SoBECA District

Two women browse a wall display of colorful cards and books in a cozy, well-lit shop with wooden shelves and hanging paper decorations, nestled in Costa Mesa’s vibrant theater arts district. One woman holds a card while the other looks on.

SoBeCa, short for South Bristol Entertainment & Cultural Arts, keeps things a little off-script. It’s compact, walkable, and full of spots that don’t try too hard but still get it right. You’ll find creative spaces, eco-minded storefronts, and a few places that turn into your regular without much effort. Nothing feels overly planned, which is exactly why it works.

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Where the usual doesn’t apply.

The LAB Anti-Mall doesn’t follow the typical shopping center playbook. It never really did. Independent shops, unexpected finds, and a mix that leans more creative than curated. It’s been setting the tone here from the start.

Explore The LAB

Two women walk down a path next to tall, golden grasses, heading towards the lab costa mesa. They are carrying shopping bags on a sunny day.

A few good turns. Okay, a lot.

The CAMP keeps things open, green, and easy to settle into, with shops built around a more thoughtful, slower pace. Nearby, you can take a pottery class at Artime Barro or try a backpack-making workshop at CANVASWORKER.

The CAMP

ARTime Barro

A woman uses a sewing machine at a worktable while a man with a beard and glasses stands beside her, observing. They are in a workshop with sewing equipment and supplies visible in the background.

CANVASWORKER

Not just one kind of menu.

Start with a stop at Green Cheek Beer Co. for craft beer and smashburgers, then explore the cluster of nearby breweries all within walking distance. From there, head to Mitsuwa Marketplace for an immersive taste of Japan with hard-to-find snacks and a food court that’s worth the stop on its own.

People sit at wooden picnic tables under shade sails in an outdoor seating area at a brewery. The area has string lights, heaters, blue fence walls, and the sign Green Creek Beer Co in the background.

Green Cheek Beer Co.

A Japanese food stall called Gyutan Tsukasa with colorful signs and menus stands inside a modern food court. Nearby, people are seated at tables near another eatery, Matcha Ren. The space is bright and spacious.

Mitsuwa Marketplace

A large, retro-style sign reading SALTY BEAR is mounted above the entrance of a modern concrete building beneath a clear blue sky, marking this spot as a standout Costa Mesa brewery.

Salty Bear Brewing

Just the right comfort.

Residence Inn by Marriott is right by the action and keeps things comfortable without overcomplicating it. Good for a night. Or longer if you end up staying.

A modern hotel suite at Residence Inn Costa Mesa features a living area with a sofa, armchair, fireplace, and TV. The dining table is set for guests. French doors open to the bedroom, and a staircase adds to the spacious layout.

Residence Inn by Marriott Costa Mesa Newport Beach

See more of the city.

Keep exploring all of Costa Mesa and uncover the neighborhoods, local favorites, and award-winning flavor that make this city endlessly discoverable.

A smiling couple holding hands walks past a modern outdoor café with wooden chairs and green plants, enjoying one of the charming Costa Mesa attractions. The woman wears a red dress, while the man sports a purple shirt and gray pants.

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is where Costa Mesa slows down and savors the day. With sprawling parks like Fairview and Estancia, and boutique shopping at SOCO & The OC Mix, this neighborhood is perfect for open-air adventures and unrushed afternoons.

Shoppers walk through a brightly lit outdoor shopping center in the evening, one of the standout Costa Mesa attractions. String lights hang above, and stores like DSW Shoes line both sides of the walkway under a dark blue sky.

South Coast Metro

From the world-famous South Coast Plaza to trendy spots like Metro Pointe and hidden gems along Ramen Row, this neighborhood offers endless ways to shop, savor, and soak in the city’s energy.

Eastside

With easy access to Newport Back Bay and trendy urban corners, Eastside has a little something for everyone. Wander 17th Street for Instagram-worthy bites and longtime local favorites like Hi-Time Wine Cellars and Sidecar Doughnuts.

Westside

Laid-back meets plenty of personality on the west side. Cozy, locals-only cafés and only-in-Costa-Mesa boutiques stand next to manicured parks and quiet streets. It’s the perfect neighborhood to slow down and see where the day takes you.

Outdoor dining area with empty tables and chairs under red umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and colorful flower planters, set in front of restaurant storefronts on a sunny day in the vibrant Theater Arts District Costa Mesa.

Central

From the bustling OC Fair & Event Center to family-friendly escapes like TeWinkle Park and action-packed fun at Costa Mesa Skate Park, there’s always something happening in this hub.