Travel Costa Mesa Blog
FREE THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER IN ORANGE COUNTY
Costa Mesa is Orange County’s City of the Arts™, featuring free things to do all summer – live performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, public art and sculptures throughout the city and eclectic art galleries featuring both world-renowned and local, up-and-coming artists’ talents. There are endless possibilities for free things to do, including getting your fill of arts and culture in Costa Mesa. Look beyond Costa Mesa, and you’ll see that Orange County makes a serious commitment to exposing its culture and landscape, while entertaining its residents and visitors with free things to do all summer long.
Hit the Orange County Beaches
Toes in the sand, cool ocean breeze and endless sunshine…it’s what Southern California is known for. What better way to spend a day soaking up the rays, taking a leisurely walk along the shoreline, or playing some beach volleyball? All of this is free, and a way to spend a day, or two, along the 42 miles of Orange County’s coastline from Dana Point Harbor to Laguna Beach, Newport Beach to “Surf City USA” Huntington Beach, both of the latter neighboring Costa Mesa. There are endless ways to spend the day in these seaside communities, including art festivals, surf competitions and events throughout the year.
Free City Line to get you around
Costa Mesa is already an easy city to get around, and many of the shopping and dining experiences are within a short walk of the city’s hotels. A new route of the city’s free shuttle service is making it even more convenient to get to some of the best restaurants, South Coast Plaza for retail therapy, and various local centers for nightlife and outdoor entertainment. This service runs from approximately 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days per week. Learn more about Costa Mesa’s free shuttle service and the local stops, as well as a low-cost option to ride from Costa Mesa to Disneyland for the day.
CHILL OUT WITH LIVE MUSIC
Summer Sounds at The CAMP
Every Sunday from 12 – 2 p.m., local musicians play a free live show in the courtyard in front of SEED People’s Market at The CAMP in Costa Mesa. Enjoy the warm Southern California weather and relax at one of the first-known environmentally friendly retail and dining centers. At The CAMP, you will find a variety of culinary delights like Native Foods, offering gourmet vegetarian cuisine or Old Vine Café with fresh, locally sourced organic cuisine in the style of southern Italy, and an incredible brunch served daily until 3 p.m. So come on out, grab a bite and stake a spot at one of the picnic tables, then kick back in a hammock and enjoy an afternoon chilling out with the locals.
SOCO After Dark Live Music Mondays
On the last Monday of each month, step outside to enjoy live music in the courtyard at SOCO and The OC Mix. South Coast Collection, also known as SOCO Costa Mesa, defines the ultimate home design and culinary experience in Southern California. SOCO is home to more than 70 specifically curated showrooms, restaurants and stores. Make it a date or a fun evening with friends and enjoy Happy Hour at We Olive Wine Bar while listening to the lively music by the swing band Riff Raff. For any decorator, designer, chef or creative mind in Orange County, SOCO is a shopping destination that is sure to inspire.
Summer Music Series at The Triangle
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Triangle kicks off a weekly music series on July 12 from 5 to 8 p.m., with live music continuing every Wednesday evening through August 23. The live music, held in the upper level courtyard between Saddle Ranch Chop House and La Vida Cantina, will feature guitarists, duos and solo artists performing a variety of genres including “Back to the Beach” classics, hits of the 80s and 90s and reggae.
MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
Families, friends and visitors from all over can claim their space at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts complex to enjoy a film under the stars as it is projected on the side of the concert hall. Spend a casual evening full of fun-filled activities, picnic dinners or specialties from popular food trucks and watch one of five fan-favorite films on consecutive Mondays in July and August. Come as early as 5:30 p.m., bring beach chairs or blankets, snacks and drinks and get comfortable with fellow moviegoers starting at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.).
Saturdays at Orange County Great Park
If you haven’t experienced Orange County’s Great Park, it’s a former military air base in the City of Irvine, designed for sporting events, concerts, farmers markets and community activities and is stunning venue to see a movie on the lawn. Head over a little early and enjoy the carousel, aviation museum and food vendors. Look out for the big orange balloon to help guide you to the venue, and you can even take a ride up in the sky to see Orange County’s skyline.
San Clemente Ocean Festival
Explore “The Greatest Show on Surf” as lifeguards, locals and visitors take to the beach to participate in activities to promote and support ocean safety, and the environment. During this two-day event on July 15 & 16, participants and spectators of all ages will enjoy surf skiing and rescue relays, as well as Stand Up Paddleboard competitions and a Dolphin Dash kids run on the sand. This event is a perfect opportunity to spend the day and experience San Clemente’s beaches and pier.
Los Angeles Chargers Training Camp
The Los Angeles Chargers are now calling Costa Mesa home! The team will kick off the 2017 season with its training camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa (2750 Fairview Road). Practices are free and open to the public between July 30 and August 22. No tickets are required and walk-ups are welcome; however, fans are encouraged to reserve free bleacher seating passes – available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning July 1. Don’t miss exciting practice times between the Chargers and New Orleans Saints on August 22, the week before their exhibition game. If you plan to attend the OC Fair during your visit, July 21 is the day to also get up close with The Chargers as we celebrate Costa Mesa Day at the Fair.
Costa Mesa Artwalk
Whether you have a special appreciation for art and culture, or you’re looking to learn more about the heart of Orange County’s City of the Arts™, take a free walking tour of the Costa Mesa Artwalk. Get a copy of the easy-to-follow map and start exploring the 15 public art pieces and spaces in and around the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, including the Unity Bridge connecting you to luxury shopping at South Coast Plaza, and the beautiful Neptune Water Spouts fountain flowing in the lobby at The Westin South Coast Plaza. One of the lovely hidden gems of the city is California Scenario, a 1.6-acre outdoor sculpture garden created by Isamu Noguchi with native California landscapes and vegetation. With some of the finest visual arts installations and performing arts venues in the world, it’s easy to see why Costa Mesa is The City of the Arts™.
Known to locals as the Downtown Anaheim A.C.E. Festival, arts and culture enthusiasts can walk, crawl or climb aboard the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) for complimentary rides throughout Anaheim’s Art Crawl Experience (A.C.E.) on August 19 from 6-10 p.m. You’ll see art in public places, street artisans, pop-up galleries, and the brick-and-mortar galleries. And, along the way there are plenty of places to dine or grab a bite from one of the gourmet food trucks along the route.
South Coast Plaza’s 50th Anniversary: Segerstrom Pioneering Spirit: An American Dream Exhibit
One of the best-known shopping destinations in California is South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Easily accessible at the heart of the city, and a short walk from Costa Mesa hotels, South Coast Plaza welcomes 22 million visitors each year. As a leader in luxury brands, one-of-a-kind boutiques and dozens of acclaimed restaurants, South Coast Plaza in Southern California is where many fashion trends and runway-only creations make their debut. In celebration of the vision for this shopping experience that began more than 50 years ago, built upon the Segerstrom family’s lima bean fields, a free exhibit has been created and is on display in Jewel Court at South Coast Plaza through July 31. Grab a latte and dig into the roots of this historical landmark.
Every summer, “Surf City USA” is transformed to the world’s ultimate surfing arena for nine days of surfing and surf culture in Huntington Beach, California. This free event is showcases more than 300 world-class surfers competing in the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing along by BMX riders and skateboarders exhibiting their talents in arenas on the sand. If you’re in Southern California between July 29 and August 9, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
In the coastal city about 20 minutes south of Costa Mesa, you’ll find another extraordinary arts community in Laguna Beach. Head down the coast on the first Thursday of the month to experience Laguna’s vibrant arts scene by joining the free First Thursday Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. where you’ll gain a understanding and appreciation arts in Orange County.
On Sunday, July 19 and August 13, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. head over to the Treehouse to stretch out, get centered and find your Zen at The CAMP in Costa Mesa with free yoga by The Yoga Mat.
Will you spend an evening at a movie, the day at one of Orange County’s beautiful beaches, or exploring Costa Mesa’s art scene? You’ve got all summer and there are plenty of free things to do, so get out here and have fun!
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Posted in Events, Misc, Music & Art, Play
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
Stay All Weekend and get $100 While Enjoying Costa Mesa Events
Looking for events this weekend or for Memorial Day? The Costa Mesa events calendar has something for the everyone. And, if you stay two nights, you’ll enjoy $100 to dine in the City of Costa Mesa.
Make a night out at the original and largest Asian-themed Night Market in the U.S. when it returns to OC Fair & Event Center May 19-21. The event hosts more than 200 attractions including food vendors, crafts, music and live entertainment and merchandise. The Night Market is open from 4 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday and from 4 to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 and parking is $8. Children under 6 get in free.
Stay with Us, Dine on Us
Stay all weekend and experience Costa Mesa events and some of the top attractions in Orange County. Right now, through Memorial Day, Costa Mesa hotels are offering some great packages to help you extend your stay and put a little money back in your pocket. Select Costa Mesa hotels and the trendy dining and retail center, SOCO and The OC Mix invite you stay with us and dine on us.
Book a two-night stay through May 29. Costa Mesa hotel guests will receive $100 to experience some of the best dining in Southern California. Choose from more than 20 restaurants including authentic French crepes at Bistro Papillote, or Spanish tapas at Pueblo, or make your own plate with hand-cut cheese from The Cheese Shop, with olive oil and wine tasting at We Olive Wine Bar. These are just a few of the flavors you’ll find at SOCO and The OC Mix.
If you’re wondering what to do this Memorial Day weekend, we have some ideas.
Friday, May 26, check into your hotel; take in an early dinner at Leatherby’s Café Rouge, or Water Grill…walking distance from most hotels. Get tickets to see to the popular Celtic Women at Segerstrom Center for the Arts that evening. Experience the live stage performance of the Voices of Angels. Enjoy the angelic sound of the three Celtic women while they perform alongside new Celtic violinist Tara McNeill and watch as the trio makes stunning wardrobe changes throughout the evening.
Saturday, May 27, head over to SOCO and The OC Mix where you can start putting your $100 gift card from your Stay and Shop package to use. Grab a seat on the patio for a late breakfast or lunch at Restaurant Marin…you’ll feel like you’ve been swept away to a different time in this charming location while you enjoy the comfort of freshly crafted menu items. Be sure to take the time to visit one of Orange County’s largest farmer’s markets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during your trip to SOCO and The OC Mix. There is plenty of fresh produce, floral arrangements and crafts for kids (gift card not redeemable at Farmer’s Market). Be sure to stroll around the center to see the creative boutiques and designer showrooms at this location.
Memorial Day weekend also brings the Scottish Festival to Costa Mesa at OC Fair & Event Center on Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27. Whether or not you’re of Scottish heritage, the Highland Games are a great form of entertainment and showmanship. Spend the day outside enjoying traditional food and music while experiencing this annual Southern California event.
Costa Mesa dining, shopping and attractions are all within minutes of each other so it’s easy to head back to SOCO and The OC Mix anytime throughout the weekend to try the exceptional brew at Portola Coffee, sample the Kombucha sodas from Farm & Culture Co., or pick up a sweet treat at ST Patisserie Chocolat, you will find the best food trucks all around the city, ice cream trucks with unique flavors, and great texture thanks to the refrigerator container options they use.
In the City of the Arts™, you won’t want to miss the experiential Costa Mesa Art Walk around Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Sculptures can be found in a hotel, concert hall, along pathways throughout the performing arts complex, and at South Coast Plaza – one of the largest shopping centers in California with hundreds of retailers, unique boutiques, designer retailers and restaurants.
Getting to Costa Mesa is easy being just 90 minutes north of San Diego, one hour south of Los Angeles and an hour flight by air from San Francisco, Phoenix and Las Vegas into John Wayne Airport, Orange County.
See you soon!
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Locals, Misc, Music & Art, Play
Become a Pastry Chef in a Day! Baking and Pastry School at ST Patisserie Costa Mesa
Do you aspire to be a pastry chef, but you don’t have the nerve to share your creations outside of your own kitchen? Costa Mesa has its very own baking and pastry school at SOCO and The OC Mix! We’re sure you’ll feel more confident about sharing your homemade dessert creations after taking a class with world-famous French Pastry Chef Stéphane Tréand of The Pastry School and ST Pâtisserie Chocolat. This may sound intimidating, but The Pastry School offers a variety of classes designed to teach beginners, and seasoned professionals, the techniques to take their pastry techniques to the next level.
It’s a great way to turn a vacation to Costa Mesa into an Eatcation!
Chef Stéphane recently offered a sneak peak of his classes when he was featured on an episode of the California Dream Eater. The show’s host, Chase Ramsey, dropped in on Chef Stéphane to congratulate him for being selected as part of Visit California’s #DreamEats program. Chef Stéphane took that opportunity to show Ramsey a few of the secrets to making amazing desserts.
Classes at The Pastry School vary from 5-day weeklong sessions to a single day, depending how intense one wants to get with the craft. The one-day classes are also a great opportunity for a date, or outing with girlfriends. For those who are seriously thinking about developing their skills, and can dedicate more time, a Master Series is also available. These have been making waves online, being mentioned on articles like https://educationspeaks.org/gordon-ramsay-masterclass-review/ have increased their visibility in a marked way. Reviews like that don’t come often and they have to be pleased by it for sure.
Chef Stéphane teaches “the joy of baking and arts” and has been doing so in the U.S. since 2012 when he relocated from Paris and opened his first pastry school in Southern California. Within a few years, he moved his school from San Clemente to Costa Mesa’s SOCO and The OC Mix where he opened ST Pâtisserie Chocolat in two locations to share his delightful creations with visitors.
Chef Stéphane is just one of four artisans in the U.S. with the prestigious title of Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF), which is awarded by the French Ministry of Labour in Paris and given to artists and chefs competing to create their perfect masterpiece.
To learn more about the California Dream Eater and Costa Mesa being designated as a #DreamEats destination, see our blog about Costa Mesa’s Amazing Aged Steaks.
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