Treat Yourself to a Day of Dining, Retail Therapy and More
Celebrating Singles’ Day in the eclectic city of Costa Mesa is an experience tailored to self-love. Originating from China’s Nanjing University in 1993, this modern holiday—set for 11/11 every year—is now a global phenomenon that celebrates individuality and self-appreciation. Single’s Day, also known as “Double 11,” has evolved into the largest shopping event worldwide, and it generated an estimated $150B in sales in 2022! The bustling retail scene of Costa Mesa makes it the perfect place to treat yourself to a day of retail therapy. With a range of chic boutiques and amazing shopping experiences, like South Coast Plaza, there’s no better place to embrace the spirit of Singles’ Day. Here’s how to celebrate this empowering holiday in Costa Mesa!
Browse Around The OC Mix
The OC Mix, Costa Mesa’s vibrant shopping and dining destination, has welcomed a variety of delightful new tenants over the past year. Start with brunch at Paragon, a hip gathering place serving elevated dishes like chicken and waffles and duck fat tots. After you can’t eat another bite, head over to explore the new eclectic mix of businesses offering something for everyone. From the charming floral studio Hadley & Ren and the sophisticated beauty salon THE SALON by Ana Paz Hair to skincare studios G. Bar Lash & Brow and OmniaPiel Facial Aesthetics, you can easily spend hours here exploring. With a focus on quality and creativity, each business at The OC Mix is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and a memorable experience—you’re guaranteed to leave feeling beautified and full of inspiration!
Explore Randolph Street
Situated close to The Lab and The Camp, Randolph Street is a vibrant thoroughfare in the SOBECA district of Costa Mesa, known for its eclectic mix of businesses and popular local attractions. If connecting with nature is your thing, head straight to Mellowist, where you can shop for and geek out to specialized plant life. Here you’ll find succulents, rare cacti and other handmade finds that will revive your home or make the perfect gift. For those who prefer a different type of greenery, Quiet Golf, the flagship lifestyle golf apparel store, has everything you need to make a statement at tee time. They even have a two-hole putting green and simulator to test out. And, when you’re ready for some downtime, visit the tasting room and brewery at Green Cheek Beer Co. with both a to-go pack canned on location or micro brews by the pint of expertly brewed beers. Don’t miss the famous Pliney the Elder, which they have on tap!
Plan a Vacay
From 4-Diamond hotels within walking distance to South Coast Plaza to family friendly hotels, there is a cozy dwelling in Costa Mesa for every traveler. Located directly between South Coast Plaza and Segerstrom Center for the Arts, The Westin South Coast Plaza offers a peaceful place to rest amid the culture and excitement of the city. In the same vicinity, you’ll find the newly renovated Costa Mesa Marriott, where you can stay close for artful dining or head out into the arts district for a day out. Another city-center oasis is Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which offers romantic lakeside rooms and luxury suites. Guests are encouraged to experience Costa Mesa first-hand with complimentary access to the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), daily breakfast at the award-winning Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar, and one night of boutique accommodations thanks to the hotel’s Discover Costa Mesa package. To see a full list of hotels in the area, click here!
Rise and Shine at Boil & Bake
Costa Mesa’s hip character is attributed to the city’s culture of craftsmanship. Boil & Bake is one of those businesses that makes the town special. Opened by Carlos Perez and Chef Luke Bramm in Summer 2022, Boil & Bake is revolutionizing the local breakfast routine. Scratch-made cultured butter, house-cured fish and thick-cut bacon are a few toppings you can expect sandwiched between hand-rolled bagels. Order The M.F.—no other bagel experience will ever be the same!
Orange County Museum of Art
Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) recently received a $94.5 million renovation and just celebrated its one-year anniversary of the opening of the museum in its new building with over 260,000 visitors in the first year! Known for collections of innovative art, OCMA is now permanently a part of Segerstrom Center of the Arts. Admission is FREE!
On display through early January, Jennifer Guidi’s “And so it is.” explores ancient theories of energy through visual compositions of sand on canvas. Curated by Heidi Zuckerman, CEO and Director of OCMA, this exhibition is the artist’s first US museum solo show. Two additional exhibitions—Tony Lewis’ “CASUAL T” and Alice Neel’s “Feels Like Home”—are also currently on display.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
It’s showtime! Segerstrom Center for the Arts is one of the nation’s most respected performing arts centers, and it resides right here in Costa Mesa. The array of world-class acts ensures there is always something new and exciting to see. The autumn calendar this year is on fire—go classic with Mandy Patinkin in Concert or get kitschy with The Music of Star Wars, both showing in early November. The month progresses with more talent, including string concerts, off-Broadway performances, even a postmodern jukebox production, replete with a full cast of vocalists, instrumentalists and tap dancers. Coming in 2024 is Disney’s Lion King.
Speak Easy at Cowboys and Poodles
Not so secret anymore, find Costa Mesa’s newest speakeasy, Cowboys and Poodles, outside The CAMP with a line out the door almost every weekend. Once you’re in, you’ll find out why. The rustic yet playful charm here is unlike any other OC bar. Pull aside the Western bookcase to enter, saddle up on horsetail barstools, spill your secrets in the confessions booth and dance the night away under the disco ball. If you’re ready to get howdy and rowdy, order the Whole Mood cocktail, and don’t look back!
Coffee at Hola Adios
Both a greeting and a farewell, Hola Adios is more than just a coffee shop. Inspired by the travels of the green buyers that source their coffees, Hola Adios is also a friendly destination that embraces the nomadic spirit. With two locations—Eastside Costa Mesa and Old Town Tustin—Hola Adios coffee shops are community hubs that offer a slice of each neighborhood they occupy. At the Costa Mesa location, you’ll find breakfast burritos and pacos—that’s right, pancake tacos—that are specific to this outpost. All biscuits and pastries are baked in-house daily, sundries are made-to-order, and the drink selection goes beyond coffee, including draft kombucha and cold-brew tea. Sit down and stay awhile!
Shop ‘til You Drop at South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza is famous around the globe for its collection of luxury fashion brands, trendy boutiques and critically acclaimed restaurants. Keeping a pulse on the current fashion movements, South Coast Plaza welcomed Reformation, a sustainably sourced women’s clothing brand best known for its vintage floral dresses. Also somewhat new to the center is Ganni, which is home to minimalist everyday wear with a Nordic flair, and JD Sports, best known for top sneaker brands. For those celebrating the big day, shop designer bridal wear from Monquie Lhuillier and select a suit jacket for the groom at Thom Browne.
Local Insight: South Coast Plaza is running an exciting promotion for Singles’ Day on 11/11 and 11/12! Guests who spend over $1,111 on eligible purchases from any South Coast Plaza retailers and restaurants, as shown on a single receipt, will receive a $111 gift card. And shoppers who spend over $11,111 on eligible purchases will receive a $888 gift card.
Lick Your Fingers at Holé Smokes BBQ
Smoked low and slow is the motto at Holé Smokes BBQ, where business duo Ian Bascon and Chef Dan Ramon bring more than two decades of industry experience to the concept. Here you’ll find authentic Texas-style BBQ, where meats are smoked to perfection on pecan and oak logs brought in from Texas and Oklahoma. The focus is on traditional barbecue fare, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here—a smorgasbord of smoked meats, sandwiches, sides, salads and desserts that’ll remind you of lazy summer days in your backyard.
Browse at Period Correct
Automotive nostalgia comes to life at Costa Mesa’s Period Correct. This stylish clothing store sits on Randolph Avenue and revives a bygone culture, fueled by the modern-day vigor of speed and contemporary design. This concept has been reshaped under the inspiration of motorsports, automotive culture and enduring aesthetics. Driven by artisanal excellence, the use of select fabrics, and ongoing advancement, Period Correct is a retro dream come true. Stop in and shop for everything from hoodies and tees to hats and totes.
Pick-Me-Up at Huskins Coffee
From Canada to Newport, and now Costa Mesa, Huskins Coffee is making Orange County a better place—one cup of coffee at a time. Their Newport flagship has become a Balboa favorite for its minimalist coffeehouse design and addictive offerings, like the maple-sweetened Hometown Latte. Now you can get caffeinated in Costa Mesa off 18th St. and Newport Blvd.! All coffee is small-batch, sourced from organic farms and freshly roasted, and their friendly baristas epitomize Canadian hospitality.
