Grab Your Gals, and Let’s Hit the Town!
We’ve all been there—texting in the group chat about the ultimate girls’ trip, dropping “Let’s do it!” and “We NEED this” with no real planning in sight. But this time? It’s happening. You and your besties are packing your cutest weekend bags and heading to Costa Mesa, a city that’s basically a playground for grown-up girlies who love a little adventure, a lot of shopping and endless good eats.
From trendy brunch spots to boutique shopping and unique experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do in Costa Mesa. Whether you’re a brunch babe, a shopaholic or the friend who insists on dragging everyone to a “fun activity,” Costa Mesa has you covered. Let’s go, girls!
STAY
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Suite dreams are made of this: plush lakeside accommodations, craft cocktails and first-class hospitality. Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa is your chic home base for a weekend of upscale adventure. This luxury Orange County hotel is all about the artsy vibes (hence the name), featuring eclectic decor inspired by music icons and a grand three-tiered crystal chandelier in the entrance—because we love a little drama.
It’s also conveniently close to Costa Mesa’s hot spots like the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange County Museum of Art and shopping mecca South Coast Plaza, so you’re never far from the action. If you want to level up your stay, book the Discover Costa Mesa package, which includes daily breakfast for two at Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar, self-parking or a complimentary airport shuttle and VIP perks at South Coast Plaza. We’re talking exclusive lounge access, free valet and lots of shopping discounts.
DINE
Churro Lattes at Greenhouse Coffee Bar & Eatery
Coffee first, always. Start your day at Greenhouse, an all-new cafe across from South Coast Plaza that serves up dreamy, cinnamon-dusted churro lattes using beans from local roaster MoonGoat. The food menu is equally impressive, featuring a global mix of fresh, healthy eats ranging from Mediterranean bowls to Latin-inspired brunch dishes. It’s the perfect place to sip and yap before a day of retail therapy and excursions.
2-lb Cinnamon Roll Challenge at Plums Café
Are you even on a girls’ trip if you’re not splitting something wildly indulgent? Enter the legendary 2-pound cinnamon roll at Plums Café. Hidden on the secret menu, this massive pastry is gooey, cinnamon-swirled perfection and big enough to share (or not—we won’t judge). Beyond the sweets, Plums is a local favorite for Pacific Northwest-inspired eats like thick-cut Oregon pepper bacon and Dutch baby pancakes.
Plant-Based Lunch at The Plot
Even the most carnivorous of your crew will be converted after a meal at The Plot. This sustainable, zero-waste restaurant located inside The CAMP makes plant-based dining feel like a full-on culinary experience. Think crispy carrotfish and chips, plant-based chicken and waffles and bowls of nourishing ramen. Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying one of their garden-to-glass cocktails or sushi rolls!
Girl Dinner at Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
When it comes time for a girl dinner, grab a lakeside table at Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa’s Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar. This restaurant served up refined California cuisine with a side of glam. Order the truffle risotto, maple-glazed bacon-wrapped dates or prime ribeye—then finish strong with the ginger toffee cake. And if you and your girls are feeling fancy, swing by the bar for one of the restaurant’s themed cocktails, which are often inspired by the shows currently playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Local Insight: Ballin’ on a budget? Pop in for happy hour at Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar from 2-6 p.m. (or their late-night happy hour from 9-11 p.m.).
Cocktails + Jazz at Mesa
If your group appreciates a solid cocktail and a sultry jazz moment, Mesa is your spot. Hidden behind a rather inconspicuous entrance, this moody lounge is where craft cocktails meet live music under a retractable roof. Pro tip: Come on a Wednesday for Jazz Night, or any night for an expertly mixed espresso martini.
DO
Wine Dinners at Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa
No girls’ trip is complete without a little wine and indulgence, and Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa is setting the stage for two spectacular wine-paired dinners that are perfect for an elegant night out with your besties. On March 20, 2025, the Caymus Vineyards Dinner at Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar will feature a curated five-course menu, each dish expertly paired with Caymus Vineyards’ finest wines, plus a commemorative 50th anniversary wine glass and key for guests. Expect dishes like smoked trout rillettes, duck sausage and grilled venison tenderloin, all complemented by bold, complex wines.
Then, on June 5, 2025, the Justin Wine Dinner Experience will offer another decadent all-inclusive five-course experience, highlighting members-only wines like the legendary ISOSCELES RESERVE and SUNNY’S BLOCK, all led by Master Sommelier Joe Spellman. With an elegant ambiance, a shared love of wine and a chance to toast to your unforgettable getaway, these events are the ultimate girls’ night out in Costa Mesa.
Line Dancing at Westwood Coast (every Wed + Thurs)
Country meets Orange County at Westwood Coast! Transport from Triangle Square to the Wild West with live music, line dancing and OC’s only mechanical bull! Strap up for your 2.7 seconds of fame, fueled by a little bit of liquid courage. Restaurant by day and honky tonk by night, Westwood in Costa Mesa is a bar that can do both. Order mom’s homestyle country biscuits with a whiskey sour if you’re grubbing, and don’t forget to wear your cowgirl boots. Strap up for line dancing lessons on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and be ready for a full-on party on the weekends with a live band.
Local Insight: Looking for more ways to live out your Western daydreams together? Check out this list of Orange County’s hottest Wild West spots!
Silent Disco(Chella) at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Get ready for the most electrifying dance party of the season! On April 4, 2025, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts will host Silent Disco(Chella). With your own set of glowing headphones and three high-energy channels to choose from, the vibe is totally in your hands. Whether you’re feeling the classics or ready to belt out Top 40 anthems, this silent disco event in Orange County will have the beats to keep you moving all night. Dress in your most spirited fit, grab your girl gang, and prepare for a one-of-a-kind celebration that’s sure to be a highlight of your girls vacation in Costa Mesa.
Art Happy Hour at OCMA
First Fridays just got a whole lot cooler with Art Happy Hour at the Orange County Museum of Art. Head upstairs to the cocktail bar at OCMA, sip on an exhibition-inspired drink and then stroll through the galleries where a curator will drop insider knowledge with a pop-up talk. With free admission and cocktails available for purchase, this Costa Mesa activity is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Grab your crew, get a little cultured and toast to a night of creativity and conversation.
Pottery Class at ARTime Barro
If your group’s idea of self-care involves getting a little messy, then a pottery class at ARTime Barro is calling your name. This Costa Mesa pottery studio offers one-time, drop-in workshops where you’ll learn the basics of ceramics—both on and off the wheel. You’ll shape, spin and mold two pieces in a laid-back, stress-free setting. Then, you can come back to glaze your creations if you’re feeling extra artsy. It’s like playing with Play-Doh but for grown-ups!
SHOP
The LAB Anti-Mall
The LAB, which stands for “Little American Business,” has been a hub for indie retailers and creative spaces since 1993, when it was transformed from a former night-vision goggle factory. This indoor-outdoor “anti-mall” is packed with unique shops, cafes and rotating art installations that celebrate Costa Mesa’s artsy spirit.
Grab your girls and stop by May Martin, an airstream jewelry shop offering handmade accessories with a lifetime repair policy—perfect for gifts or a little treat-yourself moment. Meanwhile, plant lovers will swoon over Plant Matter, a green oasis where you can pick out the perfect leafy companion. And if vintage is your thing, Red & Blue Vintage, owned by Yoshi of Good Town Doughnuts, is your go-to for carefully curated clothing and home goods.
The OC Mix
For a boutique shopping spree, The OC Mix is the perfect spot to explore during your girls vacation in Costa Mesa. At Balboa Gold, you can create a custom charm necklace with pearls, bows and cherries galore. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking an appointment ensures plenty of time to curate your piece.
Over at Jessie and Sky, a sister-run boutique, expect to find butterfly claw clips, retro sunnies and handmade jewelry that could easily pass for designer. Their seasonal inventory always offers something fresh, from flowy dresses to stylish beach bags. And for the adventure girls, Sisu is a go-to destination for camping essentials with a fashionable twist. Whether you’re in the market for cooler totes, vintage lanterns or globally sourced gifts like candles and tumblers, Sisu will inspire your next stylish escape.
Fermentation Farm Farmers Market
Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fermentation Farm hosts a farmers market packed with fresh, organic produce. Sample juicy seasonal fruits from Sunny Cal Farms, stock up on local honey and grab a bottle of cold-pressed pomegranate juice for a mid-day pick-me-up. You and your girls can also head into the market for a healthy bite! The menu features everything from ramen and soups to sourdough flatbreads, fresh salads and tasty tacos.
Window Shopping at South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza is the undisputed mecca of luxury shopping in Orange County, where designer dreams and fashion fantasies collide. This renowned mall is home to the latest and greatest, from sustainable chic styles at Reformation, where vintage-inspired floral dresses reign supreme, to Ganni, bringing Nordic minimalism to your everyday wardrobe. Nesting girlies can pick out home decor at stores like Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel and Frette. Meanwhile, the beauty babes can shop for glam essentials at MAC Cosmetics, Dyptique and Jo Malone. Whether you’re splurging or just getting inspo, this is the place to channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw.
