Travel Costa Mesa Blog
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
How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is a time to celebrate the rich culture and amazing contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community. Observed annually from September 15 to October 15, HHM is celebrated both locally and nationwide across the United States. Costa Mesa, which translates to “coastal tableland” in Spanish, has a deep- rooted connection to Hispanic culture that dates back to the late 18th century when Spanish missionaries and soldiers first settled in the area. Today, the city celebrates its diverse community through food, art, and colorful cultural events that honor Hispanic traditions.
Read on for our favorite ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa!
Food
Costa Mesa’s food scene is packed with bold Hispanic and Latin flavors. You can eat your way through Mexico at Mercado Gonzalez, a giant Mexican food market with over 20 puestos, or food stations, dishing out everything from tacos to churros, carnitas to ceviche, and so much more! Foodies should treat themselves to an upscale dining experience at Maizano and order their famous Encacahuatado, a grilled octopus dish complimented by a rich peanut red mole.
For a delicious twist on traditional Peruvian lomo saltado, start your culinary journey at Costa Contemporary Kitchen. Then, sip on award-winning margaritas at Playa Mesa before indulging in the incredible short rib enchiladas at Calo Kitchen + Tequila inside South Coast Plaza. Coffee lovers (you know who you are) should swing by Hola Adios Coffee Shop for a caffeine fix and try their mouthwatering barbacoa burrito.
We could rave about the food all day, but we’ll let our restaurant list do the talking— check it out for all our top Hispanic restaurants!
Art, Music, and Dance
Journey through California’s rich past by visiting the Diego Sepulveda Adobe museum. Located in Estancia Park, the adobe is one of Costa Mesa’s most historic sites showcasing nearly 200 years of local history. Originally a travel stop and later a ranch house, each room has been restored to showcase four key periods in Orange County history: Indian, Mission, Spanish, and Victorian. Visit on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month to explore this historical hidden gem!
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month hands-on at ARTime Barro, a local Mexican-owned pottery studio in Costa Mesa. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, their workshops and classes cater to all skill levels. With a deep commitment to fostering creativity and community, ARTime Barro stands out as a must-visit destination. You’ll not only gain knowledge of ceramics but also take home a handcrafted keepsake from your visit.
Photo by Sevilla
Experience Southern California’s longest-running flamenco dinner at Sevilla OC! These shows offer a rich blend of visuals, sounds, and flavors that will transport you right to Spain. Enjoy a mouthwatering three-course paella dinner while being blown away by a stunning two-part Flamenco performance. These dancers, trained in Spain and masters of their craft, will truly mesmerize you with their powerful and soulful movements that channel centuries of tradition.
Special Events
Photo by Segerstrom Center for the Arts
September 14, 2024
Kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of outdoor celebrations at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, a traditional Bolivian dance performance, food trucks, free face painting, and so much more!
Descanso Don Julio Tequila Pairing Dinner
September 16, 2024
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a special four-course tequila-pairing dinner at Descanso. Don Julio Ambassador, Jeff Blakey, will guide you through a tasty menu featuring churros, passion fruit aguachile, tamales de pato, and hanger steak cooked right in front of you on a sizzling plancha. Each course is perfectly paired with premium tequila and concludes with a special gift.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
September 28, 2024
Join the City of Costa Mesa at Lions Park for their 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration from 10 am – 1 pm. Enjoy food, games, activities, DJ music along with special performances by from Folklore Mexicano and Sitarason.
OC Pride Parade and Festival at OC Fair and Event Center
October 5, 2024
Sashay and shante your way to the new home of OC Pride at the OC Fairgrounds. Don’t miss your favorite Latin queens, like Jessica Wild, Wendy Guevara, and Miss Vanjie herself–Vanessa Vanjie Mateo. Make sure to take a look at all the different programming, from Teen Pride to “gaymer” and trans/nb meetups, to an Athlete Zone with games and friendly competition. Get tickets before they sell out!
Photo by Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Lila Downs: Dia De Los Muertos
October 13, 2024
Experience an evening with Lila Downs who brings a unique blend of traditional Mexican and Mesoamerican music, classic rancheras, and original songs to celebrate Día de Muertos. Audience members are encouraged to bring remembrances of their loved ones and come dressed in colorful costumes and makeup.
Costa Mesa offers plenty of ways to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, from discovering new restaurants and flavors, to exploring local history, and being part of cultural events and performances. For a complete experience, book an overnight stay at one of Costa Mesa’s hotels and make it a fun getaway!
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Posted in Misc
The Best Places to Dance in Costa Mesa
Whether you’re into EDM, country, or hip hop, Costa Mesa has a dance floor for every vibe. From high-energy nightclubs to laid-back lounges here are the best places to dance the night away.
TIME Nightclub
TIME Nightclub is where the party never stops. Think Vegas, right in Costa Mesa! Its state-of-the-art lighting and sound system will have you feeling the rhythm the minute you walk in. TIME is the ultimate EDM club, playing beats ranging from house to bass and every groove in between. You can catch epic DJ sets and live performances from big names like Steve Aoki, Tiësto, and Zedd.
Sevilla Night Club
Learn some new moves by taking a dance class at Sevilla Night Club located inside Café Sevilla. Every Wednesday starting at 8:00 pm you can join one of their Salsa or Bachata classes. Whether you’re rolling in solo, with friends, or with a partner, these classes are perfect for all levels. And the fun doesn’t stop there— grab a drink at the bar and keep the party going with an open dance floor until 1:30 am. No reservation is needed, just show up for a good time!
STRUT Bar & Club
STRUT is the ultimate destination for LGBTQ+ nightlife in Costa Mesa. This inclusive club offers weekly entertainment from top drag artists and DJs. Whether you want to turn it up like Kesha, break out your party pink for Chappell Roan on one of their iconic theme nights, or just feel like hitting the dance floor for a spontaneous party, Strut promises an unforgettable experience. Get ready to live your best life and dance like nobody’s watching!
Westwood Coast
If country music and Boot Scootin’ Boogie is more your thing, then head over to Westwood Coast! This casual steakhouse hosts fun line dancing sessions every Thursday at 10:00 pm. With over 100 bottles of bourbon to choose from, you’ll find the perfect drink to complement your evening. For an extra thrill, try your hand at the mechanical bull and see if you can stay on for the full ride!
Wayfarer
The Wayfarer is one of Costa Mesa’s best live music venues. Their eclectic mix of up-and-coming local bands and legendary acts, make it a go-to for anyone who’s into music. You can expect to hear everything from indie and alternative rock to electronic and hip-hop. Don’t miss their popular Y2K nights, where you can experience your favorite 90s and 00s hits performed live. With a full bar and kitchen on-site, you can grab some tasty food and drinks while you rock out.
Mesa Lounge
Located at the CAMP, Mesa is perfect if you’re looking for chic lounge vibes. Step into a sleek, stylish ambiance, with an in-house DJ playing Top 40 hits and hip-hop tracks. In addition to their dance floor, enjoy a menu of tasty bites and amazing craft cocktails! Make sure to try their famous lychee martini or go all out with bottle service and take your night to the next level.
Maximize the Fun
As you plan your night, maximize the fun by booking a hotel room! With so many incredible venues and clubs to explore, you can dance the night away and then head back to your cozy room for some well-deserved relaxation. What are you waiting for? Time to put on your dancing shoes!
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Posted in Events, Hotels, Misc, Music & Art, 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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5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Earth Month in Costa Mesa
April is here, and you know what that means—it’s Earth Month! As we soak up that SoCal sunshine, let’s also take a moment to give some love back to our planet. Whether you’re down to go vegan for the day or looking to shop more sustainably, Costa Mesa has endless options for embracing a greener lifestyle.
1. Go Green with Slow Fashion
Celebrate Earth Month in style by exploring our local thrift and vintage stores. Thrifting is a great way to find unique items, reduce waste, and express your individual style. From trendy shops to hidden gems, these local spots provide an opportunity to find outfits that are environmentally friendly and fashionable.
2. Go Vegan for a Day
Photo by The Plot
A plant-based diet isn’t just a win for your health—it’s also a major win for the planet! Lucky for us, Costa Mesa is full of fantastic award-winning vegan restaurants like The Plot, Sea Birds Kitchen, and Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice. So why not swap out that beef burger for a mouthwatering veggie patty for the day.
3. Go Plastic Free
Swing by one of Costa Mesa’s refill shops for a shopping experience that’s as eco-friendly as it gets. From your favorite household essentials to self-care must-haves, Fermentation Farm, Fill Up Buttercup, and The Water Brewery have got you covered while reducing plastic waste. We challenge you to give it a try this month!
4. Go for a Walk
Take a peaceful walk through the serene landscapes of Talbert Regional Park. It’s the perfect way to soak up nature’s beauty and unwind amidst lush greenery and chirping birds. Take a moment to reconnect with the earth, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the simple joys of being outdoors. So grab your sneakers and bring a friend!
5. Go Explore Th CAMP
Treat yourself to an eco-conscious shopping spree at The CAMP. This unique retail destination offers a curated selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly brands, ranging from fashion to home goods. Discover products that align with your values, all while supporting local artisans and businesses committed to reducing their ecological footprint.
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Posted in Misc
