bevacqua. Il Girasole is California-forward Italian food that has a way of lingering even after you’ve left. Find it at SOCO and The OC Mix.
Shop: Thrift & Secondhand Finds
What makes it special: “Thanks, it’s vintage,” is what you’ll be saying after a day spent making your way through Costa Mesa’s upcycling shops. Start out at the brand-new Goodwill of Orange County on Harbor Blvd, where you’re going to need a few hours and a double shot of caffeine to power through. We didn’t know what a treat a brand-new Goodwill is until we had it. The treasures are bountiful, the shop is sparkling clean, and your cart will be overflowing. Follow up with 2nd Street at The CAMP, Buffalo Exchange at The LAB, and Landers Supply House right across the street from Goodwill.
Experience: Costa Mesa Country Club
What makes it special: If a professional golfer—aka Jake Knapp—has teed off here, then it’s definitely a must-do. The Costa Mesa Country Club is a quiet, scenic gem featuring two classic municipal courses, a 30-tee driving range, and pristine practice areas where pros and amateurs alike fine-tune their game. Designed in 1967 by William F. Bell and Ronald Fream, the courses have stood the test of time.
South Coast Metro
Eat: Ramen Row
What makes it special: No Eatcation® is truly complete without a slurp-worthy stop at Costa Mesa’s famous Ramen Row! This noodle nirvana is where locals—and now lucky visitors—find bowls of soul-soothing broth brimming with umami-packed flavor. Don’t miss local favorites like Ramen Nagi, Slurpin’ Ramen Bar, Hakata Ikkousha Ramen, and Kashiwa Ramen. Trust us, one slurp, and you’ll understand why this is the ultimate comfort food row!
Shop: South Coast Plaza
What makes it special: In the shopping Olympics, South Coast Plaza takes gold. It has the highest concentration of luxury brands in the United States, and this year brought several notable firsts:
- First Dior Beauty in North America
- First Manolo Blahnik boutique on the West Coast
- First Delvaux flagship on the West Coast
- First-ever ZARA Man
Honorable mention: Pop Mart. No, it’s not new to South Coast Plaza —but it was our Labubu plug for the year, and honestly, that deserves a recognition.
Experience: Mitsuwa Marketplace
What makes it special: Back from Japan and already missing it? Luckily there’s Mitsuwa Marketplace. This Japanese-style market is packed with hard-to-find snacks, fun stationery, and plenty of aisles worth browsing. Some of our favorite finds include fruit daifuku, cream pan, frozen Kirin beer, and matcha soft serve. Be sure to explore the food court, it’s a quick escape to Japan minus the flight (and jet lag).
Theater and Arts District
Food: Moongoat Greenhouse
What makes it special: In a city rich with independently owned, high-vibe coffee shops, this just might be the best vibes around. Half greenhouse, resplendent with leafy friends from mother-daughter duo DashnGrow, and half goat—that is, Moongoat. Moongoat Coffee is a Costa Mesa-based independent coffee chain, and this marks their second location in Costa Mesa. Just steps away from public sculpture garden, Isamu Noguchi’s California Scenario, stop in for coffee, matcha, or their delicious breakfast biscuits.
Shop: Maum Market at OCMA
What makes it special: Orange County Museum of Art has a dedicated curator in an unexpected location, and that’s their gift shop. While you can still browse the traditional Taschen tomes and greeting cards, it’s primarily dominated by Maum Market, a collective of Asian creators and Asian-founded brands. Shop locally made home goods, gifts, wellness products, and little pieces of luxury before stepping into the main galleries of the museum. Maum Market puts a special focus on handmade, small businesses, all with an elegance and attention to detail that suits a location as stately as OCMA.
Experience: Pacific Symphony
What makes it special: Don’t hit the snooze button: Pacific Symphony has new blood and refreshed energy coming into their 2026-2027 season. 2025 marked Alexander Shelley becoming the Artistic and Music Director Designate of the Symphony, and he took the conductor’s podium with a surge of dedication and enthusiasm that permeated throughout the Symphony’s home at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. In Costa Mesa, the City of the Arts®, Shelley proves that classical music has its place in a city teeming with creativity, style, and counter-culture expression.
SoBeCa District
Eat: Green Cheek Beer Co
What makes it special: Neighborhood-wide, Sobeca spells community—or maybe only after a few drinks at Green Cheek Beer Co. Either way, the brewery, right off the hub of Randolph Street, is expansive in space but intimate in community. Try one of their many options that’s brewed right on sight, from a hard lavender lemonade to their Czech-style pilsner. Come hungry, too, because their food menu has one of the best smashburgers in Orange County, and their Triangle Supreme is a vegan-friendly dead ringer for a similar item from a fast-food favorite that rhymes with Raco Rell…
Shop: General Store by the Pour Kids
What makes it special: General Store by the Pour Kids has a lot of heart, thoughtfully positioned to bring a space into Costa Mesa that didn’t already exist. Part coworking, part coffee shop, part hip, branded merch, part importer of classic Japanese homeware—General Store takes on a lot, and it succeeds. It’s the perfect place to just “stop by and see what they have.” You’ll find unique gifts and new friends. If you see a design you like, be sure to go ahead and get it, as their merch is produced in small batches, and after they run out, it may never come back.
Experience: CANVASWORKER
What makes it special: Tucked into small garages right off Randolph Street is CANVASWORKER, the home of beginner-to-expert level classes on tote and backpack making. Douglas Davidson, industry insider and designer for The Brown Buffalo, leads with clear instructions, patience, and a style all his own that makes you feel instantly engaged. Hear stories about his decades working in the accessories industry, while assembling your project on professional, industrial sewing machines. No previous experience is necessary for his beginner-level tote making class, but Davidson’s steadfast guidance makes you feel capable of creating anything. Walk away with something you’ve created with your own hands, and with a new appreciation for the small details that go into the world we carry around us.
Honorable mention: You’ll find the coolest travel keepsake at Booth By Bryant! These celeb-approved, TikTok viral vintage photo booths snap iconic black-and-white photo strips for just $5. It’s a throwback moment with a modern twist and a timeless way to capture your Costa Mesa memories.
Central Costa Mesa
Eat: Uncle Fluffy
What makes it special: Uncle Fluffy is one of the many delicious ways to experience Japanese culture in Costa Mesa. It’s home to the jiggly golden cheesecake you’ve been seeing all over Instagram and opening only its third California location right here in Costa Mesa—and yes, it’s a big deal. Their original cheesecake is a forever favorite, but the pistachio and lemon flavors will have you coming back. And it’s not just about the cake—pair your fluffy treat with a coffee, fruit smoothie, or a blended drink to complete your experience. Opening soon at Triangle Square.
Shop: Mercado Gonzalez
What makes it special: Mercado González is a one-of-a-kind concept from the multi-generational González family behind 60+ Northgate Markets. This 70,000-square-foot food hall is a love letter to Mexican culture and traditions, bringing everything to life right in front of you—from fresh tortillas, churros, and carnitas to artisan-made shoes, serapes, Talavera, and skincare. Add live mariachi or some cooking classes and you’ve got an all-day destination that celebrates Mexican heritage in the best way possible.
Experience: OC Pride at the OC Fair & Event Center
What makes it special: The OC Fair & Event Center hosts more than 150 events each year, and OC Pride on September 27th easily made the top of the list. This year’s celebration was fun and designed with everyone in mind, bringing the Revolutionary theme to life through the free parade and Zero Proof Sober Space to the return of the Pride Marketplace. Party energy stayed high at the Pride Stage while Pride Family Camp and Teen Pride made youth feel seen and celebrated. Costa Mesa showed up with open arms, reminding attendees that inclusivity here isn’t limited to one month—but is a year-round value.
A Giveaway With All of Our Favorites
We picked our favorites, and we’re giving it away so you can get a taste of the best Costa Mesa has to offer. Visit us at @TravelCostaMesa to enter to win.
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Posted in Events, Food, Locals, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
