Travel Costa Mesa Blog
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 also 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.
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.
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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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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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 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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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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From Labubus to Lightsabers: Fandom Fun in Costa Mesa
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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