Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Labor Day Weekend in Orange County
Labor Day may have started out as a day to honor the achievements and efforts of workers across the United States, but throughout the years, it has become known as a weekend of barbeques and parties with friends and family. Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.
Labor Day weekend has become synonymous with parades, picnics and fireworks and is traditionally celebrated as the unofficial end of summer. As the bridge between August and September, and symbolically between summer and fall, Labor Day means back to school for students. For sports fans, it also means football withdrawals are over. Some may prefer to stay in and watch sports, or just relax in the backyard, but Labor Day weekend is a great time to get out and enjoy yourself. If firing up the barbeque or picnicking aren’t part of your plans, check out some great events to look forward to during the holiday weekend!
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Summer in OC – FREE Summer Activities in Costa Mesa!
There is so much to do in Southern California this summer, and it’s always nice to take advantage of activities that are free to the public. There are many different free activities in Costa Mesa this summer – stay a night and check some of them out! Read More
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Experience Nature in an Orange County Park – Visit Costa Mesa’s Talbert Nature Preserve
An Orange County park open year round, the Talbert Nature Preserve has nearly 2,000 acres of scenic landscape, perfect for Costa Mesa locals and visitors that want to get outside. A great spot for hiking, biking, jogging or even just walking the dog (yes, the preserve is dog friendly!), the preserve acts as a botanical garden, wildlife refuge and exceptional recreational facility all at once. Picnic tables at the end of the base of a trail from Fairview Park is where ou’ll likely find Costa Mesa locals spending time on the weekends. Read More
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3 Things To Do On a Rainy Costa Mesa Day
Southern California seems to be perpetually blessed with great weather all year round, but every now and again even Orange County suffers from a rainy day. If you are visiting Costa Mesa and your beach day plans are ruined by inclement weather, don’t despair. There are plenty of great, indoor activities with which to fill your newfound free time, and still make the most of your vacation! Read More
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Now is the Time for Whale Watching at Newport Landing
December through April is the primary grey whale migration period along the Laguna Beach coastline. During their migration, hundreds of grey whales surface within minutes of Newport Harbor! With daily whale-watching tours all year round, Newport Landing Whale Watching has three whale-watching vessels to carry passengers out to sea where they get the chance to see blue whales, finback whales, pods of dolphin that number in the thousands, seals, killer whales, sharks and many other marine creatures.
Newport Landing Whale Watching has been offering whale-watching cruises for over 20 years from Newport Bay. The Ocean Explorer is the company’s primary whale-watching vessel. At 70 feet long, this vessel has two full walk around decks designed specifically for whale watching. The Nautilus is their secondary whale-watching vessel, at 75 feet long with two decks and ample seating. The Western Pride is an auxiliary whale-watching vessel and is 85 feet long with a full walk around main deck and an elevated seating platform.
In 2011, Newport Landing Whale Watching groups saw 1,017 blue whales, 19 humpback whales, 6,358 bottle nose dolphins and 263,618 common dolphins, to name a few species of marine life spotted. 2012 seafarers have already spotted 12 killer whales during their trips!
Newport Landing offers individual ticket prices as well as group package prices, and trips are offered two times daily October-May and three times daily June-September. Companies can privately reserve a whale-watching trip for a company event or company team-building activity.
Click here to book your whale watching adventure from Newport Landing Whale Watching!
Newport Landing also offers sportfishing in half-day, ¾-day or overnight fishing trips. If you’re interested in going on a saltwater fishing trip of a lifetime, the Aggressor fishing boat will take anglers to Catalina Island, San Clemente Island, offshore banks such as the Cortez bank or Tanner banks and offshore waters. You’ll have the opportunity to catch yellowtail and white sea bass (weighing 50+ pounds!), tuna, sheepshead and red snapper. A recent half-day trip yielded 40 perch, 28 sand bass and 10 sculpin for 28 anglers!
Click here to request a sport fishing reservation from Newport Landing!
Newport Landing is a just a few short miles from many Costa Mesa hotels. Be sure to check it out on your next stay in Costa Mesa.
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