When I think about Costa Mesa, the first word that comes to mind is chill. But “chill” doesn’t quite capture the full picture — Costa Mesa is the kind of place that immediately wraps you up in sunshine, good food, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled into Southern California’s best-kept secret.
We were invited by Travel Costa Mesa to come explore their incredible city, and what we found was even better than we imagined. There’s a warmth here that feels familiar, almost like coming home, even if you’ve never set foot in Orange County before. The air smells faintly of salt from the nearby beaches, palm trees sway above eclectic shopping centers, and art seems to spill into everyday life. Whether it’s a massive outdoor sculpture garden hidden between office buildings or the mural-covered walls of a café patio.
What surprised me most was how effortless it all felt. In a region where driving is usually a necessity, Costa Mesa was refreshingly walkable. We moved between cafés, boutiques, and art spaces on foot, with quick Uber rides taking us to beaches and bars. And for queer travelers, it’s not just accessible — it’s affirming. Between LGBTQ-owned businesses, a historic queer bar, and the kind of community spaces that invite everyone in, Costa Mesa felt like a place designed for us to slow down, connect, and indulge.
Where to Stay in Costa Mesa
The Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel
At first glance, Westin South Coast Plaza might read as a sleek, businessy hotel, but step inside (or out by the pool) and it quickly feels like a perfect little California getaway. The location is hard to beat, just across from South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa’s luxury shopping and dining hub, and a short hop from John Wayne Airport. Add in proximity to the beach without the typical coastal price tag, and suddenly it’s the ideal home base for couples, LGBTQ+ families, or friend groups ready to explore Orange County.
We spent an evening lounging by the pool, and even though the hotel sits smack in the middle of the city, it felt tucked away and vacation-like. On weekends, you can order from the pool menu or grab a drink from the bar/restaurant, which was buzzing every night we walked past. Around the pool, there are little pockets to read, chill, or just soak up the sun without feeling on display.
Our room was big and comfortable, with a generous bathroom and a bed that begged you to sink in after a long day of exploring. The view overlooked the courtyard and one of our favorite restaurants in Costa Mesa, Vaca.
Beyond the amenities, the staff made a real impression. Friendly, welcoming, and genuinely kind, they made us feel completely at ease — as a visibly queer traveler, I loved that it never even crossed my mind to worry about how we’d be received. Location, comfort, and a touch of vacation magic: The Westin South Coast Plaza is the perfect Costa Mesa home base.
Day 1: Arts, Coffee & Tapas
Morning:
Start your trip with coffee at Work in Progress Cafe, a quintessential California café tucked near The CAMP shopping center. Meg ordered the breakfast burrito with pastrami — a bold, flavorful twist on a California staple — while I went for the Summer Sando, a peach, pear, and burrata sandwich on focaccia with just the right kick of spice. Paired with their strawberry latte, it was easily one of my favorite bites of the trip.
From there, wander over to The CAMP, a green, outdoorsy shopping center full of eco-conscious brands. Don’t miss Seed People’s Market, where we stocked up on smart wool layers for an upcoming group trip to Nepal for the Everest Base Camp trek.
Afternoon:
Walk a few blocks to The LAB Anti-Mall, Costa Mesa’s iconic counterculture shopping space. It’s full of unique boutiques and cafés, perfect for people-watching and soaking up the city’s creative spirit. One of the things I loved most about The LAB was how intentionally welcoming it felt — with gender-neutral bathrooms, plenty of cozy spots for coworking, and an atmosphere that encouraged everyone to slow down and stay awhile.
Start with a browse at Purre Boutique, a women-owned clothing shop with breezy California dresses, trendy handbags, and jewelry that Meg adored. Then wander into House of Intuition, a metaphysical supply store filled with hand-picked crystals, herbs, and candles. It’s a magical little oasis where you can pause, set intentions, or pick up something special to take home.
For something sweet, head to Stella Jeans, where globally inspired ingredients turn into wildly creative small-batch ice cream flavors. Meg went for the Mango Sticky Rice — a dreamy mix of sweet cream and chewy pops of Thai sticky rice — and it was the perfect afternoon treat.
Don’t miss Explore BLENDS, a streetwear and sneaker shop that’s been a Costa Mesa staple for 20 years. The shoes are displayed behind glass doors like drinks in a bodega fridge, making the whole experience feel cool, elevated, and just a little playful. Let’s just say there were more than a few pairs I would’ve happily stuffed into my suitcase.
Evening:
Dinner at Vaca is a must. Helmed by Top Chef alum Amar Santana, it’s a Spanish tapas dream. We ordered a mix of dishes — the gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp with chili oil and grilled bread) was hands down one of my favorite bites of the entire trip, perfectly garlicky with just the right amount of heat. Even the vegan paella was packed with so much flavor. Order a few plates, share everything, and don’t the cheese slection.
Cap the night with a cocktail or mocktail at Tin Lizzie’s Saloon, Orange County’s oldest LGBTQ+ bar. Open since the 1950s, it’s a piece of queer history that feels refreshingly modern. On a Wednesday night, the place was buzzing with a beautifully mixed crowd — lesbians shooting pool with twinks, a bear chatting with a Gen Z couple, a trans woman complimenting a stranger’s heels. In a nightlife world that can feel segregated, Tin Lizzie’s was a reminder of the queer community so many people chat about in an idylic way.
Day 2: Donuts, Shopping & Queer-Owned Eats
Morning:
No trip to Costa Mesa is complete without a stop at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. The line moves quickly, and it’s worth it. We tried the seasonal huckleberry and passion fruit pavlova flavors — both yeast doughnuts that were pillowy, tangy, and absolutely addictive. My banana bread latte had such a strong banana flavor that I’m still thinking about it.
Right around the corner is Almond Surfboards & Design, a cool little surf shop that feels quintessentially California. Even if you’re not a surfer, the design aesthetic makes it worth a peek.
Afternoon:
Dedicate some time to South Coast Plaza, one of the largest luxury malls in the country. Normally, a massive shopping mall isn’t my vibe, but this one is stunning and full of brands you rarely see in one place. Meg scored a gorgeous blazer from Aritzia and browsed Coach’s newest collection. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a fun place to window shop and people-watch.
When hunger hits, head to Pop Pie Co., an LGBTQ-owned spot serving globally inspired sweet and savory pies. The chicken pot pie had a perfectly flaky crust with tender pearl onions tucked inside, while the adjoining Stella Jeans Ice Cream (connected by a doorway) blew us away with inventive flavors. Meg tried the Mango Sticky Rice — creamy, fragrant, and just sweet enough. Supporting queer-owned businesses while eating some of the best food in town? A total win-win.
From there, slow the pace with a visit to the Noguchi Garden California Scenario, a hidden oasis tucked between office buildings. Designed by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, the space blends striking sculptures with serene landscaping, making it the perfect spot to take a breath and recharge before diving back into the city.
Evening:
Dinner at Habana at The LAB is a whole experience. With its Cuban menu, lush greenery, and warm lighting, it feels like stepping into Havana for the night. Order a mojito (or a mocktail) and ropa vieja, and soak in the atmosphere.
If you’re up for more nightlife, Costa Mesa is close enough to Huntington Beach or Newport for oceanfront drinks, but honestly? Tin Lizzie’s is worth a second round.
Day 3: Coffee, Coastlines & Culture
Morning:
Kick things off at Good Town Doughnuts, where the case is overflowing with playful, colorful creations — and the vegan selection actually outnumbers the non-vegan. If you’re a doughnut lover, this place is a must. I went for the lime and pistachio doughnut — tart, nutty, and just sweet enough — and honestly could’ve tried a half dozen more. Pair it with a latte and it’s the kind of breakfast that sets the tone for a day of easy, feel-good exploring.
From there, we grabbed an Uber to Luv Collective in Huntington Beach, and the big rainbow flag out front immediately confirmed we’d made the right decision. This LGBTQ-owned café has a laid-back, welcoming vibe with plenty of outdoor seating that makes you want to linger. The drink menu feels more like a lineup of creative mocktails than coffeehouse standards. I tried a peach coffee with bitters topped with a peach ring, while Meg went for a matcha lemonade that was so refreshing we both ended up loving it, even as non-matcha drinkers.
After coffee, we headed toward the Huntington Beach Pier. The scene was pure California — surfers carving through waves, the boardwalk buzzing with energy, and rows of surf shops lining the streets. Browsing through racks of boards, wetsuits, and streetwear, I couldn’t help but notice how surf and skate culture has shaped fashion in ways that feel especially intriguing for androgynous style. Loose fits, functional layers, and bold graphics create a look that blurs the lines in a way that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
Afternoon:
Back in Costa Mesa, trade the beach vibes for some culture at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). With free admission and a rotating collection that celebrates California artists, it’s a space that’s both thought-provoking and accessible. If you have time, swing by Mercado Gonzalez — a sprawling market full of food stalls, fresh produce, and Mexican goods. (I’m still kicking myself that we didn’t make it there.) But everyone we talked to said it was an absolute cant miss so i’m adding it here because I don’t want you to make the same mistake.
Evening:
For your final night, head back to Lido Village for dinner. With its mix of waterfront restaurants and stylish boutiques, it’s the kind of place where you can linger over a meal while the harbor lights begin to glow. Fresh seafood is the star here, but the atmosphere alone makes it worth the stop relaxed, chic, and distinctly coastal. We ate at Circle Hook, a sustainable seafood spot and it was outstanding. We both enjoyed incredible shrimp meals.
After dinner, make your way to Newport Beach to watch the sunset. Sitting on the sand with the pier stretched between us and the horizon, the whole scene felt cinematic. The sun sank directly behind the pier, turning its silhouette into part of the show a moment that felt distinctly California, different from any other beach sunset I’ve experienced. Between the golden light, the sound of waves, and the framing of that pier, it was like stepping straight into a movie ending.
Costa Mesa stands out in Southern California as a city that’s vibrant, creative, and full of character. For queer travelers, it offers the best of everything: LGBTQ+ nightlife, queer-owned businesses, and easy access to the beach. With world-class dining and eclectic shopping layered in, it’s a destination that feels indulgent, affirming, and unforgettable.
