Costa Mesa & OC Tips
Food scene
Eat Chow
1802 Newport BlvdDelicious breakfast - love heading to this local joint!
Sushi Town
2346 Newport BlvdGreat sushi close to home
Some of the best coffee around (and their avocado toast is to die for!)
10 locals recommend
KIT Coffee
1617 Westcliff DrSome of the best coffee around (and their avocado toast is to die for!)
Bangkok Corner
2360 Newport BlvdDelicious thai food, family-run restaurant.
Great brunch spot! Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and the most delicious bacon you’ve ever had!
Breakfast Republic Costa Mesa
410 E 17th StGreat brunch spot! Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and the most delicious bacon you’ve ever had!
Another favorite brunch place - excellent food, cute outdoor seating.
30 locals recommend
Haute Cakes Caffe
1807 Westcliff DrAnother favorite brunch place - excellent food, cute outdoor seating.
Enjoy a burger and a shake on PCH, looking out over Crystal Cove and the ocean. Iconic spot!
32 locals recommend
Crystal Cove Shake Shack
7703 East Coast HwyEnjoy a burger and a shake on PCH, looking out over Crystal Cove and the ocean. Iconic spot!
Looking for a great restaurant right on the beach? The Beachcomber it is! Amazing food at all times of day, indoor and outdoor seating, excellent cocktails! Park across PCH and make sure to get your ticket validated so that you don’t have to pay the full price :)
80 locals recommend
Beachcomber Cafe
15 Crystal CoveLooking for a great restaurant right on the beach? The Beachcomber it is! Amazing food at all times of day, indoor and outdoor seating, excellent cocktails! Park across PCH and make sure to get your ticket validated so that you don’t have to pay the full price :)
Grab some of their poke (I recommend half salmon half tuna) and mosey on over to the beach just a few blocks away to enjoy your fresh fish as you watch the sun set.
78 locals recommend
Bear Flag Fish Company
3421 Via LidoGrab some of their poke (I recommend half salmon half tuna) and mosey on over to the beach just a few blocks away to enjoy your fresh fish as you watch the sun set.
Sightseeing
Newport Beach
100 Civic Center DrGreat beaches, shopping, food, walking, and boating.
Super fun beachy vibe, ocean and marina (one on each side), shopping eateries, biking.
47 locals recommend
Balboa Peninsula
Super fun beachy vibe, ocean and marina (one on each side), shopping eateries, biking.
Newport Beach Pier
1 Newport PierOutdoorsy Stuff
Love to breath in nature? Want to get in a good hike, stand up paddle, or bike ride? Here are some of my local favorites :)
Crystal Cove
Great hiking and beach enjoyment.
Great biking, hiking, and bird-watching! Only 5 minutes away by car :)
6 locals recommend
Back Bay Loop
Back Bay LoopGreat biking, hiking, and bird-watching! Only 5 minutes away by car :)
Great for long walks or bike rides - breath in nature, park, and trees.
20 locals recommend
Fairview Park
2525 Placentia AveGreat for long walks or bike rides - breath in nature, park, and trees.
Great biking, hiking, and bird-watching! Only 5 minutes away by car :)
7 locals recommend
Back Bay View Park
Great biking, hiking, and bird-watching! Only 5 minutes away by car :)
Rent a kayak or stand up paddle and explore the Back Bay (for the quiet nature lovers) or the marina (you can even paddle up to bars and restaurants and “dock” there for a drink or meal!).
23 locals recommend
Newport Aquatic Center
1 Whitecliffs DrRent a kayak or stand up paddle and explore the Back Bay (for the quiet nature lovers) or the marina (you can even paddle up to bars and restaurants and “dock” there for a drink or meal!).
Shopping
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol StGiant mall with great shopping
Neighborhoods
Laguna Beach
Artsy vibe, lots of small boutiques, great beaches and eateries.
Traveler advice
What to pack
Always bring layers
It can cool off quickly in the evenings since we are so close to the ocean, so be an onion! I always have a sweater or jacket with me, even if it was a balmy 80 degrees during the day.