Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Unpack Costa Mesa: Hidden Gems From the City’s Treasure Chest
Picture Costa Mesa as a treasure chest tucked between surf and city. Once you open it, you’ll have your pick of gleaming gems: secret menus, late-night haunts that locals guard like dubloons, and artisan workshops. This spring, we’re inviting you to follow the clues in Costa Mesa to uncover sunlit patios, tucked-away cafes, and one-of-a-kind goods. Consider this guide a map to your next overnight escape.
Never been to Costa Mesa? It’s not a hunt to find us; just follow your compass (or GPS) to Orange County. Costa Mesa is minutes from the beach, and it’s easy to get to hotspots like Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. Here’s another local secret: if you’re coming by plane, make sure you’re landing at John Wayne Airport (SNA) to beat traffic and long lines.
The Crew’s Picks
The crew at Travel Costa Mesa has a lot of experience hunting down the city’s best treats and activities. This is stuff of local legend, so listen closely.
For some of the best Vietnamese food you’ll have in your life, hit up Eastborough Market. It’s tucked into the back and draped with greenery, which means it’s easy to overlook, but if you’re in the know, it’s one of the best food spots in The Camp. Stop in and get the Pho Baugette with a side of Bahn Mi pickles and Jasmine Lime Iced Tea.
Saltwater Leather Co. is a family-run, small-batch atelier producing vegetable-tanned leather goods. That’s a fancy way of saying they make some of the coolest bags, shoes, and accessories you can imagine. The family brought the craft secrets of leatherwork from Capri back to Costa Mesa. If you want your heirlooms handmade and not manufactured, this is the place to go. And don’t miss out on their one-of-a-kind, one-off offerings for something uniquely your own.
Tin Lizzie Saloon has the distinction of being the oldest tavern in the area. Well, actually, it’s the longest-standing LGBTQ+ bar in Orange County, which means it’s living history. Tin Lizzie takes you out of time to a lush, red-soaked space with embossed velvet walls. You can get a taste of queer history and an excellent cocktail—we rec trying the indulgent, coffee-flavored Black Magic.
The Secret Sip Spots
Love coffee, but a little tired of samey Starbucks or the tweeness of many local coffee places? Yeah, us too. Great news: the vibe, and the coffee, at Gremlin Garage is unlike anywhere else. You get the extra fun of following the java scent through workshops and garages to find the unique, woman-owned space. Try a signature drink like the famous Burnt Honey Latte or the self-titled The Gremlin, but remember to snoop around the space to find the secret menu (or ask the staff for pointers). It’s got some seasonal tastes and some wild drinks, like the Mango Sticky Rice Matcha. Yum.
If, like us, you’re one of the many who’ve fallen for the creative macha craze, we recommend hitting up Daydrift Coffee. It’s an artsy little corner with delicious flavors like Strawberry Yuzu Matcha, Banana Pudding Matcha, and our favorite, the Mugwort Matcha. You can also try some viral treats, like the Dubai Chewy Cookie.
Compass Points for Wave Riders
One of the joys of Costa Mesa is how close to the surf it is. We’re minutes away from some of the best beaches in California, like Newport Beach and Pirate’s Cove Beach. That means we’ve got a bunch of surfers, and Costa Mesa Surf Club celebrates the community with apparel and gear. Board craftsman Tanner Prairie teamed up with surf industry maven Rick Lohr to bring the history and the artistry to SoCal boarders and surfies. Nab a hat and blend in with the locals.
Whether you’re a surfing novice or a real ripper, Costa Mesa has everything you need to catch some waves. From stock surfboards to custom, handpainted creations, and even gear (and sunscreen), Pure Glass has your back.
The Crown Jewel of Car Culture
If you’re deep into fashion subcultures, you can’t miss Period Correct. Count Tyler, The Creator among the fans of the brand, which celebrates motorsports and car culture with luxe craftsmanship and exclusive fabrics. Try to find somewhere cooler, we dare you.
Drop Anchor for a Cold One
After a long day of following map clues to shopping and dining, the best way to recoup is to stop by Salty Bear Brewing. Get yourself a cold glass of craft California beer and slake a day’s worth of thirst with a menu of classics like the Bear Moon White Ale and even some fun twists like Aloha Guava Kolsch. Some of our best Friday nights have been at Salty Bear, and we’re delighted to invite you to experience it.
Costa Mesa is full of treasures, from handmade crafts to secret sips and ales fit for salty dogs. For a true local’s experience, you should take it easy and explore the map at your own pace—which is why Costa Mesa is a perfect overnight escape. Whether you’re a lone explorer or bringing the whole crew, there’s a Costa Mesa hotel for every treasure hunter and for every budget. So check your compass, hoist your sails, and get ready for an adventure.
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Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Trailblazers of Costa Mesa
As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March, we’re spotlighting the incredible women who have influenced Costa Mesa’s past, present, and future. 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, the first woman and longest-serving Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) CEO in Orange County. Paulette leads TCM’s all-woman team in sharing Costa Mesa’s story while showcasing the economic impact tourism brings to the community. The organization plays a key role in supporting local businesses, promoting major events, and celebrating the restaurants, hotels, and arts that make Costa Mesa a must-visit destination. Beyond her work with TCM, Paulette serves as a board member of the Orange County Sports Commission, contributing to local efforts connected to major global events such as FIFA 2026 and the LA28 Olympic Games. Paulette also serves as a CalTravel Association Board Member, advancing and advocating for the health and future of tourism throughout the state of California.
Cecilia Gallardo-Daly: City Manager, Costa Mesa
The city of Costa Mesa is proud to have several women in government leadership roles, including Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, a 30-year veteran of local government. Since 2023, she has helped lead several major city initiatives, including long-term redevelopment planning and efforts to expand public parks and open spaces.
Debora Wondercheck: Founder of Costa Mesa’s Arts & Learning Conservatory
With a passion for music and a deep commitment to community, Debora Wondercheck has made the arts her life’s work. She is the Chief Executive and Founder of Costa Mesa’s Arts & Learning Conservatory, a nonprofit dedicated to making arts education accessible and equitable for all children. In 2022, she organized the inaugural performance of “Gospel Voice of OC” with the vision of establishing an annual Orange County tradition celebrating Black excellence in music, art, and history.
Costa Mesa’s Hospitality Leaders
Leading Costa Mesa’s top hotels are seven 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
- Gisela Saarikoski – Hilton
- 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.
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 female 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.
Debra Gunn-Downing: Executive Director of Marketing at South Coast Plaza
After almost 30 years at the helm of South Coast Plaza’s marketing, Debra Gunn-Downing is set to retire in 2026. Her work crafting the brand story and vision has helped to underscore South Coast Plaza’s status as a global luxury destination. Beyond retail, she expanded the shopping center’s reach to art institutions and philanthropic organizations.
Gunn Downing’s retirement marks the close of a transformative chapter in South Coast Plaza’s history. Over the course of her nearly three-decade career, she played an instrumental role in shaping the center’s marketing vision, forging enduring partnerships across retail, the arts and philanthropic organizations and solidifying South Coast Plaza’s standing as a leading global luxury destination.
Linda Sadeghi: Owner of 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, with exciting new retail concepts coming later this year.
Molly Unger: General Manager at South Coast Plaza
For the first time in over 50 years, a woman is leading South Coast Plaza. With years of experience managing high-profile retail destinations like Westfield Century City and Westfield UTC, Molly Unger now oversees the West Coast’s largest shopping destination. Home to more than 250 boutiques, including multiple flagship stores, South Coast Plaza generates over $2 billion in annual sales. Molly’s 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.
Suzanne Appel: Managing Director at South Coast Repertory
In a city where art takes center stage, Suzanne Appel is helping write the next big act. As the Managing Director at South Coast Repertory she over sees the strategic growth, fundraising, marketing and community engagement to ensure SCR’s long-term sustainability and continued artistic impact. Under her leadership, the Tony Award-winning theatre continues to thrive as one of the nation’s most innovative regional theatres. Explore this year’s upcoming performances.
Mary Ellen Goddard: Costa Mesa Historical Society Historian
For nearly 50 years, Mary Ellen Goddard has been a devoted steward of the Costa Mesa Historical Society’s history, ensuring its stories are preserved for generations to come. She has devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to this work, personally interviewing the politicians, farmers, business leaders, and visionaries who helped shape the city. Today, the Costa Mesa Historical Society has a collection of more than 70,000 items spanning from prehistoric times to the present day.
The women shaping Costa Mesa are not only leading, but also redefining industries, inspiring change, and strengthening our community. Thank you for the passion, hard work, and positive impact you bring to our city.
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When in Roam: Discover Costa Mesa by Car
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:
Whatever your preference, after you check in, get ready for walkable streets, a thriving dining scene, world-class art, and the largest 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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Where Will 2026 Take You? Start with Costa Mesa.
Summer may feel far away, but Plan for Vacation Day on January 27th is the perfect reminder to start putting travel plans on the calendar. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got some ideas.
Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Costa Mesa is Southern California’s under-the-radar gem. Just 11 minutes from the beach and filled with plenty of events to look forward to this year, Costa Mesa is the ideal home base for your next SoCal escape. Let’s dive in!
When Summer Calls, Live Music Answers
Some summer decisions are easy, like saying yes to live music under the stars. The Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair & Event Center has already started to release their 2026 performances including Alison Krauss & Union Station, Iration, and Midland, with plenty more on the way. Each summer brings a packed calendar of music genres including country, rock, pop, Latin, and reggae all enjoyed in this outdoor venue.
The best part? Tickets purchased for summer concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre include free same day admission to the OC Fair.
Summer’s Main Event
Your Adventure Awaits at the OC Fair this summer, running from July 17 through August 16 in Costa Mesa. This Southern California favorite draws more than one million visitors each year making it a must-do on any itinerary. Think classic carnival rides, pig races, demolition derby, creative exhibits, and fair food that deserves its own vacation memories. With enough entertainment to fill a full day or more, planning ahead makes it easy to book a nearby hotel and enjoy stress free access to the fairgrounds.
Beach Days, Minutes Away
If you’ve heard of Newport Beach or Huntington Beach, let us put you onto Costa Mesa, you’re new favorite beach-close vacation. It’s close enough to make surfing, whale watching or sunset beach views happen while paying less for hotels and avoiding all the crowds.
Book here and stay close to the beach:
Find all the Drama, Broadway Style
Looking for something a little more theatrical? If you’ve never seen a musical live (or just need an excuse to fall in love with one again), make this the year you do it. The Phantom of the Opera is coming to Segerstrom Center for the Arts this August, delivering gothic romance, mystery, and peak theatre drama. It’s the longest-running show on Broadway for a reason so don’t be surprised if you attend out of curiosity but leaving humming the soundtrack. Get your tickets early.
Run Toward Something Memorable
It’s official—we get it, you’ve become a run-club regular and now a marathon person. The good news? Traveling somewhere specifically to run 26 miles is absolutely a thing. The OC Marathon on May 2nd and 3rd draws runners from around the world and doubles as a full weekend celebration, with Celebrate OC, a two-day festival featuring live music, food, and fun fitness experiences for all ages. Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just soaking up the coastal energy, Costa Mesa is an ideal home base. It’s close to the action, comfortable for recovery, and surrounded by great food to fuel up before and celebrate with after.
Summer of 2026 Done Right
Plan for a Vacation Day is your official excuse to think ahead. Summer 2026 in Costa Mesa is already filling up with can’t-miss moments, and locking in your hotel early means better options, better dates, and one less thing to think about later. Explore the best hotels in Costa Mesa.
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Shop Happens: Your Next Great Find is in Costa Mesa
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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