Best Places to Shop in Costa Mesa, CA: A Local Guide

1. South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza anchors Costa Mesa’s shopping scene as an internationally acclaimed mall with more than 250 luxury boutiques and 30 restaurants. It’s home to premier brands like Hermès, Chanel and Prada, and includes the Tiffany Blue Box Café where shoppers can enjoy a mid-trip brunch. The mall sits adjacent to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and regularly hosts exhibitions and events, making it a destination for fashion, dining and culture.

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2. The LAB Anti-Mall

The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa’s SoBeCa district was once a goggle factory and now hosts an eclectic mix of art installations, boutiques and eateries. Visitors stroll past rainbow benches, a metal wishing tree, an oil-can fountain and even a CD archway. Dining options include Habana’s Cuban fare and Bootlegger’s Brewery’s 19 beers on tap, while shops range from Urban Outfitters to indie boutiques like NOOK Coffee Bar and Gypsy Den.

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3. The CAMP

The CAMP, across the street from The LAB, is an environmentally conscious outdoor retail village built in the early 2000s. It features health-focused boutiques and eateries like Blackmarket Bakery, Patagonia, SEED People’s Market and Puure Boutique. Foodies can enjoy Vietnamese flavors at East Borough, Italian fare at Vitaly, wine tastings at Wine Lab, and rooftop dining at Old Vine Kitchen & Bar. The CAMP’s native landscaping and eco-friendly architecture create a laid-back oasis in the city.

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4. SOCO & The OC Mix

SOCO & The OC Mix (South Coast Collection) is a design and culinary destination boasting more than 70 curated restaurants, showrooms and stores. Interior design centers feature world-class home furnishings and artisan accessories, while The OC Mix houses an eclectic food hall with specialty purveyors like Birdie Bowl & Juicery and Portola Coffee Lab. You’ll also find unique boutiques, hatmakers, bicycle shops and jewelers amid courtyards and gardens.

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5. Triangle Square

Triangle Square is a 191,000-square-foot open-air plaza near the coast, blending shopping, dining and entertainment. Visitors can bowl at Tavern+Bowl, catch a movie at Starlight Cinemas, or enjoy nightlife at venues like TIME Nightclub and Sevilla. Trendy restaurants and retail stores line the breezy walkways, making Triangle Square a go-to spot for afternoon shopping that seamlessly transitions to evening fun.

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6. Metro Pointe at South Coast

Metro Pointe sits directly across from South Coast Plaza and offers an open-air shopping center anchored by Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off 5th, Edwards Stadium 12, and Karl Strauss Brewery & Restaurant. Strolling its palm-lined promenade, shoppers can browse books, electronics, home accessories and apparel. With plenty of parking and a relaxed vibe, Metro Pointe provides an easygoing alternative to its luxury neighbor.

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7. Orange County Market Place

The Orange County Market Place, held at the OC Fair & Event Center, is a vibrant weekend market featuring live music, special events and hundreds of vendors. Shoppers can find everything from fresh produce and bagels to custom-built furniture, unique kitchen gadgets and even cars. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission is just $2 (children under 12 are free) and parking is complimentary. It’s a beloved community event where you can shop, snack and people-watch all in one place.

Learn more about the OC Market Place

From luxury boutiques to eco-friendly villages and open-air markets, Costa Mesa offers shopping experiences that suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for high-fashion finds at South Coast Plaza, handcrafted goods at The LAB or local produce at the OC Market Place, you’ll discover the city’s creative spirit in each of these destinations. Planning a move to Costa Mesa? Our guide to home age and market value in Costa Mesa explains how the city’s diverse neighborhoods influence property trends. Happy shopping!

Natalie Boyle
REALTOR®, Founder of Verso Homes (DRE #01329012)
Over 15 years helping South OC homeowners discover their perfect community.
Learn more about Natalie →