As one of Costa Mesa’s experimental “anti-mall” or “anti-chain” open-air shopping and dining centers, The CAMP opened nearly a decade after across-the-street neighbor The LAB as an “eco-friendly retail campus” for local businesses. Historically home to vegan, organic, women-owned, and California-centric restaurant concepts – notably including Blackmarket Bakery (now closed), pizza, burger, taco, and ramen spots – plus liquor, jewelry, and beauty stores – the retail mix continues to evolve. The CAMP now includes second hand store 2nd Street, SEED People’s Market, and fitness, nail, and tattoo studios, plus cafes such as Boba Guys, Chafinity, and Vitaly Caffe. Upcoming additions planned for 2026 include Japanese bakery 1954 Egashira Pan, a Mexican restaurant and bar named Maleza, and a cat cafe called Purrs in Paradise.
Parking at The CAMP is free, but can be challenging during peak dining hours – typically not as difficult as at The LAB, though. Both anti-malls are just down the street from traditional mall South Coast Plaza and not far from the similarly open-air but big chain-focused South Coast Collection.
