Costa Mesa is at the heart of Pride Month in Orange County, including the official OC Pride closing party at STRUT Bar & Club, but that’s not the only reason to visit Costa Mesa during Pride. We have 7 reasons we think Costa Mesa is the perfect destination during Pride. Be sure to check out our summer hotel deals too.
1. Stay in the heart of Orange County
With its central location in Orange County, you can make Costa Mesa your “home base” for OC Pride events and visit popular Southern California attractions. Costa Mesa is only 37 miles south of Los Angeles and 88 miles north of San Diego, though there’s plenty to do within the city.
2. #1 Destination for Outdoor Art
Men’s Journal named Costa Mesa the #1 Destination for Outdoor Art in the country! Costa Mesa is known as the City of the Arts® and getting outdoors means you’ll see plenty of art around. We even have a free art walk audio tour that you can listen to on your phone. The tour takes you through the South Coast Metro area to visit some of Costa Mesa’s acclaimed sculptures, including California Scenario by famed sculptor Isamu Noguchi. You can also visit our murals and street art page for more information about Costa Mesa’s beautiful art.
3. Award-winning dining and entertainment
Costa Mesa is home to award-winning dining worthy of an Eatcation®. You’ll find Orange County’s only two Michelin star restaurants, restaurants from two of Bravo’s Top Chef contestants and a Food Network Chopped champion. There’s also plenty of entertainment, including The Art of Flamenco dinner show at Cafe Sevilla.
4. STRUT Bar & Club
STRUT Bar & Club is quickly making a name for itself as one of the best LGBTQ+ spots in Orange County. Visit during any time of the year for Drag Bingo, Strawberry Disco and Drag Brunch. There are two official OC Pride events held at STRUT this year, OC Pride STRUT Brunch featuring Mimosa Girls and the Official OC Pride Closing Party. Brunch will be held on Sunday, June 20 from 12-2:30pm and tickets start at $20. The closing party is free and will be on Saturday, June 26 from 6pm-2am.
5. Tin Lizzie Saloon
Tin Lizzie Saloon has a distinctly Victorian vibe with red pin-and-tuck banquettes, brass foot rails and velvet-embossed flocked wallpaper. Its welcoming environment makes it a perfect place to “mix, mingle and indulge” in mixed drinks, fine wines and liqueurs.
6. Unique shopping
Costa Mesa has several unique shopping options, including The LAB Anti-Mall which honors the “Little American Business.” Across the street for The LAB is The CAMP, one of the first eco-friendly retail campuses in the country. Foodies will love SOCO & The OC Mix where you can find everything for cocktail lovers, home cooks and more. South Coast Plaza, the largest shopping destination on the West Coast.
7. Orange County beaches
Costa Mesa is only a few minutes from two of Orange County’s most popular beaches, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Take a relaxing break, surf lessons or go out on a Duffy Boat.
