Your TL;DR Guide on Where to Shop in Costa Mesa, Orange County CA
TL;DR: Costa Mesa, home to the famous South Coast Plaza, is known for its shopping and dining options. If you love to shop and are looking for a great place to explore while you are in the area, read on for a variety of locations to check-out! Whether you prefer thrifting, luxury shopping, or love to explore local businesses, there is something for you in Costa Mesa (and all come with free parking!).
Wondering where to shop, dine, or explore in Orange County’s Costa Mesa? Read on for a few of my favorite picks from the city!
Triangle Square
Address: 1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Parking: Free
Ideal For: Friends, Casual Get-Togethers
Triangle Square is a small outdoor entertainment and shopping center located in Costa Mesa’s downtown area. Just off of the 55 freeway, Triangle Square is an easy stop on your way to the beach. With a movie theater and plenty of dining options in the area, Triangle Square makes a great place to hang out with friends or family. Check out Tavern + Bowl, a local bowling alley and sports bar, for even more fun. While you are in the area, you may want to consider taking a stroll or drive around 17th street for some downtown deals hunting.
SOCO
Address: 3303 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA
Parking: Free
Ideal For: Brunch, Boutique Shopping, Unique Gifts
Located just off of the 405 freeway sits South Coast Collective. A small shopping center packed with stores, SOCO is best known for the OC Mix Mart (an indoor boutique plaza) and its upscale furniture stores. The Mix Mart also occasionally hosts special events, including a weekly Farmers Market on Saturdays.
If you love perusing through home goods or want a place to grab unique food gifts (olive oil, cheeses, and coffee beans are in abundant supply) then this is your spot! For coffee, consider stopping by Portola, an award-winning coffee shop that attracts visitors from all-over. For shopping, my absolute favorite small goods boutique is Local Fare, which offers the cutest unique small gifts and cards.
The CAMP/The LAB
Address:
The CAMP – 2937 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The LAB – 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Parking: Free (but limited)
Ideal For: Dining, Boutique & Thrift Shopping, Dates, Brunch
If you aren’t into traditional commercial shopping malls, The CAMP and The LAB are two centers that offer an alternative experience. Located across the street from one another, these two dining and shopping centers are the perfect option for those who want a place to explore some businesses and hang out.
The CAMP
The CAMP prides itself on being an environmentally-friendly retail center focused on promoting healthy living, supporting the community, and infusing nature into the everyday. With a parking lot herb garden, unique architecture, and tons of small shops, the CAMP is a great place for a little escape. Stop by the Inconvenience Store for interesting gifts or grab a coffee from Work in Progress. You can also sign-up for a pottery class over at ARTime Barro. The CAMP frequently hosts Makers Markets to spotlight local crafters and small businesses. Learn more here!
The LAB
Opening in the 1990s in an old factory, The LAB (aka “Little American Business”) is oftentimes better known as “the anti-mall.” An eclectic mix of shops and artwork, the LAB is the perfect place to thrift or search for some funky finds. Located in this outdoor center, you can find Buffalo Exchange for some thrift shopping or Red & Blue Vintage for small goods. See what else is available directly on the site here! You can also consider stopping by Habana or Nook to replenish your energy.
South Coast Plaza
Address: 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Parking: Free & Valet
Ideal For: Luxury shopping, dining, sight-seeing
Last on the list is the international-destination, South Coast Plaza. As the only traditional mall on the list, South Coast Plaza is anything but ordinary. This indoor shopping center is home to luxury and designer brands, including Gucci, Prada, and more. For a deeper-dive into this destination, head on over to this TL;DR Guide I did previously here.
If you are looking for luxury shopping, thrifting findings, or generally like to support local businesses, Costa Mesa has something for everyone. From boutique shopping to dining and entertainment, Costa Mesa’s shopping scene is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Let me know if you’ve been to any of the places on this list!
TL;DR Travels 
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