Westside

Five people gather around a worktable in a leather workshop in the heart of the theater arts district Costa Mesa, wearing aprons and smiling as they discuss leather pieces and tools, with materials and supplies organized on shelves and the table.

Westside Costa Mesa does things a little differently. Warehouses, garages, and industrial spaces have been reworked into restaurants, studios, and spots that feel like they’ve been here all along. Close to the beach, but on its own wavelength, Westside Costa Mesa should be on the list if the underground world of experiences is your thing.

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Old space, new story.

2145 Eats sets the tone for Westside. What used to be a gas station now turns out some of the area’s most talked-about food, all in a space that still feels true to its roots. Around here, that kind of transformation isn’t unusual.

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Outdoor patio with green artificial turf, scattered tables and chairs, potted plants, string lights overhead, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere in the evening.

DIY not?

The creative side here isn’t just for show. At Costa Mesa Ceramics, you can actually get your hands into it with classes and open studio time. Just next door, Saltwater Leather invites you to create your own custom leather sandals and belts in a step-by-step workshop setting.

Five women sit at pottery wheels in a bright studio, shaping clay with their hands. Shelves with pottery and supplies are on the wall behind them, and plants are visible in the background.

Costa Mesa Ceramics

Three people in a workshop, wearing aprons, smile and examine a strip of leather. Tools and supplies hang on a pegboard in the background—a fun option if you're searching for creative things to do in Costa Mesa.

Saltwater Leather

Basic isn’t on the menu.

This side of town keeps things casual, but in a (very) delicious way. Try The Pocket for an Aussie-style breakfast, where colorful plates and fresh, organic ingredients make it an easy stop to fuel your day. By night, it’s all about live music and drinks at The Wayfarer and SOCIAL.

A cozy bar with string lights and colorful hanging lamps, a sign reading Rock n Roll, a TV above the bar, and people sitting on stools chatting. Bottles line the shelves behind the bar.

The Wayfarer

A white plate with artfully arranged pieces of raw fish, thinly sliced green chilies, diced yellow fruit, toasted seeds, and colorful edible flowers on a wooden table.

SOCIAL

A close-up of two plates at the best sushi Costa Mesa spot: one with assorted sashimi, the other with crispy wonton chips topped with diced onions, herbs, sauce, and orange roe. Small dishes and a glass of water sit on a wooden table.

Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar

Local. Legendary. Necessary.

The Westside Market brings together small brands, makers, and one-off finds, including Fermentation Farm, a handcrafted haven of small-batch goods. Shopping around here is less about browsing, more about discovering.

Rustic store counter with hanging jar lights, wooden surfaces, cash registers, black shopping bags, a large menu sign above, and refrigerators with various products in the background. Decor is warm and inviting.

Fermentation Farm

Coast into it.

Ramada by Wyndham keeps things simple, with an easy drive to the beach and quick access to Westside’s spots. A solid base without overthinking it.

The Ramada Costa Mesa hotel entrance features a covered driveway, palm trees, three flags, pristine landscaping, and a clear blue sky. The light-colored building offers large windows and a red brick-patterned drive for a welcoming arrival.

Ramada by Wyndham 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.

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.

Outdoor patio with empty tables and red umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and colorful flower pots, in front of shops and restaurants at Metro Pointe Costa Mesa on a sunny day.

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.

A modern concert hall with curved glass architecture and warm lighting stands next to a fountain with arcing water jets in the heart of Costa Mesa’s theater arts district, set against a city skyline at dusk.

Theater & Arts District

Welcome to Costa Mesa’s cultural heartbeat. World-class shows at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, intimate performances at South Coast Repertory, and the city’s newest modern collection at UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art.

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 District

Trendy, eclectic, and full of energy, SoBECA is where Costa Mesa urban edge thrives. Find craft breweries like Green Cheek and Salty Bear and creative shops like The Inconvenience Store, all within walking distance.

Two people sit on a grassy bank near a pond with ducks and geese, surrounded by trees and a small waterfall in the background on a sunny day in the heart of the Central Costa Mesa neighborhood.

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.

Two people sit and talk outside a building with an arched entrance labeled Mercado Mesa, nestled in the vibrant theater arts district of Costa Mesa. The scene is sunny, with plants and trees nearby and a window displaying items on the building’s right side.

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.

Explore what’s happening around town.

A smiling woman holds a large pink cotton candy at a fair. Text reads: OC Fair. Your adventure awaits. July 17 - Aug 16. Tickets on sale now! The background is lively with festive decorations.

July 17, 2026–August 16, 2026

2026 OC Fair – Your Adventure Awaits

Two men are in front of a blurred cityscape at night. Large white text above them reads NELLY and TOO $HORT, with a dollar sign replacing the S in SHORT.

August 2, 2026

Nelly at Pacific Amphitheatre

Seven actors in elaborate period costumes stand in a line singing on stage, under a large, gold, draped theatre curtain with a dramatic black backdrop.

August 12, 2026–August 30, 2026

Phantom of the Opera at Segerstrom Hall

Three men stand in front of a golden background with glowing light beams radiating outward. The man in the center faces forward, wearing a COLUMBIA sweatshirt. The other two look away in opposite directions.

August 12, 2026

AJR at Pacific Amphitheatre

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