Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Costa Mesa’s Best Food, Shopping, and Experiences in 2025
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 2025.
We couldn’t include every stop we loved, so we recommend you use this to kick off your itinerary and discover—or rediscover—everything that makes Costa Mesa an unexpected favorite. Let’s dive in and celebrate the best of this year!
Eastside Costa Mesa
Eat: Salty Horse
What makes it special: You’ll be ooo-ing over the drink menu, aaa-ing over the food, and somehow end up with a full spread at Salty Horse. The space is a cowboy meets coastal vibe, with a fusion menu pulling flavors from Asian, Mexican, and American cuisines. In a hurry? Grab their classic Cowgirl Matcha to go. Got time to settle in? The pink pitaya pancakes and loaded soyrizo breakfast burrito are perfect for brunch.
Shop: Paseo 17
What makes it special: This Spanish courtyard-style retail space has everything you need to build-your-own perfect day. You can start with coffee at Milligram, then treat your skin to a facial at Freeface. Refresh your wardrobe at Purre Boutique or find a new signature home scent at Slow Goods. Pick up a freshly made bread at Rye Goods and pair it with artisanal jam from Mercado Mesa or finish strong with an Italian dinner at OSPI.
Experience: Snake Yoga
What makes it special: Only in Costa Mesa! What started as a passion project quickly became a viral sensation 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 try something totally out of the ordinary.
Westside Costa Mesa
What makes it special: A local favorite in Costa Mesa’s coffee scene, Neat lives up to its name with simple, elegant décor in minty green and cool cream. Their menu is equally neat, dotted with latte essentials, seasonal favorites, and a lime jasmine green tea that you’ll be coming back for. As day turns to night, Neat undergoes its own transformation, becoming Third Place in 2025, a wine bar with cozy, glowing lighting and rich conversation.
Shop: Saltwater Leather Co
What makes it special: Tucked into a creative enclave just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Saltwater Leather Co is named for the water that nips at their heels. A true family affair, primarily run by mother and son, Jaime and Chase Huante. Some may call Jaime a multi-hyphenate, an accomplished chef, and formerly embroidery and crochet teacher at The CAMP, but it’s her leatherworking that shines the brightest. Their Belt Bar and Custom Italian Leather Sandal experiences are hands on, creatively affirming experiences where attendees walk away with luxury goods made by their own two hands. It’s an experience only possible in Costa Mesa, and it’s one that utterly captivated us in 2025.
Experience: Wayfarer
What makes it special: The Wayfarer is Costa Mesa’s live music venue and gastropub, celebrating over ten years of bringing live performance right to the community. Every style of music has a home at The Wayfarer, and everyone is welcome. Drop by and you might discover your next favorite band. We couldn’t help but take notice of the calibre of talent taking the stage this year, and we can’t wait to see what 2026 holds.
Mesa Verde
Eat: Il Girasole
What makes it special: Blue velvet seats, modern art with colorful impasto, bright and tangy passionfruit, silky smooth tiramisu—Il Girasole is a rich delight for the senses, from the decor to the cocktails to the dishes and dessert. Soon to round out a year in Costa Mesa, the concept belongs to Florence-born Chef Antonio Bevacqua. Il Girasole is California-forward Italian food that has a way of lingering even after you’ve left. Find it at SOCO and The OC Mix.
Shop: Thrift & Secondhand Finds
What makes it special: “Thanks, it’s vintage,” is what you’ll be saying after a day spent making your way through Costa Mesa’s upcycling shops. Start out at the brand-new Goodwill of Orange County on Harbor Blvd, where you’re going to need a few hours and a double shot of caffeine to power through. We didn’t know what a treat a brand-new Goodwill is until we had it. The treasures are bountiful, the shop is sparkling clean, and your cart will be overflowing. Follow up with 2nd Street at The CAMP, Buffalo Exchange at The LAB, and Landers Supply House right across the street from Goodwill.
Experience: Costa Mesa Country Club
What makes it special: If a professional golfer—aka Jake Knapp—has teed off here, then it’s definitely a must-do. The Costa Mesa Country Club is a quiet, scenic gem featuring two classic municipal courses, a 30-tee driving range, and pristine practice areas where pros and amateurs alike fine-tune their game. Designed in 1967 by William F. Bell and Ronald Fream, the courses have stood the test of time.
South Coast Metro
Eat: 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 Ramen Nagi, 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 several notable firsts:
- First Dior Beauty in North America
- First Manolo Blahnik boutique on the West Coast
- First Delvaux flagship on the West Coast
- First-ever ZARA Man
Honorable mention: Pop Mart. No, it’s not new to South Coast Plaza —but it was our Labubu plug for the year, and honestly, that deserves a recognition.
Experience: Mitsuwa Marketplace
What makes it special: Back from Japan and already missing it? Luckily there’s Mitsuwa Marketplace. This Japanese-style market is packed with hard-to-find snacks, fun stationery, and plenty of aisles worth browsing. Some of our favorite finds include fruit daifuku, cream pan, frozen Kirin beer, and matcha soft serve. Be sure to explore the food court, it’s a quick escape to Japan minus the flight (and jet lag).
Theater and Arts District
Food: Moongoat Greenhouse
What makes it special: In a city rich with independently owned, high-vibe coffee shops, this just might be the best vibes around. Half greenhouse, resplendent with leafy friends from mother-daughter duo DashnGrow, and half goat—that is, Moongoat. Moongoat Coffee is a Costa Mesa-based independent coffee chain, and this marks their second location in Costa Mesa. Just steps away from public sculpture garden, Isamu Noguchi’s California Scenario, stop in for coffee, matcha, or their delicious breakfast biscuits.
Shop: Maum Market at OCMA
What makes it special: Orange County Museum of Art has a dedicated curator in an unexpected location, and that’s their gift shop. While you can still browse the traditional Taschen tomes and greeting cards, it’s primarily dominated by Maum Market, a collective of Asian creators and Asian-founded brands. Shop locally made home goods, gifts, wellness products, and little pieces of luxury before stepping into the main galleries of the museum. Maum Market puts a special focus on handmade, small businesses, all with an elegance and attention to detail that suits a location as stately as OCMA.
Experience: Pacific Symphony
What makes it special: Don’t hit the snooze button: Pacific Symphony has new blood and refreshed energy coming into their 2026-2027 season. 2025 marked Alexander Shelley becoming the Artistic and Music Director Designate of the Symphony, and he took the conductor’s podium with a surge of dedication and enthusiasm that permeated throughout the Symphony’s home at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. In Costa Mesa, the City of the Arts®, Shelley proves that classical music has its place in a city teeming with creativity, style, and counter-culture expression.
SoBeCa District
Eat: Green Cheek Beer Co
What makes it special: Neighborhood-wide, Sobeca spells community—or maybe only after a few drinks at Green Cheek Beer Co. Either way, the brewery, right off the hub of Randolph Street, is expansive in space but intimate in community. Try one of their many options that’s brewed right on sight, from a hard lavender lemonade to their Czech-style pilsner. Come hungry, too, because their food menu has one of the best smashburgers in Orange County, and their Triangle Supreme is a vegan-friendly dead ringer for a similar item from a fast-food favorite that rhymes with Raco Rell…
Shop: General Store by the Pour Kids
What makes it special: General Store by the Pour Kids has a lot of heart, thoughtfully positioned to bring a space into Costa Mesa that didn’t already exist. Part coworking, part coffee shop, part hip, branded merch, part importer of classic Japanese homeware—General Store takes on a lot, and it succeeds. It’s the perfect place to just “stop by and see what they have.” You’ll find unique gifts and new friends. If you see a design you like, be sure to go ahead and get it, as their merch is produced in small batches, and after they run out, it may never come back.
Experience: CANVASWORKER
What makes it special: Tucked into small garages right off Randolph Street is CANVASWORKER, the home of beginner-to-expert level classes on tote and backpack making. Douglas Davidson, industry insider and designer for The Brown Buffalo, leads with clear instructions, patience, and a style all his own that makes you feel instantly engaged. Hear stories about his decades working in the accessories industry, while assembling your project on professional, industrial sewing machines. No previous experience is necessary for his beginner-level tote making class, but Davidson’s steadfast guidance makes you feel capable of creating anything. Walk away with something you’ve created with your own hands, and with a new appreciation for the small details that go into the world we carry around us.
Honorable mention: 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.
Central Costa Mesa
Eat: Uncle Fluffy
What makes it special: Uncle Fluffy is one of the many delicious ways to experience Japanese culture in Costa Mesa. It’s home to the jiggly golden cheesecake you’ve been seeing all over Instagram and opening only its third California location right here in Costa Mesa—and yes, it’s a big deal. Their original cheesecake is a forever favorite, but the pistachio and lemon flavors will have you coming back. And it’s not just about the cake—pair your fluffy treat with a coffee, fruit smoothie, or a blended drink to complete your experience. Opening soon at Triangle Square.
Shop: Mercado Gonzalez
What makes it special: Mercado González is a one-of-a-kind concept from the multi-generational González family behind 60+ Northgate Markets. This 70,000-square-foot food hall is a love letter to Mexican culture and traditions, bringing everything to life right in front of you—from fresh tortillas, churros, and carnitas to artisan-made shoes, serapes, Talavera, and skincare. Add live mariachi or some cooking classes and you’ve got an all-day destination that celebrates Mexican heritage in the best way possible.
Experience: OC Pride at the OC Fair & Event Center
What makes it special: The OC Fair & Event Center hosts more than 150 events each year, and OC Pride on September 27th easily made the top of the list. This year’s celebration was fun and designed with everyone in mind, bringing the Revolutionary theme to life through the free parade and Zero Proof Sober Space to the return of the Pride Marketplace. Party energy stayed high at the Pride Stage while Pride Family Camp and Teen Pride made youth feel seen and celebrated. Costa Mesa showed up with open arms, reminding attendees that inclusivity here isn’t limited to one month—but is a year-round value.
A Giveaway With All of Our Favorites
We picked our favorites, and we’re giving it away so you can get a taste of the best Costa Mesa has to offer. Visit us at @TravelCostaMesa to enter to win.
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Posted in Events, Food, Locals, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
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!
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. Roasted turkey, pumpkin ravioli, and pumpkin-spiced panna cotta are just some of the many offerings on the menu this year. Don’t skip on their famous focaccia bread, handmade with seasonal ingredients, and incredible butter pairings.
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 11am – 7pm on November 27. Pricing starts at $99 for adults, $39 for children, 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. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
325 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The Westin South Coast Plaza
Gather with loved ones and savor the season at The Westin South Coast Plaza. On November 27 and 28, they will be offering a three course Thanksgiving dinner menu in the heart of Costa Mesa, just steps from world-class shopping and holiday entertainment.
The meal features butternut squash soup or a Thanksgiving Caesar salad to start, followed by a traditional roasted turkey breast dinner served with buttered green beans, potato purée, brioche stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Guests can finish their meal with either pumpkin cheesecake or a warm apple cranberry blossom with vanilla ice cream.
Just show up and enjoy, no reservations required.
Image via Water Grill
Water Grill at South Coast Plaza
Let Water Grill handle Thanksgiving this year. On Thursday, November 27, 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 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 19th at 2pm, order Thanksgiving dinner to-go and pick it up on November 26th. Who else in your family can say that a Top Chef made their holiday meal?
Vaca’s Thanksgiving To-Go serves up to 10 people and features a whole, roasted turkey, Chef Santana’s famous Italian sausage cornbread stuffing, winter pudding, roasted pumpkin soup, and many other elevated classics. 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 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 on November 27, 2025. 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.
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 24 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.
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 24.
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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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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Your Guide to a Dazzling Holiday Gathering in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is your SoCal hub for culture, recreation, dining, nature, shopping, and everything in between. The holiday season brings ever-perfect weather, and an endless choice of food, fun, and festivities from downtown to the coast. Host a holiday gathering in Costa Mesa and you (and your guests) might never want to leave, and no one would blame you.
Here’s some of our favorite hotels, venues, and community spaces to host an unforgettable holiday experience.
Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa
You’d be hard pressed to choose a more central option than Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa. Easy freeway access, a stone’s throw from the massive South Coast Plaza shopping destination, and within walking distance to some of the city’s best dining options—it perfectly bridges convenience and luxury.
Why we think you’ll love it…
- Highly versatile event spaces to accommodate a get-together of any size, from a Promenade Ballroom to the more intimate Wine Room
- Cozy Fireside Tavern with American cuisine, signature cocktails, and craft beer
- Year-round outdoor pool
- Forgot to print the guest list? On-site Business Center for any last-minute needs
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa envelops guests in old-world luxury with spacious boutique-style rooms and suites. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces evoke a timeless aesthetic centered around guest comfort. Guests and locals routinely praise the onsite, award-winning restaurant, Le Chateau Garden Bistro.
Why we think you’ll love it…
- Flexible event spaces with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment
- Experience meeting planners available to help with organizing your gathering
- Complimentary hotel shuttle service to ensure everyone arrives on time
- The whole family can come–pets are welcome (with an additional cleaning fee)
Costa Mesa Marriott
Newly renovated, Costa Mesa Marriott places guests in the heart of the arts district, easily walkable to cultural hotspots like OCMA and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The hotel’s bar and restaurant, aMuse, is a popular dining spot for guests and locals alike and is known for its artful cuisine and inspiring environment.
Why we think you’ll love it…
- Striking lakeside view for outdoor gatherings
- No need for a car–just minutes away from John Wayne Airport and easily walkable to world-class dining and art
- An on-site catering team for creating custom menus for your gathering
- Variety of suite options, including deluxe city-view suites
FLDWRK
Image credit FLDWORK
FLDWRK is known for its coworking spaces, but it also has a nearly 3,000 square foot space where you can host your holiday gathering. An open floor plan and large windows make the space feel even larger.
Why we think you’ll love it…
- Flexible layout with access to FLDWRK furniture
- Neutral space that allows for better personalization
- Free (and copious) on-site parking for all attendees
- Ideal location within minutes of John Wayne Airport
2145 Eats
Image credit 2145 Eats
Earthy tones and cozy lighting choices set 2145 Eats apart. Day-to-day, they are a top-rated restaurant, but they also rent out their space for gatherings and events. Not every holiday gathering needs to be over the top. Sometimes, a quiet, tasteful space is all you need.
Why we think you’ll love it…
- Intimate, cozy setting for small to medium gatherings
- An individualized menu with special event pricing
- Outdoor space ideal for enjoying Costa Mesa’s weather
- Designed with a distinctly SoCal feel
Sunsation Venue
Image credit Sunsation Venue
Budget-friendly and fun, Sunsation Venue offers a kid-friendly outdoor space with a neighborhood block party feel. The venue is packed with games and interactive stations, perfect for keeping little ones happy and busy.
Why we think you’ll love it…
- No-fuss event space with a focus on fun
- Numerous on-site games, from classics like ping pong to ax-throwing
- 10-minute drive to the beach
- RV and tent options to make it an adventurous overnight gathering
The Shindy
Image credit The Shindy
Curated, chic, or cozy? Pick your vibe at the OC’s trendiest event space. The room has a unique feel, and you can see how much thought went into the design. The founders started the venue out of a love for celebration, and they bring that passion to preparing every event.
Why we think you’ll love it…
- Flawlessly designed space featuring mid-century furniture and a modernist feel
- Partner with an experienced event planner to ensure a smooth event
- Budget management services to fit your spending framework
- Use their partnered vendors for a quick turnaround or bring your own favorites
Your Perfect Holiday Celebration Awaits
With a mix of stunning venues, white-glove service, and a festive SoCal atmosphere, Costa Mesa is the ultimate holiday gathering destination. From the versatile spaces of Crowne Plaza and Ayres Hotel to the trendy vibe of FLDWRK and The Shindy, every option offers something special to make your event memorable.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together, an elegant celebration, or a lively cocktail hour, Costa Mesa has just the right spot to create an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the season surrounded by California charm and warmth.
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