Be honest—have you ever heard of Costa Mesa, California? I hadn’t either. I was just chatting with someone from California, and even they had no clue. But this trip changed everything for me—and this blog is your personal invitation to check it out too.
Living in Dallas, it was a nonstop flight from Dallas Ft Worth International Airport (DFW) into John Wayne Airport (SNA). And from there? Five minutes to Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel—no exaggeration. And if you're planning your own Costa Mesa trip, I’ve included a tool to help you find a place to stay!
The city is perfect mix of community, luxury, adventure and culture. Keep reading for my favorite spots, surprising experiences, and why I’m already planning my return trip.
Wait, Where Is Costa Mesa?
My Costa Mesa Experience
Where I Stayed: Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Now let’s talk about where I stayed—Avenue of the Arts Tribute Hotel, part of the Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio. The entire vibe is regal-meets-comfort with a purple theme that made everything feel luxe yet warm. This hotel is central to everything. I realized that I didn’t need a car or ride share to start off my trip especially with their airport pickup—love that for me!
The rooms are spacious—think big bathroom, cozy seating area, and a balcony that was perfect for people-watching… or flying my drone (yep, I did that). I had a view of a tranquil pond with life flowing around it. While I didn’t get a chance to check out the spa this time, I did love the gym—and that sauna? A game-changer after my long days exploring Costa Mesa.
The on-site restaurant, Silver Trumpet, served me from breakfast to dinner. On my first day, I ended up at the bar for happy hour (you know I love a good happy hour) and met Diego, who took amazing care of me. He even let me sample a few drinks, including their rotating signature cocktail inspired by whatever show is playing at the performance hall across the street. Between the delicious food and friendly bar regulars—including some in town for work or waiting to see a show—it felt like I was already part of the community.
And just across the street? A full-on arts district that gave serious date night vibes: glowing lights, bustling walkways, and great people-watching.
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Why Costa Mesa Feels Instantly Accessible
One of the first things I appreciated about Costa Mesa was how easy it was to explore the area right around me. With my hotel literally steps from their bustling arts district, I love that I can walk out the door and immediately take in the vibe—grab a drink, catch a performance, or enjoy the scenery with a quick walk to South Coast Plaza.
Now, let’s keep it honest: not everything is walkable. We did have to drive to a few places, like most of the food gems I will be reviewing were. But with most drives being five to six minutes tops, ride-share costs stayed low and the city still felt convenient and connected.
Art & Culture: Museums, Music, and Ballet
The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) was just a short stroll away, and wow—this museum is not your typical stuffy gallery. The modern building drew me in instantly! Let’s talk about that gift shop for a second—not your standard museum merch because you will want to buy everything!
The gift shop alone had me ready to swipe my card. We're talking skincare straight from Korea, dreamy perfume I’m still thinking about, and zero Mona Lisa puzzle energy. The space itself is about people, not just art—from the creators to the community. There’s a bar, coffee shop, places to eat lunch... OCMA is designed for you to stay awhile and share the experience with others over and over. Oh, did I mention that its free admission? See, what I mean? Perfect for an afternoon of wandering.
Right next door, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where I got a private tour of the concert hall. That place? Regal. Beautiful. The kind of stage I dreamed of when I used to play the viola. And beyond the grand hall? This place is regal but welcoming. There were tiny ballerinas climbing stairs for their Saturday class and kiddos bouncing out of story time theater sessions. There was even an intimate black-box-style theater that hosts drag brunches and local performances.
Flavors, Vibes, and the Strip Mall Gems of Costa Mesa
(Here, don’t judge a plaza by its parking lot.)
Let’s talk food—because Costa Mesa ate.
My trip began with Spanish tapas at VACA, featuring fun cocktails, delicious plates, and a cozy vibe. Spanish tapas spot with a killer cocktail list and even better ambiance. I ordered a gin and tonic with a twist from their interesting cocktail list and enjoyed a variety of tapas.
We hit Northgate Market—and listen, this is not just a grocery store. It’s a full cultural experience. Think: live music and 21 stalls with everything from churros to ceviche to tacos carved fresh from a spinning trompo (like Lebanese shawarma style). They’ve got blue corn tortillas, authentic beer tastings, birria stew, and even tortas you dip. This place started from humble roots and built it up to what it is now- the Mercado and Authentic Mexican Food Experience (AMFE).
Then there’s Green Cheek Beer Company. I don’t even like beer like that, but this place? They had a lavender seltzer, house-made wine spritzer, and even painkillers served as a slushy. The smashburger? Inhaled. The pretzel? Delicious. Great patio, family- and dog-friendly, and totally worth arriving early before the crowd rolled in.
Next came the real MVPs: strip mall restaurants. I know, I know. But in Costa Mesa? Strip malls are the culture.
From The LAB (Little American Businesses the home of Bred Hot Chicken, I discovered community, creativity, and surprise flavor in every storefront. But Bred Hot Chicken, had the vibes and flavor! Pro tip: you better not leave this place without trying their potato salad, signature sauces, or banana pudding. As a girl from the south, who is also the family banana pudding maker, this felt like home. And of course the chicken, which was delicious from the meat to the skin!
I got to try Mazemen Ramen at Mogu Mogu. Their signature dish had a special sauce and a recommended way to eat it—the flavors were bold.
At Tres Muchachos we had a curated meal served with bubbles, wine, and beats by Ubiquity Records. This intimate, family-owned spot had some of the most creative and beautifully plated food—and when I asked about a recipe, the waiter said, “Let me ask my mama.” I kid you not—he brought his mom out from the kitchen. She smiled, kept the ingredients secret, and I was even more obsessed. We were presented with a curated private meal paired with bubbles and wine. It was such a vibe. Yes, it’s in a strip mall. And yes, it’s a must-visit.
Luxe Shopping But More
South Coast Plaza is designer heaven—with a twist. I got to enjoy their VIP Access Lounge, got pampered at Nordstrom’s spa, and wandered through luxury brands like Louis Vuitton (there are two). The mall is split by a dreamy skywalk that connects the designer side to home & lifestyle brands. It is the ultimate shopping experience. They also have an extensive food scene. Costa Mesa is home to 2 Michelin star restaurants and one of them, Knife Pleat, is housed at the Plaza. I wouldn’t call it a food court but more like sit-down restaurants, many with heavy Asian influences. We ate at Paradise Dynasty, a Singaporean dim sum spot that’s made its U.S. debut right here too!
Highlights:
* VIP Access Lounge at South Coast Plaza
* Rainbow dumplings at Paradise Dynasty
* Mad rush to spend $100 before the shopping center closed
Only in Costa Mesa
Also? I made a tote bag—with my own two hands!—at Canvas Worker, taught by the amazing Douglas Davidson and his daughter. A talented bag designer with over 25 years working with brands like Burton, The North Face, Nike, Adidas, and more. This wasn’t just any tote. People come from all over the world to learn from Douglas because of his design background, craftsmanship, and overall energy. Learning from him was such a privilege. I was blown away that I walked away with something so well-made that I could actually use and show off. Honestly, I still can't believe I made it.
And to top it off: whale watching with Newport Landing. We set sail out of Newport with our captain, Ricky, who was seriously determined to help us spot a whale—and he delivered! While I didn’t catch a flip, we ended up seeing a rare gray whale that I had no idea could even come so close to shore. And the dolphins? They swam right up next to the boat—so close that if I wanted to reach out and touch one (I didn’t, don't worry), I probably could have. The whole experience felt surreal. It was absolutely phenomenal and easily one of the most unforgettable parts of the trip.
Where to Stay in Costa Mesa
Need a place to stay while exploring Costa Mesa? Whether you’re in town for art, tacos, or a chill weekend getaway, I’ve got you covered.
Use this interactive map to find hotels, boutique stays, and even Airbnbs within walking distance of:
The LAB & The CAMP
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa’s hidden strip mall gems (yes, seriously!)
Pro Tip: These are live listings that update in real-time—so you’ll always see the best current rates.
Just scroll, compare, and book—right here.
PS: When you book through this map, you support Travel is My Lifestyle at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping me keep the travel gems coming.
The Costa Mesa Effect
Let’s keep it real: had you ever heard of Costa Mesa before this? Because I hadn’t. Costa Mesa surprised me in the best ways: It’s artsy. It’s community-driven. It’s full of food, fun, and walkable culture. Might be one of California’s best-kept secrets. Coming from Dallas? There are 9 nonstop flights a day to SNA out of DFW. Let this be your sign to book that ticket and explore!
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