Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Costa Mesa Unlocked: Revealing Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
If you think you know everything about Southern California, that it’s all beaches and theme parks, think again! Costa Mesa is where the real magic happens. Known as the City of the Arts®, this crown jewel of Orange County is all about unforgettable experiences. Think Broadway-calibre theater, shopping that puts Rodeo Drive to shame, and a foodie scene that boasts the only Michelin-starred restaurants in OC. If glitz and glamor isn’t your scene, try indie creativity with hidden-gem boutiques, vintage photobooths, and quirky experiences like snake yoga. Read on to find out what you can do in Costa Mesa that you can’t do anywhere else.
You can find Costa Mesa nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, so it’s an easy drive for locals. If you’re further away, fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) to beat the LAX crowds.
Exclusive Bites
Celeb chef-turned-actor Matty Matheson (you probably recognize him from The Bear) opened Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club in Toronto, where it received gangbuster reviews. You don’t have to fly to Canada to get a taste of one of these saucy, saucy burgers or gooey poutine: the only other location is in Costa Mesa! (P.S. Get the Pineapple Soft Serve for dessert. It’s the perfect finish.)
Photo by @mattyspattysburgerclub
Mercado Gonzalez is a 70,000-square-feet Mexican market transplanted to Costa Mesa. The food choices are plentiful, and traversing the whole thing can be an all-day adventure. No need for plane tickets or border crossings here; just show up hungry. For that extra dose of exclusivity, we rec the churros from Churrería El Moro, since Mercado Gonzalez is the flagship U.S. location where you can try their famous treats.
Photo by @elmoro_usa
Wild & Wonderful Experiences
Ain’t no fair like the OC Fair! Running from mid-July to mid-August, this summer extravaganza has rides, live music with artists like Melissa Ethridge, Fitz & the Tantrums, and Blues Traveler, and deep-fried everything, along with fresh, healthier options. The excitement doesn’t end when the fair does, either: the Event Center hosts events all year. (We live for the OC Japan Fair for the incredible Japanese food vendors.) The OC Fair brings all the classic, nostalgic fun of a county fair, but bigger, better, and with Southern Californian flavor.
Got a case of FOMO? Try out viral experiences IRL in Costa Mesa, like LXRYoga’s famous (and adorable) snake yoga. Sure, goat yoga has been all the rage on the apps, but snake yoga is another thing entirely; the snakes are friendly and calm, there’s five minutes of photo opps to get your perfect snake selfie, and you get to hang out with a slithery new friend.
Photo by Jeff Gritchen
If snakes give you creepy-crawlies, there’s another viral hit in Booth by Bryant. Miss the old analog photobooths and their cute black-and-white pics? They’re a relic of the past, but in Costa Mesa, you can hop into a vintage booth and bring back memories or make new ones.
Photo by @sinadeinert
Costa Mesa’s known as The City of the Arts® for so many reasons, but a big one is the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). The museum is a love letter to modern and contemporary art, and especially to California. Best yet, because of an endowment, admission is free. Accessible, cultural, and thought-provoking, with frequent rooftop events and artist talks, OCMA is one the coolest places in the city.
Photo by @ocmamuseum
Retail Therapy
Costa Mesa has all sorts of shopping experiences that think outside of the box. The CAMP is a green, eco-conscious, and healthy-minded outdoor retail campus with tons of dining options, sustainable and artisanal shops, and even a ceramic and pottery studio. Every time we go to the CAMP, we find something new to obsess over; recently, it’s been the 2nd Street USA location, where we’re obsessed with the well-curated, premium secondhand goods.
Photo by @thecampoc
The LAB is not a mall; it’s an anti-mall. The variety of shops and restaurants—like Buffalo Exchange for thrifting, an Airstream trailer selling vinyls at Creme Tangerine, and Chef Atsushi Yokoyama’s Michelin-starred Hana re, just to name a few—puts hometown malls to shame. Not that we have anything against an Orange Julius, patron saint of our childhoods, but we’d much rather go to a speakeasy like RUIN and have a Kiki Kiwi cocktail.
Photo by @thelabantimall
We saved some of the best for last with South Coast Plaza. Not only is it the largest shopping center on the West Coast, with over 250 retailers, but it’s also the home to incredible food and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (where you can find OCMA). South Coast Plaza is the West Coast–exclusive home to brands like Alexander Wang, Missoni, Khaite, and Chopard. Beverly Hills who?
Photo by @southcoastplaza
Costa Mesa’s waiting with one-of-a-kind experiences. Bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and your cutest comfy shoes to explore everything the city has to offer. But why rush? Book a room in one of our fabulous hotels to enjoy a multi-day experience.
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Pour Choices, No Regrets: Costa Mesa’s Best Sips
Did somebody say libations? Costa Mesa is a city of top-tier experiences, and that extends to our beverages—finding the right creative cocktail or craft brew is key for maximizing vibes. Whether you’re hunting for the best possible margarita, you want to savor a unique IPA, or you’re dancing the night away, drink in hand, you’ve come to the right place. Grab your drinking pals and channel your inner Moira Rose for a boozy tour of Costa Mesa’s best sips.
If you’re a SoCal native, Costa Mesa’s an easy jaunt; just tell your designated driver (or rideshare app) to head to Orange County, in between Los Angeles and San Diego. If you’re not local enough for a day-drinking trip, then fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the crowds at LAX.
Photo by @blossomsandbrass
Hops and Dreams
Green Cheek Beer Co. is a haven for beer lovers with some of the best craft beer in Costa Mesa. There are hoppy classics like pilsners and IPAs, but the brewery is full of tasty twists like Guava In Berlin (a Berliner-style Weisse with real guava) and Flying South, a Mexican-style lager with lime. If you’re not into beer, they have options like the lovely hard seltzer Lavender Lemonade, and some fun non-alcoholic options for your DD.
Photo by @crafty_beer_baron
Spirited Away
Wanna have the coolest speakeasy experience? Cowboys and Poodles at The CAMP is like if a saloon married a disco ball, with fun and innovative cocktails to match the vibe. Try the Whole Mood, a tiki-style cocktail with smoking sage, or the Gin Ne Sais Quois, with gin, yellow chartreuse, aperol, grapefruit, and passionfruit notes.
Photo by @cowboysandpoodles
For the clubbers among us, stop by the Birdcage Lounge at queer favorite Strut for crafty cocktails and neon-infused ambiance. The menu is full of nods to the seminal classic The Birdcage, which for us makes it hard to choose, but the Senator’s Secret with vodka, lychee liquor, pear, and fresh lemon juice, is a winner every time. And your DD has their choice of non-alcoholic options here too (we rec the Horned Screamer if you like grenadine).
Photo by @matt_fitt_photography
If you’re in the mood for a taste of Orange County history, then hit up Tin Lizzie, OC’s longest-standing lesbian bar with origins in the 1950s, and get immersed in the saloon of it all: velvet drapes, gold sconces, moody red lighting, and a well-curated menu of cocktail and tiki faves. We love the Black Magic cocktail with cold brew and espresso liquor, and nothing beats a Daiquiri with fresh juice.
Photo by @tin_lizziesaloon_oc
Pitcher Perfect
Habana is an open-air experience at The LAB, Costa Mesa’s beloved anti-mall, and if you’re looking for distinct flavors, this Cuban hotspot has them. Their sangria is basically a local legend at this point—order the red, white, and pink varieties to decide which is your favorite. Also, the food here is divine: try some apps like the empanadas with your booze to keep you fueled.
Next Stop, Margaritas
Playa Mesa has the distinction of being named as serving the best margarita in California, which is no small feat considering the competition! The flavors are innovative and fresh, like the Sandia Margarita, with fresh watermelon juice and a tajin rim. Don’t overlook Playa Mesa’s other cocktails and bevs, though: save room for a Tierra de Guayava.
Photo by @jujumunchies
Crafted to Perfection
Sip in style at Blossoms & Brass, where Japanese flavors meet Italian flair. Every one of their specialty cocktails is a home run, but we’re especially fond of The Genovese for its dry vermouth and ponzu basil syrup. The wine and beer lists aren’t slouches either; everything at Blossoms & Brass is meant to evoke taste, in every sense of the word.
Photo by @blossomsandbrass
If you’re the type who wants to keep the party going all night, Costa Mesa’s nightlife scene has you covered. Just remember to hydrate! If you’re the go-to-bed-early type, we rec brunch the next morning. Remember, if you’re going to be drinking, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Book a room in one of Costa Mesa’s luxurious hotels to sleep off the damage from the night before.
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Feasts, Treats, and Decadent Eats in Costa Mesa
Life’s too short for boring meals. Remember that first unforgettable bite, or the joy of dining out with our favorite people, or even channeling a Roman emperor with an extravagant, over-the-top feast? Costa Mesa’s dining scene delivers big on decadence, and this list of standouts is unapologetically indulgent. These are the kinds of food experiences you talk about, and show off in your photo gallery, for years to come.
Getting to Costa Mesa for your day of indulgence is a breeze, since it’s conveniently situated between L.A. and San Diego. Not driving? Here’s a local tip: fly into OC’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the stress of LAX.
Destination Decadence
We’re starting strong with a luxurious experience from the Michelin-starred French restaurant Knife Pleat. There’s three caviar options for caviar service, each of them more decadent than the last. Savor your buttery, popping bites with a chilled cocktail. We love the Iris Van Herpen for the shiso and plum notes.
Photo by @knifepleat
Epic Bites
Some burgers just hit different. That’s the case at Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club, a Toronto fave with a Costa Mesa location (lucky us!), owned and operated by actor-chef Matty Matheson of The Bear fame. Ooey-gooey poutine is always a solid pick, but the burgers are the superstar of the show here: get yours with Matty’s Patty’s Sauce or Pickled Jalapeño Mayo.
Photo by @mattyspattysburgerclub
The tapas at Top Chef alum Chef Amar Santana’s Vaca is beyond. This Michelin Guide–rated spot serves Erizos Con Huevos are scrambled eggs and fresh sea urchin with miso butter toast, an ingenious combo of buttery, salty, umami flavor. Savor a plate of Canelon de Pollo Ahumado, or smoked chicken cannelloni, especially the duck liver sauce and sherry reduction. And if you’ve never had the chance to try Ibérian ham, save room for some of the most complex morsels of your life.
Photo by @vaca_costamesa
No Holding Back
We have one word for you: omakase. The “chef’s table” sushi experience at Michelin-starred Hana re, led by Chef Atsushi Yokoyama, is about as intimate an indulgence as you can get, given the limited seating and serene atmosphere. Settle in for fifteen courses of hand-selected fresh seafood.
Photo by @hana_re_sushi
Locals know about Costa Mesa’s Ramen Row, or the plethora of ramen shops in a three-block radius around Baker Street. Take yourself on a ramen crawl and hit up Hakata Ikkousha for the definitive standard of tonkotsu-style, Kashiwa Ramen for Black Garlic Ramen with roasted garlic oil chicken, Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai for Green Chili Shio Ramen, and Mogumogu for soupless noodles for a novel finish.
Photo by @kashiwaramen_oc
Sweet Escapes
The two-pound Giant Cinnamon Roll at Plums Cafe is worth a photo opp for sure—how often do we get to try baked goods as big as our heads? But don’t order this scrumptious baked good just for the novelty; it’s unbelievably delicious. We do advise bringing some friends to share the love or asking for a take-home container, so no bite goes to waste.
Photo by @plumscafe
The Straw makes milkshakes that push the boundaries of flavor while respecting nostalgia. Saigon Sin is a Vietnamese-inspired coconut cream and durian treat, and it’s a flavor exclusive to their OC location. If you want something a little more traditional, try La Bella Donna, an espresso milkshake with tiramisu. (Also, vegans, you can substitute with vegan ice cream!)
Photo by @thestrawmilkshakes
Indulge your imagination and your taste buds at Elixir, which serves up whimsy alongside boba and ice cream. Creative drinks (like Labyrinth, a green tea latte with dragon honey and boba), fantasy decor that demands you get your pose on, and magical staff take the vibes from great to extraordinary. Every single drink is alcohol free, so it’s a great spot to hit up if you’re sober or just sober curious.
Photo by @katielovesboba
Ever dipped a piping-hot, crispy churro into rich, velvety hot chocolate? That double hit of crunch and smooth is worthy of closing your eyes and sighing. Hit up Mexico City–based legend Churreria El Moro (at Mercado Gonzalez) for the best churros and ice cream you can imagine, and count yourself lucky that Costa Mesa is the first El Moro location outside of Mexico.
Photo by @elmoro_usa
Meals like the ones we’ve included in this roundup of decadence deserved to be savored. Why rush home after a long, flavorful day? Stay the night in one of Costa Mesa’s top hotels and make it an Eatcation® instead of a one-day indulgence.
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Get Taste Buzzed: The Best Eats in Costa Mesa
Are you ready to take your taste buds on an Eatcation®? Come to Costa Mesa, the foodie capital of Orange County, where you don’t need a cocktail to get taste buzzed. From hidden gems to emerging hotspots, we’ve collected all the must-try restaurants in Costa Mesa for all appetites—all of them are must-tries, no skips!
Getting to Costa Mesa is a breeze; it’s nestled between L.A. and San Diego. If you’re not close enough to drive, here’s a local tip: fly into O.C.’s beloved John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the stress of LAX. You’ll thank us later
Where Flavor Meets Fun
Mercado Gonzalez is 70,000 square feet of authentic, family-owned goodness inspired by the famous food markets of Mexico. Any craving you have, they’ve got it covered—birrieria, carnitas, seasonal fruit, and even fresh seafood? All of it and more is available in one space (FYI, it’s great for groups!).
Photo by @northgatemarket
Small but mighty, Folks Pizzeria has some of the best pizza we’ve ever tried, and they’ve got indoor and outdoor seating depending on how much sunshine you want with your ‘za. Get the Beef Tallow French Fries if you’re a fry aficionado, and pair it with the Soppressata white pie. Sooo good.
Photo by @folkspizzeria
Vaca brings Spain to SoCal via three-time Top Chef competitor chef Amar Santana. We’re big fans of the Bocadillos, or Spanish sandwiches, with vegetables or tuna. It’s our mission to get through the entire tapas menu someday, but it’s hard when we absolutely have to save room for the paella.
Photo by @vaca_costamesa
No Meat, No Problem!
Seabirds Kitchen is a staple of California vegan cuisine, and Costa Mesa is lucky enough to be its home. There’s no going wrong with the Seabirds menu, but we specifically rec the Beer Battered Avo Taco and Purple Potato Taquitos. Yum.
Photo by @a_fit_bird
Head to The CAMP for The Plot, serving up shareables like the Chronic Sushi Roll and hearty, plant-based comfort food like Shepherd’s Pie. Try the Mango Crème Brûlée for a perfect finish!
Photo by @theplotrestaurant
A Taste of Asia
If you haven’t stopped by South Coast Plaza, you’re missing out on some of the best Asian cuisine in the city. There are two soup dumpling heavy hitters: Din Tai Fung (we’re always down to DTF here, and we can’t get enough of their stir-fried veg), and Paradise Dynasty, with eight-spice soup dumplings pushing the bounds with flavor (you have to try the Crab Meat with Roe Xiao Long Bao). AnQi Bistro has a noods and dumpling bar, but don’t overlook the small plates or the steaks. The large plate of Peking Roasted Chicken with Truffle Hainan Rice is our favorite.
Photo by @anqibistro
Mesa Munchies
If you’re craving something simple, fresh, and with tasty options for the whole crew, try one of the two Mendocino Farms locations in Costa Mesa. You can’t go wrong with the half-sandwich combo (we rec the “Not So Fried” Chicken) with a cup of Thai Sweet Potato Soup.
The Collage is another great solution if you’re feeding a group: it’s a two-story dining collective at South Coast Plaza with lots of choices. One person might be feeling a gourmet waffle sandwich at Bruxie, but another might want to get drinks on the patio at Blossoms & Brass. Everybody wins.
Photo by @blossomsandbrass
For spice lovers, Bred Hot Chicken serves up hot chicken in basically every variety you can think of. Share a crispy and juicy chicken platter with friends, or snack on a Big O’ Sandwich by yourself; just don’t skimp on sauce or sides.
Photo by @bredhotchicken
New to the Scene
Ospi is a winning mashup of Italy and California, led by another Top Chef alum, chef Jackson Kalb. The Persian Cucumber salad followed by Ceci e Tria pasta and Sole Milanese as a main is, at least to us, a meal for the history books. Come check Ospi out at Paseo 17, a newly revitalized corner of Costa Mesa’s must-visit 17th Street.
Photo by @ospi
Get Your Buzz On in Costa Mesa
Whether you’re craving casual or fine dining, Costa Mesa satisfies any appetite. Remember: take it easy and don’t rush the experience of getting your taste buzz on. If you want to try everything the city has to offer, turn your foodie trip into a weekend Eatcation® at one of our favorite hotels.
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Got the Brunchies? Get a Taste of Costa Mesa’s 10 Best Brunch Spots!
Looking for the best brunch in Southern California? Come to Costa Mesa. Brunch here isn’t just a meal—it’s an art form. Costa Mesa’s brunch spots deliver if you need protein after a morning surf, a hangover cure, or just some gossip with your avocado toast. From farm-to-table favorites to authentic Mexican brunch and elevated comfort food, here’s our top picks to satisfy your cravings. Grab your foodie crew and dig in!
Nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, Costa Mesa is just a quick drive away for most SoCal locals. But if you need to fly in for your foodie fix, here’s a pro tip: skip the stress of LAX and land at John Wayne Airport (SNA) instead.
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