In collaboration with Travel Costa Mesa! Thank you for supporting the businesses that support Chelsea Bird!
Now that summer is nearly here, it’s time to beat the heat — and with our little Ace at the perfect age to start road tripping and exploring more, we thought taking our first big trip as a family of three was a must! A few months back the kind folks at Travel Costa Mesa invited us out to check out their charming city and take in the sights with our little guy in tow — and recently we did just that! I’m excited to share all about where we stayed, ate and played while in the area — all of which are family friendly and would make a perfect vaca whether you’re a couple, on a girls trip or have a growing family!
STAY:
Avenue of The Arts // 3350 Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Known as one of the most instagrammable hotels in the area, this hotel was the perfect place for us to lay our heads during our stay in Costa Mesa. Between their warm and cozy decor and surrounding greenery, we felt right at home. For the past two year, they’ve been named Hotel of the Year by Marriott International — which is a HUGE deal! And don’t forget about their restaurant, Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar, which makes for an easy and delicious dining option! They also deliver straight to your room for those days and evenings when you just want to stay and relax in your room. Scott and I both really loved their lobster bisque and seasonal cheesecake — oh, and don’t forget an order of their french fries is a must!
Travel Tip: If you’re wanting to visit Disneyland during your trip to Costa Mesa, but don’t want to drive — the ART Shuttle will pick you up from the hotel, drop you off at the resort and bring you back at the end of the day. Fee: $5.50 for adults and $2 for children.
DINE:
Portola Coffee + Birdie Bowl & Juicery at SOCO & The OC Mix // 3313 Hyland Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Both Portola Coffee and Birdie Bowl came highly recommended and made for the perfect breakfast duo during our morning stop at SOCO and The OC Mix! Y’all know how much Scott and I love our iced coffees and theirs was just what we needed to put a little pep in our step. Oh, and while Ace was not able to partake in the coffee sampling, haha, he did have his first bite of açaí and LOVED it! 10 out of 10 in his book, for sure!
Travel Tip: Grab your coffees and acai bowls and head outside to enjoy your treats on their beautiful patio!
Playa Mesa // 428 E 17th St Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Playa Mesa was one of our favorite meals during our time in Costa Mesa! It came not only recommended by the kind folks at Travel Costa Mesa, but also by our local friends too! Their guacamole was top notch and their enchiladas were something to write home about. They also had great atmosphere and both the inside and the outside of the building was super cute!
Travel Tip: Their patio is open sitting and kid friendly — perfect for getting a quick table and feeding the family before any meltdowns happen!
Gypsy Den at The LAB Anti-Mall // 2930 Bristol St B102 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This breakfast spot and coffee shop was right up our alley! Between the dreamy decor and the delicious breakfast and coffee, we would stop in here every day if we lived nearby. Plus, they have a really fun painting wall that is screaming to be Instagrammed, haha!
Travel Tip: Sit outside on their beautiful patio if your little ones are getting fussy or if it’s just the two of you, sit at the table by the window and soak in the ambience and good people watching.
Good Town Doughnuts at The LAB Anti-Mall // 2930 Bristol St #A101B Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This cute donut shop immediately caught my eye as we walked around The Lab Anti-Mall. With unique flavors like matcha, Nutella, strawberry lemonade and more — you could come here every day and continue to try something new. Scott was a big fan of their matcha donut and Ace and I really loved the decor!
Travel Tip: Grab a half dozen donuts and eat them in the many patio areas of The Lab Anti-Mall — because donuts + a little bit of sunshine is the best combo!
Taco Mesa // 647 W. 19th Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Taco Mesa is a true Costa Mesa gem! Our dear friends, Kelsey and Michael, invited us here for lunch one afternoon and it was every bit delicious and laidback as they said it was! They’re well-known and well-loved in the area — not only for their quirky decor, but for their enchiladas, al pastor burger and their flan!
Travel Trip: Don’t skip out on the dessert from here — get the flan and churros to go and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
Neat Coffee // 1922 Pomona Ave Costa, CA 92627
This shop was a recommendation from my friend Michelle and their cute shop did not disappoint! It was light, bright and had the most delicious iced coffee. Their pastries were pretty delicious too!
Travel Tip: The parking is a bit tight here, but don’t let that change your mind. Feel free to park a few blocks away and enjoy the walk to grab your cup of jo!
Bad Coffee // 1534 Adams Ave Ste A Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This little spot kept popping up in Scott and I’s Instagram feeds and felt like a must. I mean, who wouldn’t love a place called Bad Coffee? The interior was light and airy, but for some reason the only shot I got was of the front — which was pretty rad too. I remember Ace being a bit fussy this afternoon, so we grabbed a couple of iced coffees and enjoyed them in the car while Ace got out some wiggles.
Travel Tip: Don’t let the name mislead you, they really have some great coffee!
Blackmarket Bakery at The Camp // 2937 Bristol St Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This darling bakery at The Camp was hopping the whole time we were shopping around! We heard that everything there was good, so I really don’t think you can go wrong with grabbing anything off their menu!
Travel Tip: Enjoy your sips and sweets outside on their cozy patio — the perfect place for your littles to get their wiggles out in!
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove // 15 Crystal Cove Newport Coast, CA 92657
On our last morning in Costa Mesa, we couldn’t help but drive down to the Newport Coast to have brunch at The Beachcomber — a long time favorite that has the most beautiful view.
Travel Tip: Put your name down for a table and then take a walk along the ocean toward the cliffs. This is one of Scott and I’s favorite places in all of California and is totally worth the wait!
And don’t forget — South Coast Plaza has over 30 restaurant options, including the ever-so-popular Din Tai Fung!
PLAY + SHOP:
SOCO & The OC Mix // 3313 Hyland Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Visiting SOCO & The OC Mix came highly recommended and was the perfect way to kick off our busy weekend in Costa Mesa. They had everything you could want or need — coffee, food, shopping and even a few spaces for the kiddos to run around in. They also house quite a few local businesses, which you know is super important for these small business owners. If you’re wanting to find some local goods, this is the place!
Travel Tip: If you’re the type of person who likes to get all of your shopping done in one place — you’re going to love this space!
Milk and Honey Baby // 3313 Hyland Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626
You guys, this is one of the cutest baby and kid stores I’ve ever been to! They carry all the small, fun brands — like Rylee and Cru, Quincy Mae, Freshly Picked and more, and the shop owner is also super kind! We may have stayed in there quite a while picking out a few bits and pieces for Ace, and I’m already planning on going back the next time we’re in town!
Travel Tip: Pick up a California themed tee to commemorate your little ones trip to the golden state — it will be a super cute way to remember the trip every time you see them wearing it.
SOCO Farmers Market // 3313 Hyland Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This weekly farmers market is held every Saturday and has some of the best berries and fruit for sale! You guys know we love a good farmers’ market (we sell at one every other weekend) and this one definitely didn’t disappoint.
Travel Tip: Grab a coffee at Portola and then walk over to the farmers market to get your veggies and fruits for the week!
The LAB Anti-Mall // 2930 Bristol St #A101B Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This rad place came highly recommended and was the perfect spot to do a little bit of everything with our family of three. Coffee, breakfast, shopping and play time — The LAB Anti-Mall has something for everyone. Their waiter installation was a big hit with Ace and a place we couldn’t pass up a family selfie in front of!
Travel Tip: Check out their website to find out all the fun happenings at The LAB!
Prism Boutique at The LAB Anti-Mall // 2930 Bristol St #A101B Costa Mesa, CA 92626
I spotted this cute shop before they opened one day and knew we had to stop in. They had the cutest clothes, home decor and beauty products! Everything in there felt very California cool and if I didn’t have way too many blankets and pillows, I would have taken a few home with us!
Travel Tip: Mommas, treat yourself to some time spent in Prism while the fam plays in the courtyard!
Or even the swings — because their bench swings are too darn cute and fun! Ace loved swinging back and forth and watching the kids play in front of him.
Daydream Surf Shop // 1588 Monrovia Ave Newport Beach, CA 92663
This gem of a shop was another recommendation and it was even more beautiful in person! This part coffee shop/clothing store/home decor spot and surf shop was right up Scott and I’s alley and was a spot we stayed at for a while — sipping on coffee and checking out all of the rad surfboards! Bonus, they’re dog friendly and we saw the most beautiful corgi in there! Who remembers my sweet Jake from the good old days of blogging? <3
Travel Tip: Plan on spending some time at Daydream — between the coffee, rad wears and cool decor, you’ll want to stay awhile!
The Camp // 2937 Bristol St Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This trendy spot is filled with local shops, delicious restaurants a coffee shop and a beautiful outdoor space — what more could you need? Ace, Scott and I loved exploring the SEED People’s Market, which was dedicated to local brands, small businesses and the cutest novelty items you’ve ever seen. Their baby section was just darling and we might have walked away with a few pieces for Ace and our home.
Travel Tip — Make a day out of your time at The Camp! Eat, shop and play in their thoughtfully designed space.
And for those of you who are interested in venturing out to the beach, there are so many great ones nearby — Huntington, Newport, Crystal Cove and more! We headed out to a nearby beach for a quick visit on our first day in Costa Mesa. It was Ace’s first time seeing the ocean and sticking his toes in the sand. He was a little overwhelmed at first, but he warmed up quickly and was a fan by the end of our trip. I can’t wait to take him back there soon!
And don’t forget — South Coast Plaza hosts year-round events, including the Festival of Children in September — a perfect time to visit with the whole family! They are also known for being a renowned international destination for shopping and dining with more than 50 years under their belt!
Overall, our trip to Costa Mesa was nothing short of amazing and we’re already planning our next trip back. The food was amazing, the weather was incredible, the shopping was rad and the sights were something that we’ll remember forever. Thank you so much to the amazing team at Travel Costa Mesa for having us and we’ll be seeing you again very soon!
-Chels xo