The city where everyone is welcome

When you heard about Costa Mesa, California, you may have asked yourself, “Where is Costa Mesa?” 

Los Angeles, San Francisco, and even Palm Springs have all been checked off my travel list. But when I heard about Costa Mesa I thought, “Wait, where is Costa Mesa?” 

Costa Mesa is in South California, specifically, Orange County. It is located between Los Angeles and San Diego. Obviously, with any big city area, traffic determines timing. 

Imagine fields of lima beans as far as the eye can see, that was Costa Mesa. Today Costa Mesa features a top notch culinary scene, sought after luxury shopping, and an attractive art scene. 

Even though I started off not knowing exactly where Costa Mesa was, I was ready to experience all that it had to offer. 

Getting to Costa Mesa

Now that we know where Costa Mesa is, How do we get to Costa Mesa? Costa Mesa is, on a good day, only about forty-five minutes from Los Angeles, and about an hour from San Diego. If you aren’t already within driving distance, you can opt to hop on an Amtrak, or a flight, which is how I arrived. 

After a long flight we landed as light as a feather into John Wayne Airport. John Wayne Airport is quaint and cozy, with a little less hustle and a lot less bustle than some larger airports. It was easy to get out of when I arrived and easy to get into once it was time to head out. 

The airport is adorned with the usual convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants. But if you aren’t in a rush, check out the John Wayne Airport Arts Program exhibitions. 

Luckily for me, the Arts Program was featuring an exhibition from the students of Cypress College. My eyes were drawn like a magnet to the culinary part of the exhibit, 3-Part Hot Sauce Bottle. 

As soon as I stepped out of the airport the sun kissed my cheeks and I was reenergized and ready to explore. 

Where to Stay in Costa Mesa

All directions in Costa Mesa point to a good time. Costa Mesa is just 16 square miles, but this small city packs a punch. 

Costa Mesa is a safe and walkable city, you can almost get anywhere from everywhere. Costa Mesa has a hotel for every budget, from Best Western to Marriott. 

Just stepping into the Avenue of the Arts, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in the Marriott family, felt like vacation. A fuschia purple drapes the entry like a well tailored suit. Even though it is California, the fireplace in the lobby was warm and welcoming to knock off the slight chill in the air. Just past the lobby is a picturesque lazy river,with an overhang of greenery. 

My home for the weekend was a Deluxe King with a lake view. There were accents of champagne and black, with gold accents throughout the room. I took full advantage of the balcony, enjoying the breeze, the lake and people watching. 

The room came with a minibar that I could actually use, which was appreciated. But if you do not plan to stuff your minibar with leftovers it is fully stocked with plenty to snack on. 

The bathroom was large with a shower and tub combination. The entire bed felt like a pillow I could sink right into. It was the perfect set up for a good night’s sleep. 

Things to Do in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa is as big as it is small. There is so much to see and do in the city. Art museums, theaters, shopping, and excursions.

If you are looking for a free museum outside of Washington, D.C., check out the Orange County Museum of Art. The building opened in 2022 and it is still pristine. 

A faint smell of jasmine wafts throughout the museum lobby. Maum, a Korean goods market, is taking over over the museum gift shop space for the rest of the year. Maum carries a variety of Korean founded brands from around the world. Just beyond gift shop is a small cafe. The Orange County Museum of Art may be the only museum where you can get Korean skincare products and matcha.

Moving from room-to-room felt like I was able to visit multiple museums in one visit. With over 4,000 pieces of art in their collection, there’s something for everyone. 

After the art, be sure to head up to the roof. Stop in for a drink, a meal, or just to enjoy the view. 

If shopping is more your speed, you’ll be wide-eyed when you step into the “largest luxury shopping destination on the West Coast”. You will find exclusive items, a large Gucci store, only second to New York City, and a Michelin starred restaurant. From Audemars Piguet, to Nordstrom, from Chanel to Bath & Body Works, or Hermès, the South Coast Plaza has everything you need. 

An Eatcation in Costa Mesa

After visiting the Travel Costa Mesa website, “Eatcation” echoed in my head like  “The Song That Doesn’t End“. From hot fried chicken to Mexican tamales, come to Costa Mesa ready to indulge. 

Who knew a shopping center would have a Michelin starred restaurant. While I did not get to dine at Knife Pleat, they are closed mid-day and reopen for dinner, it is on my list for my next visit. 

Paradise Dynasty is known for it’s xiao long bao, rich soups, and unique take on classic Chinese dishes. The drinks are well balanced, the bao are bursting with surprising flavors, and the service is top notch. 

For a casual bite, Bred Hot Chicken is a Black owned restaurant at The Lab that is super satiating. Their crispy wings, sandwiches and generous platters are like none I’ve ever tasted. The seasoning on chicken itself is complex and layered. To complement the chicken choose from several sauces, Hot Cheesy, Comeback, Timbo, Honey Mustard, Buffalo, Homemade Ranch, Bully BBQ, or Clover Honey. And don’t forget their fresh squeezed lemonades, perfect to tame the heat. To end your meal, one of their housemade desserts is a must, I was partial to the Banana Puddin. It was the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. 

Whether you are looking to plan your own Eatcation, or need help with planning, visit Travel Costa Mesa for recommendations for hotels, activities, shopping, restaurants, and even a calendar of events to help you make the most out of your trip. 

Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Costa Mesa, and if not, what you plan to include in your itinerary when you do visit.