Travel Costa Mesa Blog
6 Ways to Spoil Mom on Mother’s Day in Costa Mesa
Treat Mom like the queen she is! From flowers to facials and fine dining, Costa Mesa has everything you need to turn Mother’s Day into a whole weekend of appreciation. No need to pull together a last-minute miracle: we’re here to help you plan ahead. Here are six #CostAmazing ways to show mom you put a little thought and a lot of love into making her day special.
1: Treat Your Mom to a Memorable Brunch
Mother’s Day brunch is basically a love language. Here are a few can’t-miss menus:
- Silver Trumpet: Their brunch buffet features a tasty smoked salmon bar, fresh oysters, New York steak, and fresh summer rolls.
- Le Chateau Garden Bistro: Experience a gourmet brunch featuring omelet, carving, and seafood stations. To top it off, brunch includes bottomless mimosas.
- Westin South Coast Plaza: Indulge in a delicious menu featuring sweet strawberry ricotta French toast or crab eggs Benedict, along with a build-your-own Bloody Mary experience.
- Knife Pleat: Celebrate Mom with a luxurious afternoon tea at South Coast Plaza’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Enjoy LaMill teas, elegant tea sandwiches, savory bites, and hand-crafted desserts. Caviar and champagne are also available.
- Terrace by Mix Mix: Enjoy an eclectic three-course menu featuring French, Italian, and Filipino flavors, with entrées ranging from ube French toast to Chicken Milanese and Rigatoni Bolognese.
Craving more brunch inspo? Check out our blog featuring Costa Mesa’s 10 best brunch spots.
2: Spa Day + Caffeine Fix = Mom’s Perfect Morning
Photo by Facial Lounge
Start your day with a luxurious skincare experience at Facial Lounge where every product is 100% all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. Then head next door to Coffee Dose, their pink walls, witty mugs, and cheeky drinks like the Espresso Tini will have her saying, ‘I love this!'”
3: Gift Her a Floral Bouquet That Will Last Forever
Photo by @phoebe_eats IG
If your mom loves flowers, why not gift her some that will last all year long? Hadley and Ren inside The OC Mix specialize in everlasting floral bouquets that are customizable, easy for Mom to care for, and eco-friendly. While at The OC Mix, swing by Balboa Gold to design custom matching charm bracelets with mom.
4: Swap Netflix for Paint Night & Pinot
Photo by Inspired Art Wine
Nothing says “bonding” like sipping wine and pretending you’re the next Bob Ross. Inspired Art Wine is hosting two Mother’s Day paint sessions with floral themes, a free mimosa for mom, and zero pressure to color inside the lines. Reserve your spots ahead of time to ensure get a seat.
5: Shop Till Mom Drops (Her Jaw at the Options)
Photo by South Coast Plaza
Treat Mom to a day of indulgence at South Coast Plaza, where luxury brands like CHANEL, Cartier, Bvlgari, and Hermès offer the perfect gift for every kind of mother. Come prepared by getting Mom a South Coast Plaza gift card, which can be redeemed at any of the 250+ shops and restaurants.
6: Book Mom the Staycation She Deserves
Brunch or shopping? We vote both. Why pick one or the other when she deserves it all? Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel invites you to spend Mother’s Day in style in the heart of the City of the Arts®.
She’ll wake up to a lakeside view, then it’s an easy stroll over to South Coast Plaza where she can spend a complimentary gift card. She’s welcome to lounge and sip a cocktail in the VIP Access Suite, and if the day (or night) is running late—the hotel is offering a late checkout to make sure her weekend is entirely stress-free. Learn more about the stylish room package here.
If she prefers the beach or a bike ride to a shopping spree, we have options for that too. Whether you want to go high or low, luxury or value-focused, Costa Mesa has a myriad of hotel options to make sure you find the perfect stay.
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Posted in Events
Costa Mesa Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week!
Costa Mesa annually embraces millions of travelers at various points of interest throughout the city, such as South Coast Plaza, OC Fair & Event Center, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, The LAB, and The CAMP. The fabulous restaurants and retail boutiques contribute to the city’s unique charm. Costa Mesa’s allure lies in its ever-changing landscape, ensuring there’s always something new to see, do, and taste
During National Travel and Tourism Week, we are honoring those who warmly embrace our visitors, promote our city with genuine passion and enthusiasm, and collaborate with others to achieve mutual success. We recognize our creative and driven business owners, big and small, and their incredibly dedicated staff, who show up daily to take care of our guests. We see our community pride growing as more stories and engagement spread. You are indispensable.
As the city’s destination marketing organization, Travel Costa Mesa recognizes the significant role of tourism in our community. The jobs it creates and the security it brings are vital for our economy. Did you know that approximately 8 percent of all jobs in Costa Mesa are sustained by tourism? The transient occupancy tax our hoteliers collect in our city accounts for the fourth most significant revenue source in the city’s general fund, contributing to the city’s funding of police, fire, and other public services. Sales tax collected from retail and dining is crucial in financing essential city, state, and county services.
Tourism has the potential to stimulate new business growth. The increased demand for goods and services, infrastructure, cultural and creative industries, collaboration, and business networking creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and enhances the visitor experience, generating more demand for goods and services. We take pride in being a part of a diverse industry that provides opportunities for economic growth.
Collaboration is highly valued in our industry as it fosters success for businesses, guests, and residents. However, Travel Costa Mesa recognizes that it needs help to achieve its mission. Partnerships with forward-thinking companies and positive, creative individuals are essential to our objectives. We’ve partnered with multiple businesses and entrepreneurs in Costa Mesa and look forward to establishing more connections that enhance our travel and hospitality industry. When tourism thrives, communities thrive.
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Looking for Something Fun to Make or Do? Costa Mesa Has Answers
Looking for the perfect activity to spark your creativity this summer? Want something new, group‑friendly, and a memory that lasts longer than the Instagram Story? Costa Mesa is packed with hands‑on workshops, classes, and experiences that let you make, move, taste, and try new things. Use this Q&A guide to find your next creative adventure.
Never been to Costa Mesa before? We’re centrally located in Orange County, just minutes from the coast and easy to reach. John Wayne Airport (SNA) sits less than 10 minutes away, making it one of Southern California’s most convenient destinations for a quick getaway or weekend adventure.
Your Guide to Creative Side Quests in Costa Mesa
Q: Where can I dive into maker culture or learn a new craft?
A: Urban Workshop is your go‑to, one-stop makerspace for building, crafting, and creating. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at woodworking, blacksmithing, textiles, photography, or even build your own hydroponics system, Urban Workshop has classes, project sessions, and 1:1 mentoring. Memberships are available if you want ongoing access to tools and training.
Q: I’ve never sewn before. Can I still make something cool?
Without a doubt! Try a workshop at Canvas Worker. They offer guided sewing workshops where you’ll learn safety, technique, and how to operate an industrial sewing machine—even if you’ve never touched one before. And at the end, you’ll walk away with a beautifully crafted bag that’s built to last and made with your own hands.
Q: What if I want to try pottery or ceramics?
A: Costa Mesa has multiple studios for people at every skill level.
ARTime Barro: Workshops, an online basics course, and classes for adults, teens, and kids, including Spanish language instruction. Experienced potters can also rent studio time.
Costa Mesa Ceramics: Youth and adult classes plus private bookings for large groups. Perfect for team‑building or a creative night out.
Photo by @inspiredartwine
Q: Is there a fun, artsy activity I can do with friends (and maybe wine)?
A: Yes—book a sip‑and‑paint session at Inspired Art & Wine. Choose from themed workshops like their beloved Bob Ross‑Inspired Oil Workshop (happy little trees included), or try wine bottle and glass painting. They also offer private events and mobile painting sessions.
Q: What’s the most unique hands‑on experience in Costa Mesa?
A: Snake Yoga at LXRYOGA. For real. This private yoga session (for up to four guests) incorporates calm, slithering snake companions to help you ground and relax. Even nervous first‑timers often end up bonding with their assigned snake. (Yes, it happened to us. We’ve brought several people into the snake yoga fold!) The local couple behind LXRYOGA use their own pet snakes and offer limited sessions per month, so you can be comfortable knowing both you and the snakes are in for a positive experience.
Q: Are there any hands‑on outdoor or farm experiences?
A: Visit Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center. This three‑acre working farm offers tours, gardening classes, and year‑round workshops. It’s free, family-friendly, and unexpectedly one of our favorite places to grab an aesthetic grid photo. Check the OC Fair & Event Center calendar for farmers markets, expos, and seasonal events where you can dig your hands into real soil.
Photo by @surlatable
Q: Where can I level up my cooking or cocktail‑making skills?
A: Costa Mesa has classes for both foodies and aspiring mixologists.
Sur La Table: Learn everything from French pastries to pasta‑making to date‑night dinners. Warning: you may want to buy half the store afterward.
Mercado Gonzalez: Coming soon, this incredible Mexican market will offer cooking classes for folks looking to delve deeper into authentic Mexican cuisine.
Photo by @sevillanightcluboc
Q: I want something active. Any dance classes?
A: Head to Sevilla for salsa and bachata nights. Every Wednesday, OC Salsa hosts beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes at Sevilla Nightclub. No partner is required. It’s such a great way to work up a sweat, and you’ll learn some new moves to take with you.
If you’re more into boots‑and‑boogie, head to Westwood Coast for weekly line‑dancing nights.Tuesdays are Family Country night, starting at 6:30 p.m. and open to ages 10+ with a parent/guardian. Thursdays are 21+ starting at nine and ending at midnight. All experience levels are welcome, and instructors are on hand to help beginners dive right in.
Q: Where should I stay after a full day of hands‑on fun?
A: Costa Mesa’s hotels are ready to help you recharge. After a day of pottery, painting, yoga, or cooking, unwind at one of Costa Mesa’s welcoming hotels—perfect for turning your creative day trip into a relaxing getaway.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
From pottery wheels to paintbrushes, sewing machines to snakes (yes, snakes!), Costa Mesa is the place to learn new skills, try something unexpected, and make memories you’ll talk about all year.
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Posted in Events, Music & Art, Play, Travel
2026 Lunar New Year: Embrace the Year of the Horse in Costa Mesa
Lunar New Year arrives on February 17th, 2026, 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 Horse.
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 Snake into the Year of the Horse. The symbolism of the snake represents a complex interplay of elements. Its meaning can range from luck and authority to craftiness and mysteriousness.
In 2026, 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
February 12 – March 1, 2026
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 featuring a mechanically animated horse.
Year of the Horse Style
Horses are galloping into your favorite luxury boutiques, bringing good fortune for the Lunar New Year. From an embroidered horse on a Montblanc briefcase to beaded AllSaints horse sweatshirt , you can embrace the style as detailed or boldly as you like. Other luxury favorites like Moynat are celebrating with playful Labubu bag charms by Kasing Lung.
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 wine glass 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 $4,888 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 Paradise Dynasty
Lunar New Year Banquet at Paradise Dynasty
Paradise Dynasty is celebrating with a special banquet menu featuring chicken broth with wontons, braised lobster with vermicelli, slow-braised pork knuckle, and an exclusive Lunar New Year cocktail by award-winning mixologist Chris Amiam made with D’USSÉ Cognac, yuzu honey, green tea plum, and lemon.
Lunar New Year Cultural Events
Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival
Saturday, February 7th
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 21st
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:
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Ron Banks, emcee
Cao Kefan, emcee
Xiangdong Kong, piano
Shunxiang Zhang, jinghu
Dennis Kim, violin
Yaya Dance Academy, Yaya Zhang, artistic director
T.O.P. Awards Dancers
OCMD Violin Studio of Wendy Castill
American Feel Young Chorus — Sam Wei-Chi Sun, director
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
O.C. Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, March 7
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
At the tail end of the Lunar New Year celebrations on March 7th 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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