Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Use The Force: A Star Wars Weekend in Costa Mesa
Were you one of the first to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Orange County last weekend? If you’re not – or, let’s be honest, if you plan to see it again – we’ve developed the perfect Costa Mesa movie night for you and yours because the holidays may be here and family is in town, but Star Wars waits for no one. Whether you’re planning to turn it into a date night or just heading out with friends, this plan has you covered.
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16 Holiday Shopping Deals at South Coast Plaza Restaurants!
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer or a full-fledged gourmet gift for the ultimate foodie on your list, South Coast Plaza restaurants have you covered this year! Continue below to learn more about the seasonal promotions at some of Costa Mesa’s favorite eateries.
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Posted in Food
Labor Day Weekend Events in Orange County
Thinking summer is coming to an end too quickly? Not to worry, there’s still time to enjoy the warm Southern California weather. With Labor Day Weekend right around the corner, why not plan one last weekend getaway? You could sit by the pool and relax, or get out and explore Orange County to make the most of your time and enjoy Labor Day Weekend events. Be at the center of all the fun and stay in Orange County’s theater and arts district, Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa has all the right elements for a perfect Labor Day weekend away – food, shopping, arts and entertainment. Many Costa Mesa hotels offer special weekend rates and packages so you can make the most of your time away. With Costa Mesa’s close proximity to the beaches in Huntington, Newport and Laguna, it’s hard to pass up a visit to Orange County’s beautiful coastline. Make a full day of it, enjoy water sports, cruise the harbor or take an evening stroll on the beach and enjoy a stunning Southern California sunset.
PC:Visit Newport Beach
Costa Mesa Events
Great Labor Day Cruise – September 1 – 3, 2017
Head over to the OC Fair & Event Center for the 35th Annual Great Labor Day Cruise where 1,200 muscle cars, street rods and classics will be on display and paraded along a 1.25-mile route. There will be food, music and fun for the whole family. The three-day event is $15 for adults and free for children under age 11.
Heroes Hall, also on site of the OC Fair & Event Center, is a free museum open year round, serving as a tribute to Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation.
The Capital Grille Generous Pour – through September 3, 2017
Wine lovers will toast to one of the largest wine events in the U.S.! Labor Day is the last weekend to experience The Capital Grille’s “Generous Pour,” where you can sit back, relax and savor seven varieties of wine when you purchase an entree. The best part is that you can enjoy the flight of these seven wines over and over again. Or, select your favorite and your server will generously refill your glass throughout the evening, all for one price. Located at South Coast Plaza, this popular summer event ends September 3, so be sure to reserve your spot soon.
Costa Mesa Activities
Spend a day at South Coast Plaza, where this international shopping destination continues to celebrate its golden anniversary with exclusive merchandise such as Gucci’s limited edition Large Sylvie Top handbag and Porsche Design sunglasses for men and women. Starbucks even has a special Carousel Blend coffee to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. Stop by the new boutique by ladies’ luxury Italian footwear Aquazzura, and when you’re ready for a break, enjoy a gourmet pizza or other Italian favorites and specialty cocktails at newly reopened Wolfgang Puck Kitchen. If you’re in need a few more things for back-to-school, South Coast Plaza is just the place for the hot, new trends.
If being a kid at heart is what inspires your weekend away, or merely keeping the kids entertained is the goal, add Disneyland to the weekend itinerary. Staying in Costa Mesa makes it even easier to create just the right itinerary for all family members. Most Costa Mesa hotels offer convenient shuttle transportation to and from your hotel direct to the Disneyland Resort. This is definitely a perk if you want to see Minnie and Mickey while also enjoying a relaxing weekend retreat.
Costa Mesa’s SOCO and The OC Mix is an inspirational and creative center where you can shop, dine or simply chill out. Grab a carefully crafted and freshly brewed latte at one of the best coffee roasters around, Portola Coffee Lab. Browse new retailers like women’s athletic clothing and Korean-inspired skincare products by Bono Spera (meaning ‘Good Hope’ in Latin), or home furnishings from luxury Italian brand Natuzzi Italia and stylish multimedia products by the iconic Bang & Olufsen.
PC: Anne Watson Photography
A Saturday visit to this indoor/outdoor area is a must in order to experience one of Orange County’s best Farmer’s Markets – Saturday’s from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Looney Tunes lovers and art collectors can appreciate not one, but two galleries by Chuck Jones’ Center for Creativity – ‘the’ gallery for pop culture collections; the second location recently opened in The OC Mix. View and purchase from the extensive fine arts collections and various Looney Tunes-inspired gifts to take home. Think Snoopy, the Peanuts Gang, Bugs Bunny, and more.
If you happen to stop at SOCO and The OC Mix on Monday of Labor Day, you’re in for a real treat. Grab a bite at a new popup breakfast spot open for a limited time. Eggslice, open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., creates perfectly crafted breakfast sandwiches, featuring unique locally made Chili Jam, combined with fresh, local ingredients from OC Baking Company, Billy’s Egg Farm, Francisco’s Meat Company, West Coast Prime Meats and Penjoyan Produce.
Don’t wait; start planning your weekend away now! Explore the Calendar of Events to see all the Labor Day weekend events in Costa Mesa and around Orange County.
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Beef…it’s what’s for Father’s Day in Costa Mesa!
If your dad enjoys a juicy cut of steak, grilled to perfection, give him a break this Father’s Day and treat him to one of the most decadent and flavorful steaks in Orange County. It’s hard to decide which is “best,” but we have a few recommendations to help you choose, and you won’t go wrong whether you’re looking for fine dining, family-style tapas, dinner or brunch – these restaurants are ready to welcome you on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18, 2017.
Mastro’s Steakhouse is a sophisticated and classy steakhouse offering dry-aged, hand-cut prime selections of meat served on its signature 400-degree steak plate, for just the right preparation. Featuring an A5 grade Japanese Wagyu New York Strip and a decadent 33 oz. “Chef’s Cut” Tomahawk Chop, there’s no doubt your craving will be satisfied at this steakhouse, especially when accompanied by side of lobster mashed potatoes and a carefully selected wine pairing to complete the meal. Treat dad on Father’s Day; he’ll be in heaven, and the family will enjoy being treated to a very special dining experience, with live music nightly. Open for dinner beginning at 3 p.m. Book a table online.
AnQi by House of AN $1 Beers and 1 lb. Tomahawk Ribeye
From 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
AnQi’s architecturally designed contemporary space is a treat in itself when dining out on a special occasion like Father’s Day. AnQi’s menu of Asian-inspired dishes with an American flair delivers appetizers like filet mignon potstickers and their famous garlic noodles made with Mama An’s secret recipe. On Father’s Day, AnQi is offering an impressive 1 lb. tomahawk ribeye chop; Szechwan lamb raviolis; Korean fried chicken wings; a salt and pepper pork chop and mile-high chocolate mocha cake with cookies ’n cream ice cream for dessert. Dad will love the $1 dollar beer selection available as part of this special menu. AnQi’s full à la carte menu will also be available all day. Prices vary per selection; specialty menu $15-$88 (exclusive of tax and gratuity) For reservations, call 714.557.5679.
Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Dinner from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
At Pueblo, the goal is to bring people together and by featuring a menu of shareable plates. A Father’s Day celebration is perfect to bring the family together and toast to dad. Pueblo offers a tapas-plate Sunday brunch, and is also open for dinner. Having been voted one of the ‘best charcuterie platters’ in Orange County, where guests can choose from 6 different cured Spanish meats or even jamon iberico, this is a perfect platter to share with the group. On Father’s Day, Pueblo will be presenting a special menu with selection of meat along with a new dessert for chocolate lovers – a warm chocolate brownie with house-made toasted coconut ice cream. Reservations are not required, but can be made by calling 714.340.5775.
5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Chef Amar Santana is known for his aged steaks, carefully selected cheeses and cured meats from his charcuterie bar, and a variety of Spanish wines. A favorite starter is the Canelon de Pollo (smoked chicken cannelloni with foie gras and sherry reduction); it will melt in your mouth. To really indulge, take one look at the Carne section of the menu and you’ll see prime selections of beef like Japanese Kobe or the grass-fed NY Strip steak. If that’s not enough to tempt you, check out this preparation by Chef Amar himself. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 714.463.6060.
The Capital Grille at South Coast Plaza
11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Especially for Father’s Day, Capital Grille is serving an off-the-menu item; it’s a mouthwatering Tomahawk bone-in ribeye. Or if dad prefers a perfectly grilled burger, try Capital Grille’s Signature Cheeseburger – a juicy, flavorful blend of chopped sirloin, smoked bacon and onions. It’s one of the best burgers in town, so be sure to get a reservation to enjoy a delicious meal and a beautiful bottle of wine from their award-winning wine list on this special day with dad.
Nothing says “We love you, Dad!” quite like a prime steak! Where will you be dining for Father’s Day in Costa Mesa?
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Costa Mesa is Your 4th of July Getaway!
The 4th of July holiday is the essence of summertime, a national holiday that brings family and friends together to celebrate American Independence; barbecues, pool parties and traditional fireworks displays. And the 4th of July also brings two great new events to Costa Mesa in 2017. It’s the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway, staycation or quick flight to John Wayne, Orange County Airport from nearby Northern California, Phoenix, Vegas and many other cities.
The skies will light up around Orange County, as they do every year, but for the first time, Costa Mesa is an official 4th of July destination for families and friends to gather and celebrate.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2017, the City of Costa Mesa will host a free family-focused 4th of July celebration at OC Fair & Event Center from 3 – 9 p.m. with a pyrotechnic show as the highlight of the evening. Visitors can spend the afternoon exploring Heroes Hall Museum (located at OC Fair & Event Center) between 3 and 5 p.m., followed by a variety of children and family-oriented attractions, live music and by shopping some of the popular OC Marketplace vendors. Various foods and beverages will be available for sale throughout the duration of the event.
For those who have been faithful fans of the Pacific Symphony for more than 30 years, this spectacular musical event will continue for years to come, with performances at its new home in the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa.
The 2017 Pacific Symphony SummerFest kicks off on Tuesday, July 4th with “Symphonic Springsteen: Bruce in the USA.”
The concert beneath the stars is a festive way to celebrate the 4th of July with a tribute to “The Boss.” Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the concert at 8 p.m. concluding with a spectacular display of fireworks at 10 p.m. A variety of vendor options from Spectra and the award-winning caterer 24 carrots will also be onsite to serve up selections from a gourmet menu (offering simple to elaborate!) for pre-concert dining. Guests can also dine on the Pacifica Plaza pre-concert or in the seats during the performance. Ticket prices start at $25.
There are plenty of activities happening around Costa Mesa throughout the summer.
Costa Mesa hotels are conveniently located, many that are walkable, a short drive, or accessible by the city’s free ART shuttle to popular attractions around Costa Mesa and Orange County. While visiting, check out Heroes Hall or Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center. Spend a day shopping at South Coast Plaza, or head over to a local’s favorite, trendy outdoor dining space at The LAB and The CAMP, or SOCO and The OC Mix, where there is often live music, a weekend farmer’s market, and kids activities. The Triangle entertainment center is a hit for the whole family with bowling, movie theaters and a diverse dining scene.
Wherever your plans may take you, be sure to include Costa Mesa on your list of places to visit.
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Posted in Events, Misc, Music & Art, Play
