17th Street in Costa Mesa has become one of Orange County's premier shopping destinations, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional malls. Filled with independent boutiques, specialty retailers, cafés, and locally owned businesses, the area attracts both locals and visitors looking for unique products and memorable experiences. At the heart of this vibrant community is Paseo 17, a thoughtfully designed plaza that complements the neighborhood's walkable charm and curated retail environment. MEGANE Elevated Optical is proud to be part of this growing destination, offering handcrafted eyewear, premium lenses, and personalized optical services that reflect the quality and craftsmanship found throughout 17th Street.
17th Street Welcomes You
Why 17th Street Is One of Orange County's Best Shopping Destinations
When people think of shopping in Orange County, destinations like Fashion Island or South Coast Plaza often come to mind. But ask any local where they go to discover something unique, and chances are they'll point you toward 17th Street in Costa Mesa.
Stretching through the heart of Costa Mesa and into Newport Beach, 17th Street has quietly evolved into one of Southern California's most distinctive retail corridors. Rather than being dominated by large chain stores, the street is home to an ever-growing collection of independent boutiques, specialty retailers, artisan cafés, wellness studios, and locally owned businesses. It's the kind of place where every storefront offers something different, making every visit feel like a new discovery.
For both locals and visitors exploring the Newport Beach and Costa Mesa area, 17th Street has become more than just a place to shop. It's become a destination.
A Different Kind of Shopping Experience
One of the reasons 17th Street continues to grow in popularity is its character.
Instead of walking through a traditional enclosed mall, visitors can stroll from plaza to plaza, discovering businesses that reflect the personality of the community. Whether you're searching for handcrafted home goods, designer fashion, specialty coffee, wellness services, or unique eyewear, you'll often find brands here that aren't available anywhere else nearby.
This mix of thoughtfully curated businesses creates an atmosphere that encourages exploration rather than simply checking items off a shopping list. Every block feels connected while still offering something new.
The result is a retail district that feels authentic, creative, and unmistakably local.
The Evolution of Paseo 17
One of the newest additions helping define this neighborhood is Paseo 17.
Rather than standing apart from the surrounding area, Paseo 17 naturally extends the spirit of 17th Street. Its modern architecture, inviting walkways, outdoor gathering spaces, and carefully selected tenants create a destination that feels fresh while still fitting seamlessly into the neighborhood.
Paseo 17 was designed around the idea of bringing together businesses that value quality, craftsmanship, hospitality, and community. Visitors can spend an afternoon enjoying coffee, shopping independent retailers, grabbing lunch, or simply walking through the beautifully designed plaza before continuing their exploration along 17th Street.
It's become another reason why more people are choosing this part of Costa Mesa as a place to spend their weekends.
Where MEGANE Fits In
At MEGANE Elevated Optical, we believe we're part of what makes this neighborhood special.
Our boutique was created with the same philosophy that defines both Paseo 17 and the surrounding 17th Street community: thoughtful curation over mass production, quality over quantity, and experiences over transactions.
Instead of filling our shelves with hundreds of mainstream frames, we carefully select handcrafted eyewear from independent designers and renowned Japanese manufacturers. Many of the collections we carry are difficult to find elsewhere in Orange County, giving our guests access to eyewear that is as unique as the people who wear it.
Just like the neighboring boutiques and specialty retailers along 17th Street, every detail inside MEGANE is intentional. From personalized frame styling and premium lens technology to precise fittings and adjustments, our goal is to create an experience that's relaxed, educational, and tailored to each individual.
Whether you're visiting Costa Mesa for the first time or you're a longtime local, we invite you to stop in, browse our curated collection, and experience why independent optical boutiques continue to thrive alongside the other specialty businesses that make this neighborhood so distinctive.
Discover Costa Mesa's Hidden Retail Gem
The best shopping destinations aren't always the biggest. Sometimes they're the ones where every business has a story, every storefront offers something unique, and every visit leaves you discovering something new.
That's what makes 17th Street special.
From its collection of independent retailers and neighborhood cafés to the modern energy of Paseo 17, this stretch of Costa Mesa has become one of Orange County's most enjoyable places to spend an afternoon.
If your journey brings you through 17th Street, we'd love to welcome you into MEGANE Elevated Optical and show you why handcrafted eyewear has found a perfect home in one of Costa Mesa's most vibrant retail communities.
