Explore Dining, Lodging, and Fun in Costa Mesa

Travelers seeking upscale shopping, lively arts, and relaxed neighborhoods will find a compact hub in Costa Mesa, a city that straddles the 405 freeway and offers two distinct experiences within a few minutes’ walk.

Arts, culture, and the downtown vibe

The Costa Mesa Theatre & Arts District anchors the city’s reputation as the “City of the Arts.” The Segerstrom Center for the Arts alone houses six venues, presenting everything from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to a talk with Ina Garten. Adjacent, the South Coast Repertory stages locally written plays, while the Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County, and Pacific Chorale provide a steady stream of concerts.

Recent changes have added the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art to the mix. Designed by Pritzker Prize winner Thom Mayne, the glass‑fronted building features a public stair reminiscent of famous European steps. Current exhibitions include “Staging California in Early Hollywood” and “Raymond Saunders: Flowers from a Black Garden.”

A free audio guide leads visitors along the Costa Mesa Art Walk, where works such as Isamu Noguchi’s “California Scenario” and Joan Miró’s bronze “Oiseau” sit beside the lively streets. The walk passes the Bridge of Gardens, a notable feature of South Coast Plaza, a mall with more than 230 stores ranging from Chanel to Louis Vuitton.

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Shopping beyond the mall

Across the freeway, The Lab Anti‑Mall and The Camp provide open‑air shopping experiences with a mix of small businesses, art, and food venues.

These alternatives contrast sharply with the polished corridors of South Coast Plaza, yet both sides share a common thread: they are easily reachable from John Wayne International Airport (SNA), which is undergoing a $700 million upgrade to improve passenger flow.

The city thrives on creativity.

Where to eat and drink

Breakfast lovers have a choice between a classic bagel shop and a modern bakery. Shirley’s has served soft bagels since 1986, co‑owned by Carlos Perez, while his son’s offshoot, Boil and Bake, offers 72‑hour fermented sourdough bagels topped with house‑made spreads. For a Mexican twist, Hola Adios serves breakfast tacos and some of the county’s best coffee.

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Craft breweries pepper the scene. Green Cheek Beer Co. brews its own fare, while Salty Bear and Synth Beer Co. rotate food trucks and allow patrons to bring takeout. The laid‑back patios encourage lingering conversations over a pint.

Fine‑dining options with Michelin recognition include Hana re, a ten‑seat sushi bar in The Lab that serves chef’s choice omakase; Knife Pleat, a French‑inspired venue run by Tony Esnault and Yassmin Sarmadi; and Vaca, which showcases Spanish tapas and paellas. Mexican specialties such as Baja fish tacos can be found at Birrieria Guadalajara, and the busy Mercado González offers a dozen stalls for those who prefer to cook themselves.

Places to stay

Visitors who want proximity to the arts and high‑end shopping may stay at the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Rooms feature private balconies, and a rooftop pool with cabanas offers a place to unwind after a night at the theater.

For a more intimate experience, several Airbnb rentals provide mid‑century renovated homes with yards and grills. One such property includes a fire pit and a garden, making it a comfortable base for exploring the city’s diverse offerings without the crowds of the nearby beaches.