Travel Costa Mesa Blog
14 Date Ideas for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day
Chocolate and a night in? Sweet, but let’s be real—Costa Mesa has way too much going on to stay home. This Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day, why not upgrade your plans with something that will make your heart flutter.
We’ve rounded up 14 must-try date ideas in Costa Mesa that’ll make your day unforgettable. Whether you’re out with your partner or your ride-or-dies, these picks guarantee all the fun, all the feels, and zero regrets.
1. Take a Paint Class at Inspired Art Wine
Photo by Inspired Art Wine
Art and wine is a timeless combo and Inspired Art Wine is taking it up a notch. They offer painting classes (with wine), as well as wine-focused sessions where you can learn about tasting profiles and create custom labels. For Valentine’s Day, they’re hosting a painting class featuring the scene “London Walk,” perfect for the romantic occasion! Seats are limited, so book yours before they’re gone.
2. Create a Custom Charm Necklace at Balboa Gold
Photo by Balboa Gold
For a keepsake that stands out, head to Balboa Gold inside SOCO & the OC Mix where you and your besties can design your own custom charm necklace or bracelet. Choose from a selection of meaningful charms, initials, and gemstones to match your personal style. Hanging with your boo? Book a permanent jewelry appointment to make it official with a forever bracelet!
3. Climb Together & Conquer Together at Rockcreation
Photo by Rockreation
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro climber, Rockreation is the perfect spot to reach new heights together—literally. Book a class tailored to your goals (fitness, technique, speed, etc.) or set up a private session for your Galentine’s crew. Because nothing says friendship like cheering each other on…or racing to the top for ultimate bragging rights!
4. Stay Classy with Dinner and a Show
Photo by @debophotos
Is there anything more iconic than dinner and a show? Kick-off Valentine’s Day with a decadent 4-course prix-fixe meal at Silver Trumpet—think perfectly seasoned steaks and seafood, hand-crafted desserts, and more deliciousness. Then, take a romantic stroll to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for Pacific Symphony’s Pops show featuring jazz-tinted music.
5. Make Something Special at Color Me Mine
Color Me Mine is ready to paint the town red this Valentine’s Day! On February 14th, grab your partner and BYO champagne, wine, or whatever gets your creativity flowing. They’re offering an intimate evening of ceramic painting, where your masterpieces are yours to keep. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out—reserve your spot before it’s too late!
6. Enjoy a Special Dinner in Costa Mesa
Photo by Knife Pleat
Knife Pleat: Treat your special someone to a Michelin-starred experience at Knife Pleat with a luxurious French six-course tasting menu, available on Valentine’s Day and February 15.
Descanso: Celebrate love effortlessly with a special prix fixe menu for two, featuring Mexican street-inspired cuisine, available from February 13 through 16.
Sevilla: Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere of live Latin music and Spanish cuisine at Sevilla. Their special four-course menu features dishes like warm goat cheese dip, lobster paella valenciana, and orange tart with raspberry meringue for dessert.
The Country Club: Indulge in a romantic four-course meal with live jazz, an elegant dining ambiance, and a complimentary glass of champagne, plus options for wine pairings and themed craft cocktails.
7. Treat Yourselves at South Coast Plaza
Photo by South Coast Plaza
This Valentine’s Day, shopping at South Coast Plaza is more than just a retail therapy session—it’s a love affair. With luxury brands, boutiques, and delicious eateries, you’ll find the perfect gift (or treat yourself—no judgment here). Don’t forget to grab a complimentary rose and stop by Laderach for artisanal chocolates that’ll make your heart—and taste buds—melt.
8. Be Inspired at OCMA
Photo by Jeff Gritchen
The Orange County Museum of Art is the perfect unexpected spot for a memorable date night. Stroll hand in hand through the galleries, exploring California and international masterpieces, and don’t miss the immersive Martin Creed exhibit, featuring giant yellow balloons that make for a fun photo op. Plus, admission is free!
9. Learn Some Moves at Café Sevilla
Photo by Café Sevilla
This Valentine’s Day, spice things up with a Salsa & Bachata dance class at Café Sevilla! No reservations required—just bring your dance partner and some comfy shoes for a night of fun. Start with salsa, then move on to bachata, and put your new skills to the test while dancing into the early morning, until 1:30 am. It’s the perfect way to turn your date night into an unforgettable dance party!
10. Axe Your Ex at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Photo by Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Break free from Valentine’s clichés and axe your ex this February 14th at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales! You read that right. Bring a printed or digital picture of your ex and let out your frustrations by throwing some axes. Make sure to enjoy their wide selection of craft beers while you are there.
11. Take a Wheel Throwing Class at ARTime Barro
Photo by ARTime Barro
For a couple that likes a hands-on approach, we recommend taking a wheel-throwing class at ARTime Barro. Learn core techniques for using a pottery wheel alongside your favorite people with lessons for all levels given by lifelong ceramic experts.
12. Unwind at Facial Lounge
Photo by Facial Lounge
The first few months of the year can be a stressful time, so unwinding on Valentine’s Day is as valid as any date. We recommend booking organic vegan facials at Facial Lounge in Costa Mesa, a spa and lounge where even a few hours can feel like days of relaxation.
13. Spread the Love at The CAMP
Head to The CAMP for a day filled with love, creativity, and fun! Enjoy live tunes by Violette Rain and dive into free activities like floral arranging, custom heart wreath making, and a fun photo op backdrop. Sip on mocktails by Hi Lo Liquor, grab a bag of wildflower seeds to take home, and more!
14. End the Night Right with an Overnight Stay
Photo by @steadyjenny
Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year— perfect for turning it into a three-day weekend celebration! The Westin South Coast Plaza is offering a romantic getaway designed for relaxation and indulgence.
Package Includes:
- Overnight accommodations
- Complimentary Breakfast for two (2) at The Great Room
- Complimentary self-parking for one (1) vehicle
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- One (1) bottle of Champagne or Sparkling Cider
Whether you’re celebrating with your partner or your best friends, a luxurious overnight stay at a Costa Mesa Hotel is the best way to cap off an unforgettable night. Enjoy comfort, privacy, and a little extra love this weekend.
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Shopping
2025 Lunar New Year: Embrace the Year of the Snake in Costa Mesa
Lunar New Year arrives on January 29th, 2025, and Costa Mesa is one of the best places to spend it. From festive dining to unique experiences, the city is brimming with ways to join in the festivities and welcome in the Year of the Snake.
About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays in China, and it is also widely celebrated by other cultures. It is a 15-day celebration marked by many traditions in the home, auspicious wishes, shopping, and spending time with family. The 15th and final day of the holiday is observed as the Lantern Festival, marking the end of the celebration.
Lunar New Year is part of a larger cycle, moving through the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, bringing us out of the Year of the Dragon into the Year of the Snake. The symbolism of the snake represents a complex interplay of elements. Its meaning can range from luck and authority to craftiness and mysteriousness.
In 2025, Costa Mesa will feature numerous celebrations and special events throughout the festival, providing cultural experiences that will entertain, educate, and allow you to explore with family and friends. But it doesn’t end there—many places will have ongoing opportunities to celebrate throughout the month, from celebratory menus to unique shopping experiences.
The Lunar New Year Experience at South Coast Plaza
January 23rd – February 9th
Shop, Dine, and Celebrate
South Coast Plaza eateries will feature festive menu options, special offers, and activities to immerse you in the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year. Expect thematic decor, shopping deals, and events throughout the entire span of the festival. Be sure to visit Jewel Court for a themed installation and atmospheric decorations.
Image via Pandora
Year of the Snake Style
Snakes are slithering into your favorite luxury boutiques, but don’t worry–these snakes bring good luck for the new year. From cutely coiled gold bracelets at Pandora to Palm Angels tracksuits with a full snake print, you can embrace the style as delicately or boldly as you like. Other luxury favorites like Sandro are offering more subtle designs, like classic sweatshirts, joggers, and hoodies with a playful snake emblem.
Window shop all the Lunar New Year merchandise at South Coast Plaza on their website.
Image via South Coast Plaza
Lunar New Year Exclusives
It’s not often that South Coast Plaza offers a sale or promotion, so when they do, we know it’s going to be good. Now might just be the time to splurge on that handbag or watch you’ve been saving up for.
This year, South Coast Plaza is teaming up with LIULI Crystal Art for an exquisite tea set, available as a gift with purchase. LIULI Crystal Art’s gallery is located in Bloomingdales, and the company is known for reinvigorating a style of glass art that dates back to the Han Dynasty in China. Purchases of $3,888 are eligible to receive the exclusive tea set. View the details and more information on the exclusive item here.
Lunar New Year Flavors
Every year, we can’t wait to see what are favorites like Paradise Dynasty, AnQi, and Michelin star winner Knife Pleat are cooking up. If our highlights have you feeling hungry, explore all the specials at South Coast Plaza’s dedicated dining page.
Image via Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung Collaboration with James Jean
Known for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), Din Tai Fung is a great stop for the whole family. This year, they’ve planned a delicious collaboration with James Jean, a renowned Taiwanese-American artist. Their Costa Mesa location will feature special installations of Jean’s work and a themed menu with dishes symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and joy.
TIP: Don’t forget to collect your lucky red envelope. Five lucky guests will find a Golden Ticket inside that awards access to Din Tai Fung’s VIP Reservation Concierge Service.
At Water Grill For a Limited Time
Water Grill is the perfect stop after a round of shopping at South Coast Plaza or right before a show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. For Lunar New Year, they’re offering three a la carte dishes crafted with the spirit of the new year in mind.
Whole Crispy Black Sea Bass
cilantro, tangerine, radish and XO sauce (harmonious family life)
Wok-Fried Local Spiny Lobster
long beans, Fresno chile, black bean sauce (lucrative new year)
Garlic Noodles with Crab
green onion, crisp garlic (long, joyous life)
Learn more or make a reservation on their website.
Tapas at Vaca
Vaca by Chef Amar Santana is a local favorite and a must-visit in Costa Mesa. For Lunar New Year, Chef Amar has prepared steamed Iberico Pork and Shrimp Dumplings with chorizo, finished with XO sauce. Don’t forget to order their Lunar New Year special cocktail, Snake Eyes.
Visit their website for reservations—highly recommended!
Image via South Coast Plaza
Culinary Artistry at Knife Pleat
Experience Lunar New Year afternoon tea, hosted at Knife Pleat on Saturdays during the holiday. Decadent treats include a mini mooncake, black sesame ball with mandarin filling, and chocolate gold coins. If you’d like to take home a piece of the celebration, Knife Pleat is once again offering their coveted, boxed collection of six signature macarons with popular Asian flavors such as pomelo & mandarin, passion fruit, mango and black sesame.
Learn more and make a reservation at their website.
Lunar New Year Cultural Events
Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival
Saturday, January 25th
1:00 – 6:00 PM
Lunar New Year celebrations take over Centennial Park for a family-friendly, free-to-attend event. Celebrate Asian and Vietnamese culture with live dance performances, cultural exhibits, and food vendors. At 5:45 PM, the celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks show.
Pacific Symphony Lunar Year at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 1st
8:00 PM
Experience a celebration of communities coming together with performances of Eastern and Western music and dance at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Watch as hundreds of performers showcase their talents, including virtuoso guzheng player Bei Bei Monter. Other performers of note include:
- Acclaimed pianist Joyce Yang
- Yang Liu on the erhu
- Lotus Bud Guzheng Academy
- Violin Studio of Wendy Castillo
- American Feel Young Chorus
- YaYa Dance Academy
- Pacific Chorale
O.C. Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 22nd
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
At the tail end of the Lunar New Year celebrations on February 22nd is Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Free for the whole family, the event marks the end of the Lunar New Year season. Be dazzled by a lobby transformed with floating lanterns and then dive into the array of events, including music, dance, art making, food, riddles, and more. Admission is free, but remember to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
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9 Ways to Ring in the New Year in Costa Mesa
Get ready to wrap up the year with a celebration to remember! Costa Mesa is gearing up for an epic New Year’s Eve, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away or indulge in a delicious dinner, there’s something special for everyone.
1. Welcome the New Year at TIME Nightclub
Image via TIME Nightclub
Get ready to dance the night away. Ring in the New Year at TIME Nightclub, featuring DJ Valentino Khan! Join the celebration starting at 9pm, where the beats, lights, and energy will keep your spirits high all night long.
Why not celebrate the end of the year as a VIP? Elevate your experience with table service for a New Year’s Eve party you’ll talk about for years.
2. Spice it up at Sevilla Restaurant and Bar
Image via Sevilla
Start your evening with delicious Spanish tapas at Sevilla, and keep the night going with flamenco, live Latin music, and specialty cocktails. Sevilla is also showcasing a three-course prix-fixe menu with a show stopping paella Valenciana, topped with a cold lobster tail.
Reservations are highly recommended. Call 949-688-1555 or purchase a package online.
3. Find your VIP vibe at Mesa
Image via Mesa
If you prefer a relaxed, lounge environment, join the NYE festivities at MESA. Enjoy their prix-fixe dinner service at 7pm so that you’re ready to let the good times roll when the nightclub opens at 10pm. Indulge in premium champagne and live music by DJ Zeb as you revel in the joy of the countdown.
Book your reservation online for their NYE gala here.
4. Bling in the New Year at The Country Club
Image via The Country Club
The Country Club in Costa Mesa is offering the ultimate VIP perk for their NYE celebration: bottomless bubbly. Grab a champagne wristband for you and your crew and keep your glass full at their unlimited champagne bar. You’ll want to dig into a delicious dinner before the party kicks off, so schedule a seating for their chef-special dinner at 5:30pm or 7:30pm.
The Country Club is pulling out all the stops for the midnight countdown so that you can start 2025 off with a bang. Make a reservation here.
5. Don’t miss an epic Y2K dance party at The Wayfarer
Image via The Wayfarer
If you’re looking for live music but less of a nightclub vibe, gastropub and live music venue The Wayfarer might be the perfect fit.
Dance the night away and hear all your favorite 90s and 00s songs by local favorite, Sega Genecide. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast during the countdown, then get back to dancing to your Y2K faves, plus some 2024 hits. Doors open at 9pm, and tickets are available online. This event is likely to sell out, so don’t wait.
6. Celebrate the year of BRAT
Image via Yelp
BRAT is forever at Costa Mesa’s Tin Lizzie Saloon. This LGBTQ+ friendly club will be serving their “Holidaze” cocktail menu and serving up the best Mean Girl tracks of 2024. Wear your best BRAT outfit and step out for a 365 party girl bash. You’ll feel so Julia as you ring in the new year.
7. Toast to the New Year at Water Grill
Image via Water Grill
Make your New Year’s Eve truly special with a delicious four-course prix-fixe menu at Water Grill. Elevate your experience with a thoughtfully curated $50 wine pairing option.
Cheers to a night of indulgence, celebration, and culinary perfection!
8. Treat yourself to fine dining at The Westin
Image via The Westin South Coast Plaza
New Year’s Eve dinner at The Westin is a classy way to mark the end of the year, especially when celebrated with friends and family. Executive Chef Nelson Sanchez has created a three course prix-fixe menu, served with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. You can dine as early as 3pm or as late as 11pm.
9. Keep the party going at a Costa Mesa hotel
Image via The Westin South Coast Plaza
A stay at a Costa Mesa hotel is the epitome of a New Year’s Eve well spent: safe and carefree, with a touch of luxury and indulgence. Dance the night away without worrying about busy, late-night transportation and wake up in the comfort of one of our award-winning hotels.
See you in 2025! Happy New Year!
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Costa Mesa’s Best Food, Shopping, and Experiences in 2024
Meet your next Eatcation®, Shopcation, or Vibecation.
We’re thrilled to share our end-of-year guide to the best Costa Mesa has to offer. From mouthwatering meals to one-of-a-kind shopping and unforgettable experiences, we’re celebrating the highlights from each of Costa Mesa’s diverse neighborhoods.
How did we choose the best? We tapped into staff and community favorites, kept our finger on the pulse of everything new, and thrilled with every viral video. The result is a curated list of what captured the heart and soul of Costa Mesa in 2024.
We couldn’t include every stop we loved, so we recommend you use this to kick off your ‘cation and discover—or rediscover—everything that makes Costa Mesa an unexpected favorite. Let’s dive in and celebrate the best of this year!
This summer, Mercado González featured a Lucha Libre pop-up experience, celebrating the beloved Mexican sport. Look for more pop-ups in 2025!
Central Costa Mesa
Eat: Prince St. Pizza
What makes it special: Coming in hot from New York City to Orange County, Prince Street Pizza burst onto the Costa Mesa food scene this year and hasn’t slowed down. Lines were out the door to try the authentic NYC pizza served in Sicilian-style squares and slices. Prince Street Pizza is serious about their pies, even using a special water filtration system to match the pH of NYC, so that the dough comes out just right, every time.
Shop: Mercado Gonzalez
What makes it special: Mercado González is the first concept of its kind from the multi-generational González family, responsible for the 60+ Northgate Markets across SoCal, and Costa Mesa is the only place in the world you can experience it. This wonderland of Mexican food, drink, and culture features churros, tortillas, mole, agua fresca, and so much more—all created right in front of you.
Experience: Westwood Coast
What makes it special: Do you have what it takes to be a rodeo star? Hop on the mechanical bull and find out at Triangle Square’s newest destination, Westwood Coast. If you prefer to put on your boots and boogie instead of ride, Westwood has line dancing and live music that is sure to get your toes tapping and your heels clapping.
Not ready to let the night end? Party Vegas-style at Time Nightclub or do as the locals do and try out Goat Hill Tavern where the beer is plentiful, and the vibes are always juuuust right.
Costa Mesa-based Lxryoga combines mindful fitness with snakes in small, group classes
Eastside Costa Mesa
Eat: Plums Café
What makes it special: Breakfast at Plums Cafe comes with a sweet twist: their Instagram famous two-pound cinnamon roll! Fluffy, gooey, and dripping in icing, this giant pastry is big enough to share—but if you’re feeling bold, you can take the 20-minute challenge to finish it solo and win a t-shirt that says,“Cinnamon challenges at Plums – I ate the whole thing.”
Looking for more tasty eats in the area? Tres Muchachos is serving up a delicious mashup of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine.
Shop: Covry
What makes it special: Inclusive, fun, and stylish – that’s Covry. This women-owned, Asian-owned brand specializes in eyewear designed for diverse face shapes so you’ll never have to worry about glasses slipping or digging into your cheeks again! Swing by their flagship location, where they host a monthly nature and meditation walk to help you unplug and reset.
Experience: Snake Yoga
What makes it special: Only in Costa Mesa! What started as a passion project quickly became a viral sensation this year at LXRYOGA. As seen in People Magazine, this snake yoga experience pairs you with friendly, non-venomous ball pythons for a unique class that’s both calming and exciting. In small-group sessions, yogis first learn how to hold the snakes, then are paired with their own snake for the duration of the class. It’s the perfect way to conquer your fears—or just add a unique twist to your yoga routine.
Birds of a feather flock together at the cozy, cocktail-forward Birdcage Lounge
Westside Costa Mesa
Eat: Nudae Coffee
What makes it special: Nudae Coffee celebrated their first anniversary in 2024, and we know they’ll have many more to come. Nudae pairs their coffee with a cozy, colorful, and creative space that locals love. Their sandwiches are made fresh, and we love their seasonal drink creations. Kids and non-coffee drinkers won’t feel left out of their menu.
Shop: Amis de la Terre Zero-Waste Market
What makes it special: Amis de la Terre means friends of the earth in French, and as soon as you step in their Westside market, you become part of their community. This organic, plastic-free grocery store was created by a SoCal-local with a Master’s degree in Oceanography at the Sorbonne in France. Gluten free, keto, vegan, heirloom, and fair-trade—no matter what your grocery shopping looks like, Amis de la Terre has it.
While you’re there, stop by Fill Up Buttercup, just a few doors down from Amis de la Terre. Fill Up Buttercup is a zero-waste refill shop with thoughtful, non-toxic bath, body, and household products.
Experience: Birdcage Lounge
What makes it special: Not only is Birdcage Lounge guaranteed to give you your best Instagram pic of the night, you’re also likely to meet your new best friends. An intimate, LGBT+ space within Costa Mesa’s Strut Bar & Club, Birdcage Lounge is as beautiful as it is welcoming. Try one of their signature flocktails or attend one of their many themed nights.
We would be remiss not to mention The Wayfarer, Costa Mesa’s live music venue and gastropub, that celebrated their ten-year anniversary this year. Every style of music has a home at The Wayfarer, and everyone is welcome. Drop by and you might discover your next favorite band.
Yubuya specializes in inari sushi, replacing the nori with sweet tofu
Mesa Verde
Eat: Yubuya
What makes it special: All the likes, meet the hype! Yubuya, a father-daughter-owned hidden gem, is where Korean and Japanese flavors come together in perfect harmony. If you like sushi, you will definitely love yubuchobap, delicious crispy rice pockets packed with unbelievable flavor. Their soy-marinated and creamy onion salmon yubu are a crowd favorite but if you’re looking for something with a kick, try their spicy yellow tail yubu.
Shop: SOCO and The OC Mix
What makes it special: SOCO and The OC Mix is a top SoCal design destination where designers, decorators, trend setters, and creative minds come to get inspired. From flooring that’ll make your home pop to the perfect light fixture that brings it all together, you are sure to find it here. With over 70 handpicked shops to choose from including Bang & Olufsen, Coco Republic, BoConcept, Design Within Reach, and Modani Furniture, it’s no surprise people travel from all over to discover statement-making pieces.
When hunger strikes, fuel up with delicious oven-to-table eats at Michelin-rated Arc Food & Liberations.
Experience: Inspired Art Wine
What makes it special: Inspired Art Wine takes paint and sip to whole new level! Did you know it is the only art studio wine bar in the US certified to teach Bob Ross-techniques? That’s right—come channel your inner Ross, paint some happy little trees, and sip on Napa Valley’s finest art-inspired wines. The pet portrait classes are a must-try: using a reference photo, they hand-sketch every detail of your pet onto a canvas and then help you paint stunning portraits of your fur (or feathered) friends. Whether it’s a dog, cat, pig, parrot, turtle, or horse, they’ve captured it all—with over 2,500 pet portraits and counting they are masters at capturing your pet’s unique personality.
Swarovski is one of the many luxury boutiques that has recently opened at South Coast Plaza
South Coast Metro
Food: Ramen Row
What makes it special: No Eatcation®is truly complete without a slurp-worthy stop at Costa Mesa’s famous Ramen Row! This noodle nirvana is where locals—and now lucky visitors—find bowls of soul-soothing broth brimming with umami-packed flavor. Don’t miss local favorites like Mogu Mogu, Slurpin’ Ramen Bar, Hakata Ikkousha Ramen, and Kashiwa Ramen. Trust us, one slurp, and you’ll understand why this is the ultimate comfort food row!
Shop: South Coast Plaza
What makes it special: In the shopping Olympics, South Coast Plaza takes gold. It has the highest concentration of luxury brands in the United States, and this year brought the addition of new boutiques for Zegna, Maison Margiela, Palm Angels, Marni, and so many more. It’s the exclusive West Coast location for designers like Alexander Wang, Chopard, and Missoni. In 2025, keep an eye out for Dior Parfums, Delvaux, and Acne.
While South Coast Plaza wins our “shop” category, the food also deserves a mention. You have to taste it to believe it. We’ll leave this right here… Yu Cake.
Experience: Orange Coast College Planetarium
What makes it special: The Planetarium is your all-access pass to the stars—and beyond! This spiral galaxy-shaped dome is where you can embark on a journey through space with 360° projections, immersive audio-visual magic, and stunning 3D animations. But that’s not all! Music lovers, get ready for LAZERDOME. Let dazzling laser lights ignite your senses as you rock out to epic anthems from Taylor Swift, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and Pink Floyd. Prefer a more tranquil escape? Enter Mesmerica—an awe-inspiring journey through imaginary landscapes designed to relax your mind and stimulate your senses.
Due to a generous donation, admission to OCMA (Orange County Museum of Art) is free to all guests for ten years
Theater and Arts District
Food: Vaca
What makes it special: Led by Executive Chef Amar Santana, Vaca brings the best of Spain to Orange County. Already known as a two-time contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, Santana was named to 2024 Latino Leaders by TIME. Santana was one of only seventeen individuals recognized, alongside George Lopez and Aubrey Plaza. Vaca is a community favorite and Michelin-rated, best known for its paella and vast selection of meat cuts.
Shop: OCMA’s Shop
What makes it special: Orange County Museum of Art featured eleven exhibits this year, from Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression, which received accolades from W Magazine and Los Angeles Times, to Martin Creed’s Work No. 3868 Half the air in a given space, which was an instant viral hit.
OCMA’s Shop followed suit with a well-curated rotation of artsy knick-knacks from small businesses, local Orange County creators, and organizations giving back to the community. Some of the pop-up shops featured include: People’s Pottery Project, supporting formerly incarcerated women, trans, and non-binary individuals through their collaborative studio; and Funday Collective, a husband-and-wife duo blending creativity, realism, vintage, and most importantly, fun.
Experience: Docent Tour at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
What makes it special: The magic of experiencing the performing arts is created in two ways: the preparation behind the scenes, and the performance on stage. SCFTA’s docent-led tour lets you step behind the curtain (literally!) and take a deep dive into everything that happens backstage. Learn the history of the Segerstrom family and their impact on Costa Mesa and the entire Orange County region, while walking through rehearsal spaces and VIP rooms like you’re a part of the cast.
The Mellowist connects art and nature with people, both artists and collectors alike, resulting in a thriving community
Sobeca District
Food: The Plot
What makes it special: Sustainable, zero-waste, and proudly plant-based: that’s The Plot, new to Costa Mesa this year. With a successful San Diego-based dining concepts already under their belt, Davin and Jessica Waite chose the conscious living campus, The Camp, for their next endeavor. Their produce is sourced as locally as possible, with no single-use plastic. Having a meal at The Plot is an invitation to taste and think about vegetables, sustainability, and the impact of our choices in a new way.
For other vegan-friendly options, stop by Blackmarket Bakery, also at The Camp, for freshly baked bread and pastries.
Shop: Mellowist
What makes it special: As seen in our summer “We’ve Got Good Taste” video, Mellowist is a locally-owned and operated gem located on Randolph Street, where you’ll find an exquisite collection of rare cacti and handmade pottery. This mini oasis offers a unique shopping experience, perfect for both plant enthusiasts and those looking for unique one-of-a-kind gifts.
While you’re there, make a pit stop at Period Correct for automotive-inspired streetwear, and swing by Quiet Golf for modern golf gear and accessories.
Experience: Booth by Bryant
What makes it special: You’ll find the coolest travel keepsake at Booth By Bryant! These celeb-approved, TikTok viral vintage photo booths snap iconic black-and-white photo strips for just $5. It’s a throwback moment with a modern twist and a timeless way to capture your Costa Mesa memories.
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Posted in Events, Food, Locals, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
