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You know that feeling when some places just click? That’s Costa Mesa. Whether you’re desperate for a weekend getaway, want to catch up with friends over drinks and a perfect meal, or if you’re eager for an afternoon of retail therapy, the city does all the work for you. From coffee at sunrise to cocktails at sunset, Costa Mesa delivers such a good time, it’s almost surreal. All you have to do is show up. For real. 

New to the City of the Arts®? Costa Mesa is at the heart of Orange County, just a few miles from the Pacific Coast and John Wayne Airport (SNA)—which we always rec flying into, since it’s so well located, scrupulously maintained, and chill to navigate. We’re a short drive from Los Angeles or San Diego, too, which makes us a great home base for exploration. 

Retail Therapy On Easy Mode

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention South Coast Plaza first. It’s a mecca for shoppers, with over 250 stores all under one enormous, air-conditioned roof. Nothing illustrates how effortless Costa Mesa is than being able to hit up Michelin-rated food and designer flagship stores in the same location. If there’s something you want, it’s going to be at South Coast Plaza.

Some of South Coast Plaza’s recent additions include the first Manolo Blahnik on the West Coast (here’s to you, Carrie Bradshaw!), the first ever Dior Beauty flagship in North America, and Zara’s first stand-alone menswear boutique in the United States. 

If you need to refuel amidst all the shopping, a quick and easy solution is Collage Culinary Experience. It’s the plaza’s dining hall that’s really more of a culinary collective. Whatever you crave, if it’s sushi, ramen, tacos, or something sweet, hit up Collage. (We usually hit up a few places in Collage and make ourselves a little tasting menu of our faves. Great place for groups, families, and choosy eaters!)

Just beyond the plaza, there’s tons of tasty options if you’re looking to explore some more. Mercado Gonzalez, called the Disneyland of Mexican food by locals, offers seventy-thousand square feet of a Mexican market experience: shopping, eating, drinking, and generally excellent vibes—local meets luxe and everything in between, and you can do it with a margarita in hand! Mitsuwa Marketplace is a ticket to Japan: hit up Matcha Ren for the perfect sweet treat, but don’t miss out on the affordable necessities at Daiso or Maido for one-of-a-kind gifts and stationery. 

Culinary Joy at Any Time of Day

Our favorite day-to-night spots take care of your appetite, whenever it happens to appear. In the daytime, hit up Hola Adios for beachy cafe excellence, but at night, the same spot turns into moody Diner Noche, with nostalgic, Americana diner vibes. Work In Progress has a similar switchup: cafe during the day, but an intimate, fun tapas bar (Bar Tinto) at night.

Art, Culture, and Chill

Had your fill of shopping and eating? We can’t leave out one of the major draws of the city: its arts scene. Try the Orange County Museum of Art—it’s not some stuffy museum with all the old classical paintings. It’s modern art featuring everything from kids programming to Bar Verdant, which we know from experience is a great place to grab wine on a date.

We’re called the City of the Arts® for a reason. Whether it’s OCMA, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, or the three stages at South Coast Repertory Theater, our Theater District has something to offer everyone.

Stay in the Center (or Drift Toward the Coast)

If you plan to stay in the Arts District (near South Coast Plaza and OCMA) and want something walkable, you’re looking at some incredible hotel options: Westin South Coast Plaza, Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Costa Mesa Marriott, Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa, and Crowne Plaza.

If you want to be closer to the beach (and we don’t blame you!), there’s wonderful options too: OC Hotel and Ramada are great picks. Make sure to look at all the options to pick the best place for your stay.

Whatever your choice, just know that when you arrive in Costa Mesa, everything falls into place. You’ve got endless options for shopping, dining, exploring, and enjoying art—whatever your taste, a surreal good time is always on the menu.

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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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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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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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When the sun slips below the horizon and Costa Mesa’s lights begin to twinkle, there’s a fizz in the air—and not just from the bubbles in your glass. This city has a way of reinventing itself once the glow of the sunset kicks in: the coffee spot you loved that morning becomes a cocktail paradise, and the laid-back rhythm of the day turns into pure nighttime playfulness. Get ready to get fizzy with it in a city that’s all about experiences and connection.

Never been to Costa Mesa, or just never been after dark? It’s an easy drive from Los Angeles or San Diego, which it’s nestled between, but it’s easy to fly here too: just land at John Wayne Airport (SNA) and follow the signs for “beach cities.” You’re minutes away from hotels and world-class shopping, but more importantly, some of the best sips of your life.

Coffee to Cocktails

During the day, Hola Adios serves up coffee-shop staples like excellent cold brew and tasty breakfast and lunch items. Try the Strawberry Short-Pancake Pacos—yes, paco, that’s a pancake taco (trust us!). However, once night dawns, on Wednesday through Saturday, the cafe turns into Diner Noche and serves up dreamy, nostalgic diner fare like smashburgers and pickled onion rings and a brownie shake (yum).

Costa Mesa has another day-to-night switcheroo: Work in Progress is a great space to co-work and get your caffeine on during the day, but at night, it turns into Bar Tinto, with indulgent Mexican-inspired dishes, cozy lighting, and wine recs that always hit the spot.

Nightlife, Reimagined

If your idea of popping off involves popping bottles, if your fizzy good time is a neon-soaked dance floor, bubbles in hand, we have the perfect option for you: Time Nightclub is the heart of clubbing in Orange County. Think Vegas, but make it Costa Mesa. We’ve been to Vegas, and we prefer Time Nightclub’s vibe, TBH. Don’t tell. Bottle service, here we come!

Two words: Coastal Country. Westwood Coast puts the “Southern” in “Southern California.” It’s a music lounge and restaurant with live music, weekly line dancing lessons, and enough bourbon and whiskey to make you say, “Howdy, y’all!” Get your boot-scootin’ boogie on, and don’t forget to take your chances with Louis, Orange County’s only mechanical bull. Git giddy with it!

Rooftop Bars and New Experiences

If you’re looking for an iconic moment, try the pink rooftop bar at AhbA. We love the Damnit Janet, but their cocktails never miss, and they’re always reinventing the menu. Very rarely are hotspots as good as their photo-worthy ambiance, but AhbA truly is.

Salty Horse is new to the scene in Costa Mesa. It’s already getting major buzz for solid, classic brunch fare—and even more buzz for its dinner menu and the cowboy-meets-surfer aesthetic. Coastal Country is really having a moment. It’s in a restored feed barn; what better place to grab a matcha and stay a while?

If you love getting your fizz on but sans alcohol, we can’t think of anywhere better than Il Girasole. Check out their happy hour and their sober-friendly concoctions like the fizzy Fashionista, made with Frog Hollow Farm peaches, mint, and garnished with lychee. Stay for dessert to cap off an unforgettable night. We rec Pera al vino rosso.

After the night winds down and the fizz fades from your glass, Costa Mesa still twinkles. Stay in one of the many Costa Mesa hotels that suit every preference (and every wallet), and experience everything the city has to offer, from sunup to sundown.

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