Elizabeth & RJ
Things To Do
The LAB Anti-Mall
This is a small, but trendy outdoor mall with several great restaurants and little shops. There are two malls located across the street from each other. Our favorite places to dine here are Habana (Cuban Restaurant), East Borough (Vietnamese restaurant for a quick bite), Seabirds Kitchen (trendy vegan food), and Ruin Bar (speak-easy cocktail bar). Walking distance from the hotel!
Downtown Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is only a 25 minute drive away from Costa Mesa and is one of our favorite beach cities. It's where we got engaged, so it of course holds a special place in our hearts. It is a very scenic drive if you come down PCH from Newport Beach. Some of our preferred beaches and parks are Crescent Bay, Shaw's Cove, Heisler Park, Victoria Beach, Table Rock, and Crystal Cove. Even if it's a gloomy day, it's worth checking out because there is a nice art scene and cute coffee shops, plus some incredible dining.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
If you're looking for something active to do, we suggest one of our favorite local hiking trails. You can make it as intense as you like as there are several trail options varying in distance and challenge. It is a very scenic trail with beautiful views of the Newport Beach Upper Bay. It is kid and bicycle friendly.
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
If you have a full day and want to experience the Disney magic, plan a visit to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. We recommend making a reservation at your earliest convenience. Please see the Disney website for more information required prior to visiting.
Belmont Shore
Long Beach is in LA County, but it is right on the border of Orange County and only 25-30 minutes away from Costa Mesa. Belmont Shore is our favorite neighborhood in Long Beach, and Second Street is where you will find most of the action (not to mention, it's a very short walk to the beach). The area is easy to walk around, has various dining options, as well as number of different shops to choose from. Next to Belmont Shore lies one of our favorite hidden gems, an area called Naples. It's a small island with the most beautiful homes and canals you can walk through. It's a fairly short walk around but worth stopping by even for just a peak. Also near Belmont Shore is downtown Long Beach, which also has good restaurant options, shops, and an aquarium. Lastly, we recommend checking out 2nd & PCH, which is a fairly new outdoor shopping/dining center. It's right by Ballast Point, which is a popular brewery with awesome water views, and just a few minute drive from Seal Beach.
Our Other Favorites
We've included a list of restaurants we enjoy and suggest you give a try if you have a chance: Vaca (fine dining Spanish Tapas) The Vox Kitchen (Asian fusion) Bosscat Kitchen & Libations (elevated southern classics/ whisky room) Bearflag Fish Co. (casual sea food) Blue Bowl (best acai bowls, right by the hotel) Taco Mesa (Mexican) Cafe Sakana (high end sushi) Kaizen Shabu (Japanese hot pot) Pitfire Artisan Pizza (has a speakeasy - Pie Society) Sidecar Donuts & Coffee Kitakata Ban Nai Ramen SOCIAL (good drinks & happy hour specials) Hank's (breakfast burritos & breakfast tacos)