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5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Earth Month in Costa Mesa

Posted on April 8, 2024 | 10:17am

April is here, and you know what that means—it’s Earth Month! As we soak up that SoCal sunshine, let’s also take a moment to give some love back to our planet. Whether you’re down to go vegan for the day or looking to shop more sustainably, Costa Mesa has endless options for embracing a greener lifestyle.

1. Go Green with Slow Fashion

Celebrate Earth Month in style by exploring our local thrift and vintage stores. Thrifting is a great way to find unique items, reduce waste, and express your individual style. From trendy shops to hidden gems, these local spots provide an opportunity to find outfits that are environmentally friendly and fashionable.

2. Go Vegan for a Day

Photo by The Plot

A plant-based diet isn’t just a win for your health—it’s also a major win for the planet! Lucky for us, Costa Mesa is full of fantastic award-winning vegan restaurants like The PlotSea Birds Kitchen, and Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice. So why not swap out that beef burger for a mouthwatering veggie patty for the day.

3. Go Plastic Free

Swing by one of Costa Mesa’s refill shops for a shopping experience that’s as eco-friendly as it gets. From your favorite household essentials to self-care must-haves, Fermentation FarmFill Up Buttercup, and The Water Brewery have got you covered while reducing plastic waste. We challenge you to give it a try this month!

4. Go for a Walk

Take a peaceful walk through the serene landscapes of Talbert Regional Park. It’s the perfect way to soak up nature’s beauty and unwind amidst lush greenery and chirping birds. Take a moment to reconnect with the earth, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the simple joys of being outdoors. So grab your sneakers and bring a friend!

5. Go Explore Th CAMP

Treat yourself to an eco-conscious shopping spree at The CAMP. This unique retail destination offers a curated selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly brands, ranging from fashion to home goods. Discover products that align with your values, all while supporting local artisans and businesses committed to reducing their ecological footprint.

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Posted in Misc

The Best Easter Brunches in Costa Mesa

Posted on March 19, 2024 | 11:44am

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?

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Posted in Misc

The Key to a Perfect Spring Break in Orange County

Posted on March 15, 2024 | 3:25pm

Spring is here and if you’re searching for the perfect spot to let loose, look no further than Costa Mesa! Picture this: coastal California vibes, epic dining scenes, endless sunshine, unparalleled shopping, and world-class performing arts – all in one place with hotel options that won’t break your bank.

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Posted in Misc

7 Ways to Ring in the New Year in Costa Mesa

Posted on December 13, 2023 | 6:19pm

Get ready to wrap up the year with a celebration to remember! Costa Mesa is gearing up for an epic New Year’s Eve, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away or indulge in a delicious dinner, there’s something special for everyone.

1. Catch Deadmau5 at TIME Nightclub

– photo by TIME Nightclub

Ring in the New Year at TIME Nightclub, featuring the legendary Deadmau5! Join the celebration starting at 9pm, where pulsating beats and infectious rhythms will keep you dancing all night long. Elevate your experience with a VIP Table package for an New Year’s Eve party for the record books. 

2. New Year’s Eve 4-Course Menu at Water Grill

– photo by Water Grill

Make your New Year’s Eve truly special with at delicious 4-course prix-fixe menu at Water Grill. Elevate your experience with a thoughtfully curated $50 wine pairing option. Cheers to a night of indulgence, celebration, and culinary perfection!

3. Party at Sevilla Nightclub

– photo by Sevilla Nightclub

Add spice to your NYE bash at the vibrant Sevilla Nightclub! Be sure to secure your spot for the party by making reservation now. Dazzling lights, salsa beats and an electrifying atmosphere, this promises to be the biggest NYE party in Costa Mesa.

4. Attend a NYE VIP Celebration at MESA

– photo by Mesa

Elevate your New Year’s Eve experience at Mesa with the NYE VIP celebration! Join the festivities starting at 8pm for an exclusive night of glamour and excitement. Indulge in premium champagne, savor tray-passed appetizers, and revel in the joy of the countdown.

5. Bling in the New Year at The Country Club

– photo by The Country Club

Start 2024 with a bang at The Country Club! Sip on bottomless champagne, treat yourself to a special Surf & Turf dinner, dance the night away with a killer DJ, and watch the magic happen with a balloon drop at midnight.

6. Don’t Miss an Epic Y2K Dance Party at Wayfarer

– photo by Wayfarer

Dance the night away at the New Year’s Eve Y2K Dance Party at Wayfarer! An unforgettable night of 90’s and 00’s covers by local favorite Sega Genecide. Tickets are just $20 in advanced and $25 at the door.

7. Keep the Party Going at a Hotel in Costa Mesa

– photo by The Westin South Coast Plaza

A stay at a Costa Mesa hotel is the epitome of a New Year’s Eve well spent – glamorous, carefree, and infused with a touch of luxury. Embrace the freedom to dance the night away without worrying about late-night transportation and wake up in the comfort of a hotel room instead!

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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Locals, Misc

Costa Mesa: A Symphony of Creativity Blooms in the City of Arts®

Posted on October 5, 2023 | 11:22am

Step into Costa Mesa, where October marks the vibrant celebration of Art Month—a clear testament to the city’s abundant cultural richness and its rightful title as the City of the Arts®. In this story, we’ll dive into the fascinating history that earned Costa Mesa this title, explore the city’s iconic murals, showcase the performing arts venues, and revel in the delectable fusion of art and food.

Costa Mesa’s Artful Roots: A Glimpse into History

– Photo by @robdavisre

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa boasts a history as colorful as its artistic offerings. Originally an agricultural haven, the city evolved into a hub for creativity, with each chapter of its history contributing to the vibrant arts community we see today.

Why City of the Arts®?

Costa Mesa boasts its renowned title due to its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic expression. The city’s dedication to the arts is exemplified by its live entertainment theaters, public art installations, and diverse array of artistic culinary food that attracts residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in creativity.

OCMA’s Majestic Celebration: One Year of Artistic Brilliance

October marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Orange County Museum of Art’s (OCMA) new building! This architectural gem is free to enter and stands as a beacon for art enthusiasts, offering a breathtaking showcase of contemporary works that echo the city’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

Mural Magic: A Stroll Through Costa Mesa’s Outdoor Gallery

Embark on a visual journey through Costa Mesa’s streets adorned with striking murals. Admire the work of renowned artists like Shepard Fairey, whose iconic pieces add a touch of urban sophistication. Celebrate the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant with a mural that captures the spirit of a true legend. Be captivated by the whimsical and enchanting CostAmazing murals that grace the city’s walls, turning every street into a canvas of creativity.

Performing Arts Extravaganza: Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Indulge in the performing arts at the world-renowned Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The center’s majestic venues, including Segerstrom Hall and Samueli Theater, play host to an array of captivating performances, from Tony-Award winning Broadway shows to classical symphonies, enriching the cultural landscape of Costa Mesa.

Self-Guided Art Walk: Unleash Your Inner Explorer

Embark on a self-guided art walk through Costa Mesa’s enchanting neighborhoods. Enjoy a free audio tour while discovering hidden gems and 20+ public art installations that showcase the talents of local and international artists. Let the streets be your canvas as you immerse yourself in the city’s ever-evolving artistic spirit.

Harmonies Under the Stars: Pacific Amphitheater

Enjoy the sweet melodies of outdoor concerts at Costa Mesa’s Pacific Amphitheater. Surrounded by the OC Fairgrounds, music enthusiasts can bask in the magic of live performances under the stars, creating unforgettable memories amidst the city’s artistic embrace.

The Art of Food: A Feast for the Senses

Costa Mesa is not just a haven for visual and performing arts; it’s a culinary canvas that showcases the art of food. Take an Eatcation® as you immerse your taste buds in a symphony of world cuisines, with award-winning restaurants offering a gastronomic journey that mirrors the city’s commitment to excellence in all its forms.

The City of the Arts® invites you to join the celebration of Art Month this October! Whether you’re admiring murals, attending a performance, indulging in culinary delights, or simply exploring the city’s artistic nooks, Costa Mesa promises a symphony of creativity that will leave an incredible mark on your soul. Come and be a part of this artistic hub, where every street, every mural, and every note of music tells a story of a city that truly lives and breathes the arts.

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Posted in Misc, Music & Art