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Sustainable travel is all about exploring the world while being mindful of the environment, supporting local communities, and preserving beautiful destinations—think less carbon footprint, more local love.

Costa Mesa offers the perfect blend of eco-friendly travel, sustainable dining, and outdoor adventures. Ready to discover how? Let’s dive in!

Support Local & Sustainable Shopping

Start your trip at Amis de la Terre which means friends of the earth in French. This organic, plastic-free grocery store was created by a SoCal-local with a Master’s degree in Oceanography at the Sorbonne in France. Gluten free, keto, vegan, heirloom, and fair-trade—no matter what your grocery shopping looks like, Amis de la Terre has it.  

Just a few doors down, you’ll find Fill Up Buttercup, a zero-waste refill shop offering non-toxic bath, body, and household products. Bring your own containers or purchase reusable ones to stock up on essentials without unnecessary packaging.

For more sustainable shopping explore Eco Now, Fermentation Farm, and The Water Brewery, each offering their own take on alternative shopping.

Thrifting is also an easy way to avoid fast fashion while also scoring one-of-a-kind pieces. You’ll have to leave room in your suitcase for all the unique finds from Costa Mesa’s thrift and vintage stores you’re bound to score. Check out Landers, 2nd Street, or Twice The Style.

Zero Waste & Plant-Based Dining

Many of Costa Mesa’s restaurants prioritize farm-to-table ingredients, composting, and other green practices to ensure every meal is mindful of the planet.

Step into a culinary adventure at The Plot, where every dish tells a story of flavor and sustainability. Their 100% plant-based menu has made its way from Oceanside to Orange County focusing on near-zero waste practices. From their delectable Beet Reuben Sando to irresistible Banana Creme Brulee, each dish uses locally sourced produce and ingredients harvested from their very own Plot Garden.

For more plant-based dining options in Costa Mesa check out: Seabirds Kitchen, Good Town Doughnuts, or Vegan by El Zamorano.

Eco-Friendly Activities

Ditch the gas! Costa Mesa is a walkable city, making it easy to explore without a car.

Where to Stay: The Westin South Coast Plaza, Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel or Costa Mesa Marriott

Walking distance highlights: Catch a show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, explore world-class shopping at South Coast Plaza, visit the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), or find a peaceful moment at Noguchi Garden.

Where to Stay: Hilton, Crowne Plaza, or Residence Inn by Marriott

Walking distance highlights: Experience Costa Mesa’s eco-friendly shopping and dining hub at The CAMP, grab a coffee at The LAB, shop for authentic Japanese goods at Mitsuwa Market, and snap a vintage-inspired photo at Booth by Bryant.

Did you know The CAMP is one of the first eco-friendly retail campuses in the U.S.? It features a percolation system for stormwater treatment and 12 gardens supplying fresh ingredients to its restaurants.

Where to Stay: Best Western Plus, OC Hotel, or newly branded Hampton by Hilton

Walking distance highlights: Catch all the thrills at the OC Fair & Event Center, savor the flavors of authentic Mexican food at Mercado Gonzalez, sip craft cocktails at P10neer speakeasy, or go for a walk at Twinkle Park.

Explore Costa Mesa’s Green Spaces

Nature lovers will find plenty of ways to enjoy over 20 Costa Mesa local parks. Fairview Park, spanning 210 acres, is home to five different natural habitat environments, several protected species, and over 30 unique plant species. Hike through trails that lead to a scenic riverbed lined with oak trees and native California flora. For a longer adventure, take the 6.3-mile loop around Talbert Regional Park, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tip: Bring your own bike or rent one to cruise around Costa Mesa’s bike-friendly trails.

So, lace up those sneakers, bring your appetite, and get ready to shop, eat, and explore Costa Mesa in an eco-friendly way. It’s a win for you and the planet!

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As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, we’re spotlighting the incredible women shaping Costa Mesa. From city government to entertainment, shopping, and hospitality, these women are true trailblazers making a lasting impact on our community.

Paulette Lombardi-Fries – President, Travel Costa Mesa

At the heart of Travel Costa Mesa (TCM) is Paulette Lombardi-Fries, leading an all-woman team that’s passionate about sharing Costa Mesa’s story. As the city’s official destination marketing organization, TCM showcases the best of Costa Mesa while highlighting the valuable impact tourism brings to the community. Under Paulette’s leadership, this powerhouse team has played a key role in supporting local businesses, promoting major events, and showcasing the incredible food, hotels, and arts scene that make Costa Mesa a must-visit travel destination.

Lori Ann Farrell Harrison – City Manager, Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa’s city government is proud to have several women in leadership roles, including Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, the city’s first female city manager. Since 2019, her contributions have helped drive the city forward, inspiring others to embrace leadership and make lasting change. Here her thoughts on women in leadership.

Michele Richards – CEO, OC Fair & Event Center

Michele Richards, CEO of the OC Fair & Event Center, has spent decades bringing year-round events to Costa Mesa. With over 150 events and 2 million visitors annually, her impact on the community is immeasurable. As Michele steps into retirement, we celebrate her incredible contributions and thank her for leaving a lasting mark on the OC Fair & Event Center and the people it serves.

Costa Mesa’s Hospitality Leaders

Leading Costa Mesa’s top hotels are six women general managers who are raising the bar on hospitality.

• Susan O’Brien Moore – Ayres Hotel
• Nimisha Solanki – OC Hotel Costa Mesa
• Annie Hsu – Crowne Plaza
• Jeannie Blue – Hampton by Hilton Costa Mesa Newport Beach
• Patricia Obert – Ramada
• Sue Cooke – Residence Inn by Marriott

Their unwavering commitment to service is a key reason Costa Mesa continues to attract visitors from all over. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and for making Costa Mesa a standout destination for travelers!

Teresa Reynoso de Gonzalez – Northgate Market

Teresa Reynoso de Gonzalez, matriarch of Northgate Market, was the quiet force behind one of Southern California’s greatest immigrant success stories. While her family built their first Anaheim store in 1980, she raised 10 children alone in Mexico before reuniting with them. Her wisdom kept the family united as Northgate grew to 42 stores, including the beloved Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa. A mother, mediator, and pillar of strength, Doña Teresa’s legacy lives on in every Northgate aisle and family meal it brings together.

Norma Hertzog – Former Mayor of Costa Mesa

Norma Hertzog made history as Costa Mesa’s first women mayor. Her dedication to public service is honored by the community center named in her memory, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations of women leaders in the city.

Linda Sadeghi – Owner, The LAB

Linda Sadeghi is the visionary behind The LAB, Costa Mesa’s most unique retail and dining destination. With over 30 years in business, she transformed a former night-vision goggle factory into an artsy, urban space that challenges retail monotony and supports creativity. Today, The LAB stands as a beacon for female entrepreneurs and a must-visit stop on any Costa Mesa itinerary.

Molly Unger – General Manager, South Coast Plaza

For the first time in over 50 years, a woman is leading South Coast Plaza—Molly Unger. With years of experience managing high-profile retail destinations like Westfield Century City and Westfield UTC, she now oversees the West Coast’s largest shopping destination. Her deep knowledge of luxury retail and customer experience keeps South Coast Plaza at the top of its game.

Bessie Nell Lounsberry – Civic Leader

Bessie Nell Lounsberry was a dedicated civic leader in Costa Mesa, contributing to the city’s growth through her volunteer efforts. She played a key role in creating the city directory, promoting voter registration, and leading a beautification campaign that resulted in planting over 1,000 trees. Her tireless work earned her the Costa Mesa Historical Society’s Living Memorial Award in 1973.

Heidi Zuckerman – CEO & Director, Orange County Museum of Art

Heidi Zuckerman has been leading the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) since its opening in October 2022. With her extensive experience in the arts, she continues the legacy of leadership set by the museum’s 13 female founders. Under her guidance, OCMA has broadened its impact, focusing on groundbreaking art while highlighting the vital contributions women have made to the art world.

The women shaping Costa Mesa are not only leading, but also redefining industries, inspiring change, and strengthening our community. Thank you for your passion, hard work, and the positive impact you bring to our city.

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