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
Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa
As the air turns crisper and leaves turn gold, fall for the sights, sounds, (and spooks!) of Costa Mesa. With countless exciting events, comforting and craveable flavors, and one-of-a-kind Halloween happenings, Costa Mesa is a must-visit this season. Whether you’re a local or planning your next vacation, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating fall in style.
Beat the Morning Chill with Seasonal Sips
Kickstart your day with a visit to two local gems, NUDAE Coffee and Coffee Nature. These neighborhood-favorite coffee shops are a great place to taste the season and warm your soul.
AAPI (Asian & Pacific American) and female-owned, NUDAE Coffee recently celebrated their first anniversary, and it’s no surprise their espresso, lattes, and brunchy food are so beloved. For Fall, they’re offering limited-edition brews like “The Great Pumpkin,” a PSL made with warming spices, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and oat milk. It’s topped with salted maple whip and fresh grated nutmeg—yum.
If you prefer to pass on pumpkin spice season, keep an eye out for “Ghost of Uncle Earl” featuring house made syrup using Art of Tea’s Earl Grey Creme, club soda, and a vanilla cream top. Only served iced, it tastes like Vanilla Coke as an Italian soda.
Meanwhile, Coffee Nature brings together the unexpected in “Pumpkin Matcha,” pairing pumpkin syrup and pumpkin oat milk with matcha. Don’t miss “The Andy Apple” latte, a delicious blast of Autumn with apple juice, apple butter syrup, chai, and cinnamon.
Get into the Fall Spirit at Tanaka Farm
For the ultimate fall vibes head over to Tanaka Farms and explore Hana Field Pumpkin Patch. Wander through the eight acres of pumpkins and snap Instagram-worthy photos amidst the vibrant orange backdrop. With so many pumpkins to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect one for carving or decorating. For even more fun, check out their family-friendly corn maze, wagon ride, and cow train!
They are open every Saturday & Sunday from 10am to 5pm starting October 5th through October 27th. Book your pumpkin patch experience here.
Hocus Pocus Beetle Juice Drag Show
You’re going to want to drop this one in the group chat! From September 28th through October 26th, catch Orange County’s most wicked drag performance at STRUT Bar & Club.
The Hocus Pocus Beetle Juice drag show is filled with fun surprises that will leave you spellbound all while you sip on your favorite poison from the bar—because what’s a little witchcraft without a drink in hand? We recommend trying their citrusy “Midnight Cabaret-tini” or their fizzy “My Ex Jack’s Lemonade!”
Snake Yoga & Horror-Themed Axe Throwing
A spooky season calls for spine-tingling fun, and we double dare you to take a snake yoga class at LXR YOGA! This unique experience invites you to stretch and interact with friendly non-venomous ball pythons. In small-group sessions, you’ll first learn how to hold these scaly companions and get comfortable with their gentle nature. Then you’ll draw a crystal, and the rock you pick will reveal which snake gets to join you on your yoga adventure. The class is beginner-friendly and unfolds at a gentle pace so you can connect with your breath and the snakes!
If snake yoga is too much of a stretch, try an axe-throwing season at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales. This horror themed axe-throwing venue is fully decorated with memorabilia from your favorite scary movies including iconic figures like Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, and Jason Voorhees. Not only do they have giant axes for you to throw but their projection targets are interactive, so you can play games like Battle Stations, Tick Tack Toe, and Alien Attack. As you put your axe-throwing skills to the test, enjoy a round of their spooking themed cocktails and make sure to try their new All Hallows Treat chocolate peanut butter stout.
Fall’s Fashion and Fun
No visit to Costa Mesa is complete without a trip to South Coast Plaza, Southern California’s ultimate luxury shopping destination! Shop the latest fall fashion trends at their newest boutiques including Courreges, Amiri, Jil Sander, and Maison Margiela. With an array of designer labels and collections to choose from, you’ll find everything you need to give your wardrobe a seasonal glow-up.
If you’re looking for an eclectic and artsy shopping experience, make your way over to The Camp. Its open-air layout, quirky art installations, and lush green spaces invite you to explore one-of-a-kind shops and funky pop-up vendors. This October, it’s all about good tunes and ghoulish fun! On October 19th, attend their Autumn Music Fest, dress up in your favorite tie-dye attire and listen to local bands play folk, rock, and indie tunes. Then on October 30th get ready for a spooky Boo Bash with haunted markets, horror trivia, and an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus.
Need a show-stopping costume for your holiday festivities? Check out the Halloween Bootique inside Triangle Square. Open all year long, this shop has the best costumes and accessories to bring your wildest vision to life!
Cultivate Your Creativity
Pick up a paintbrush—and a glass of wine—at Inspired Art Wine, a studio, bar, and gallery. All throughout October, Inspired is hosting painting sessions with a side of spooky season. Paint your own trick-or-treat scene, or sign up for October 19th‘s mashup of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night” with Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.
No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided.
If you prefer to be a patron (rather than a painter) of the arts, Costa Mesa is the home of award-winning and internationally recognized theatres and concert halls. South Coast Repertory opens their 2024-2025 season with the cult-favorite “Little Shop of Horrors” by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.
The classic creature feature runs from September 21st to October 19th, 2024.
Turn up the volume and bring the whole family for “Halloween Fandemonium!” at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. A live DJ pairs with Pacific Symphony, and Halloween magic is made. Hear all your favorite Halloween classics, plus music from beloved films like Frozen and Star Wars.
Don’t miss the activities held in the lobby before and after the show. There’s coloring, crafts, and more. Costumes highly recommended! Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Savor the Season in Costa Mesa
Fall is the best season to visit, with so much happening and so many new things to try. From exclusive seasonal lattes at NUDAE Coffee and Coffee Nature, to wandering through Hana Field Pumpkin Patch, and immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa is the place to be this fall.
Embrace the season, explore the city, and make this autumn your most vibrant and memorable one yet! Find more fall happenings here.
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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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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!
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Posted in Events, Misc, Music & Art, News, Shopping
Winter Wonders in Costa Mesa: 5 Activities for a Magical Holiday Escape
‘Tis the season, and if you’re in the mood for some festive fun, look no further. Grab your beanies, charge up your phones, and get ready to experience five totally Instagrammable Costa Mesa activities that scream holiday vibes!
1. Winter Fest OC, Where the Fun Never Ends
Dive headfirst into the holiday spirit at Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival! Glide through their enchanting ice-skating trail, enjoy winter themed cocktails inside a cozy fireside igloo, speed down a 150 foot ice tubing slide, and experience a dazzling light show perfectly synchronized to your favorite holiday songs. It’s a must-do event with plenty of attractions for all ages and so many festive photo ops to fill your IG stories!
2. Experience Holiday Shopping at South Coast Plaza
It’s time to get your holiday shopping done and where better to do it than at South Coast Plaza? The magical holiday décor transforms this shopping destination into a winter wonderland complete with a reindeer carousel and whimsical Santa Express train inside its festive corridors. With an unparalleled selection of high-end stores and holiday essentials, it offers a luxurious and memorable shopping experience for finding the perfect gifts.
3. Snap-Worthy Moments at the Town Center Park Tree
This season is all about capturing the holiday spirit so don’t forget to take pictures at the massive Christmas tree in Town Center Park, right in front of The Westin South Coast Plaza. If you’re in the mood for a tasty meal, try Vaca, a local Spanish restaurant with a perfect view of the tree. And here’s a bonus – it’s just steps away from Segerstrom Center for Arts and South Coast Repertory if you are looking to top off your night with a live holiday performance!
4. Indulge in Sweet Delights at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
– photo by Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Satisfy your craving for a sweet treat with freshly made donuts from Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. With accolades from Condé Nast, this eatery has become a culinary sensation, and you must try their limited-time holiday-themed options. From bourbon delights to peppermint perfection, experience the joy of the season in every bite.
5. Watch A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory
– photo by Jenny Graham
The holidays in Costa Mesa aren’t complete without watching a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory. This long-held tradition is the absolute best way to enjoy a captivating performance of a heartwarming classic tale.
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