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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:

• Hampton by Hilton Costa Mesa
• Best Western Plus
• Ramada
• OC Hotel
• Residence Inn by Marriott 

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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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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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.

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When you picture the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, your mind probably goes to the sizzle and scent of fryers and grills, the bass of live music at the Pacific Amphitheatre, or the Ferris wheel towering overhead. But the land has a longer, deeper story—one that makes Veteran’s Day in Costa Mesa especially meaningful.

Long before the rides and music, the site was home to the Santa Ana Army Air Base (SAAAB). Starting in 1942, SAAAB saw thousands of cadets at the base in pre-flight training before heading overseas. In 1944, SAAAB became the Army Air Force (AAF) Personnel Distribution Command. In 1946, the base was decommissioned, though in the 1950s it was briefly used as a guided missile training facility.

Many of the service members who trained at SAAAB or worked at AAF returned to Orange County after the war’s end, and they helped develop the area into the beautiful, thriving community it is today.

From WWII to the OC Fair

It might be hard to picture now, but almost one-fifth of Costa Mesa was once dedicated to the Santa Ana Army Air Base. After the base was decommissioned, however, the land was turned over to the county and became a community hub. By the time the OC Fair was up and running in 1949, acres previously used for training, housing, and feeding service members became the site of carnival rides. (Fun fact: A lot of the land that used to make up SAAAB has been repurposed for things other than the fair. Costa Mesa High School, Tewinkle Park, and Vanguard University are just a few examples of places built on what used to be SAAAB grounds.) 

Today, the OC Fair honors Orange County’s agricultural history, ensuring no one forgets its origins of citrus groves and farms. Livestock competitions have been part of the fair from the beginning, but in the present day, the three-acre Centennial Farm remains a working, year-round farm, with opportunities for hands-on learning and a memorial for agricultural workers called the Table of Dignity. 4-H students tending their animals are as big of a draw as the Ferris wheel, which shows how vital Costa Mesa’s history is to its identity.

The fair isn’t just your regular hub for concerts and festivals, but a living reminder of Costa Mesa’s origins and as the seat of military pride for Orange County.

Heroes Hall, Where Stories Live On

One of the former SAAAB barracks has been transformed into Heroes Hall, the veterans museum at the OC Fairgrounds. The museum preserves Orange County’s military history while honoring veterans from all generations. There’s a permanent exhibit called “The SAAAB Story,” which delves into the site’s past and involvement in WWII, including real uniforms, photos, and the words of service members who trained there. Year-round programming includes rotating exhibitions: currently, Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam is on display through December 21, 2025. 

Heroes Hall honors more than Costa Mesa’s WWII history; it’s dedicated to veterans from all generations. Visitors are encouraged to learn from veterans at community events, and there’s educational activities for students (or just people interested in history). Stories are not just remembered, but shared across generations. And admission is free, to make sure the experience is accessible to anyone who wants to engage.

This Veteran’s Day, Heroes Hall at the OC Fair is the perfect place to experience the past and honor a history of service, sacrifice, and deep-rooted heritage. Costa Mesa invites veterans and their families to come experience Heroes Hall and find connection with the past. Whether you’re eager to connect with other veterans or just want to spend time contemplating in the oasis of the Serenity Walk, it’s surely going to be a Veteran’s Day to remember.

If you’re not from Orange County, you can fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) or drive to Costa Mesa. We’re between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. Turn your visit to Costa Mesa into an overnight stay, and book a room at Best Western Plus, OC Hotel, or the newly renovated Hampton Inn—all within walking distance of the fair. Costa Mesa has hotels that suit every budget and type of traveler, from solo to family, business, or leisure. For our veterans, don’t forget to ask for military or government discounts!

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