A woman wearing sunglasses and a patterned jacket smiles while posing in front of a mirror, perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog. Another person sits nearby, pointing towards her amid cozy decor, including a woven chair and wall hangings.

Costa Mesa: An Easy Weekend Getaway From the Inland Empire

Published Oct 8, 2024, 10:55am

Need some end-of-year travel inspiration? It’s time for a reset and Costa Mesa is here to deliver. It’s just a quick drive away from the IE which means no long flights and no overcomplicated itineraries. This Orange County hidden gem is easy to get to but far enough to switch things up!

Retail Therapy

Holiday shopping at South Coast Plaza will have you knocking out that gift list (or treating yourself—we don’t judge). This shopping paradise is packed with hundreds of luxury shops and your go-to brands. Where else can you strut through a two-story Gucci store and then do the same at a two-story Balenciaga?

A vintage clothing display outside, featuring a mannequin dressed in retro clothes under a sign reading 1978. T-shirts with 70s-style graphics and other vintage items hang around the setup, with greenery and blue sky in the background.

Deliciously Instagrammable

A stylish bar with brown leather stools, bottles and glasses on wooden shelves, and two ornate chandeliers. The background features dark, leafy wallpaper, giving the space a modern and tropical feel. — Photo by Calo Kitchen + Tequila

Love food? The foodie scene here is chef’s kiss with eateries that are basically begging for a photo op! Here’s a list of the most aesthetic and tasty spots in Costa Mesa:

Ahba – Best known for their double smashed wagyu Ahba Burger

Calo Kitchen + Tequila – Best known for their Short Rib Enchiladas

But really, the list could go on forever! Click here to start planning your Eatcation^® adventure and discover even more of our top recommendations.

Relax, Relax, Relax

Three women smile and laugh while shaping clay on pottery wheels in a bright, cheerful studio. Shelves with pottery and plastic containers are in the background. — Photo by Costa Mesa Ceramics

For some well-deserved “me time,” Costa Mesa perfectly blends relaxation with one-of-a-kind experiences, creating the ultimate self-care getaway. Start by giving your skin some much-needed love with a custom facial at Facial Lounge. Next, take your zen to the next level with snake yoga at LXRYOGA—yes, snakes! It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline, with ball pythons. Want to round out your wellness escape with a little creativity? Pop over to Costa Mesa Ceramics and roll up your sleeves—there’s something incredibly calming about crafting your own pottery masterpiece

Sips and Shenanigans

A hand lifts a slice of meat-topped pizza from a tray in a dimly lit bar with red lights. A can of Modelo beer and a plate of food are on the table in the background. — Photo by Pie Society

Let’s be real: no staycation is complete without a few fabulous drinks! Check out Ruin Bar, a hidden gem that feels like your hip friend’s secret speakeasy. For an aura of mystery enjoy a round of creatively crafted cocktails at P10neer hidden inside Dick Church’s restaurant.

For a quirky twist, swing by Pie Society, where pizza meets prohibition, and your cravings for carbs and cocktails are both satisfied. And if you’re in the mood for a cozy vibe, Oak & Coal has your back with some killer sake and mouthwatering yakitori.

But wait, there’s more! If a round of drinks leaves you itching to hit the dance floor, Costa Mesa has plenty of spots where you can bust a move. Check out these top places to dance.

Recharge and Repeat

A high-angle view of a cityscape at dusk shows tall buildings, a lit swimming pool, palm trees, and a pond surrounded by greenery, with the sky glowing orange and blue as the sun sets in the distance.

After a day of shopping, dining, and unwinding, why not treat yourself to a comfy stay in one of Costa Mesa’s hotels? Booking a hotel not only means you won’t have to worry about the drive home (hello, no designated driver drama), but it also gives you a cozy spot to recharge for another day of adventure. So go ahead, treat yourself—you’ve earned it!

Heading here during the fall? Be sure to check out our blog for all things fun and fall in Costa Mesa!

Start Planning Now!

Plan Your Visit

Four young adults smiling and walking together outside a modern building; one woman in a red hat leads the group, while the others chat and follow, carrying shopping bags.