Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Feast Without the Fuss: Here’s Where to Get Thanksgiving Dinner in Costa Mesa
Whether you’re enjoying a vacation in Costa Mesa, or just doing your best to avoid the avalanche of post-dinner dishes, there’s plenty of local options to dine in or take out on Thanksgiving. We compiled our favorite options to hopefully save you a few rounds searching Google the week of the holiday: what’s open on Thanksgiving? Where can I order Thanksgiving dinner?
Keep reading to find out! This year, get your turkey H-O-T-T-O-G-O~
Image via Silver Trumpet
Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
Bottoms up! Silver Trumpet is serving both Thanksgiving brunch and Thanksgiving dinner. Silver Trumpet’s holiday menu is part appetizer, part buffet, and part made-to-order. Start with their famous focaccia bread, handmade with seasonal ingredients, and don’t forget to try the butter pairings. Appetizers include mini chicken cordon bleu, duck confit croquettes, and maple-glazed meatballs. Roasted turkey, candied yams, and pumpkin ravioli are just some of the classics on the menu.
Here’s a pro-trip: take your turkey-coma to the next level and stay the weekend at Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. You can go straight from the dessert bar to your very comfortable room.
Meal service is from 10am – 7pm on November 28. Pricing starts at $109 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under, and free for ages 5 and under.
Ready for an exquisite meal? Make a reservation here, and get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine with each meal.
3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Image via Ayres Hotels
Le Chateau Garden Bistro
Spend the holiday weekend at Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach where the award-winning team at Le Chateau Garden Bistro will serve a Thanksgiving feast to remember.
The chef at Le Chateau is cooking up the classics for their prix-fixe menu, like homemade stuffing, butternut squash soup, roasted winter veggies, and of course, oven roasted turkey with port gravy. They open at 11:30am, and pricing is $50 per person. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
325 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Image via Water Grill
Water Grill at South Coast Plaza
Let Water Grill handle Thanksgiving this year. On Thursday, November 28, 2024, Water Grill is offering a special, three-course Thanksgiving meal. If you’d prefer to stick to their tried and true seafood favorites, their full menu is also available.
If that sounds tasty, go ahead and make a reservation on OpenTable before they book up.
3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Image via Claim Jumper
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar
Dine in or take out at Claim Jumper this Thanksgiving, or order ahead for full-size desserts and dinner platters. The classics have never looked better, like slow-roasted turkey with fresh orange and amber honey, or smoked ham with a whiskey apple glaze.
You can also order “The Feast,” and get turkey, ham, and hand-carved tri-tip with all the sides for only $37.
View the full menu online. For more information on placing orders and making reservations, give Claim Jumper in Costa Mesa a call at (714) 434-8479.
3333 Bristol St Suite #2078, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Image via Vaca
Vaca
Vaca won’t be open on Thanksgiving day, but they’ve done all the work and planning for you. From now until November 20th at 3pm, order Thanksgiving dinner to-go and pick it up on November 27th. Who else in your family can say that a Top Chef made their holiday meal?
Vaca’s Thanksgiving To-Go serves up to 6 people and features a whole, roasted turkey, Chef Santana’s famous Italian sausage cornbread stuffing, butternut squash and banana soup with pistachio creme fraiche–and many other elevated classics. Select your favorite dessert, and that’s it. Vaca will handle the rest. All you have to do is pick it up the day before.
View the full menu and place an order here.
695 Town Center Dr Suite 170, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Image via The Westin South Coast Plaza
The Westin South Coast Plaza
On November 28, The Westin in Costa Mesa is offering a Thanksgiving menu that can be enjoyed prix fixe or a la carte.
The main course is roasted turkey breast with buttered green beans, potato puree, brioche bread stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Guests have the option to enjoy it with a cocktail, like their Fig Walnut Old Fashioned.
The prix fixe menu is $56 per person, available during their 3pm – 11pm dinner hours. The Westin will be accepting walk-in guests at The Great Room, or you can make a reservation
Image via The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille
Pecan-crusted sweet potatoes with hot honey, slow roasted turkey, and pumpkin cheesecake await at The Capital Grille this Thanksgiving. Alongside their full dinner menu, The Capital Grille is serving a special Thanksgiving entree with all the classic sides.
Speaking of classic sides–they’re all available to-go! Pre-order by November 26 and all you’ll have to do is drop by at the scheduled time to pick up your order, refrigerate it, and reheat it according to the instructions.
Located at South Coast Plaza, they are open for dine-in guests from 11am to 9:30pm on November 28, 2024. Give The Capital Grille a call at 714-432-1140 or visit them online to make your reservation or order your sides.
Image via Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s The Steakhouse
In addition to their full menu, Morton’s is going all out on Thanksgiving Day with a four-course dinner. They are open from 12pm to 8pm on November 28, and their special menu is $69 per person.
If you’re looking to order ahead, Morton’s will take care of everything with their family-style Thanksgiving dinner to-go. The package serves four, and pre-orders close on November 25 at 9pm. Enjoy their roasted turkey roulade, fresh cranberry sauce, among twice-baked au gratin potatoes other holiday favorites. It even comes with an egg and onion loaf and four slices of pumpkin cheesecake.
View their menu or make a reservation online.
Image via Seasons 52
Seasons 52
Located at South Coast Plaza, Seasons 52 is going for the tried-and-true traditional this Thanksgiving, and you’re invited. They’re serving a Thanksgiving plate with roasted turkey, yukon mashed potatoes, green beans, brioche and sage stuffing, and more, along with their a la carte menu.
You can also order their “warm and serve” Thanksgiving dinner box with everything on the dine in menu, plus a Field Greens Salad. For $230, it serves 4 to 6 and comes with 6 mini Pumpkin Pie Indulgences. The last day to preorder is Monday, November 25.
Make a reservation or learn more online here.
Easiest Thanksgiving ever.
Turkey, steak, ham, or seafood? Maybe one of each? Go for the unexpected and pick up fresh ceviche or chips and salsa from Mercado González, open on Thanksgiving Day (though their hours are shorter than usual.) The options are limitless!
Plan ahead and make your reservation at one of our recommended restaurants, then take it to the next level and make it a staycation–have a cozy, comfy room booked and ready for your post-feast turkey coma. Easiest Thanksgiving ever, and best Thanksgiving ever.
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Costa Mesa: An Easy Weekend Getaway From the Inland Empire
Need some end-of-year travel inspiration? It’s time for a reset and Costa Mesa is here to deliver. It’s just a quick drive away from the IE which means no long flights and no overcomplicated itineraries. This Orange County hidden gem is easy to get to but far enough to switch things up!
Retail Therapy
Holiday shopping at South Coast Plaza will have you knocking out that gift list (or treating yourself—we don’t judge). This shopping paradise is packed with hundreds of luxury shops and your go-to brands. Where else can you strut through a two-story Gucci store and then do the same at a two-story Balenciaga?
For a shopping adventure that’s a bit more eclectic and artsy, head over to The Lab! Explore one-of-a-kind shops like Plant Matter, May Martin, and 1978—all creatively housed in retro Airstreams. And for a cool keepsake, walk across the street to The CAMP and take some pictures at Booth. This viral, celeb-loved vintage photo booth gives you an iconic black-and-white photo strip for just $5!
Deliciously Instagrammable
Photo by Calo Kitchen + Tequila
Love food? The foodie scene here is chef’s kiss with eateries that are basically begging for a photo op! Here’s a list of the most aesthetic and tasty spots in Costa Mesa:
- Blossoms and Brass – Best known for their pink Blossoms Rigatoni pasta
- The Plot – Best known for their Beet Reuben sandwich
- Ahba – Best known for their double smashed wagyu Ahba Burger
- Calo Kitchen + Tequila – Best known for their Short Rib Enchiladas
- Maizano – Best known for their grilled octopus Encacahuatado
Photo by Blossoms & Brass
But really, the list could go on forever! Click here to start planning your Eatcation® adventure and discover even more of our top recommendations.
Relax, Relax, Relax
Photo by Costa Mesa Ceramics
For some well-deserved “me time,” Costa Mesa perfectly blends relaxation with one-of-a-kind experiences, creating the ultimate self-care getaway. Start by giving your skin some much-needed love with a custom facial at Facial Lounge. Next, take your zen to the next level with snake yoga at LXRYOGA—yes, snakes! It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline, with ball pythons. Want to round out your wellness escape with a little creativity? Pop over to Costa Mesa Ceramics and roll up your sleeves—there’s something incredibly calming about crafting your own pottery masterpiece.
Sips and Shenanigans
Photo by Pie Society
Let’s be real: no staycation is complete without a few fabulous drinks! Check out Ruin Bar, a hidden gem that feels like your hip friend’s secret speakeasy. For an aura of mystery enjoy a round of creatively crafted cocktails at P10neer hidden inside Dick Church’s restaurant.
For a quirky twist, swing by Pie Society, where pizza meets prohibition, and your cravings for carbs and cocktails are both satisfied. And if you’re in the mood for a cozy vibe, Oak & Coal has your back with some killer sake and mouthwatering yakitori.
But wait, there’s more! If a round of drinks leaves you itching to hit the dance floor, Costa Mesa has plenty of spots where you can bust a move. Check out these top places to dance.
Recharge and Repeat
After a day of shopping, dining, and unwinding, why not treat yourself to a comfy stay in one of Costa Mesa’s hotels? Booking a hotel not only means you won’t have to worry about the drive home (hello, no designated driver drama), but it also gives you a cozy spot to recharge for another day of adventure. So go ahead, treat yourself—you’ve earned it!
Heading here during the fall? Be sure to check out our blog for all things fun and fall in Costa Mesa!
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Posted in Food, Hotels, Locals, Misc, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa
As the air turns crisper and leaves turn gold, fall for the sights, sounds, (and spooks!) of Costa Mesa. With countless exciting events, comforting and craveable flavors, and one-of-a-kind Halloween happenings, Costa Mesa is a must-visit this season. Whether you’re a local or planning your next vacation, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating fall in style.
Beat the Morning Chill with Seasonal Sips
Kickstart your day with a visit to two local gems, NUDAE Coffee and Coffee Nature. These neighborhood-favorite coffee shops are a great place to taste the season and warm your soul.
AAPI (Asian & Pacific American) and female-owned, NUDAE Coffee recently celebrated their first anniversary, and it’s no surprise their espresso, lattes, and brunchy food are so beloved. For Fall, they’re offering limited-edition brews like “The Great Pumpkin,” a PSL made with warming spices, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and oat milk. It’s topped with salted maple whip and fresh grated nutmeg—yum.
If you prefer to pass on pumpkin spice season, keep an eye out for “Ghost of Uncle Earl” featuring house made syrup using Art of Tea’s Earl Grey Creme, club soda, and a vanilla cream top. Only served iced, it tastes like Vanilla Coke as an Italian soda.
Meanwhile, Coffee Nature brings together the unexpected in “Pumpkin Matcha,” pairing pumpkin syrup and pumpkin oat milk with matcha. Don’t miss “The Andy Apple” latte, a delicious blast of Autumn with apple juice, apple butter syrup, chai, and cinnamon.
Get into the Fall Spirit at Tanaka Farm
For the ultimate fall vibes head over to Tanaka Farms and explore Hana Field Pumpkin Patch. Wander through the eight acres of pumpkins and snap Instagram-worthy photos amidst the vibrant orange backdrop. With so many pumpkins to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect one for carving or decorating. For even more fun, check out their family-friendly corn maze, wagon ride, and cow train!
They are open every Saturday & Sunday from 10am to 5pm starting October 5th through October 27th. Book your pumpkin patch experience here.
Hocus Pocus Beetle Juice Drag Show
You’re going to want to drop this one in the group chat! From September 28th through October 26th, catch Orange County’s most wicked drag performance at STRUT Bar & Club.
The Hocus Pocus Beetle Juice drag show is filled with fun surprises that will leave you spellbound all while you sip on your favorite poison from the bar—because what’s a little witchcraft without a drink in hand? We recommend trying their citrusy “Midnight Cabaret-tini” or their fizzy “My Ex Jack’s Lemonade!”
Snake Yoga & Horror-Themed Axe Throwing
A spooky season calls for spine-tingling fun, and we double dare you to take a snake yoga class at LXR YOGA! This unique experience invites you to stretch and interact with friendly non-venomous ball pythons. In small-group sessions, you’ll first learn how to hold these scaly companions and get comfortable with their gentle nature. Then you’ll draw a crystal, and the rock you pick will reveal which snake gets to join you on your yoga adventure. The class is beginner-friendly and unfolds at a gentle pace so you can connect with your breath and the snakes!
If snake yoga is too much of a stretch, try an axe-throwing season at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales. This horror themed axe-throwing venue is fully decorated with memorabilia from your favorite scary movies including iconic figures like Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, and Jason Voorhees. Not only do they have giant axes for you to throw but their projection targets are interactive, so you can play games like Battle Stations, Tick Tack Toe, and Alien Attack. As you put your axe-throwing skills to the test, enjoy a round of their spooking themed cocktails and make sure to try their new All Hallows Treat chocolate peanut butter stout.
Fall’s Fashion and Fun
No visit to Costa Mesa is complete without a trip to South Coast Plaza, Southern California’s ultimate luxury shopping destination! Shop the latest fall fashion trends at their newest boutiques including Courreges, Amiri, Jil Sander, and Maison Margiela. With an array of designer labels and collections to choose from, you’ll find everything you need to give your wardrobe a seasonal glow-up.
If you’re looking for an eclectic and artsy shopping experience, make your way over to The Camp. Its open-air layout, quirky art installations, and lush green spaces invite you to explore one-of-a-kind shops and funky pop-up vendors. This October, it’s all about good tunes and ghoulish fun! On October 19th, attend their Autumn Music Fest, dress up in your favorite tie-dye attire and listen to local bands play folk, rock, and indie tunes. Then on October 30th get ready for a spooky Boo Bash with haunted markets, horror trivia, and an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus.
Need a show-stopping costume for your holiday festivities? Check out the Halloween Bootique inside Triangle Square. Open all year long, this shop has the best costumes and accessories to bring your wildest vision to life!
Cultivate Your Creativity
Pick up a paintbrush—and a glass of wine—at Inspired Art Wine, a studio, bar, and gallery. All throughout October, Inspired is hosting painting sessions with a side of spooky season. Paint your own trick-or-treat scene, or sign up for October 19th‘s mashup of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night” with Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.
No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided.
If you prefer to be a patron (rather than a painter) of the arts, Costa Mesa is the home of award-winning and internationally recognized theatres and concert halls. South Coast Repertory opens their 2024-2025 season with the cult-favorite “Little Shop of Horrors” by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.
The classic creature feature runs from September 21st to October 19th, 2024.
Turn up the volume and bring the whole family for “Halloween Fandemonium!” at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. A live DJ pairs with Pacific Symphony, and Halloween magic is made. Hear all your favorite Halloween classics, plus music from beloved films like Frozen and Star Wars.
Don’t miss the activities held in the lobby before and after the show. There’s coloring, crafts, and more. Costumes highly recommended! Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Savor the Season in Costa Mesa
Fall is the best season to visit, with so much happening and so many new things to try. From exclusive seasonal lattes at NUDAE Coffee and Coffee Nature, to wandering through Hana Field Pumpkin Patch, and immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa is the place to be this fall.
Embrace the season, explore the city, and make this autumn your most vibrant and memorable one yet! Find more fall happenings here.
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Posted in Events, Food, Misc, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
Our Best Tips and Tricks for The OC Fair
Once a year, Costa Mesa’s summer sun brings a special attraction where everyone can come together for a good time. The foodies and thrill seekers can find their latest adventure, the shoppers and artists can find new inspiration, and families, couples, or solo-riders can experience sights, sounds, and laughter they’ll remember all season.
Grab your sunscreen and your appetite: it’s time for the OC Fair.
Know Before You Go
From Friday, July 19th to Sunday, August 18th (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa will be transformed into a fun-packed festival to fill up your summer days. We’ve pulled together our best tips, tricks, and insider information to help you have the best time ever at the fair this year.
Tickets
- Purchase tickets in advance. Limited daily capacity makes for a better experience for fairgoers.
- Don’t wait until the end of the season thinking you’ll beat the crowd—the last several days of the fair often sell out.
How to Beat the Crowd
- Rideshare is the way to go! It’s quicker and less stress than circling for a parking spot. That means more time to enjoy the fair.
- If you do want to avoid the crowds, come to the fair early! It opens at 11am. Grab a breakfast burrito, fresh-baked cinnamon roll, or acai bowl as you sip your morning coffee and congratulate yourself on making it in before anyone else.
- Better yet—turn it into an overnight stay. Stay at the Best Western Plus and walk to the fair. OC Hotel Costa Mesa or Holiday Inn Express & Suites Costa Mesa are a short Uber ride away from the Fair—or a longer walk for ambitious fairgoers. Hotels often sell out during the Fair, so book early. View all of Costa Mesa’s best hotels here.
Tips to Save Some $$$
- Tickets to performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, and Action Sports Arena all include same-day entry. Visit The Hangar for tribute bands and singalong to Elton John, Prince, or Queen for a bargain, with fair admission included.
- All exhibits are free with Fair admission, including blue-ribbon winning cake decorations, woodworking and fine arts, and The Art of Music Experience. (More on that below!)
- New this year: $5 Taste of the Fair. Available daily, until 4pm, try smaller portions of fare favorites with a smaller price tag.
Did You Know That…?
- OC Fair is a celebration of Orange County’s agricultural heritage. From cattle to lima beans, agriculture was a driving force in the development of Orange County, and the Fair is a rare moment where we can get closer to our food production. Visit the Fair’s Centennial Farm, a year-round working farm, to meet animal educators, get up close and personal with exotic animals and barnyard favorites at the petting zoo, and cheer the pigs at the All-Alaskan Pig Races!
- The Fair welcomes Out at the Fair on Sunday, August 11th, for a celebration of diversity and inclusiveness. Out at the Fair describes themselves as a “community-focused event designed to bring people together and promote a message of acceptance and love.” Out at the Fair curates a full day of entertainment at The Hangar with musicians, dancers, and performers.
- The Art of Music Experience returns for the second year. View iconic art from your favorite albums, large-scale and hand painted. The experience includes pop-ups, like a vinyl shop, coffee lounge, themed bar, and live-painting demonstrations.
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The Ultimate Summer Destination for SoCal Travelers
If you’re looking for the ultimate location to plan a Southern California vacation, then Costa Mesa is the place to be! It’s the perfect home base if you want to explore Disneyland, Hollywood, and beyond. Experience our incredible dining options, shopping destinations, and exciting summer events —all in one trip.
The Perfect Location
Costa Mesa is located right in the middle of Southern California, which makes it super easy to hit up all your summer bucket list destinations.
Plus, if you’re all about spending as much time as you can at the beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach are all just a short drive away and we have plenty of beach-close hotels to choose from.
Foodie Paradise
Costa Mesa is the most flavorful destination in Southern California! With the only 2 Michelin Starred restaurants in Orange County plus 6 Michelin Recognized spots, it’s truly the perfect city to take an Eatcation®. Whether you’re craving artisan coffee, gourmet burgers, or exotic eats, our city has it all. Dive into our insane variety of restaurants and discover new flavors!
Boutique Bliss
Did you know the largest shopping center on the West Coast is located in Costa Mesa?
Experience designer shopping at South Coast Plaza where you can explore over 200 boutiques including a massive two-story Gucci store and the largest Balenciaga boutique in the Americas. But, if you are more into local finds, Costa Mesa has plenty of unique boutiques. Some of our favorites can be found at The LAB and The CAMP.
After Dark Adventures
The fun never ends in Costa Mesa. The nightlife here is lit with cool bars, craft breweries, and plenty of locations to enjoy live music. Whether you’re into dancing, enjoying craft cocktails, or catching a live band, Costa Mesa has you covered. We recommend visiting Mercado Gonzalez, a massive Mexican food hall offering a full cocktail bar and live mariachi music, or newly opened, Westwood Coast for country vibes and line dancing.
Events and Concerts
If you’re in town for the summer then you have to hit up the OC Fair which runs from July 19 – August 18th! It’s one of the top ten largest fairs in the U.S. and has no shortage of rides, carnival games, animals, arts and crafts, beer, food, and live music. Bonus tip: attend a concert at Pacific Amphitheater and get free fair admission. This year’s lineup includes UB40, Stray Cats, Big Time Rush and so many more, check out the full list.
Arts and Culture
Explore the artsy side of Costa Mesa at Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). Don’t miss the chance to walk through their new Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression exhibit. For the first time in the United States, you can explore the designer’s groundbreaking work from the 1960s until 2002, his last show. Admission is FREE!
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is another great choice if you are looking to catch a Broadway show like Clue and Peter Pan. This summer, they’re also hosting free events like outdoor movies and dance classes—perfect for making the most of your summer nights!
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Summer
So what are you waiting for? Drop this blog in the group chat, book your hotel stay, and get ready to experience the best SoCal vacation you’ve ever had. We can’t wait to see you here!
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
