Travel Costa Mesa Blog
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
Road Trip Ready: Cruise from Los Angeles to Costa Mesa
If you’re looking to get out of LA for the weekend and want something that’s flexible, stress-free, and close to home, all you need is one tank of gas. Fill up your car and head south to Costa Mesa, the City of the Arts®. Spend your time exploring, dining, and shopping–not sitting in traffic.
Whether you love making plans and little details or you’re all about spontaneity, your Costa Mesa vacation is only one tank of gas away.
Get in the car, Angelenos. We’re going to Orange County.
Stay in the Middle of the Adventure
OC Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel with a fresh and stylish surf aesthetic. It’s five to ten minutes from our favorite Costa Mesa hot-spots, like incredible shopping at South Coast Plaza, or year-round fun at the OC Fairgrounds. If the beachy vibe of OC Hotel has you in the mood to catch some waves, it’s only minutes away from Huntington and Newport Beach.
Check out all of Costa Mesa’s hotels and find the perfect stay for your LA-to-Costa-Mesa road trip.
A New Culinary Scene
By keeping your adventure close to home, you support local businesses and the local economy. Costa Mesa’s dining scene represents the community that built it: a diverse and international collective of makers, creators, and builders that call Orange County home. From Michelin-starred dining to speakeasies with hidden entrances, there’s something special for everyone to get a taste of.
Turn your road trip into an Eatcation® and get started at The CAMP, a gathering spot and shopping center for healthy living. Try the artisan pizza at Folks Pizzeria for bubbly crust and seasonal toppings. (Make a reservation in advance to guarantee yourself a pie!) Brand new to The CAMP is AhbA, a restaurant with California casual fare and retro, Western vibes. Try their highly recommended wagyu burger and see how it holds up against your LA favorites. For a relaxed al fresco experience in a gorgeous European-inspired courtyard, grab a Monte Cristo sandwich at Le Chateau Garden Bistro inside the Ayres Hotel.
Keep the energy up with craft cocktails and kitschy, photo-worthy decor at Cowboys and Poodles. If a pub is more your style, Green Cheek Brewery is only a few steps away and touts their hoppy beers, crispy lagers, and big stouts.
Activities on Easy Mode
The one-tank trip lets you save time while allowing maximum flexibility to leave and arrive when you want. Your vacation should be spent making memories instead of waiting for traffic on the 101. Having to look for street parking is so LA–in Costa Mesa, it’s a breeze to get around. You can even ditch the car and walk to your next adventure.
If you prefer classic comfort and upscale, critically-acclaimed dining, stay at The Westin South Coast Plaza and walk across the bridge to one of the most spectacular shopping destinations in the country. South Coast Plaza is a shopping destination unlike any other, with hundreds of unique luxury offerings and West coast exclusives. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers to park themselves on a chair and wait outside the store (you know the kind), South Coast Plaza is indoors, air conditioned, and thoughtfully designed.
What about a slow-cation? For a more mindful and conscious getaway, Costa Mesa lives up to its name as City of the Arts®. There’s plenty of arts and culture to experience at no cost, and keeping it local reduces your carbon footprint. Try Costa Mesa’s public, self-guided Art Walk tour or visit Orange County Museum of Art. OCMA hosts several exhibits at a time, many of them kid-friendly or delightfully unexpected. For example, “Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression,” an expansive curation of original drawings and dresses from the famed designer, comes to Costa Mesa directly from Marrakech, Morocco.
No matter what kind of getaway you have in mind, Costa Mesa is only a tank of gas away. Buckle your seatbelts, turn on your favorite playlist, and hit the road. We’ll see you soon!
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7 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. Catch Deadmau5 at TIME Nightclub
– photo by TIME Nightclub
Ring in the New Year at TIME Nightclub, featuring the legendary Deadmau5! Join the celebration starting at 9pm, where pulsating beats and infectious rhythms will keep you dancing all night long. Elevate your experience with a VIP Table package for an New Year’s Eve party for the record books.
2. New Year’s Eve 4-Course Menu at Water Grill
– photo by Water Grill
Make your New Year’s Eve truly special with at delicious 4-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!
3. Party at Sevilla Nightclub
– photo by Sevilla Nightclub
Add spice to your NYE bash at the vibrant Sevilla Nightclub! Be sure to secure your spot for the party by making reservation now. Dazzling lights, salsa beats and an electrifying atmosphere, this promises to be the biggest NYE party in Costa Mesa.
4. Attend a NYE VIP Celebration at MESA
– photo by Mesa
Elevate your New Year’s Eve experience at Mesa with the NYE VIP celebration! Join the festivities starting at 8pm for an exclusive night of glamour and excitement. Indulge in premium champagne, savor tray-passed appetizers, and revel in the joy of the countdown.
5. Bling in the New Year at The Country Club
– photo by The Country Club
Start 2024 with a bang at The Country Club! Sip on bottomless champagne, treat yourself to a special Surf & Turf dinner, dance the night away with a killer DJ, and watch the magic happen with a balloon drop at midnight.
6. Don’t Miss an Epic Y2K Dance Party at Wayfarer
– photo by Wayfarer
Dance the night away at the New Year’s Eve Y2K Dance Party at Wayfarer! An unforgettable night of 90’s and 00’s covers by local favorite Sega Genecide. Tickets are just $20 in advanced and $25 at the door.
7. Keep the Party Going at a Hotel in Costa Mesa
– photo by The Westin South Coast Plaza
A stay at a Costa Mesa hotel is the epitome of a New Year’s Eve well spent – glamorous, carefree, and infused with a touch of luxury. Embrace the freedom to dance the night away without worrying about late-night transportation and wake up in the comfort of a hotel room instead!
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Winter Wonders in Costa Mesa: 5 Activities for a Magical Holiday Escape
‘Tis the season, and if you’re in the mood for some festive fun, look no further. Grab your beanies, charge up your phones, and get ready to experience five totally Instagrammable Costa Mesa activities that scream holiday vibes!
1. Winter Fest OC, Where the Fun Never Ends
Dive headfirst into the holiday spirit at Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival! Glide through their enchanting ice-skating trail, enjoy winter themed cocktails inside a cozy fireside igloo, speed down a 150 foot ice tubing slide, and experience a dazzling light show perfectly synchronized to your favorite holiday songs. It’s a must-do event with plenty of attractions for all ages and so many festive photo ops to fill your IG stories!
2. Experience Holiday Shopping at South Coast Plaza
It’s time to get your holiday shopping done and where better to do it than at South Coast Plaza? The magical holiday décor transforms this shopping destination into a winter wonderland complete with a reindeer carousel and whimsical Santa Express train inside its festive corridors. With an unparalleled selection of high-end stores and holiday essentials, it offers a luxurious and memorable shopping experience for finding the perfect gifts.
3. Snap-Worthy Moments at the Town Center Park Tree
This season is all about capturing the holiday spirit so don’t forget to take pictures at the massive Christmas tree in Town Center Park, right in front of The Westin South Coast Plaza. If you’re in the mood for a tasty meal, try Vaca, a local Spanish restaurant with a perfect view of the tree. And here’s a bonus – it’s just steps away from Segerstrom Center for Arts and South Coast Repertory if you are looking to top off your night with a live holiday performance!
4. Indulge in Sweet Delights at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
– photo by Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Satisfy your craving for a sweet treat with freshly made donuts from Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. With accolades from Condé Nast, this eatery has become a culinary sensation, and you must try their limited-time holiday-themed options. From bourbon delights to peppermint perfection, experience the joy of the season in every bite.
5. Watch A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory
– photo by Jenny Graham
The holidays in Costa Mesa aren’t complete without watching a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory. This long-held tradition is the absolute best way to enjoy a captivating performance of a heartwarming classic tale.
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Posted in Events, Food, Locals, Music & Art, Shopping
10 Places to Get Your Barbie™ Fix in Costa Mesa
Come on Barbie, let’s go party! With the whole world ready for the Barbie™ movie opening July 21, we found a few fun places in Costa Mesa where we could definitely see Barbie stopping by…and where you can channel that fun, colorful energy into a Barbie moment yourself. Here’s 10 spots to check out in Costa Mesa and get your Barbie fix!
Local Fare
Local Fare is ready for the season with a whole line of Barbie-inspired products including this cuter-than-can-be beach towel. Find other items to go with your pretty new towel including more fun things for the pool or beach. Visit Local Fare in the shops at The OC Mix.
Coffee Dose
It’s like Coffee Dose was made for Barbie. With a bright, whimsical design and cheeky quotes on dishes and mugs, it’s a delightful cafe to spend the afternoon dreaming about Ken while the pink Corvette is parked outside.
Susie Cakes
Susie Cakes has bright, fun cakes for order or purchase including a Barbie cake with Barbie and her friends! Stop by and see them and taste something delightful at The OC Mix.
SoCo & The OC Mix
With great shopping in a rustic spot full of unique boutiques and pop-ups, SoCo and the OC Mix is one of Costa Mesa’s delightfully fun indoor and outdoor shopping and dining centers. We can see Barbie getting her Instagram moment in front of this sign and then picking up an adorable locally made blouse or earrings!
Forever Nails and Spa
We think Barbie would just love this manicure, but if you want some different choices, they know what they’re doing over at Forever Nails and Spa.
South Coast Plaza
Barbie loves a good designer pair of shoes or bag, and these stilettos from Jimmy Choo seem right up her alley. You can find the Jimmy Choo store at South Coast Plaza, and here are some other ideas from them in the South Coast Plaza blog featuring beautiful items in Barbie Blue.
Costa Mesa Bloom
Costa Mesa IS the City of the Arts®, so you can’t miss checking out some of the great public art in the city. Dress in your cutest colorful outfit like @hellokatiegirlblog and take a picture in front of the “Costa Mesa Bloom” mural, just outside Triangle Square off Harbor Blvd. Inside Triangle Square, you’ll find awesome dining and entertainment too.
Nectar Bath Treats
The bright and bubbly personality of the bath bombs and soap treats Nectar Bath makes seems like a perfect fit for Barbie’s bathtub. Visit the store on Level 1 of South Coast Plaza’s Carousel Court (and take a ride on the carousel while you’re at it!).
Fill Bakery
Pretty and delicious, Fill Bakeshop is a must stop to get your bubble gum pink Barbie treats. Make sure to get extras for Ken and the gang.
The Crack Shack
Did you know Richard Blais’s Crack Shack opened its first OC location in Costa Mesa? One of their best sandwiches is aptly named the “Malibu Barbie Q” and we’re sure you’ll love it. This fried chicken sandwich with an onion ring, bacon and melted cheese might make it harder to keep that famous 18″ waist, but everything in moderation!
Don’t miss the Barbie™ movie, coming out July 21.
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