National Plan for Vacation Day is on January 30th and thousands of travelers will take to the web to book flights, accommodations, and experiences that will foster lifelong memories. For Californians and visitors to the state alike, Costa Mesa can serve as the ideal central hub in SoCal for recreation, shopping, and all the other trappings of a remarkable vacation. Plan your trip today!

Where to Stay: Finding the Right Accommodations

– photo by Hilton Costa Mesa

Step one: Find a base of operations where you can enjoy privacy, comfort, and a good night’s rest. The Hilton, located five minutes from the John Wayne Airport and just seven miles from the beach, offers an ideal choice among the various hotels available across a range of budgets and amenity requirements.

For convenience and walkability, two of the best options are the Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel and the Residence Inn by Marriott, both of which are within walking distance of some of Costa Mesa’s best locales. Take a look at all the distinct offerings of our hotels here.

Where to Shop: From Trendy Boutiques to Plaza-wide Centers

– photo by The LAB Anti-Mall

Costa Mesa is the perfect location for your SoCal vacation especially if you are looking for a little retail therapy haven. From chic boutiques to flagship stores, our diverse shopping scene offers a spectrum of options. South Coast Plaza is the largest shopping center on the West Coast. It is packed with hundreds of shops catering to every style, taste, and lifestyle. 

For a more specialized experience, it is worth planning a stop by Goodies on 17th St, a local hotspot for home goods with a personal touch. From candles to unique marble items, the store is a premier stop for finding the next item to bring your home’s vibe into place.

One of the joys of traveling is the opportunity to support local small businesses in each city you visit. But the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa adds convenience into the mix. LAB stands for “Little American Business,” highlighting their mission to serve as a hub for creativity, fashion, culture, and cuisine. A visit will immerse you in the local community atmosphere. With the right mindset, you can get an up-close look at the thriving cultural pulse of Orange County.

Lastly, become enamored with the handmade jewelry designs at May Martin Jewelry. At once timeless and modern, each piece at the shop is created with the goal of being part of your life for the long run, and the lifetime repair policy is a key part of that. 

What to Do: Play, Party, Explore

– photo by @imjesseatin via IG

Costa Mesa is, simply put, bursting at the seams all year with events, exhibitions, and experiences. Below, we have a quick and curated list of the places to check out for everything from adrenaline-veined concerts to culinary delights.

• Segerstrom Center for the Arts
  • Best time to visit: Year round
  • What it is: A performing arts complex that hosts a myriad of concerts from classical to country.
• Time Nightclub
  • Best time to visit: Year round
  • What it is: An upscale nightlife hub with live music by both locals and big names like DEADMAU5, VIP bottle service, and high-end decor.
• OC Fair & Event Center
  • Best time to visit: Year round
  • What it is: A 150-acre fair event extravaganza packed with food, fun, and festivities. Events throughout the year include Imaginology in the spring, OC Fair in mid summer, Centennial Farm, and Heroes Hall.
• Pacific Amphitheater
  • Best time to visit: Summer
  • What it is: A center for live performances for the past four decades. The Toyota Summer Concert Series brings in world-class talent, making the season an ideal time to visit.
• The Beach
  • Best time to visit: Summer
  • What it is: Some of the most beautiful beaches Southern California has to offer, with surfing, cozy coves, and tidepools across several different beaches. Key ones to visit are Laguna, Huntington, Newport, and Corona Del Mar.
• Mercado Gonzalez
  • Best time to visit: Year round
  • What it is: The Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market is a recent addition to Costa Mesa and already has people talking. It shines as a center for food, entertainment, and Mexican cultural experiences. With a massive food hall with 27 puestos that boast culinary gems from every region of Mexico. 

Start Planning Your Staycation for 2024 in Costa Mesa Today

The sooner you start planning your Staycation for 2024 in Costa Mesa, the sooner you can start daydreaming to get you through the days until it arrives. Costa Mesa offers a vibrant experience year-round, with no off seasons to speak of. From winter to summer, there’s always something new to see in Costa Mesa!