Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Costa Mesa: An Easy Weekend Getaway From the Inland Empire
Need some end-of-year travel inspiration? It’s time for a reset and Costa Mesa is here to deliver. It’s just a quick drive away from the IE which means no long flights and no overcomplicated itineraries. This Orange County hidden gem is easy to get to but far enough to switch things up!
Retail Therapy
Holiday shopping at South Coast Plaza will have you knocking out that gift list (or treating yourself—we don’t judge). This shopping paradise is packed with hundreds of luxury shops and your go-to brands. Where else can you strut through a two-story Gucci store and then do the same at a two-story Balenciaga?
For a shopping adventure that’s a bit more eclectic and artsy, head over to The Lab! Explore one-of-a-kind shops like Plant Matter, May Martin, and 1978—all creatively housed in retro Airstreams. And for a cool keepsake, walk across the street to The CAMP and take some pictures at Booth. This viral, celeb-loved vintage photo booth gives you an iconic black-and-white photo strip for just $5!
Deliciously Instagrammable
Photo by Calo Kitchen + Tequila
Love food? The foodie scene here is chef’s kiss with eateries that are basically begging for a photo op! Here’s a list of the most aesthetic and tasty spots in Costa Mesa:
- Blossoms and Brass – Best known for their pink Blossoms Rigatoni pasta
- The Plot – Best known for their Beet Reuben sandwich
- Ahba – Best known for their double smashed wagyu Ahba Burger
- Calo Kitchen + Tequila – Best known for their Short Rib Enchiladas
- Maizano – Best known for their grilled octopus Encacahuatado
Photo by Blossoms & Brass
But really, the list could go on forever! Click here to start planning your Eatcation® adventure and discover even more of our top recommendations.
Relax, Relax, Relax
Photo by Costa Mesa Ceramics
For some well-deserved “me time,” Costa Mesa perfectly blends relaxation with one-of-a-kind experiences, creating the ultimate self-care getaway. Start by giving your skin some much-needed love with a custom facial at Facial Lounge. Next, take your zen to the next level with snake yoga at LXRYOGA—yes, snakes! It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline, with ball pythons. Want to round out your wellness escape with a little creativity? Pop over to Costa Mesa Ceramics and roll up your sleeves—there’s something incredibly calming about crafting your own pottery masterpiece.
Sips and Shenanigans
Photo by Pie Society
Let’s be real: no staycation is complete without a few fabulous drinks! Check out Ruin Bar, a hidden gem that feels like your hip friend’s secret speakeasy. For an aura of mystery enjoy a round of creatively crafted cocktails at P10neer hidden inside Dick Church’s restaurant.
For a quirky twist, swing by Pie Society, where pizza meets prohibition, and your cravings for carbs and cocktails are both satisfied. And if you’re in the mood for a cozy vibe, Oak & Coal has your back with some killer sake and mouthwatering yakitori.
But wait, there’s more! If a round of drinks leaves you itching to hit the dance floor, Costa Mesa has plenty of spots where you can bust a move. Check out these top places to dance.
Recharge and Repeat
After a day of shopping, dining, and unwinding, why not treat yourself to a comfy stay in one of Costa Mesa’s hotels? Booking a hotel not only means you won’t have to worry about the drive home (hello, no designated driver drama), but it also gives you a cozy spot to recharge for another day of adventure. So go ahead, treat yourself—you’ve earned it!
Heading here during the fall? Be sure to check out our blog for all things fun and fall in Costa Mesa!
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Posted in Food, Hotels, Locals, Misc, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
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
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!
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
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
Mother’s Day 2023: Brunches, Shopping, Facials and More in Costa Mesa
Where to take mom for Mother’s Day? Look no further than Costa Mesa! We’ve rounded up just some of the fun, delicious things to do to celebrate Mom this year in the City of the Arts®.
Mother’s Day Brunch
The list is long and distinguished, but here’s just a sampling of the great Costa Mesa restaurants offering Mother’s Day brunch or specials.
Silver Trumpet: Brunch buffet from 10am-2pm. Use the QR code on the graphic to reserve!
Ayres Hotel: Brunch buffet from 10am-2pm. Click the link for the menu and reservations.
Outpost Kitchen: Special Mother’s Day choices; live music 11am-2pm.
Randy’s Donuts: MOM Donut alert! Get your Mother’s Day “MOM donuts” (Bavarian cream-filled with pink icing) May 10-14 at all locations. 2 locations in Costa Mesa.
Playa Mesa: Brunch from 9am – 2pm plus free champagne for mom with entree.
The Capital Grille: Moms are treated to a rose & such brunch specials as lobster frittata, blueberry bread, steak & eggs or — new this year — smoked salmon & caviar. 10 am-2 pm. A la carte dinner options available all day. Bookings here.
Cafe Sevilla is serving brunch from 11am-3pm with bottomless mimosas.
Knife Pleat: A luxurious tea service on Saturday between 11:30 am – 1:45 pm. Reservations here.
Mastro’s: Perhaps dinner is more Mom’s flavor, and you know she’ll be thrilled to eat at Mastro’s. Enjoy sizzling dry-aged steaks, incredible seafood, cocktails and live entertainment Sunday evening.
What about a luxe experience at Petrossian by Tiffany? Check out this recent MSN article.
Shopping
South Coast Plaza has a roster of great Mother’s Day shopping offers and events, including a macaron-making class on May 15 and a must-see Cartier pop-up.
Costa Mesa Courtyards is giving away a $200 gift card to the center for Mom’s Day. Check out their Instagram to enter @shopcostamesa.
The LAB will have two floral pop-ups May 13 and 14 so you can pick up beautiful arrangements by local florists. More information here.
Facials…and Other Events
The Facial Lounge is a wonderful Costa Mesa spot to treat Mom for a future visit. Enjoy one of their organic, vegan facials and their delighful day spa. Visit their site for gift cards or to book treatments.
For those on a budget who still want to treat Mom, BodyCentre Day Spa is offering a 50-minute weekday massage special for $59. M-Thurs booking. They offer gift certificates and many different services including emerald laser, facials, personal training, emerald laser, colon hydrotherapy and much more.
The Wine Lab is hosting a Mother’s Day Candle-Making Workshop Sunday from 6-8pm. What better way to workshop than with wine?
Locale Magazine has a list of fun, free things to do in OC right now(don’t miss free admission to the Orange County Museum of Art!) plus different ways to celebrate Mom in OC.
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