{"id":12085,"date":"2026-03-16T10:38:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T18:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/?p=12085"},"modified":"2026-03-16T10:47:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T18:47:54","slug":"unpack-costa-mesa-hidden-gems-from-the-citys-treasure-chest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/unpack-costa-mesa-hidden-gems-from-the-citys-treasure-chest","title":{"rendered":"Unpack Costa Mesa: Hidden Gems From the City\u2019s Treasure Chest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Picture Costa Mesa as a treasure chest tucked between surf and city. Once you open it, you\u2019ll have your pick of gleaming gems: secret menus, late-night haunts that locals guard like dubloons, and artisan workshops. This spring, we\u2019re inviting you to follow the clues in Costa Mesa to uncover sunlit patios, tucked-away cafes, and one-of-a-kind goods. Consider this guide a map to your next overnight escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Never been to Costa Mesa? It\u2019s not a hunt to find us; just follow your compass (or GPS) to Orange County. Costa Mesa is minutes from the beach, and it\u2019s easy to get to hotspots like Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. Here\u2019s another local secret: if you\u2019re coming by plane, make sure you\u2019re landing at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ocair.com\/\">John Wayne Airport<\/a> (SNA) to beat traffic and long lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Crew\u2019s Picks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The crew at Travel Costa Mesa has a lot of experience hunting down the city\u2019s best treats and activities. This is stuff of local legend, so listen closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some of the best Vietnamese food you\u2019ll have in your life, hit up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.east-borough.com\/\">Eastborough Market<\/a>. It\u2019s tucked into the back and draped with greenery, which means it\u2019s easy to overlook, but if you\u2019re in the know, it\u2019s one of the best food spots in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecampsite.com\/\">The Camp<\/a>. Stop in and get the Pho Baugette with a side of Bahn Mi pickles and Jasmine Lime Iced Tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3865_Retouched-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12086\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3865_Retouched-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3865_Retouched-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3865_Retouched-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3865_Retouched-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3865_Retouched-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hideandseas.com\/\">Saltwater Leather Co.<\/a> is a family-run, small-batch atelier producing vegetable-tanned leather goods. That\u2019s a fancy way of saying they make some of the coolest bags, shoes, and accessories you can imagine. The family brought the craft secrets of leatherwork from Capri back to Costa Mesa. If you want your heirlooms handmade and not manufactured, this is the place to go. And don\u2019t miss out on their one-of-a-kind, one-off offerings for something uniquely your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"784\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0701-2-1024x784.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0701-2-1024x784.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0701-2-300x230.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0701-2-768x588.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0701-2-1536x1177.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0701-2-2048x1569.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tinlizziesaloon.com\/\">Tin Lizzie Saloon<\/a> has the distinction of being the oldest tavern in the area. Well, actually, it\u2019s the longest-standing LGBTQ+ bar in Orange County, which means it\u2019s living history. Tin Lizzie takes you out of time to a lush, red-soaked space with embossed velvet walls. You can get a taste of queer history <em>and<\/em> an excellent cocktail\u2014we rec trying the indulgent, coffee-flavored Black Magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4256_Retouched-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4256_Retouched-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4256_Retouched-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4256_Retouched-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4256_Retouched-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4256_Retouched-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Secret Sip Spots<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Love coffee, but a little tired of samey Starbucks or the tweeness of many local coffee places? Yeah, us too. Great news: the vibe, and the coffee, at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gremlingarage.co\/\">Gremlin Garage<\/a> is unlike anywhere else. You get the extra fun of following the java scent through workshops and garages to find the unique, woman-owned space. Try a signature drink like the famous Burnt Honey Latte or the self-titled The Gremlin, but remember to snoop around the space to find the secret menu (or ask the staff for pointers). It\u2019s got some seasonal tastes and some wild drinks, like the Mango Sticky Rice Matcha. Yum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_8119-2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_8119-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_8119-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_8119-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_8119-2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_8119-2-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If, like us, you\u2019re one of the many who\u2019ve fallen for the creative macha craze, we recommend hitting up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/daydrift.coffee\/\">Daydrift Coffee<\/a>. It\u2019s an artsy little corner with delicious flavors like Strawberry Yuzu Matcha, Banana Pudding Matcha, and our favorite, the Mugwort Matcha. You can also try some viral treats, like the Dubai Chewy Cookie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3925_Retouched-Medium.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3925_Retouched-Medium.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3925_Retouched-Medium-300x200.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Compass Points for Wave Riders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the joys of Costa Mesa is how close to the surf it is. We\u2019re minutes away from some of the best beaches in California, like Newport Beach and Pirate\u2019s Cove Beach. That means we\u2019ve got a bunch of surfers, and <a href=\"https:\/\/costamesasurfclub.com\/\">Costa Mesa Surf Club<\/a> celebrates the community with apparel and gear. Board craftsman Tanner Prairie teamed up with surf industry maven Rick Lohr to bring the history and the artistry to SoCal boarders and surfies. Nab a hat and blend in with the locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_0379_Retouched-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_0379_Retouched-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_0379_Retouched-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_0379_Retouched-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_0379_Retouched-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_0379_Retouched-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a surfing novice or a real ripper, Costa Mesa has everything you need to catch some waves. From stock surfboards to custom, handpainted creations, and even gear (and sunscreen), <a href=\"https:\/\/pureglass.com\/\">Pure Glass<\/a> has your back.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_2499_Retouched-Large-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_2499_Retouched-Large-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_2499_Retouched-Large-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_2499_Retouched-Large-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_2499_Retouched-Large.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Crown Jewel of Car Culture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re deep into fashion subcultures, you can\u2019t miss <a href=\"https:\/\/periodcorrect.com\/\">Period Correct<\/a>. Count Tyler, The Creator among the fans of the brand, which celebrates motorsports and car culture with luxe craftsmanship and exclusive fabrics. Try to find somewhere cooler, we dare you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3581_Retouched-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3581_Retouched-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3581_Retouched-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3581_Retouched-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3581_Retouched-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_3581_Retouched-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Drop Anchor for a Cold One<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a long day of following map clues to shopping and dining, the best way to recoup is to stop by Salty Bear Brewing. Get yourself a cold glass of craft California beer and slake a day\u2019s worth of thirst with a menu of classics like the Bear Moon White Ale and even some fun twists like Aloha Guava Kolsch. Some of our best Friday nights have been at Salty Bear, and we\u2019re delighted to invite you to experience it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4145_Retouched-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4145_Retouched-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4145_Retouched-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4145_Retouched-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4145_Retouched-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TravelCostaMesa_SS26_4145_Retouched-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Costa Mesa is full of treasures, from handmade crafts to secret sips and ales fit for salty dogs. For a true local\u2019s experience, you should take it easy and explore the map at your own pace\u2014which is why Costa Mesa is a perfect overnight escape. Whether you\u2019re a lone explorer or bringing the whole crew, there\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/stay\/costa-mesa-hotels\">a Costa Mesa hotel<\/a> for every treasure hunter and for every budget. So check your compass, hoist your sails, and get ready for an adventure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Picture Costa Mesa as a treasure chest tucked between surf and city. Once you open it, you\u2019ll have your pick of gleaming gems: secret menus, late-night haunts that locals guard like dubloons, and artisan workshops. This spring, we\u2019re inviting you to follow the clues in Costa Mesa to uncover sunlit patios, tucked-away cafes, and one-of-a-kind [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12101,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12085","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-misc"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Unpack Costa Mesa: Hidden Gems From the City\u2019s Treasure Chest - Travel Costa Mesa<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Costa Mesa\u2019s hidden gems with a treasure\u2011map guide to secret cafes, artisan workshops, surf culture, craft breweries, and local legends.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/unpack-costa-mesa-hidden-gems-from-the-citys-treasure-chest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Unpack Costa Mesa: Hidden Gems From the City\u2019s Treasure Chest - 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