Costa Mesa is a small Southern California city, with a whole lot to offer! Costa Mesa is located just about an hour outside of Los Angeles. Although it’s within close proximity to the California beaches and Disneyland, some of the best things to do in Costa Mesa include enjoying the incredible food scene and immense shopping!

One of the best ways to spend your time in Costa Mesa is to eat. Costa Mesa has become a food lovers paradise. With fresh SoCal ingredients, the restaurants in Costa Mesa will be sure to please your tastebuds!

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I say breakfast is one of the best things you can do in Costa Mesa, especially if you are heading to the Old Vine Cafe at The Camp. If you are looking for one of the best things to do in Costa Mesa, you must indulge in at least one meal a Taco Maria. Taco Maria has won over my heart (and, stomach), as well as many others in the area. Most notably, by Jonathan Gold, the beloved LA Times food critic (who helped to elevate and change the Los Angeles dining scene).

Costa Mesa has some of the best shopping in the country, and has something for every personality! With less traditional shopping spots known as anti-malls, one of the best things to do in Costa Mesa is explore the unique retail spaces in the city. If you like delicious food or an eco-friendly atmosphere, one of the best things for you to do in Costa Mesa is visit The CAMP. The CAMP is beautifully manicured retail campus dedicated to supporting the local community and artisans, and remaining environmentally conscious. With restaurants like Off The Vine Cafe (mentioned above) and outdoorsy stores like Patagonia, The Camp has a little something for everyone. You can even shop for succulents out of an old Airstream!