Archives for Misc

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.

Comments Off on From Labubus to Lightsabers: Fandom Fun in Costa Mesa

Posted in Misc

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.

Comments Off on Lost in Installation: Experience Japanese Culture in Costa Mesa

Posted in Misc

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.

Comments Off on Wander Well: The Artful Side of Costa Mesa

Posted in Misc

Your stomach is rumbling for brunch… but there’s a forty-minute wait and you haven’t even had coffee yet. In Costa Mesa, you don’t need to download a reservation app or know the owners to score a table. We’ve collected some Costa Mesa restaurants where you’re guaranteed a seat—just show up hungry, and you’re in. From strip mall legends to breweries where your jeans and Vans fit right in, this is a city where the best bites (and pints) are hiding in plain sight.

If you’ve never been to Costa Mesa, we’re in a sweet spot between L.A. to the north and San Diego to the south (and we’re only minutes from the beach). If you’re flying in, definitely arrive at John Wayne Airport (SNA) and save yourself a bunch of hassle.

Costa Mesa’s No-Reservation Hall of Fame

Our first pick is Prince Street Pizza, a New York fave with a recently opened Costa Mesa location. Here, pizza meets pop culture (like viral collabs with DOOM, Machine Gun Kelly, and even Milk Bar), but the stars of the show are definitely the delicious Sicilian-style pepperoni cups and excellent sauces. Get your favorite flavor by the slice or a whole pie—and it’s open late, perfect for midnight cravings.

The Taco Stand started nearby in San Diego with founders from Tijuana, so it’s got the Cali-Mex flavor you crave. The Grilled Pescado taco is great, but the whole menu is full of bangers like their freshly made Churros and Mar y Tierra Fries. Add your favorite salsa from mild to crazy hot and enjoy. 

If you’re already in the neighborhood for tacos, walk over to The CAMP and hit up Salty Bear Brewing for delectable craft beer. They don’t have a kitchen, but they do have Fruit Punch Hard Seltzer and Pineapple Express Hazy. (Hot tip: The CAMP is a primo location for grab-and-go food in general.)

Yubuya Sushi is efficient deliciousness: it’s cashless (so bring your card or app) and orders happen at a self-service kiosk. Not familiar with yubu? Think fried tofu skin stuffed with goodies—a pocket of pure flavor. Go for the Spicy Tuna or Avocado Krab, or if you’re not into tofu, try a Fresh Salmon Don bowl.

You’ve probably already heard of Bootleggers Brewery, but did you know it’s got a tasting room in Costa Mesa? With over two dozen brews to try, like the Dark & Malty or the What the Huck (a huckleberry cream ale), you’re going to find something you love. It’s dog-friendly and has outdoor seating as well, so you can soak up the sun while you ponder your hops.

Now, for this next pick, we’re switching gears a bit. It’s technically a grocery store, but hear us out. Inside Mitsuwa Marketplace (which should already be your go-to for Japanese groceries, just sayin’) are a bunch of hidden gem restaurants and shops. Try Hamada-Ya Bakery for coffee and pastries or Matcha REN for premium matcha soft serve and other treats. If you’re more into savory, get some udon at Sanuki Seimen Mugimaru and thank us later.

Much like Mitsuwa, Mercado Gonzalez is more than a store: it’s a playground for your tastebuds. Wander a food court that’s straight out of Mexico City but transplanted to Costa Mesa. Mercado Gonzalez is 70,000 square feet of possibility, from El Moro Churrería to Aguas Frescas Las Delicias and La Tamalería. Every option is fresh, fun, and fast—and there’s no reservation (or passport!) required.

We doubt you need an excuse to turn a delicious meal into a full-on vacation, but it truly is impossible to sample the best of the city in one day. Stay the night so you can get at least three meals and maybe some snacks. With a variety of Costa Mesa hotels to choose from, all you need to do is pack a bag and bring your appetite.

Comments Off on Under-the-Radar Eats in Costa Mesa

Posted in Misc

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.

Comments Off on Get Fizzy With It: Costa Mesa After Dark

Posted in Misc