Travel Costa Mesa Blog
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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Posted in Misc
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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Your Top Ways to Save This Year at The OC Fair
What time is it? It’s time to be “Happy Together” at the OC Fair, July 14 through August 13, 2023, only at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa! Find out all about this year’s fair, one of the biggest on the West Coast and one of the ten largest fairs in the United States!
This year’s 2023 OC Fair has some great offers and specials. Advance ticket purchase is required as the fair is limiting the number of admission tickets available for each day. Choose your days and plan your summer! The good thing is, when you buy tickets online for the OC Fair, you’ll pay no service fees on admission tickets. Before you go, you can also read over the fair’s Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
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Posted in Misc
