36 Hours in the Westside of Costa Mesa

WHAT TO DO

Triangle Squareis a compact outdoor mall that features bowling, a nightclub, a cinema, and several eateries, making it an essential stop for a meal and some leisure.Hot spots in the square include Time Nightclub, a locale for an unforgettable night of dancing and drinks. Also, Café Sevilla serves authentic Spanish tapas while also hosting live music for a late-night atmosphere of dancing and dining.

Westside Museum is not your traditional museum. Instead, it is a venue for unique art and music performances in a venue that captures the industrial-chic aesthetic of Westside Costa Mesa. The events vary from intimate gatherings to larger-scale happenings, so we recommend checking their calendar when planning a visit.

Canyon Park is ideal for a quick stroll and a few lungfuls of fresh air to clear your head and center yourself. The park features an array of flowers and cacti, but occasional local wildlife, such as herons, can be spotted as well. However, it's still safe for pets and a popular place for visitors to bring their four-legged friends.

For lengthier hiking trails and memorable vistas looking out over Huntington Beach, we recommend Talbert Regional Park. It also features bike trails, including a BMX track, and plenty of tables where you can spend some time enjoying a peaceful picnic.

The Wayfarer sports a full bar and kitchen in a rustic-but-chic interior. But the real draw is their live music and events held every day, which turns the venue into a place pulsing with a contagious energy. Though their focus is on supporting local up-and-coming talent, occasional bigger names also make the rounds.

Nurture your creative side with a visit to Location 1980, an art studio and gallery that is a haven for artists. The gallery features works created by local artists, and they regularly have workshops and classes.

WHERE TO EAT

Snap your day into focus with craft coffee at Moongoat, where both classic and more experimental coffee beverages are served alongside select breakfast bites

For a more European-tinged start to your day, visit Eller Bakery. They have an in-house flour and grain mill, so you can expect baked goods of unparalleled freshness that truly deserve to be called artisanal. Their on-site coffee roastery also means your morning brew will be one you’ll remember for years. To top it off, their breakfast foods are like a little pocket of Europe in Costa Mesa.

With recipes focused on health and authenticity,Taco Mesaserves up colorful meals in an equally vibrant brick building with hand-painted murals. Their commitment to serving quality food at value price points makes them a must-try.

SOCIALoffers a fresh take on new-American-style meals. The chef's curated menu features award-winning items (like the Wagyu Beef Drive Thru Burger) that evoke their Southern inspiration. Their singular craft cocktails are made from house-made ingredients and are designed to pair with their unique dishes. Stop by on the weekends for live music and brunch.

A seasonal menu and a curated selection of wines make Semi Tropic Wine a cozy spot for a date night, and the occasional live music is the icing on the cake. Catalina Fish Kitchen wears its seafood badge on its sleeve, embracing the fun of seaside dishes with a surfer-esque, beach-themed interior. From fish tacos to veggie options, their menu serves up West Coast favorites.

Costa Mesa is home to numerous sushi stops, but Yuzu Japanese Sushi Bar stands out with its high-grade fish and hand-crafted sake cocktails. Their goal: bring modern innovations to classic Japanese flavors.

The family-owned Avila’s El Ranchito brings diners authentic family recipes from Guanajuato, Mexico. Their handmade tortillas have been a local favorite for years, and the owner Maria Elena is always cooking up a new recipe.

The dining experience at 2145 EATS might look low-key, but the flavors are on full display. With novel approaches to classic Italian meals, gourmet pizzas with authentic ingredients, and weekly specials, any day is the perfect time to enjoy a meal on their cozy terrace.

Fortify your gut health with a visit to Fermentation Farm, a local source of hand-crafted, probiotic-rich, health-packed products such as yogurts, fermented sodas, kombucha, and more.