Travel Costa Mesa Blog
The Key to a Perfect Spring Break in Orange County
Spring is here and if you’re searching for the perfect spot to let loose, look no further than Costa Mesa! Picture this: coastal California vibes, epic dining scenes, endless sunshine, unparalleled shopping, and world-class performing arts – all in one place with hotel options that won’t break your bank.
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Posted in Misc
February Feed: Costa Mesa’s Trending News & Reads
Costa Mesa has been gaining attention in the media lately as the cultural epicenter of Orange County. From our Kobe Bryant murals to fun Leap Year activities and Lunar New Year celebrations throughout the city, there’s clearly so many reasons everyone is flocking to Costa Mesa! Check out four stories of Costa Mesa featured in the press.
1. Kobe Bryant Murals Featured on ESPN
The legacy of Kobe Bryant lives on in Costa Mesa. ESPN recently recognized the Kobe Bryant mural created by Andaluz outside Social Costa Mesa as one of over 600 murals worldwide honoring his memory and the lives of those lost in the accident.
2. Leap Year Itineraries Curated by Locale
Local Magazine curated five unique itineraries showcasing Costa Mesa’s best offerings and hotel accommodations in “5 Unique Ways to Spend Your Extra Leap Year Day in Costa Mesa,” a handy guide for planning February 29th, or any free day on your calendar!
3. South Coast Plaza Year of the Dragon Celebration Highlighted in Business Wire
Business Wire highlighted South Coast Plaza for hosting the largest Lunar New Year celebration on the West Coast. The 19-day celebration features colorful performances, exclusive products, traditional cuisine, and captivating installations that bring the community together in celebration.
4. LA Times Showcases Costa Mesa as a Cultural Haven
The Los Angeles Times article, “Unveiling Costa Mesa: A Haven for Culture, Cuisine, and Community,” captures the essence of the city, emphasizing its diverse culinary scene, rich cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community that is weaved together through it’s seven diverse neighborhoods.
These recent features and publications underscore Costa Mesa’s rising prominence as the cultural hub of Orange County. So, when planning your Southern California getaway, be sure to make a visit to Costa Mesa to experience everything we have to offer!
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Posted in Events, Misc, Music & Art, News, Shopping
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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Costa Mesa: A Symphony of Creativity Blooms in the City of Arts®
Step into Costa Mesa, where October marks the vibrant celebration of Art Month—a clear testament to the city’s abundant cultural richness and its rightful title as the City of the Arts®. In this story, we’ll dive into the fascinating history that earned Costa Mesa this title, explore the city’s iconic murals, showcase the performing arts venues, and revel in the delectable fusion of art and food.
Costa Mesa’s Artful Roots: A Glimpse into History
– Photo by @robdavisre
Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa boasts a history as colorful as its artistic offerings. Originally an agricultural haven, the city evolved into a hub for creativity, with each chapter of its history contributing to the vibrant arts community we see today.
Why City of the Arts®?
Costa Mesa boasts its renowned title due to its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic expression. The city’s dedication to the arts is exemplified by its live entertainment theaters, public art installations, and diverse array of artistic culinary food that attracts residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in creativity.
OCMA’s Majestic Celebration: One Year of Artistic Brilliance
October marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Orange County Museum of Art’s (OCMA) new building! This architectural gem is free to enter and stands as a beacon for art enthusiasts, offering a breathtaking showcase of contemporary works that echo the city’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
Mural Magic: A Stroll Through Costa Mesa’s Outdoor Gallery
Embark on a visual journey through Costa Mesa’s streets adorned with striking murals. Admire the work of renowned artists like Shepard Fairey, whose iconic pieces add a touch of urban sophistication. Celebrate the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant with a mural that captures the spirit of a true legend. Be captivated by the whimsical and enchanting CostAmazing murals that grace the city’s walls, turning every street into a canvas of creativity.
Performing Arts Extravaganza: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Indulge in the performing arts at the world-renowned Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The center’s majestic venues, including Segerstrom Hall and Samueli Theater, play host to an array of captivating performances, from Tony-Award winning Broadway shows to classical symphonies, enriching the cultural landscape of Costa Mesa.
Self-Guided Art Walk: Unleash Your Inner Explorer
Embark on a self-guided art walk through Costa Mesa’s enchanting neighborhoods. Enjoy a free audio tour while discovering hidden gems and 20+ public art installations that showcase the talents of local and international artists. Let the streets be your canvas as you immerse yourself in the city’s ever-evolving artistic spirit.
Harmonies Under the Stars: Pacific Amphitheater
Enjoy the sweet melodies of outdoor concerts at Costa Mesa’s Pacific Amphitheater. Surrounded by the OC Fairgrounds, music enthusiasts can bask in the magic of live performances under the stars, creating unforgettable memories amidst the city’s artistic embrace.
The Art of Food: A Feast for the Senses
Costa Mesa is not just a haven for visual and performing arts; it’s a culinary canvas that showcases the art of food. Take an Eatcation® as you immerse your taste buds in a symphony of world cuisines, with award-winning restaurants offering a gastronomic journey that mirrors the city’s commitment to excellence in all its forms.
The City of the Arts® invites you to join the celebration of Art Month this October! Whether you’re admiring murals, attending a performance, indulging in culinary delights, or simply exploring the city’s artistic nooks, Costa Mesa promises a symphony of creativity that will leave an incredible mark on your soul. Come and be a part of this artistic hub, where every street, every mural, and every note of music tells a story of a city that truly lives and breathes the arts.
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Posted in Misc, Music & Art
10 Costa Mesa Restaurants to Visit for Great Late-Night Bites
With the long summer nights, you’re more likely to stay up late and enjoy the great weather and longer daylight hours. Staying up late sometimes means needing a snack, though! Choose from some of these hot spots in Costa Mesa with late-night bites.
Silver Trumpet
Silver Trumpet has a great happy hour that they’ve extended to late-night hours, as well. Enjoy late-night snacks like these amazing grilled chicken wings with a passionfruit habanero glaze. The restaurant serves until 11 p.m. every night except Saturday.
Mesa Lounge
Mesa is definitely the place to see and be seen in Costa Mesa. The swanky lounge offers a great charcuterie and pizzas, handcrafted cocktails, all in a chic environment. The kitchen’s open until at least midnight most nights.
Hashigo Korean Kitchen
Nothing can hit the spot after a fun evening than a little Korean fried chicken or barbecue! Hashigo‘s kitchen is open until 12:30am nightly.
Cafe Sevilla
Cafe Sevilla‘s a great indoor/outdoor spot for some tapas and live music. Sunday-Tuesday the kitchen is open until 11pm, Wednesday and Thursday until 12am, and Friday and Saturday until 1am.
Anjin
Anjin is where the locals go – locals in the know, that is. Their yakinuku is the draw here, but they also offer great ramen and kimchi dishes. The kitchen is open until 1am nightly.
Palenque Kitchen
Palenque Kitchen is serving Oaxaca-style Mexican food along with one of the biggest tequila and mezcal selections in Orange County, in a nightclub atmosphere. Palenque’s kitchen is open until 12:30am on the weekends and until 10 on weeknights.
Oak & Coal
Get delicious bites like this Wagyu beef kushiyaki cooked over a charcoal grill. Oak and Coal‘s kitchen is open until 12am on the weekends and until 11 on weeknights.
Hakata Ikkousha
This award-winning ramen can hit the spot for a late-night bite. Pictured here is their famous black tonkatsu. Hakata Ikkousha‘s kitchen is open until 11:30pm nightly.
Wild Goose Tavern
Wild Goose Tavern is a fun spot in Westside Costa Mesa to have a drink with friends, but stay for a while and have a delicious bite like the Caprese burger while you’re there. The kitchen is open nightly until 12am and on weekends even later.
La Vida Cantina
La Vida Cantina offers traditional Mexican food and great margaritas plus a full bar on the top level of Triangle Square. Food service Monday-Friday until 12am; Saturday until 1 a.m.
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