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Planning a trip feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded these days. Travel is meant to be restorative, but in an uncertain world where prices are perpetually going up and every airline has its own arcane baggage-check rules, the result can be more headaches than healing.

Our solution? Hit the road. Get in your car and go. Ditch the airport lines and overpriced terminal snacks, pack your favorite treats, make a killer playlist, and let the highway set the pace. At the end of your journey, you’ll find Costa Mesa, just off the 405 and brimming with SoCal charm.

Costa Mesa checks every box for a roadtrip home base: ocean waves are minutes away, Disney and Legoland are just a short drive, and LA and San Diego are on its flanks. It’s Orange County distilled—and it welcomes anyone ready to roam.

Rest Easy: Hotels Minutes from the Freeway

No detours are required. Once you arrive, choose from our hotels that are just minutes—or seconds—from the freeway:

• The Westin South Coast Plaza
• Hilton Costa Mesa
• Costa Mesa Marriott
• Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa
• Crowne Plaza

Or you could stay closer to the beach at:

• Hampton by Hilton Costa Mesa
• Best Western Plus
• Ramada
• OC Hotel
• Residence Inn by Marriott 

Whatever your preference, after you check in, get ready for walkable streets, a thriving dining scene, world-class art, and the largest open-air shopping center in the country. Ready to make a reservation? Book your hotel now to lock in convenience.

Your Journey Starts Here

We’re here to help you discover your route to relaxation with some tips for folks coming from all corners.

Los Angeles: Palm Springs is so last season. Joshua Tree? Been there, done that. Costa Mesa’s a better trip: it gives major Echo Park-meets-Silverlake vibes, and a bonus cool breeze rolls in from the ocean and off the mesa. And as an extra special treat, there’s parking! The trip’s short, just around forty miles—enough to feel like an escape, which you definitely need.

Inland Empire: Beat the heat and chase the waves. Most importantly, cool the heck off. Costa Mesa has major beach proximity without the super-inflated price tag common to Orange County (which means more budget for tacos). We love the Santa Ana River, but nothing beats the Pacific in all her glory.
San Diego: We love San Diego for many, many reasons, but retail therapy isn’t one of them. Put the boutiques in your rearview and experience the 250+ stores of South Coast Plaza. Stop by and have a toast at Michelin-starred Knife Pleat and then grab some churros at Mercado Gonzalez. You’ll be far enough from home to feel like an explorer, but still within a tank of gas to get there and back.

Las Vegas: Okay, we told the inland folks to come and enjoy the weather and the ocean breeze, but we really mean it if you’re in Vegas. Costa Mesa is a taste of SoCal without the overwhelm of LA. You won’t bake in 115-degree heat, and you can take a walk around without bumping into five thousand tourists. (And if driving through the desert doesn’t sound like much fun, there’s direct flights between John Wayne Airport [SNA] and Vegas that are super underrated.)

No Itinerary Needed—Just Arrive

Costa Mesa doesn’t demand a multi-page itinerary. All you need to do is get here. What happens after that is the good part. If you want to walk from one adventure to the next, sip cocktails under palm trees, or have access to some of the best shopping and dining to be found on the West Coast, just fuel up and point your tires at Costa Mesa. The city is ready for you.

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When shop happens, it happens for a reason. You catch something glittering in a window—and you know you need it. Maybe you’ve been hunting for the perfect modern-but-classic Aviator shades to splurge on. Maybe you’re chasing that main-character sparkle. Or maybe you’ve been deep in the algorithm trying to find a dupe for Taylor’s engagement ring. Whatever’s calling your name, Costa Mesa is where shopping dreams come true.

Luxury or low-key, “shop till you drop” is a lifestyle in Costa Mesa. Luxe boutiques are right next to quirky local markets, both offering one-of-a-kind finds. This isn’t a strip-mall crawl; it’s high-end hanging out with high-fun, and the city has options to fit every style (and every wallet).

The Heart of OC Style

Tucked in the middle of Orange County, Costa Mesa is laid-back California meets world-class style. If you’re flying in, try John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is only minutes away. If you’re driving, it’s an easy day trip from both Los Angeles and San Diego, surrounded by the 405, 55, and 73 freeways. Costa Mesa is effortlessly central—close to the coast, close to the action, and very close to your next great find.

For many visitors, that first stop—aka the moment they realize Costa Mesa’s retail scene is on another level—is South Coast Plaza. The plaza is a landmark destination as the largest luxury retail spot on the West Coast, and it doesn’t play around. It boasts the only Alexander Wang store on the West Coast, and cult-favorites like Maison Margiela and Jacques Marie Mage. There’s more than 270 boutiques, from Chanel, to Hermès, Bvlgari, and Gucci. It’s a full-on curated luxury experience, and we know from experience how fun it is to just walk around and window shop. Or to buy Khaite’s Nevada boots.

Anti-Mall, Pro-Style

It doesn’t have to be all designer names and splurges, though. Just down the street, but feeling like it’s another world, is the LAB Anti-Mall, a refreshing twist on retail sameness. “LAB” stands for “Little American Businesses,” which gives a hint for what to expect: independent retailers with unique finds. A huge part of the fun of the LAB is getting to explore a cool, industrial space with art installations and photo-worthy corners at every turn. But the shopping is number one: Browse vintage pieces at Buffalo Exchange, grab something fresh and plant-based at Seabirds Kitchen, or hunt for sustainable fashion (and zero-waste refills) at Eco Now.

The vibe stays eco-conscious right across from the LAB. Since opening in 2002, The CAMP has been one of Southern California’s top eco-friendly spots. It blends style with sustainability, with redwood walkways, garden patios, and unique shopping. Stop by 2nd Street USA for premium secondhand goods, and don’t forget to hit up Ahba for vibes on a cute pink patio and the best cheeseburger south of Los Angeles.

The CAMP and the LAB are Costa Mesa’s “anti-mall corridor,” where creativity, community, and self-expression come together. Keep your eye out for the weekend, when pop-up markets or local maker fairs tend to appear in the space.

When Shop Happens, Stay for More

From designer to indie, Costa Mesa is a place where “shop happens” in a multitude of ways. If you want a timeless bag from a designer brand, or if you want a handmade candle from a local artisan, we’ve got it—and everything in between. You’ll leave with something you love and probably a few things you didn’t plan to buy.The fun doesn’t have to end when the shops close. Make it a shopping weekend and stay at one of Costa Mesa’s chic hotels—mere steps from shopping, dining, and world-class entertainment—and wake up with time to do it all over again.

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If you’re a fan and have been around fan communities and events, you know that some places just get you: you arrive and know you’re instantly among your people. Costa Mesa is one of those rare destinations where you’re able to shop, eat, and openly celebrate what you love. Whether you’re a diehard Disney fan, a cosplayer working on your next look, a hardcore gamer, or just mad about merch (we see you, blind box enthusiasts!), this Orange County gem gives you a place to belong. Get ready to geek out, maybe even weeb out, and stan your faves in sunshine and sandals.

Never been to Orange County’s secret headquarters for food, culture, and fandom? Costa Mesa is located just a few minutes away from John Wayne Airport (SNA) and is nestled between the beaches of Newport and the Happiest Place on Earth, aka Disneyland. With world-class theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, unexpectedly cool and kitschy art at Orange County Museum of Arts (OCMA), fresh shopping experiences at The LAB and The CAMP, and Michelin-starred eats, Costa Mesa is the perfect spawn point for adventure.

Theater Meets Pop Culture
An unexpectedly great place to geek out is at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. With six venues on campus, the center features year-round programming. Catch the upcoming concert of music from Tim Burton films at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, or hit up Segerstrom Hall for events like the PlayStation Concert Tour, Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert, and The Witcher in Concert. Segerstrom transforms your obsessions into shared, live experiences, where you can cheer alongside people who love the same stories you do.

Labubu and Friends Await in Costa Mesa

If you’ve been coveting an uber-viral Labubu of your own, we have great news. Tucked inside of South Coast Plaza’s luxury shopping experience is the first U.S. store from global toy sensation Pop Mart. Blind boxes, toy collabs with Skullpanda and Disney, and—most importantly—Labubus can be bought in the store and in person. You don’t have to order online and wait weeks for delivery! In Costa Mesa, you get the in-person thrill of opening a blind box and going right back into the store for another endorphin rush, and you won’t be alone (we may be speaking from experience here).

For the Weebs, With Love

Did we recently purchase a three-track Cardcaptor Sakura Character Single YUKITO from 1998 in pristine condition at BOOK OFF? We sure did. If you have no idea what those words meant, don’t worry—just know how happy we felt. 

BOOK OFF is a secondhand shop stuffed with Japanese anime treasures, Marvel figurines, out-of-print manga, vintage CDs, and rare merch you probably won’t be able to dig up online. 

If you time it right by visiting Costa Mesa between October 14–19th in 2025, you can also make the most of your weeb adventure by hitting up the OC Japan Fair. Enjoy a cosplay show, eat as much delicious food as you can manage (seriously, look at the vendors list), and maybe make a friend into the same obscure anime as you at an anime goods booth.

To wrap up your otaku tour, try Mitsuwa Marketplace. The food and shops are great, obviously, but the Gashapon Bandai Official Shop is a dream come true for capsule-toy lovers. 

Your Friendly Neighborhood Fandom Café

Every hero needs a potions shop, and in Costa Mesa, that’s Elixir Tea Bar. The vibe of this place is unreal, with handcrafted, fannish boba tea creations like the Prophecy, a black tea boba drink with cardamom. But truly, the atmosphere is what makes Elixir shine; every inch of the café is fantastical, with booths filled with cosplayers, dragon heads mounted on the walls, and all kinds of fandoms are welcome to join the immersion. There’s even a Secret Wizard Society you can join with its own events and a secret menu only members can order from.

The Mouse is Minutes Away

Did you think we’d overlook one of the biggest fandoms to ever exist? Never. No fan pilgrimage in Orange County is complete without a visit to Disneyland, just a short drive from Costa Mesa in neighboring Anaheim. Ever wanted to wield a lightsaber? Big on trading pins or bedazzled mouse ears? Always wanted to snap selfies with your favorite princess at a character meet-and-greet? Disneyland is more than rides and enormous churros; it’s a place where enthusiasm is contagious and people young and old embrace stepping into the fantastical. Bring your sunscreen and your fandom glee to a place where your favorite stories come to life.

Find Uncommon Ground, Find Your People

Costa Mesa is a place to feel connected, meet kindred spirits, and celebrate your passion, no matter which fandom you’re in. Here, you can find uncommon ground in the city’s fan-friendly vibe. A trip to Costa Mesa is the perfect detox from screen time and it’s the antidote to feeling disconnected, especially during the holiday season. Stay, play, and find your people—Costa Mesa has hotels to suit every budget and style.

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Honestly, when you’re traveling, there are some places where getting lost is part of the fun. Costa Mesa proves it: being in the city is an opportunity to find the unexpected. You never know what’s around the next corner, and your camera roll looks like you’ve put stamps on your passport. Think vibrant visuals, unexpected experiences, and even immersion. It’s like stepping into an art installation you can live in, or at least delve into for a weekend.

California has always been a crossroads of cultures. Whether it’s places like Little Tokyo or Little Ethiopia in Los Angeles, generations of immigrants all working, living, and dreaming together have shaped the state. Costa Mesa is proud that different cultures are wound into the city’s DNA. One of the striking “installations” here is the presence of Japan: taiko drums against blue California skies, calligraphy next to street murals, and surf shops next to yakitori. We invite you to get lost experiencing the Japanese influence in Costa Mesa.

You’ll find that Costa Mesa’s easy to reach and impossible to forget. Just fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) or drive to Orange County, between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. The streets are postcard-ready, lined with palm trees, neon, and endless possibilities to explore.

Get Lost in the Sights, Sounds, and Flavors of Japan

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the OC Japan Fair. The fair invites people to celebrate and experience Japan by way of Southern California. While there’s endless incredible food options (seriously, plan to arrive hungry to try everything you’re interested in), that’s only the most obvious draw. Traditions, like tuna cutting and handmade kimonos, are alongside more modern fun like cosplay and J-rock concerts.

For more Japanese art, don’t miss the Orange County Museum of Art’s Yoshitomo Nara sculpture exhibition, I Don’t Want to Grow Up. These larger-than-life sculptures are leaving at the end of 2025, so hurry up and see these bronze behemoths. Bonus tip: They’re in the museum’s outdoor sculpture terrace (perfect for scenic selfies), which you can find by taking the elevator to the third floor and heading out onto the terrace from there. 

If Japanese food is really the name of the game for you, Costa Mesa has it all. (Fun fact: Some folks call us the unofficial ramen capital of Orange County. We don’t play around with ramen.) Try Wafu Of Japan for some stellar sushi (and don’t overlook their banger lunch combos). Another institution is Tokyo Central, a Japanese grocery store with prepared food options—our favorite aisle is #11, which has all the kimchi and umeboshi your heart desires. While you’re already at Tokyo Central, make sure to hit up our favorite secondhand shop for rarities and collectables, BOOK OFF. 

And if you know anything about Japanese grocery stores, you know we wouldn’t ever leave out the icon that is Mitsuwa Marketplace. 

A Study in Flavor and Form

If you want to sit down and truly indulge in an epic meal, we say it’s worth taking your time at Anjin Japanese Restaurant. The meat is worth savoring, as are the vibes. We’ve always had a blast, and their famous shochu cocktails only ever liven things up.

Or bring it up another notch at Hamamori, where you can pair outrageously creative (and delicious) offerings like the Hamamori Shooter, featuring ponzu, quail egg, and your choice of oysters or uni or both, with Alaskan Black Cod cooked yuanyaki style. Each bite is a whole sensory experience.

Then there’s Michelin-reviewed Hana re, an intimate omakase experience where the sushi bar is actually the chef’s table. Chef Yokoyama takes onlookers on a journey—it’s not just about the restaurant ambiance, which is top-notch, or the sight of pristine, perfectly cut fish. It’s about the smells, the sounds, and most importantly, the taste. If we had to recommend somewhere to end your wander, it would probably be Hana re.

Ready to get lost without worrying about your passport? Come experience the touches of Japan wound through Costa Mesa’s vibrant community. Make it a weekend getaway and stay in one of the many beautiful hotels the city offers. You’ll find a home base for your exploration with the amenities you need at the budget you choose.

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Life moves so fast, and we’re always scrolling, scheduling, or sprinting to the next activity. In all the chaos, it’s easy to forget that inspiration and rejuvenation are essential aspects of life. To stay happy and healthy, it’s important to occasionally prioritize slowing down, taking some deep breaths, and letting ourselves wander until we find something that speaks to us or helps us reset. There’s no better place to wander than the city of Costa Mesa—known as the City of the Arts®, this thriving, vivid community proves that creativity isn’t just confined to stuffy galleries. You’ll find it in Costa Mesa’s walkable streets, the architecture, the performances, and the energy

If you’re new to this artistic gem of Orange County, the good news is we’re easy to find, tucked between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south, and we’re right by some of the best beaches in all of California. If you’re flying in for your inspiration wander, try John Wayne Airport (SNA).

This is your invitation to come, wander and explore, get lost and found, and blur the lines of where creativity, performance, and community converge. 

Wander Well in Costa Mesa

You don’t need an itinerary or to stress out about parking upon arrival; the city’s very walkable, and you’ll stroll past colorful murals, chic coffee shops, or well-curated boutiques within minutes. But if you want some pointers for the best of what the city has to offer, we’ve collected some of the best spots.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) has all sorts of events to choose from: ballet, Pacific Symphony performances at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, and Tony-award-winning musicals at Segerstrom Hall are just some of the ever-changing roster. We’ve had some of our favorite experiences on the Segerstrom campus, those rare moments where the curtains close and we get chills—and then the world falls away, and it’s just us and the performers on stage. 

Right next door is South Coast Repertory, which hosts world-class performances with powerful storytelling and offers acclaimed classes. (Pedro Pascal, before he was the Mandalorian or Joel Miller, honed his craft here.) If you’re craving even more theatrics (or just the chance to live vicariously through characters for a little while), Costa Mesa Playhouse puts on transformative, community-driven productions.

Take a little stroll from South Coast Repertory to the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), an enormous, light-filled structure filled with personal, daring, and beautiful contemporary art. This is one of our favorites not only for the time we’ve spent wandering, getting glimpses into other perspectives and experiences, but also because admission is always free. Take it from us: If you’re having a rough time, just show up to OCMA and let the art take you on a journey. 

Next up on the wander agenda is Noguchi Garden, officially known as California Scenario. This sculpture landscape is like being transported to another world, but it stays grounded in the indigenous plants and materials of California. It’s a vital, peaceful outdoor space, and it feels like getting lost and finding something vital at the same time. Our favorites are the Forest Walk and Desert Land. 

Leave Feeling Better—Just Not in the Way You Expected

Every place we’ve described is within steps, not miles stuck in a car. Costa Mesa proves you don’t have to go far to go deep. After your wander, you might not even leave with a souvenir—but how you feel after spending time exploring art and human experience is priceless.

You can always make your wander a day trip, but we recommend giving yourself the cushion of spending a night or more to really let the environment sink in. We have hotels to fit every budget and preference. Step outside of your hectic life, come to Costa Mesa, and leave feeling refreshed and inspired in ways you never anticipated.

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