10 Must-Visit Small Businesses in Costa Mesa

Slow Goods is a love letter to artisans around the world. Located inside Paseo 17, you’ll find everything from hand-woven Bali bags to Australian letter press stationery inspired by the owner’s experiences traveling and living abroad.

While you’re there, check out: Purre Boutique, Milligram, and Mercado Mesa

If someone on your list is a self-described “car guy,” you can’t miss Period Correct. Their high-quality hats, shirts, and accessories are influenced by race culture and architecture. It’s all about premium materials, unique style, and exclusive collabs.

While you’re there, check out: Quiet Golf and Canvasworker, both located on Costa Mesa’s “famous” Randolph Street.

At The CAMP, you’ll find The Inconvenience Store which is anything but an inconvenience! This little shop is packed with one-of-a-kind finds and so many unexpected knick-knacks. You’ll discover unique Japanese shirts and ceramics, miniature ceramics, and even handmade colorful dried flower bouquets.

While you’re there, check out: Work in Progress, Booth by Bryant, and MadeWithLoveByJAX.

Shop handcrafted leather goods at Saltwater Leather. Family-owned and family-made since 2019, they believe quality is in the details. Their leather duffle bags and passport holders make great gifts for someone who is always on the go. If you’re looking for something truly unique, book a leather sandal appointment. It’s a custom-made experience tailored to your size and style — just like it’s done in Italy! And if sandals aren’t your thing, they also offer custom belts as another great option.

Other shops we love on 17^th Street to shop small and gift big: Fleur De Lys, Costa Mesa’s modern mercantile and go-to shop to source unique gifts, Goodies for high-quality house-warming decor all under $25, and Tres Muchachos for family-owned Mexican-Mediterrean dining that’s earned its status as a local favorite.

If you are looking for a fun group night out or memorable date night, we recommend booking a class at Inspired Art Wine. Take a step-by-step painting class while sipping on a glass (or two) of wine! This relaxed space is a great way to tap into your inner artist and take a break from the holiday stress.

If you’re ready for dinner after your masterpiece is complete, grab dinner at Korean-Japanese fusion restaurant, YUBUYA, where everything is served in delicious, bite-sized, sweet & savory yubu, or fried tofu skin. Make nearby Port of Sound Record Shoppe your final stop for a nostalgic browse through yesterday’s vinyl, or grab the latest pop hits like Gracie Abrams or Leon Bridges for the next generation of record collector.

Landers Supply House is a must-visit for any slow fashion or vintage shopper. Their wide range of vintage denim, jackets, and jewelry with an Americana twist is the perfect place to find a gift for someone who appreciates a unique, timeless piece. Look for them at their new location at The LAB.

Other thrift shops we love: Twice The Style and SoLo Consignment.

Nestled in the heart of one of our favorite neighborhoods , NEAT is a top choice for anyone looking for freshly brewed coffee and a warm welcoming vibe. If you need stocking stuffers, they have coffee bags from around the world, available for purchase!

If you swing by after 4:30, Tuesday through Thursday, NEAT transforms into a cozy, under-the-radar wine bar called Third Place.

Other local coffee shops we love: Coffee Nature, Original Barista, Nudae, and MoonGoat.

Pen Pals Stationery is a cute gift shop and stationery store that’s perfect for sending notes to loved ones during the holiday season. Shop the retro airstreams at The LAB (Little American Business) and leave with everything you need to send your family and friends something special.

All stores at The LAB are worth a visit, but here are a few of our favorites: Bred Hot Chicken and Good Town Doughnuts.

If you need a gift for someone who loves exploring the outdoors, you have to check out SISU at the SOCO & The OC Mix. This sibling-owned shop carries sustainable camping gear and home goods from Asian brands you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

While you’re there, check out some of our other favorite small businesses that are great for one-of-a-kind gifting: at Balboa Gold, make an appointment to sit down and craft a custom necklace or bracelet with any charms of your choice; at Local Fare, shop sweet, upscale home gifts or everyone’s favorite Jellycat plushies; and don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee or a bag of beans at Costa Mesa’s long-standing Portola Coffee where everything is roasted on-site.

Book a wheel-throwing class at Costa Mesa Ceramics Studio, where you can mold and shape clay into unique pottery pieces. Not much of an artist? Don’t worry, they have a lovely selection of handcrafted dinnerware and vases ready for purchase.

Other studios we love as the City of the Arts^®: ARTime Barro, The Pottery Studio, Location 1980.

With so many small businesses in the city to explore, why not turn your visit into a Shop-cation? Find one-of-a kind gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself!  At one of our ten hotels, we have something for everyone.