I’m OBSESSED with this murial! This was at “The Camp” near the back, sort of hidden. I loved the organized chaos about it. It’s authentic and graffiti-eque. Stunning!
Looking to enjoy some delicious locally-sourced food? Do you enjoy discovering handcrafted jewelry and clothes? Maybe you’re just looking for a fun new date spot.
Personally, I LOVE exploring. My friend, Nikki, told me about this place in Costa Mesa called “The LAB” and then across the street from it is a similar “antimall” called “The CAMP.” I decided to check it out! Between the incredible incorporation of nature into every aspect of the building design, the amazingly unique stores, and incredible food, this place really hits a home-run.
Every path was lined with plants I have never seen before – exotic cacti and beautiful, blooming flowers. Tiny, brightly colored trailers held local shops with handmade products. The stores ranged from the ever-popular Urban Outfitters to the consignment store Buffalo Exchange. Restaurants serving delicious tea and all organic foods were everywhere you looked. I wish I had come with an appetite because I wanted to try everything I saw!
Not only is this the most photogenic and beautiful mall I have ever seen, but it was also the only mall I actually wanted to explore and learn more about. Everything was beautiful, intentional, and detailed. If you’re looking to support your local community, shop somewhere fairly sustainable and “green,” hungry for some fresh, authentic food, or looking for an adventure, I recommend checking this place out. You won’t be disappointed.
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- This is just an example of the tiny details that were everywhere you looked at this place. I love the artwork and the amazing plants. The incorporation of nature into every aspect really blew me away.
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- This is a sign post at “The Camp.” There’s so many unique treasures to explore, it was hard choosing where to go first!
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- How cool is this wine bottle chandelier? It looks like something you’d find on a rustic wedding Pinterest board!
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- I absolutely loved these stairs at “The Camp.” The message they send really resonated with me – it’s so simple, yet so powerful.
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- These colorful wine barrels provided such a beautiful backdrop to “The Lab.”
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- There were all of these spectacular colors surrounding us, but I especially appreicated this tree with bright pink blossoms at “The Lab.”
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- Here’s another view of the “Hope” murial at “The Camp!”
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- This was one of my favorite parts about the entire place. At “The Camp,” they had these adorable mailboxes with the menus of every restaurant inside of them. If you wanted to get food but didn’t know where, you could scout it out without sitting down somewhere. Such a brilliant idea!
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- Little trailers like this are EVERYWHERE! How cute, right? Each one was it’s own shop – usually selling trinkets, jewelry, or plants. So adorable and such a great use of space!
Some of the stores and restaurants located here:
- Urban Outfitters (clothing store)
- Buffalo Exchange (consignment shop)
- Milk and Honey (tea, coffee, frozen yogurt shop)
- Outer Limits (tattoo and body piercing shop)
- Retreat Salon (hair salon)
- SEED People’s Market (market with locally sourced products and more)
- 3×30 Yoga (yoga studio)
- Shangri-La (handmade jewelry boutique)
- Gypsy Den (homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads with an exotic twist)
- Cafecito Orgánico (local coffee roaster)
Those are just a tiny portion of the amazing shops and restaurants available!
My little, Devyn, and I had such a fun time exploring The LAB!
Here’s another picture of my little and I exploring The CAMP by the amazing “Hope” murial!
This post was not sponsored by The LAB or The CAMP. All opinions and images are my own.