LIFESTYLE An Unexpected Time in Costa Mesa

Often overlooked by visitors to California’s iconic Orange County, Costa Mesa is  affectionately nicknamed the “city of the arts”. Quietly, this creative centre has become one of the hippest cities around, while maintaining an authentic, locals-only vibe. Ideally located for a SOCO road trip between L.A. and San Diego, this Southern Californian gem is mere minutes from the Pacific Ocean while boasting a bustling arts, food, and shopping scene. Get your cultural kick, followed (and preceded) by a fabulous meal, and explore Cali’s spectacular coastline in one family-friendly shot.

This wild and wonderful outdoor destination is unlike any other in C.A. – and perhaps the world! A hybrid of conceptual art installation, immersive theatre, and sculpture park, Noguchi is a Secret Garden that exceeds all expectations. Located in a little-known destination (in a business park off the Avenue of the Arts near South Coast Plaza); this hidden gem gives you the impression of entering an alternate universe. Created in 1982 by Isamu Noguchi, Noguchi Garden is based on the concept of a uniquely Californian scenario using geographic features, indigenous plants, and symbolic landscapes, divided into six sections: Water Source, Water Use, Desert Land, Land Use, and Energy Fountain.  But let’s not forget the dramatic centerpiece known as “The Spirit of the Lima Bean”.  Explore fascinating sculpture, gorgeous landscape, and some terrifically photogenic scenes.

• Noguchi Gardens 611 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, États-Unis

These are not your average mall-cop treats (though you can actually find them in the mall), and not to be confused with the cheap-sugar-hit available somewhere or other in every single American town. These are next-level doughnuts. Doughnuts for the most discerning of palates, the connoisseurs of novelty and the innovators of breakfast bliss.  They are also the freshest of the fresh. Sidecar makes every doughnut daily, in unique and unexpected flavours. Think you’ve seen every hipster doughnut on the market? Check out Maple and Bacon, Basil Eggs Benedict (that’s right, there’s a poached egg inside), Saigon Cinnamon Crumb, or Vegan Chocolate Truffle. 

• Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee, 270 E 17th St #18, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, États-Unis

More of a gallery-wanderer than a theatre junkie? No problem. By all accounts one of the  best days out in Costa Mesa, this is a destination for the local-art scene, where California’s signature laid back vibe sets the tone for experimentation, cultural exploration, cutting-edge painting and plastic arts. If you’re used to the cut-throat, high-stakes NY artworld, this upbeat, chilled-out art mecca will come as a welcome surprise – while still offering a carefully-curated selection of exceptional artists to admire and acquire.

• Location 1980, 1980 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, États-Unis

Everyone knows that when on the West coast, the first thing on your foodie wish-list has to be tacos. Californians have an almost spiritual devotion to good Mexican food – and after one bite at Taco Maria, you’ll understand why. Using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, this superb eatery draws on traditional Mexican flavours and cuisine; Michelin-starred chef Carlos Salgado incorporates Southern Californian influence to create a unique take on ‘Chicano’ cuisine – the perfect mixture of Mexican and American culture that typifies this part of the world. Rock up for brunch or dress up for a prix fixe dinner – where you can sample carnitas, esquidas enmolada, or tacos… get ready for a mouthwatering, nay, life-changing experience.

• Taco Maria, 3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, États-Unis

If you’ve visited North America before, you’ll know that Mall-culture is an essential part of life. But if you’re looking for something a little different from the mainstream commercial behemoths to be found from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast, check out The LAB. Known as the ‘anti-mall’, this strange and wonderful destination was once a night vision goggle factory (yup, weird) – but is now one of the best alternative shopping and eating locations in Costa Mesa. A counter-cultural Mecca, the LAB stands for ‘Little American Business’ and was established to combat retail monotony. Decorated with scaffolding, art installation, pop up boutiques, and surrounded by stylish Airstream Campers, this unusual combo of art and retail includes such attractions as the Facade Funhouse, a pop-up exhibit with a variety of instagrammable scenes to pose and prance in. Fill your boots.

• The LAB Anti-Mall, 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, États-Unis

When you’ve updated your Insta feed with enviable backdrops and stuffed yourself to the brim with tacos, doughnuts, art, and counter-culture… head on over to the TAG Heuer boutique at the South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol Street, 92626 Costa Mesa, to complete your watch collection or select a timepiece to help you get to the beach just in time for a stunning SOCO sunset.