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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Costa Mesa

Interesting places

The day feels stagnant and needs something out of the ordinary to break the monotony.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Lyon Air Museum image 1
Lyon Air Museum image 2
Lyon Air Museum image 3
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Converted hangar near an active runway offers intimate exhibits of WWII aircraft and vintage vehicles. Docents share energetic stories that bring history alive. Kids enjoy interactive zones exploring cockpits and military jeeps while hearing planes take off nearby.

Docents share energetic, interesting stories about aircraft and war history. Exhibits offer clear, educational descriptions packed with interesting information despite the museum's smaller size.

People are saying

"You'll see amazing historical planes and vehicles from World War II."

"It's so Kid Friendly; my son loved the museum and planes."

"The docents share really interesting historical facts about the aircraft."

Good to know

1

Admission costs $14 for adults and $7 for children over 4 years old.

2

The museum is located next to an active runway, allowing visitors to watch planes take off and land.

3

There are usually special exhibits that visitors should check out.

02
UNLOCKED: Escape Room - Orange County image 1

Escape room center offers immersive themed rooms with unique puzzles that challenge and engage. Dim lighting sets a mood enhancing atmosphere while families enjoy interactive themes like the magician and arcade setups.

The escape room features an interesting storyline and cleverly designed puzzles that stand out from typical experiences. The puzzles in the Saving Christmas room are especially unique and engaging.

People are saying

"The escape rooms have amazing, friendly game masters who help you out."

"I had a blast; it was so much fun!"

"Our game master was really good and helpful with hints."

Good to know

1

The facility has three different escape rooms to choose from.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

The escape rooms are suitable for families and children.

03
CHAILO - Coffee Club in Costa Mesa image 1

Cozy cafe blends stylish interior with a quiet energy perfect for work or relaxation. Unique coffee flavors add an interesting twist to the menu. Ample outdoor seating and free wifi create a warm, inviting atmosphere for all visitors.

Coffee drinks feature interesting flavors that stand out. The menu offers a variety of unique and delicious options.

People are saying

"I found the chai here to be the best I've had in a long time."

"It's a really cozy spot with a great vibe for coffee or work."

"The drinks here are interesting and delicious."

Good to know

1

They host movie nights every Friday at 7pm.

2

The cafe is open late, until 10pm on weekdays.

3

Parking is available in the back of the establishment.

04
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

Small Mexican spot shines with creative cuisine and a chill vibe. Live DJs keep energy up while outdoor patio with heaters offers comfort. Unique restroom design adds a fun twist to the modern, artful space.

Creative Mexican cuisine stands out with unique flavors and presentations. The restroom features an interesting design that adds to the overall experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food was phenomenal and awesome."

"The staff's wine knowledge and passion really impressed me."

"I found the event surprisingly good and creative."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like wine pairings.

2

Brunch is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

The restaurant hosts food and wine pairing events regularly.

05
Elixir Wizard Academy - Boba Tea Bar & Ice Cream image 1

Fantasy-themed tea bar feels like a medieval tavern with wizard costumes and magical decor. Cozy, immersive atmosphere includes secret rooms for games and interactive wizard tests. Unique boba and ice cream stand out in a nerd culture setting with cool collector items.

A nerd culture-themed atmosphere shapes the space, filled with interesting collector items that add a unique touch. The menu includes additional drinks that stand out from typical offerings.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is magical and enchanting!"

"The tea here is served as fun, colorful potions."

"The atmosphere here is so interesting with all the fantasy decor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but fills up quickly, so plan ahead.

2

They prefer card payments over cash and do not provide change.

3

The menu features fewer than 10 items, all cold drinks and no food.

06
The LAB Anti-Mall image 1
Shopping mall

Open-air mall offers a retro vibe with eclectic decor and live music. Unique shops and diverse eateries create a fun atmosphere. Plenty of seating invites visitors to relax and enjoy the creative space.

A mix of interesting stores and eclectic decor creates a unique shopping vibe. Food options and vendors add to the fun and varied atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the shops here to be really cool and unique."

"It's a cute spot for dates with great food and shopping."

"It's an interesting and eclectic place with hip stores."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during peak hours and weekends.

2

The LAB Anti-Mall features a variety of unique shops and eateries.

3

The LAB Anti-Mall has a vegan restaurant option.

07
Yu Cake image 1
Dessert restaurant

Elegant interior with black and gold decor sets a classy tone. Enjoy Mango and Grape Fruit cake for a unique treat. Automated ordering and outdoor seating add ease and comfort.

Mango and Grape Fruit cake comes in a clear plastic container and stands out. Drinks and pastries offer a variety of interesting flavors that catch attention.

People are saying

"I found the cakes here to be delicious and not too sweet."

"The peach tea here is so refreshing and perfectly sweet."

"The mango and grapefruit cake flavors are intensely interesting."

Good to know

1

Yu Cake is located on the first floor next to Saks Fifth Avenue.

2

Most items sell out quickly; arrive early to avoid disappointment.

3

Prices are high, with slices costing over $10 each.

08
Mercado Gonzรกlez Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store shines with live mariachi music and a full bar for a festive vibe. Food stalls offer varied Mexican items that stand out. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch blending shopping and entertainment.

Several food stalls offer a variety of Mexican items. The Mexican section stands out as different from other stores. The store feels like a cute little grocery with many interesting options.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"You can watch them making the fresh tortillas right on site."

"I found the assortment of Mexican foods here really interesting."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

09
Sugo Costa Mesa image 1
Pizza restaurant

Compact space offers a cozy vibe with creative decor and neon signs. Artisan pizzas feature interesting combinations like Sugo, blending unique flavors. Intimate seating and excellent music create a relaxed mood perfect for casual dining.

Pizza options feature interesting new combinations with a variety of flavors. Sugo stands out as an interesting find among the choices.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I had ever tried."

"The Japanese pizza slices are a unique okonomiyaki experience."

"I loved sampling the interesting variety of pizza flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during busy holidays like July 4th.

2

Seating is very limited, with only high stools available.

3

Pizzas are sold by the square slice, priced at $8 each.

10
REN Matcha&Mochi image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop inside a market offers authentic Japanese desserts with a cool, aesthetic design evoking Tokyo. Parfaits mix crunchy wafers and squishy mochi for an interesting texture. Matcha mochi ice cream is a specialty item that draws long lines during busy times.

Parfaits combine many different ingredients with textures from crunchy wafer to squishy mochi. Matcha sweet treats follow an interesting concept.

People are saying

"The matcha soft serve ice cream is creamy and balanced."

"The matcha parfait is interesting with its variety of textures."

"I loved the chewy texture of these mochi crepes."

Good to know

1

They only accept card payments, so bring your card.

2

The line can get long during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

3

It can take them up to 10 minutes to prepare the drinks.

11
Tokyo Central Costa Mesa image 1
Japanese grocery store

Spacious store offers authentic products and a large sake selection for a true Tokyo market feel. Bright seating with microwaves lets you enjoy fresh sushi and hot food from a self-serve bar. Shelves full of interesting items make exploring new tastes fun.

Shelves hold a wide range of interesting items that catch the eye. The overall setup creates an interesting experience for exploring new products.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a huge variety of Japanese foods and prepared meals."

"I found so many unique Japanese snacks and groceries here."

"I found so many interesting items and tasty things here."

Good to know

1

Prepared bento is marked down 20% after 7 PM daily.

2

Tokyo Central Costa Mesa closes at 10 PM every day.

3

Parking can be limited, especially during peak hours.

12
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach image 1

Hotel blends elegant decor with a boating theme and soundproofed courtyards for quiet stays. Spacious rooms and a clean pool offer relaxation, while lively restaurants and nearby interesting storefronts add vibrant energy.

Nautical memorabilia stands out throughout the hotel, adding a unique touch. The property's design and layout break from typical hotel styles, and the nearby shopping center offers several interesting storefronts to explore.

People are saying

"The Hotel staff was so friendly and professional."

"It's a cozy and quiet place, perfect for relaxing."

"The hotel's interior has an interesting antique palace vibe with nautical memorabilia."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food at reasonable prices, perfect for a casual meal.

2

Parking costs $25 per night, which is not listed beforehand.

3

Expect hidden fees that can significantly increase your total bill.

13
Heroes Hall Museum image 1

Museum in a historic WWII barracks offers free admission and Vietnam era equipment exhibits. Guides share true history with respect and honor for Medal of Honor recipients. Atmosphere stays informative and unbiased.

Displays include Vietnam era army equipment and temporary exhibits that avoid bias. Exhibits inside the museum remain consistently interesting.

People are saying

"The museum volunteers and attendants are so knowledgeable and hospitable."

"I found the exhibits, especially the army equipment, really interesting."

"The docent at these historical sites is so knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.

2

Free parking is available on-site for museum visitors.

3

The museum has both indoor exhibits and an outdoor area with a jet display.

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Costa Mesa, California

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