Guidebook for Costa Mesa
Essentials
This is a relatively new gym with an indoor pool, spin room, basketball and racquetball court
25 locals recommend
24 Hour Fitness
555 W 19th StThis is a relatively new gym with an indoor pool, spin room, basketball and racquetball court
This gym is old and not great but there's a really nice one across the street at triangle square.
25 locals recommend
24 Hour Fitness
555 W 19th StThis gym is old and not great but there's a really nice one across the street at triangle square.
Albertsons
7201 Yorktown AveHUGE grocery store
This shop is excellent! Great wine selection and inexpensive wine tastings Th-Sat.Tell Spreti that Jessika sent you and she'll pick out something nice for you.
Anne's Boutique Wines
270 E 17th StThis shop is excellent! Great wine selection and inexpensive wine tastings Th-Sat.Tell Spreti that Jessika sent you and she'll pick out something nice for you.
This is where I was born. Closest Hospital with a view of Newport Beach.
23 locals recommend
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach
1 Hoag DrThis is where I was born. Closest Hospital with a view of Newport Beach.
Health food. They also have a restaurant and a juice bar within. Parking lot is nuts.
96 locals recommend
Mother's Market & Kitchen
19770 Beach BlvdHealth food. They also have a restaurant and a juice bar within. Parking lot is nuts.
It's Trader Joes! It's the best. This is where I do most of my grocery shopping but they're especially great for wine, cheese, fresh flowers and seasonal treats.
175 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
3329 S Bristol StIt's Trader Joes! It's the best. This is where I do most of my grocery shopping but they're especially great for wine, cheese, fresh flowers and seasonal treats.
Food Scene
Al's New York Cafe
1673 Irvine AveOne of my favorite pizza places in Costa Mesa
Alta Coffee
506 31st StBest chai tea ever! Good sandwiches etc too.
Like Thai food? Don't go here without me! I love Thai food and this is one of my favorites. Try the red curry or the spicy basil noodle. And don't forget the pan fried dumplings or cream cheese wonton
8 locals recommend
Bangkok Corner
2360 Newport BlvdLike Thai food? Don't go here without me! I love Thai food and this is one of my favorites. Try the red curry or the spicy basil noodle. And don't forget the pan fried dumplings or cream cheese wonton
This is probably my favorite casual place in all of Orange County to eat. Excellent tacos, salads and more. My favorites are the chicken asada burrito and the hacienda, blue moon or quinoa salads.
9 locals recommend
Caliente Southwest Grill
22017 E 17th StThis is probably my favorite casual place in all of Orange County to eat. Excellent tacos, salads and more. My favorites are the chicken asada burrito and the hacienda, blue moon or quinoa salads.
Popular french bakery. Great place to grab a coffee and a croissant before hitting the beach in the morning. They also make yummy sandwiches and salads.
18 locals recommend
C'est Si Bon Bakery
149 Riverside AvePopular french bakery. Great place to grab a coffee and a croissant before hitting the beach in the morning. They also make yummy sandwiches and salads.
Another local gem. Been going here since I was a kid. Hole in the wall restaurant with checkered table cloths, memorabilia on the walls, inexpensive but decent Italian food and good pizza.
Doria's Haus of Pizza
1500 Adams AveAnother local gem. Been going here since I was a kid. Hole in the wall restaurant with checkered table cloths, memorabilia on the walls, inexpensive but decent Italian food and good pizza.
Food is ok, ambiance is pretty good, tequila selection is second to none.
7 locals recommend
El Matador
1768 Newport BlvdFood is ok, ambiance is pretty good, tequila selection is second to none.
El Torito
34521 Golden LanternGood brunch. Close to Orange County Airport.
Family owned and been here forever. Great lunch specials. Mounds of food for very little dough. My favorite is the onion beef.
Golden Dragon Restaurant
2023 Harbor BlvdFamily owned and been here forever. Great lunch specials. Mounds of food for very little dough. My favorite is the onion beef.
Personally, I think it's for yuppies that like expensive, mediocre salads. I don't need to valet my car and wait in line only to spend $20 on a salad that tastes, sure, we'll call it "earthy". But it's very popular so if it that's your thing...
32 locals recommend
Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop
234 E 17th StPersonally, I think it's for yuppies that like expensive, mediocre salads. I don't need to valet my car and wait in line only to spend $20 on a salad that tastes, sure, we'll call it "earthy". But it's very popular so if it that's your thing...
Voted most authentic Mexican food by everyone I know! And it's walking distance from the house.
8 locals recommend
El Toro Bravo Tortilleria
745 W 19th StVoted most authentic Mexican food by everyone I know! And it's walking distance from the house.
New location! This gem is even closer now! Family owned restaurant and yummy Italian food. Try the fried risotto appetizer.
Basilico's Pasta e Vino
21501 Brookhurst StNew location! This gem is even closer now! Family owned restaurant and yummy Italian food. Try the fried risotto appetizer.
Walking distance from the house and awesome food. They have a great Taco Tuesday in the bar and outdoor seating with a fire pit.
13 locals recommend
Avila's El Ranchito - Costa Mesa
2101 Placentia AveWalking distance from the house and awesome food. They have a great Taco Tuesday in the bar and outdoor seating with a fire pit.
Lotus Bistro
325 Old Newport BlvdBest Pho in town. I get the veggie pho with chicken broth and the veggie eggrolls. YUM!
A local favorite, family dining, Mexican restaurant. If you're lactose intolerant, don't even bother! Everything is served piled with cheese. mmm....cheese.
15 locals recommend
Mi Casa
296 E 17th StA local favorite, family dining, Mexican restaurant. If you're lactose intolerant, don't even bother! Everything is served piled with cheese. mmm....cheese.
Treat your body right and get a juice from Nektar. My favorites are the Toxin Flush and the Sublime.
8 locals recommend
Nekter Juice Bar
474 E 17th StTreat your body right and get a juice from Nektar. My favorites are the Toxin Flush and the Sublime.
Original Pizza
3100 Irvine AveOne of my favorite pizza places and a good bar downstairs. See Anchor Bar.
Outpost Kitchen
1792 Monrovia AveWholesome, fresh food. Menu changes often.
One of my favorite places for breakfast. Their pancakes are delicious but I can't resist ordering the BLT and onion rings...yes, even for breakfast.
Pancakes R Us
212 E 17th StOne of my favorite places for breakfast. Their pancakes are delicious but I can't resist ordering the BLT and onion rings...yes, even for breakfast.
I prefer to support local coffee shops over Starbucks or the like. This place has friendly service and yummy bagel sandwiches. If it disappoints, Starbucks is on the other corner.
15 locals recommend
Shirley's Bagels
270 E 17th StI prefer to support local coffee shops over Starbucks or the like. This place has friendly service and yummy bagel sandwiches. If it disappoints, Starbucks is on the other corner.
One of the most popular breakfast joints in OC. Prepare to wait for a table.
14 locals recommend
Side Street Cafe
1799 Newport BlvdOne of the most popular breakfast joints in OC. Prepare to wait for a table.
This place has some very unique donuts including a bacon donut! Pricey but worth it once in a while for the adventure.
60 locals recommend
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
270 E 17th StThis place has some very unique donuts including a bacon donut! Pricey but worth it once in a while for the adventure.
A dog friendly cafe with good grub and friendly service. Kilo would give it two thumbs up if he had thumbs.
20 locals recommend
Sit Stay Cafe
328 11th StA dog friendly cafe with good grub and friendly service. Kilo would give it two thumbs up if he had thumbs.
Sushi Town
2346 Newport BlvdGreat sushi, fun staff and excellent prices. Try the Hot Night Roll!
Excellent sushi. A little pricey but happy hour is a steal. Half off rolls and $1 saki! Try the Bubba Roll.
Zen Sushi
2900 Newport BoulevardExcellent sushi. A little pricey but happy hour is a steal. Half off rolls and $1 saki! Try the Bubba Roll.
They are open until 11pm so it’s a good late night place to grub within walking distance. They have breakfast burritos too.
Taqueria El Granjenal
899 W 19th StThey are open until 11pm so it’s a good late night place to grub within walking distance. They have breakfast burritos too.
Thai food is my favorite and this place is great. Love their Panang, Tom Yum Koong and the best egg rolls.
6 locals recommend
Basil Thai Cuisine
9921 Hamilton AveThai food is my favorite and this place is great. Love their Panang, Tom Yum Koong and the best egg rolls.
This is the FIRST Wahoos ever. Great fish tacos and walking distance from the house.
57 locals recommend
Wahoo's Fish Taco
1862 Placentia AveThis is the FIRST Wahoos ever. Great fish tacos and walking distance from the house.
Good lunch specials, cheap breakfast and best fries in town. Make sure you order the beer battered ones!
11 locals recommend
Woody's Diner
3461 Via LidoGood lunch specials, cheap breakfast and best fries in town. Make sure you order the beer battered ones!
My new favorite restaurant. Vegan. You gotta try the purple potato taquitos or the grilled cheese!
54 locals recommend
Seabirds Kitchen
975 E 4th StMy new favorite restaurant. Vegan. You gotta try the purple potato taquitos or the grilled cheese!
Good food for my fellow vegan friends. Seabirds is just across the street though and I like it much better.
24 locals recommend
Native Foods
350 Bristol StGood food for my fellow vegan friends. Seabirds is just across the street though and I like it much better.
Cafe Gratitude Newport
1617 Westcliff DrA good vegan restaurant and an excellent taco tuesday.
Deck on Laguna Beach
627 Sleepy Hollow LnThis is my favorite restaurant in Laguna. Stunning views.
Eat Chow
1802 Newport BlvdGood food. Good brunch scene. There's another one on PCH too.
Eat Chow
1802 Newport BlvdGood food. Good brunch scene. There's another one in Costa Mesa.
I've heard mixed reviews but I've had nothing but great food and excellent service personally. Walking distance from the house.
Westend
814 W 19th StI've heard mixed reviews but I've had nothing but great food and excellent service personally. Walking distance from the house.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great pizza and a great dive bar. Locals still call it "The Hole"because it used to be called "The Rabbit Hole"
Anchor Bar
2675 Irvine AveGreat pizza and a great dive bar. Locals still call it "The Hole"because it used to be called "The Rabbit Hole"
About as divey as Newport gets. Gets its name from the popular surf spot "Blackies"that the bar overlooks
22 locals recommend
Blackie's By the Sea
2118 W OceanfrontAbout as divey as Newport gets. Gets its name from the popular surf spot "Blackies"that the bar overlooks
The most popular dive bar in town equipped with peanut shells on the floor and bathrooms that smell like vomit. You can drink beer by the pitcher, shoot pool, pay shuffleboard and laugh at locals.
29 locals recommend
Goat Hill Tavern
1830 Newport BlvdThe most popular dive bar in town equipped with peanut shells on the floor and bathrooms that smell like vomit. You can drink beer by the pitcher, shoot pool, pay shuffleboard and laugh at locals.
The Observatory
3503 S Harbor BlvdGreat shows, short Lyft away.
Concert venue. Lots of inexpensive shows avail during the Orange County Fair.
8 locals recommend
The Pacific Amphitheatre
100 Fair DrConcert venue. Lots of inexpensive shows avail during the Orange County Fair.
A "speak easy" inconspicuously located behind Pitfire Grill. Great ambiance, friendly staff and amazing specialty cocktails. Try the Dementa if you like ginger. A bit pricey at $10/drink but worth it.
20 locals recommend
Pie Society Bar
353 E 17th StA "speak easy" inconspicuously located behind Pitfire Grill. Great ambiance, friendly staff and amazing specialty cocktails. Try the Dementa if you like ginger. A bit pricey at $10/drink but worth it.
My favorite local pub. Staff is awesome, drinks are strong and the bands get the place hoppin. Cover charge on weekends if you get there late.
9 locals recommend
The Harp Inn
130 E 17th StMy favorite local pub. Staff is awesome, drinks are strong and the bands get the place hoppin. Cover charge on weekends if you get there late.
This place is within walking distance and has it all. You'll find places to eat, shop, bars, a theater, a nightclub, a nice gym with a pool and a bowling alley with surprisingly good food.
118 locals recommend
Starlight Triangle Square Cinemas
1870 Harbor BlvdThis place is within walking distance and has it all. You'll find places to eat, shop, bars, a theater, a nightclub, a nice gym with a pool and a bowling alley with surprisingly good food.
a 5min walk, bomb food, cheap drinks, free pool, jenga, ping pong, and cornhole and live music every night. GREAT happy hour!
21 locals recommend
The Wayfarer
843 W 19th Sta 5min walk, bomb food, cheap drinks, free pool, jenga, ping pong, and cornhole and live music every night. GREAT happy hour!
Tiny little place with fancy cocktails and big price tags but it's walking distance from the house and I like the vibe. Live music. Weird hours.
11 locals recommend
Casa Costa Mesa
820 W 19th StTiny little place with fancy cocktails and big price tags but it's walking distance from the house and I like the vibe. Live music. Weird hours.
Entertainment & Activities
Do the American thing and go to a baseball game! Go Angels!
478 locals recommend
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
2000 E Gene Autry WayDo the American thing and go to a baseball game! Go Angels!
Take the ferry and walk around Balboa Island, grab a frozen banana and take a ride of the ferris wheel. Or grab a slice and play ski ball. Good happy hours, ocean breeze and stunning sunsets.
Balboa Pavilion
400 Main StTake the ferry and walk around Balboa Island, grab a frozen banana and take a ride of the ferris wheel. Or grab a slice and play ski ball. Good happy hours, ocean breeze and stunning sunsets.
Haven't been since I was a kid but you can't visit OC without visiting Mickey!
3085 locals recommend
Disneyland Park
1313 Disneyland DrHaven't been since I was a kid but you can't visit OC without visiting Mickey!
there are several Duffy boat companies in Newport. I don't have a favorite. Check Groupon and Living Social for current deals. A duffy ride around the bay is a must do.
43 locals recommend
Duffy Electric Boat Company Sales and Rentals Newport Beach
2001 West Coast Hwythere are several Duffy boat companies in Newport. I don't have a favorite. Check Groupon and Living Social for current deals. A duffy ride around the bay is a must do.
Home to the Anaheim Ducks and also a good place to watch a concert etc.
246 locals recommend
Honda Center
2695 E Katella AveHome to the Anaheim Ducks and also a good place to watch a concert etc.
This is the place to rent kayaks, SUP, etc. This is where my old outrigger team launches their boats. IMUA IMUA IMUA!!! Visit us on the web at www.imuaocc.com
23 locals recommend
Newport Aquatic Center
1 Whitecliffs DrThis is the place to rent kayaks, SUP, etc. This is where my old outrigger team launches their boats. IMUA IMUA IMUA!!! Visit us on the web at www.imuaocc.com
Methanol fueled bikes racing an oval track, going from 0-60mph with no brakes. If that's not a good time, I don't know what is. Come for sidecar night or Harley night or go during the fair.
International Speedway Inc
88 Fair DrMethanol fueled bikes racing an oval track, going from 0-60mph with no brakes. If that's not a good time, I don't know what is. Come for sidecar night or Harley night or go during the fair.
An awesome amusement park and Knott's Scary Farm is fun for Halloween too.
1145 locals recommend
Knott’S Berry Farm
8039 Beach BlvdAn awesome amusement park and Knott's Scary Farm is fun for Halloween too.
Indoor rock climbing gym. Fun adventure to do with a friend or on a date. Groupons are often available.
Rockreation Sport Climbing Center
1300 Logan AveIndoor rock climbing gym. Fun adventure to do with a friend or on a date. Groupons are often available.
Parks & Nature
Bark Park
890 Arlington DrThis is where I go with the dogs. They love it!
A great local hike with an amazing view, especially on a clear day. Good for beginners through advanced.
218 locals recommend
Crystal Cove State Park
8471 North Coast HighwayA great local hike with an amazing view, especially on a clear day. Good for beginners through advanced.
Fun place to surf and camp on the beach and home to one of my favorite event of the year, The Doheny Blues Festival.
94 locals recommend
Doheny State Beach
Fun place to surf and camp on the beach and home to one of my favorite event of the year, The Doheny Blues Festival.
If you're here, you might as well take a day trip to Hollywood and see the iconic Hollywood sign. It's a pretty easy hike. Parking is tricky. Check it out on the web before heading north.
1173 locals recommend
Hollywood Wigs
6530 Hollywood BoulevardIf you're here, you might as well take a day trip to Hollywood and see the iconic Hollywood sign. It's a pretty easy hike. Parking is tricky. Check it out on the web before heading north.
Surprised this is listed as being in Corona. This is one of my favorite hikes. It's not too hard, shady in spots and dog and kid friendly. Again, check the AllTrails ap for more local hiking trails.
Holy Jim Trail
Holy Jim TrailSurprised this is listed as being in Corona. This is one of my favorite hikes. It's not too hard, shady in spots and dog and kid friendly. Again, check the AllTrails ap for more local hiking trails.
Kilo likes this beach. It's a long stretch of beach with LOTS of dogs for him to place with.
29 locals recommend
Huntington Beach Dog Beach
Kilo likes this beach. It's a long stretch of beach with LOTS of dogs for him to place with.
There is a bike trail accessible through Canyon Park that runs along the river 30 miles between Newport Beach and Riverside. Puts you right at the beach.
Santa Ana River Trail
Santa Ana River TrailThere is a bike trail accessible through Canyon Park that runs along the river 30 miles between Newport Beach and Riverside. Puts you right at the beach.
A nice place to take a walk/run or bicycle ride, get some fresh air and take in the view. Dirt or road depending on the trail you choose.
36 locals recommend
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
2301 University DrA nice place to take a walk/run or bicycle ride, get some fresh air and take in the view. Dirt or road depending on the trail you choose.
Our local mountains and beautiful lake. Great to visit during any season.
603 locals recommend
Big Bear Lake
Our local mountains and beautiful lake. Great to visit during any season.
Beautiful desert lands. Best place to get away from city lights and star gaze.
334 locals recommend
Joshua Tree
Beautiful desert lands. Best place to get away from city lights and star gaze.
Shopping
An outdoor mall equipped with coy ponds and a HUGE xmas tree during the holidays. Good place to take your purse dog and people watch. This is where your likely to spot the "real housewives of OC".
719 locals recommend
Newport Center/Fashion Island
401 Newport Center DrAn outdoor mall equipped with coy ponds and a HUGE xmas tree during the holidays. Good place to take your purse dog and people watch. This is where your likely to spot the "real housewives of OC".
5 Points Plaza
18593 Main StPlaces to shop, eat, wander
Irvine Spectrum Center
Outdoor shopping mall with a theater, dining etc.
Kmart
2300 Harbor BlvdWe don't have Walmarts in Costa Mesa but we do have a Kmart.
Good place to go shopping, catch a movie and grab some dinner. Live music in the courtyard sometimes
31 locals recommend
Metro Pointe at South Coast
901 S Coast DrGood place to go shopping, catch a movie and grab some dinner. Live music in the courtyard sometimes
The most popular mall....um...in the world. I'm making up the statistic but if you like shopping you can't skip South Coast Plaza.
790 locals recommend
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol StThe most popular mall....um...in the world. I'm making up the statistic but if you like shopping you can't skip South Coast Plaza.
The District at Tustin legacy
2437 Park AveOutdoor shopping mall with theater, dining etc.
Outdoor shopping mall with theater, dining etc. Formerly "The Block in Orange".
382 locals recommend
The Outlets at Orange
20 City Blvd WOutdoor shopping mall with theater, dining etc. Formerly "The Block in Orange".
Outdoor shopping center overlooking Huntington Beach. Great restaurants, bars, shopping and just down the way from the HB Pier.
213 locals recommend
Pacific City
21010 Pacific Coast HwyOutdoor shopping center overlooking Huntington Beach. Great restaurants, bars, shopping and just down the way from the HB Pier.
Sightseeing
Main Street HB is a good place to grab a happy hour, take a walk on the pier, have brunch or just sit around a people watch. It's also home to the US Open for surfing every year and pro-volleyball
372 locals recommend
Huntington Beach Pier
103 Huntington Beach PierMain Street HB is a good place to grab a happy hour, take a walk on the pier, have brunch or just sit around a people watch. It's also home to the US Open for surfing every year and pro-volleyball
Take a stroll on the pier & through the Dory Fleet, go surfin, have Sunday brunch at Sharkees or breakfast at popular local spot Charlie's Chili or wet your whistle at any of the many bars around.
198 locals recommend
Newport Beach Pier
1 Newport PierTake a stroll on the pier & through the Dory Fleet, go surfin, have Sunday brunch at Sharkees or breakfast at popular local spot Charlie's Chili or wet your whistle at any of the many bars around.
One of our Channel Islands. Great for diving, kayaking, camping and hiking or stay in town for shopping, dining and site seeing. The Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer can take you there in 90min.
188 locals recommend
Santa Catalina Island
One of our Channel Islands. Great for diving, kayaking, camping and hiking or stay in town for shopping, dining and site seeing. The Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer can take you there in 90min.
Popular surf spot. Be careful. this is place is known for its large surf and shore breakers. Don't break your neck. But do bring a camera.
106 locals recommend
The Wedge
E OceanfrontPopular surf spot. Be careful. this is place is known for its large surf and shore breakers. Don't break your neck. But do bring a camera.
One of the best views Orange County has to offer. There is some good hiking around here or just drive there and pull over for some stunning pics.
85 locals recommend
Top of the World
West RidgeOne of the best views Orange County has to offer. There is some good hiking around here or just drive there and pull over for some stunning pics.
If you haven't included San Diego in your trip, you should! Lots of things to do and see.
290 locals recommend
San Diego
If you haven't included San Diego in your trip, you should! Lots of things to do and see.
La Jolla
Great city. Beautiful scenery. Check out the La Jolla Caves.
No longer a working vessel but a cool piece of history and haunted hotel.
624 locals recommend
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens HwyNo longer a working vessel but a cool piece of history and haunted hotel.
Temecula
Wine country!