Travel Costa Mesa Blog
The Ultimate Summer Destination for SoCal Travelers
If you’re looking for the ultimate location to plan a Southern California vacation, then Costa Mesa is the place to be! It’s the perfect home base if you want to explore Disneyland, Hollywood, and beyond. Experience our incredible dining options, shopping destinations, and exciting summer events —all in one trip.
The Perfect Location
Costa Mesa is located right in the middle of Southern California, which makes it super easy to hit up all your summer bucket list destinations.
Plus, if you’re all about spending as much time as you can at the beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach are all just a short drive away and we have plenty of beach-close hotels to choose from.
Foodie Paradise
Costa Mesa is the most flavorful destination in Southern California! With the only 2 Michelin Starred restaurants in Orange County plus 6 Michelin Recognized spots, it’s truly the perfect city to take an Eatcation®. Whether you’re craving artisan coffee, gourmet burgers, or exotic eats, our city has it all. Dive into our insane variety of restaurants and discover new flavors!
Boutique Bliss
Did you know the largest shopping center on the West Coast is located in Costa Mesa?
Experience designer shopping at South Coast Plaza where you can explore over 200 boutiques including a massive two-story Gucci store and the largest Balenciaga boutique in the Americas. But, if you are more into local finds, Costa Mesa has plenty of unique boutiques. Some of our favorites can be found at The LAB and The CAMP.
After Dark Adventures
The fun never ends in Costa Mesa. The nightlife here is lit with cool bars, craft breweries, and plenty of locations to enjoy live music. Whether you’re into dancing, enjoying craft cocktails, or catching a live band, Costa Mesa has you covered. We recommend visiting Mercado Gonzalez, a massive Mexican food hall offering a full cocktail bar and live mariachi music, or newly opened, Westwood Coast for country vibes and line dancing.
Events and Concerts
If you’re in town for the summer then you have to hit up the OC Fair which runs from July 19 – August 18th! It’s one of the top ten largest fairs in the U.S. and has no shortage of rides, carnival games, animals, arts and crafts, beer, food, and live music. Bonus tip: attend a concert at Pacific Amphitheater and get free fair admission. This year’s lineup includes UB40, Stray Cats, Big Time Rush and so many more, check out the full list.
Arts and Culture
Explore the artsy side of Costa Mesa at Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). Don’t miss the chance to walk through their new Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression exhibit. For the first time in the United States, you can explore the designer’s groundbreaking work from the 1960s until 2002, his last show. Admission is FREE!
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is another great choice if you are looking to catch a Broadway show like Clue and Peter Pan. This summer, they’re also hosting free events like outdoor movies and dance classes—perfect for making the most of your summer nights!
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Summer
So what are you waiting for? Drop this blog in the group chat, book your hotel stay, and get ready to experience the best SoCal vacation you’ve ever had. We can’t wait to see you here!
Comments Off on The Ultimate Summer Destination for SoCal Travelers
Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
The Best Easter Brunches in Costa Mesa
While brunch is a perfect weekend activity all year round, there’s just something about Easter Sunday that takes brunch to the next level. We’ve rounded up some of the tastiest Easter brunch spots in Costa Mesa to make your holiday a hip-hoppity good time.
Le Chateau at Ayres Hotel
Le Chateau offers not just a luxurious brunch experience, but they top it off with bottomless mimosas. Visit Le Chateau inside the Ayres Hotel in Costa Mesa for an omelette station and carving station with prime rib, fresh salmon, and honey-glazed ham. Reservations are suggested.
Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar
Experience a gorgeous lakeside Easter brunch at Silver Trumpet inside the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa. Indulge in a gourmet buffet featuring multiple stations with a range of unique offerings. Make your reservations online to ensure your table is ready and waiting for you.
Café Sevilla
Photo by Café Sevilla
Starting at 11 am and running until 3 pm, Café Sevilla will be offering a special Easter “brunch from the other South” menu, featuring bottomless mimosas and live Spanish music. The menu will have brunch classics with a Spanish twist, such as eggs Benedict with Spanish jamón and Spanish-style French toast. Book your reservation.
Season 52
Seasons 52 offers an à la carte brunch menu (alongside their full menu). Choose from a selection that includes crab & cheddar quiche, upright French toast with fresh blueberry compote, and apricot-glazed spiral ham with French green beans and sweet potato mash and so much more. Reservations are recommended.
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille might be offering South Coast Plaza’s most decadent brunch. Entrées include their popular lobster frittata made with butter-poached lobster tails, truffle hollandaise, and asparagus. But the decadence doesn’t stop there. They will also be serving bone-in dry-aged NY strips with eggs, center-cut filet mignon, and crab cake Benedict, and all options will be served with white cheddar hash browns. Reservations are recommended.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s The Steakhouse is celebrating Easter the entire weekend (March 29th–30th) with a special three-course meal featuring filet mignon and lobster. Reservations recommended.
Outpost Kitchen
Celebrate the holiday with entrées of rib-eye steak & eggs, blueberry pancakes with lemon custard, smoked salmon, and shrimp Benedict, along with their full usual (and sought-after) brunch menu. They will also feature holiday extras to make the day special, including a family photo wall, balloons, and more. Reservations recommended.
AnQi Bistro
Photo by AnQi
The renowned spot for Asian fusion cuisine is offering an à la carte Easter menu alongside their full menu of signature dishes. Reservations are recommended.
Be sure to follow @travelcostamesa on Instagram to see more great spots to visit in our stories. Where will you be eating Easter brunch in Costa Mesa?
Comments Off on The Best Easter Brunches in Costa Mesa
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!
Comments Off on February Feed: Costa Mesa’s Trending News & Reads
Posted in Events, Misc, Music & Art, News, Shopping
Fall into Fun: Costa Mesa’s Ultimate Weekend Guide
Welcome, weekend wanderers! Whether you’re a Southern California local or a jet setter extending a business trip, Costa Mesa has a cornucopia of fall delights waiting just for you. From sizzling dining experiences to electrifying performances, this vibrant city has everything you need to make this fall one for the books.
Dining Delights
Costa Mesa’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Gather your friends at the iconic Mastro’s Steakhouse for a mouthwatering holiday meal with a touch of sophistication. If you’re craving a more laid-back atmosphere, Playa Mesa Kitchen offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican dishes, perfect for a festive celebration with a SoCal flair. Looking to skip the cooking on “Turkey Day” and have someone else do all the heavy lifting? Then, make a reservation at Silver Trumpet for a Thanksgiving brunch buffet or at La Chateau Bistro for a mouthwatering holiday meal.
Cozy Coffee
Kickstart your weekend with a caffeine fix at Costa Mesa’s trendiest coffee shops. Nook Coffee is a local gem known for its artisanal brews and cozy ambiance—a great spot to recharge before hitting the town. Don’t miss out on the seasonal specials at Portola Coffee Lab, where the baristas are true coffee artisans, turning your cup of joe into a masterpiece.
Performing Arts Extravaganza
For those seeking a dose of culture and entertainment, Costa Mesa’s performing arts scene is a treasure trove. Segerstrom Center for the Arts hosts captivating performances, from Broadway shows to world-class concerts. Check out their schedule for November—it’s bound to be a spectacular experience that’ll leave you in awe. Orange County Art Museum (OCMA) celebrates its one-year anniversary with an array of events and free admission.
Retail Therapy
-photo by SOCO
Indulge your shopping cravings in Costa Mesa’s eclectic retail landscape. South Coast Plaza, a shopper’s ultimate paradise, boasts an array of high-end brands and boutique shops. Take advantage of Thanksgiving weekend sales and treat yourself to some well-deserved retail therapy. If you’re into unique finds, explore the nearby SOCO and The OC Mix, where local artisans showcase their crafts in a hip, industrial setting.
Outdoor Adventure
-photo by @Farmersmarkoc
Burn off those fall-time calories with some outdoor fun in Costa Mesa’s beautiful parks. Grab a bike and explore the scenic trails at Fairview Park, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the landscape and pond of TeWinkle Park. Or skate your way into the sunset at the Costa Mesa Skate Park.
Nightlife Excitement
-photo by Country Club
As the sun sets, Costa Mesa comes alive with vibrant nightlife options. Head to The Triangle for a mix of trendy bars and live music venues. The Country Club offers a stylish setting for cocktails and dancing, making it the ideal spot to cap off your night with a bang.
Costa Mesa is a dazzling blend of culinary delights, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a weekend traveler, a business nomad extending your stay, or a SoCal resident looking for excitement, this vibrant city has something for everyone. Embrace the energy, savor the flavors, and make it an unforgettable overnight celebration of fall festivities!
Comments Off on Fall into Fun: Costa Mesa’s Ultimate Weekend Guide
