Solo Travel Destinations: Costa Mesa

The hustle and bustle of Los Angeles can leave a solo traveler craving a luxurious getaway. While it’s always great to book a flight somewhere, a quick road trip allows for less travel time and more time to enjoy the finer things in life. Quickly becoming one of my favorite solo travel destinations is Costa Mesa. It has a ton to offer that is solo travel-friendly and will become one of your favorite spots as well.

Solo Travel Destinations: The Camp in Costa Mesa

A quick 40 minutes down the 405 and you’ll arrive at The Camp where you can literally camp out…all day. It really is all about balance here and The Camp provides it beautifully with a mix of healthy lifestyle and fun.

Upon arrival, you’re immediately surrounded by positive and motivational sayings that put you in the right mind to immerse yourself in their motto of “Breathe, wander, nourish, discover, be.”

Even when you pull up to their parking spots, you’d expect them to say “reserved” or “valet only” but they have positive sayings instead that welcome you to park. 

Old Vine Cafe

Solo travelers are unique and require unique fare. Old Vine Cafe gets this completely. Run by award-winning Chef, Mark Mcdonald, menu items at Old Vine Cafe reflect a focus on regionalism and the use of seasonal ingredients.

Whoever decided vodka and coffee go together should seriously get a medal. Start your day off at Tthe Camp just right by getting your fix of caffeine and alcohol with the Mint Mocha.

You’ll find the perfect blend of coffee and Soju Vodka with a hint of mint. Neither the coffee or vodka is overpowering. It’s truly enjoyable. If only every day could start out this perfect.

The food on the menu is as creative as their beverage list. The Torta de Lengua took me right back to my childhood with the signature dish of beef tongue like mom used to make. The creativity Chef Mark infuses in his dishes is evident in this and all other dishes!

Dessert for the Soul

After savoring one (or I recommend many) of the tasty dishes Chef Mark has on the menu, you can move on to dessert. Pillowy clouds of baked caramel apple french toast taste like air-whipped happiness and will have you quite possibly dancing in your seat!

Old Vine Cafe is heaven for any foodie who is seeking an unparalleled dining experience. The Italian inspired and one-of-a-kind dishes are truly a must-have when visiting The Camp. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but a rare treat is that they offer brunch seven days a week. It gets understandably busy so make sure you come early and come hungry because their portions are nice and big. You’re a pro though so make sure you do your stretches and grab portions with both hands.

Wine Tasting at The Wine Lab

After you’ve had your fill of fine comfort foods, it’s time to drink wine out of a test tube at The Wine Lab. You read that right but this isn’t weird science, it’s wine science. Ok, you don’t really drink the wine out of the tubes but it turns the experience into something fun and different from your average wine tasting. Here, you can learn, experience, and really find your taste. Wine tasting like this is what makes this a great solo travel destination.

The ambiance here is relaxed and a great place for those seeking refuge from the busy 405 freeway during rush hour or really anyone looking for an inspirational and fun place to sit and enjoy wine.

It’s a casual and comfortable environment so no need to worry about feeling out of place around their 70 different wines by the glass or their wine flights. One of the four on staff sommeliers at the Wine Lab enjoy explaining the art of what they do and how they do it…if you want them to. They are more than happy to tell you as little or as much as you’d like to know. The best part is that you don’t have to walk in expecting to be a wine aficionado. Come as you are and be welcomed. Flights are reasonably priced and range from $10-$17. 

Not a wine drinker? No problem because The Wine Lab isn’t only about wine. They also have 6 craft beers on tap which rotate regularly taking advantage of seasonal brews and local producers. They also have a selection of bottled beers! Cheers!

Vitaly Caffé

After great food and drinks, you might be ready to go home so your next stop is perfect because ‘home’ is the feeling that immediately overcomes you when you walk into Vitaly Caffé. Where family welcomes you with home-cooked meals prepared with love. Although you might walk in expecting to grab some freshly made gelato, what you get when you enter here is far from your typical experience.

Owners Maurizio and Barbara created Vitaly where they bring century-old Italian traditions from their home-Bologna, Italy. Their goal is to make you feel like you’re home and they are experts at it.

That’s exactly what makes this spot different and not just a gelato shop. You’re sure they are making these delectable delights because they love you. Other than in Italy, it’s unlikely you’d find this kind of hospitality at any other gelato shop.

But you’d be silly to come in and just have gelato after learning all Vitaly has to offer. You must have their homemade pastas as well. If you’ve ever been to Italy, you know they boast simple and pure ingredients. It’s something that can be hard to find in the states but Maurizio and Barbara have mastered it. After trying their beyond incredible Gnocchi, it’s not unlikely to let out an audible gasp of enjoyment.

Everything on their menu is worth a try. Afterall you never went to your grandma’s house and turned down homemade food, did you? You shouldn’t do it here.

Italian hospitality is a staple here and you will want to hug Maurizio and Barbara when you leave…although it will be hard to leave at all. Because you are a solo traveler, you might find yourself craving certain cultural aspects of trips you take. Vitaly is one place you’ll find the spirit of family is alive and well.

Avenue of the Arts

While you could spend the rest of your day at the Camp, a full stomach and full heart require quality recharge. Besides, your day of exploring Costa Mesa is far from over. You can pack a lot of fun into a trip here and you should.

Searching for solo travel destinations means you live an unconventional life so why have conventional accommodations? Checking into the Avenue of the Arts Hotel is a sure way to distinguish yourself from average. Here, you’ll find rooms fit for a queen who loves to treat herself! Getting yourself a room with a view of the lake is prime. I can see your eyes widening now. This is your style so enjoy it. You hustle hard, you deserve it.

This Tribute Portfolio hotel speaks to the solo traveler because they break the norm just like you do. They understand the need for you to have transformational experiences and they pride themselves on doing so. With their eclectic decor and perfectly centered location in The Arts District, this is a hotel connects directly to the misfit in you. 

Vaca

Chill for a bit and get refreshed because the night is young and you’re heading to enjoy tapas at Vaca next.

Vaca is a fun and quick way to get transported to Spain with tapas and craft cocktails on the menu. The vibe here is chic and sexy, just like you. You feel it as soon as you enter. Wall-to-wall Spanish inspired decor and wall-to-wall awesome.

It’s here Chef Amar Santana brings you his version of authentic Spanish cuisine. You might know him from his other restaurant, Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach or his appearance on Season 13 of Top Chef.

The ingredients in all of his menu items are top quality along with carrying a superior meat selection. Be treated to a wide array of plates like Pan con Tomate, Pulpo, and of course a large selection of cocktails! One of their most popular items is the Canelon de Pollo Ahumado: Smoked chicken cannelloni, foie gras sauce, sherry reduction. This smoky and sweet dish will have you asking for more than one!

Tapas are family style and meant for sharing but you don’t have to! Come and enjoy what you’d like, solo and with no shame!

Sur La Table

If you didn’t gorge yourself at Vaca (good luck!), your next stop is definitely going to have you pushing gluttony. Book a class at Sur La Table in Southcoast Plaza. They offer cooking classes right in their store!

With experienced chef’s assisting you in every step, you’re sure to walk away knowing new recipes and tips on how to turn something as simple as making a pizza into something remarkable. Chef Gerrie is a delight and makes the learning experience a fun one. 

Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that cooking your pizza dough and then cutting it before you add the ingredients will help so everything stays nicely put when you’re done? I do now! *Cue the NBC ‘The More You Know’ song.

Whether it’s two different types of pizza or another recipe, all will be delightful to the palate! My favorite was definitely the Brooklyn. All the mozzarella had me in cheese heaven!

A cooking class here is so much fun not only because of the incredible recipes you walk away with but the experience itself. A solo traveler fits right in with the hands-on cooking experience and making new friends along the way.

Fulfillment

‘Ful(l)’ being the key word, a totally satisfying day like this will have you ready to head back to your solo traveler’s paradise at the Avenue of the Arts.  But don’t rest just yet. Work off some of that great food and drink you imbibed at the hotel gym! Located on the first floor next to the business center, you’ll find an array of equipment to keep you on your A-game. From free weights to cardio machines, you can now rest easy knowing you’ve ended your day on the right note.

 

A full day of extraordinarily different experiences will have you ready and excited to head into day two of this solo travel destination.

Note: As a travel writer, I was hosted by Travel Costa Mesa. All opinions are my own.