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.
- Disneyland, 15 miles
- Knott’s Berry Farm, 17 miles
- Downtown Los Angeles, 40 miles
- Hollywood, 45 miles
- Angel’s Stadium, 15 miles
- Aquarium of the Pacific, 29 miles
- San Diego, 87 miles
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
Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa
As the air turns crisper and the sunsets start to show their vibrant hues, Costa Mesa awakens with a unique energy that evokes the essence of fall. With countless exciting events, mouthwatering culinary experiences, and Instagram-worthy spots, this season in Costa Mesa is not one to be missed. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating fall in style.
Sip Your Way into Fall at Coffee Dose and Portola Coffee
-Photo by OC Mix
Kickstart your day with a visit to two local gems, Coffee Dose and Portola Coffee. These beloved coffee shops have crafted special fall drinks that are sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
At Coffee Dose, indulge in their “Basic Witch” Latte – their take on the pumpkin spice latte made with a creamy blend of espresso, oat milk, brown sugar, organic pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and a touch of sea salt. For those craving something unique, try the “Cereal Killer” Latte, a sweet concoction that perfectly captures the essence of autumn by blending the flavors of a maple cinnamon latte topped with cinnamon sweet cream and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Enjoy these fall drinks now through November 3rd and make sure not to miss the entertaining and spooky messages adorning each cup.
Meanwhile, Portola Coffee offers a delicious Maple Chai Cold Brew, which combines rich cold brew coffee with the warm flavors of maple syrup, chai cold foam, and cinnamon. If you’re in the mood for a classic fall treat, their Autumn Spice Latte is a comforting choice, with sweet potato, brown sugar, marshmallow whip, and aromatic spices that evoke the season’s spirit.
Get into the Fall Spirit at Tanaka Farms – Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Field
-Photo by Tanaka Farms
For a quintessential fall experience, head over to Tanaka Farms and explore their Hana Field Pumpkin Patch and Flower Field. Located right in the heart of Costa Mesa, this family-owned farm is a haven for pumpkin enthusiasts of all ages.
Take a leisurely stroll through the 8-acres of pumpkin fields, select your own pumpkins, and snap some Instagram-worthy photos amidst the vibrant orange backdrop. With a wide variety of pumpkins to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect one to carve or decorate for Halloween.
In addition to pumpkins, you can explore endless sunflower and marigold fields for stunning fall photos. Enjoy attractions like a corn maze, flower picking (seasonal availability), an educational Barnyard Exhibit, and much more! Don’t forget the picnic areas for a relaxing meal or grab a snack from the Hana Field Food Truck! They are open every Saturday & Sunday from 10am -6pm starting September 30th – October 29th. Book your pumpkin patch experience here.
South Coast Plaza: Fall’s Fashion and Fun
-Photo by South Coast Plaza
No visit to Costa Mesa is complete without a trip to South Coast Plaza, the premier shopping destination in Southern California. This fall, South Coast Plaza comes alive with a variety of events and offerings that are sure to appeal to all ages.
Explore the latest fall fashion trends in the luxury boutiques and department stores that call South Coast Plaza home. With an array of designer labels and collections, you’ll find everything you need to update your wardrobe for the season.
But it’s not just about shopping at South Coast Plaza; there are also fall cooking classes to satisfy your culinary cravings. Discover the flavors of fall during the Sur La Table & Le Creuset cooking classes through October 21st, where you can enjoy hands-on classes like ‘Autumn in Italy’ and ‘Tuscan Surf & Turf’.
Savor the Season in Costa Mesa
-Photo by @Behrpaw
Costa Mesa offers an irresistible blend of fall happenings and flavors that are sure to enchant anyone seeking an unforgettable autumn experience. From exclusive seasonal lattes at Coffee Dose and Portola Coffee 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. So, 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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Posted in Misc
5 agritourism spots in Costa Mesa
National Farmers Day may be in October, but Costa Mesa has some pretty awesome agritourism experiences year round. According to Visit California, “California farms produce over a third of the United States’ vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts—not to mention a lot of wine.” You can celebrate the bounty of California agriculture at these 5 places right here in Costa Mesa.
Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm, at OC Fair & Event Center, is a three-acre working farm dedicated to fun and education for the whole family. The farm is home to oxen, peafowl, chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, pigs and cattle. There’s also a beehive in the back garden. Crops on the farm rotate seasonally. There are 10 raised garden beds where you might find anything from artichokes to strawberries, depending on the time of year you visit.
Centennial Farm offers tours through their Discovery Days and Junior Farmers programs. Both require reservations and capacity is limited for the 2021/2022 season. You can find out more or make a reservation here.
Hana Field by Tanaka Farms
Hana Field by Tanaka Farms is an eight-acre working farm with fields of flowers, or hana in Japanese. Flowers include sunflowers, zinnias, herbs and more, depending on the season. You can visit Hana Field year round for U-Pick flowers, as well as a small barnyard animal exhibit with chickens, goats and bunnies. You’ll also find a tractor pull ride, play area, a straw bale maze and mountain, plus an arts & crafts station. In October, U-Pick pumpkins are available too.
Reservations are required for visiting and can be booked through the website. We also recommend reading the rules and regulations section.
The CAMP
We can’t forget The CAMP, an eco-friendly retail campus with exciting dining and shopping options. The CAMP features 12 gardens with fruits, vegetables and herbs for restaurants to source local ingredients. Whether you shop for sustainable items at one of the shops or dine at a restaurant with locally sourced ingredients, visiting The CAMP is unique spot to honor California’s agriculture.
Farmers Markets
Enjoy local California agriculture by visiting one of Costa Mesa’s two weekly farmers markets. The Farmers Market at OC Fair & Event Center is an OC Farm Bureau certified farmers market. Open every Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and offers fresh produce, local honey and hot food vendors. On Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, SOCO Farmers Market at SOCO & The OC Mix features farm-fresh produce, free-range meat, eggs, baked goods and more. Hot food options include vegan Japanese fare and tacos. Local musicians often play in front of The OC Mix, making for a festive experience.
Segerstrom Ranch Historic Site
Costa Mesa was once home to fields of lima beans on land that became, among other things, South Coast Plaza and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. In fact, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons was the largest independent producer of lima beans in the United States. The Segerstrom Ranch Historic Site, which still produces a small amount of lima beans, offers a once-a-year tour that traditionally takes place the first weekend in December. A 2021 tour has not been announced yet.
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Posted in Misc
Shop, dine and play in Costa Mesa
It’s back-to-school time, which means new clothes, gadgets and more. Whether you’re shopping for kids or just want a wardrobe refresh, Costa Mesa has unique boutiques and the largest shopping destination on the West Coast. While you’re here, check out the world-class dining and entertainment options available too. Want to make it a mini-getaway? Check out our summer hotel deals!
The LAB
The LAB Anti-Mall is a great place for shopping small and, even, environmentally conscious. Buffalo Exchange is a second-hand shop offering basics, designer, trendy and one-of-a-kind fashion. On the opposite side of The LAB, you’ll find an Urban Outfitters too. Looking for sustainable school supplies? Eco Now, a zero-waste shop and refill station offers plastic free lunch containers, bags, utensils and more. There’s also a cosmetic and skincare section.
There are plenty of restaurants, if you need a bite to eat. The Den Café serves a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. Seabirds Kitchen is a popular vegan restaurant. Try their avo taco, a vegan version of the fish taco. The LAB also has a Baba’s Hot Chicken. Habana is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
The CAMP
Eco-friendly retail campus The CAMP has several shops that favor environmentally conscious clothing. SEED Peoples Market offers curated fashion from local vendors and responsible brands, such as Patagonia. 2nd Street USA is a second-hand shop where you can find clothes and accessories. Purre Boutique has women’s clothing, home goods and accessories.
Take a break from shopping at one of The CAMP’s Eatcation®-worthy restaurants. Old Vine Kitchen & Bar has something delicious any time you visit. Stop in on the weekend for an incredible brunch (make sure to get a cinnamon roll). Chopped champion Rachel Klemek’s Blackmarket Bakery offers breakfast, lunch, pastries, desserts and a full coffee menu. Vegan diners will love Native Foods. For a quick bite, try East Borough’s take on classic Vietnamese dishes. Vitaly is always a great option for traditional Italian food, including gelato. If you’re visiting after 4, make a reservation at Folks. Their naturally leavened pizza and natural wines are a definite treat. We also recommend trying their amazing meatballs.
South Coast Plaza
The premier destination for shopping on the West Coast has everything you need for back-to-school shopping. Whether you’re picking up new tech from the Apple Store, shopping for clothes at one of the boutiques or department stores, you can find it at South Coast Plaza. For a full list of stores for kids clothes, shoes and accessories, click here.
There are more than 30 restaurants to choose from at South Coast Plaza. Try the latest concept, Collage Culinary Experience, a food hall with Paradise Dynasty, Le Shrimp Ramen and Mah Jongs by Chef Mike currently open. The grand opening takes place this fall. You can find a list of all South Coast Plaza restaurants here.
SOCO & The OC Mix
If you’re also shopping for babies or toddlers, check out Whimsical Charm at SOCO & The OC Mix. You’ll find adorable clothes, robes, blankets and shoes. While you’re there, stop for coffee at Portola Coffee Roasters or a meal at one of their restaurants. The Cheese Shop serves sandwiches, get pizza at ARC or have dinner at Michelin star Taco Maria.
Things to Do
Check out our previous blog for Broadway shows and concerts coming to Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Visit our calendar for all the entertainment options coming to Costa Mesa during your visit.
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Explore Ecotourism in Orange County
While sustainability and environmental education can sometimes mean expensive vacations to exotic locales, you might not need to do more than take a weekend trip to Southern California for an ecocentric experience. Orange County has plenty to offer the environmentally minded traveler, from exploration of California’s beautiful flora and fauna (even Bald Eagles!) to volunteering opportunities at local sanctuaries.
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