Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Where Will 2026 Take You? Start with Costa Mesa.
Summer may feel far away, but Plan for Vacation Day on January 27th is the perfect reminder to start putting travel plans on the calendar. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got some ideas.
Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Costa Mesa is Southern California’s under-the-radar gem. Just 11 minutes from the beach and filled with plenty of events to look forward to this year, Costa Mesa is the ideal home base for your next SoCal escape. Let’s dive in!
When Summer Calls, Live Music Answers
Some summer decisions are easy, like saying yes to live music under the stars. The Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair & Event Center has already started to release their 2026 performances including Alison Krauss & Union Station, Iration, and Midland, with plenty more on the way. Each summer brings a packed calendar of music genres including country, rock, pop, Latin, and reggae all enjoyed in this outdoor venue.
The best part? Tickets purchased for summer concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre include free same day admission to the OC Fair.
Summer’s Main Event
Your Adventure Awaits at the OC Fair this summer, running from July 17 through August 16 in Costa Mesa. This Southern California favorite draws more than one million visitors each year making it a must-do on any itinerary. Think classic carnival rides, pig races, demolition derby, creative exhibits, and fair food that deserves its own vacation memories. With enough entertainment to fill a full day or more, planning ahead makes it easy to book a nearby hotel and enjoy stress free access to the fairgrounds.
Beach Days, Minutes Away
If you’ve heard of Newport Beach or Huntington Beach, let us put you onto Costa Mesa, you’re new favorite beach-close vacation. It’s close enough to make surfing, whale watching or sunset beach views happen while paying less for hotels and avoiding all the crowds.
Book here and stay close to the beach:
Find all the Drama, Broadway Style
Looking for something a little more theatrical? If you’ve never seen a musical live (or just need an excuse to fall in love with one again), make this the year you do it. The Phantom of the Opera is coming to Segerstrom Center for the Arts this August, delivering gothic romance, mystery, and peak theatre drama. It’s the longest-running show on Broadway for a reason so don’t be surprised if you attend out of curiosity but leaving humming the soundtrack. Get your tickets early.
Run Toward Something Memorable
It’s official—we get it, you’ve become a run-club regular and now a marathon person. The good news? Traveling somewhere specifically to run 26 miles is absolutely a thing. The OC Marathon on May 2nd and 3rd draws runners from around the world and doubles as a full weekend celebration, with Celebrate OC, a two-day festival featuring live music, food, and fun fitness experiences for all ages. Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just soaking up the coastal energy, Costa Mesa is an ideal home base. It’s close to the action, comfortable for recovery, and surrounded by great food to fuel up before and celebrate with after.
Summer of 2026 Done Right
Plan for a Vacation Day is your official excuse to think ahead. Summer 2026 in Costa Mesa is already filling up with can’t-miss moments, and locking in your hotel early means better options, better dates, and one less thing to think about later. Explore the best hotels in Costa Mesa.
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Posted in Misc
Unique Date Ideas for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day
If “just dinner” is your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day plan, let Costa Mesa spice it up this year. We’ve rounded up 14 unique ways to celebrate with your ride-or-dies. Expect all the fun, all the feels, and absolutely no regrets.
And since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, you’ve got all weekend to celebrate and stay in the city! Scroll for all the details.
1. Take a Paint Class at Inspired Art Wine
Photo by Inspired Art Wine
Art and wine is a timeless combo and Inspired Art Wine is taking it up a notch. They offer painting classes (with wine), as well as wine-focused sessions where you can learn about tasting profiles and create custom labels. For Valentine’s Day, they’re hosting a painting class featuring the scene “London Walk,” perfect for the romantic occasion! Seats are limited, so book yours before they’re gone.
2. Make Custom Belts at Saltwater Leather
Get buckled up for a fun, hands-on date at Saltwater Leather where you’ll make your very own custom leather belts. Match your leathers for a “we’re-in-sync” look or mix different colors to show off your unique styles, opposites attract, after all. Choose the perfect buckle, then seal the deal by engraving your names on them! You’ll leave with a custom leather keepsake you can wear (and brag about) all year long.
3. Take Vintage Photo Booth Pictures
You’ve seen it all over TikTok — now is the perfect occasion to try it. It doesn’t get more romantic or nostalgic than stepping into a vintage photo booth at Booth by Bryant. Snap a few pics before heading to dinner or hop in after a couple of drinks for some perfectly unfiltered fun. Sweet, silly, or slightly chaotic, these timeless black and white photo strips capture the kind of moments you’ll want to keep forever.
4. Book a Romantic Overnight Stay
This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday which is the perfect excuse to celebrate all weekend! Check out these hotels offering romantic and luxurious getaway experiences.
Ayres Hotel – Valentine Package:
- Sparkling Wine
- 4 Chocolate-covered Strawberries
- 2 PM Late Check-out
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel – Valentine Package:
- $100 F&B Credit per night
- Breakfast for Two per day
- Complimentary Bottle of Champagne upon arrival
- Complimentary Overnight Self-Parking
- Rose Petals
The Westin South Coast Plaza – Valentine Package:
- Overnight accommodations
- Welcome Amenity with locally sourced chocolates
- Choice of beverage: bottle of champagne, sparkling cider, or wine
- Complimentary breakfast for two (2) at The Great Room
- Complimentary self-parking for one (1) vehicle
- 2pm late check-out (based on availability)
- Overnight accommodations for you and your ladies
- Festive Galentine’s décor to elevate your stay
- Hand‑decorated Galentine’s sugar cookies — a sweet treat to share
- “Espresso Your Friendship” DIY Espresso Martini amenities, perfect for crafting celebratory cocktails together
Whether you’re with your partner or your best friends, spending the night at a Costa Mesa Hotel is the best way to add a little extra love to the occasion.
5. Stay Classy with Dinner and a Show
Photo by @debophotos
Is there anything more iconic than dinner and a show? Kick-off Valentine’s Day with a decadent 4-course prix-fixe meal at Silver Trumpet—think perfectly seasoned steaks and seafood, hand-crafted desserts, and more deliciousness. Then, take a romantic stroll to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for Michael Feinstein’s Valentine with the Carnegie Hall Ensemble performance.
6. Create a Custom Charm Necklace at Balboa Gold
Photo by Balboa Gold
For a keepsake that stands out, head to Balboa Gold inside SOCO & the OC Mix where you and your besties can design your own custom charm necklace or bracelet. Choose from a selection of meaningful charms, initials, and gemstones to match your personal style. Hanging with your boo? Book a permanent jewelry appointment to make it official with a forever bracelet!
7. Enjoy a Special Dinner in Costa Mesa
Photo by Knife Pleat
Knife Pleat: Treat your special someone to a Michelin-starred experience at Knife Pleat with a luxurious French tasting menu, available on February 13 and February 14. If you can’t make dinner, their Valentine’s Day Afternoon tea will be offered on February 14th from 11:30 to 2:00 PM.
Silver Trumpet:Celebrate love effortlessly with a 3-course prix-fixe menu featuring a choice of starters, including roasted candy cane beets, seafood bisque, or French onion tart; elegant entrées such as lobster raviolo, black cod, or Hudson Valley duck breast; and a decadent pink velvet cake to finish.
Sevilla: Enjoy a fun atmosphere of live Latin music and Spanish cuisine at Sevilla. Their special four-course menu features dishes like warm goat cheese dip, lobster paella valenciana, and orange tart with raspberry meringue for dessert.
The Capital Grille: Enjoy an evening designed for effortless romance, featuring Seared Tenderloin with Butter-Poached Lobster Tails.
8. Treat Yourselves at South Coast Plaza
Photo by South Coast Plaza
This Valentine’s Day, shopping at South Coast Plaza is more than just a retail therapy session—it’s a love affair. With luxury brands, boutiques, and delicious eateries, you’ll find the perfect gift (or treat yourself—no judgment here). Don’t forget to grab a complimentary rose and stop by Laderach for artisanal chocolates that’ll make your heart—and taste buds—melt.
9. Be Inspired at OCMA
Orange County Museum of Art is the perfect unexpected spot for a memorable date night. Stroll hand in hand through the galleries, exploring California and international masterpieces. Did we mention admission is free?
10. Learn Some Moves at Café Sevilla
Photo by Café Sevilla
This Valentine’s Day, spice things up with a Salsa & Bachata dance class at Café Sevilla! No reservations required—just bring your dance partner and some comfy shoes for a night of fun. Start with salsa, then move on to bachata, and put your new skills to the test while dancing into the early morning, until 1:00 am. It’s the perfect way to turn your date night into an unforgettable dance party!
11. Axe Your Ex at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Photo by Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Break free from Valentine’s clichés and axe your ex this February 15th at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales! You read that right. Bring a printed or digital picture of your ex and let out your frustrations by throwing some axes. Make sure to enjoy their wide selection of craft beers while you are there.
12. Take a Wheel Throwing Class at ARTime Barro
Photo by ARTime Barro
For a couple that likes a hands-on approach, we recommend taking a wheel-throwing class at ARTime Barro. Learn core techniques for using a pottery wheel alongside your favorite people with lessons for all levels given by lifelong ceramic experts.
13. Unwind at Facial Lounge
Photo by Facial Lounge
The first few months of the year can be a stressful time, so unwinding on Valentine’s Day is as valid as any date. We recommend booking organic vegan facials at Facial Lounge in Costa Mesa, a spa and lounge where even a few hours can feel like days of relaxation.
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Shopping
Jet-Setting Without Regret: Travel Well, and Eat Well in the New Year
Travel is good for the soul, and so is eating well. Eating clean and healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and in Costa Mesa, it isn’t. Our food scene is full of fresh ingredients, feel-good flavors, and menus with exciting seasonal options. Forget the idea that sticking to your New Year’s resolutions means staying home with a sad bowl of something beige. Get out there and dig into bold flavors, creative combinations, and guilt-free choices at our top spots for eating well in Costa Mesa in 2026.
Where to Eat Well in the New Year in Costa Mesa
Seabirds
– photo by Seabirds
Located at The LAB Anti-Mall, Seabirds has been leveling up the vegan food scene year after year. What started as a food truck has bloomed into their Costa Mesa flagship that has stood the test of time, a tried-and-true favorite for locals and visitors alike. Famous for their Purple Taquitos and creamy, dreamy vegan cashew gruyere Grilled Cheese, this spot is a must for anyone craving bold, scratch-made, unprocessed eats. Every bite is packed with flavor—and zero guilt.
Fermentation Farm
– photo by Fermentation Farm
A happy gut makes for a happy you—and that’s exactly what Costa Mesa’s Fermentation Farm is all about. This local fave puts the power of probiotics to work with fermented goodies fueled by beneficial yeast and bacteria that your gut will love. And once your stomach is full, they’ve got the rest of your body covered too, with vitamins, minerals, and supplements to keep you feeling your best from the inside out.
Tip: Swing by on Thursdays at 11 a.m., when local farms pop up right outside the shop with fresh, seasonal produce—because healthy living tastes even better when it’s local.
Jan’s Health Bar
– photo by Jan’s Health Bar
Jan’s Health Bar has a simple mission statement: Eat well. Feel good. They’ve been promoting healthy, fresh eating since 1972, and with age comes wisdom–and approachability. Don’t be afraid to start: dive right in with Jan’s smoothies, wraps, or $12 “Winter Wednesdays” salads. Enjoy thoughtful recipes and real food that brings flavor without compromise.
Mendocino Farms
-Photo by Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms in Costa Mesa is your every day, go-to lunch and dinner pick to keep you on track with your goals. Customize your own sandwich or salad, or go with a tasty favorite off their menu. If you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just trying to eat more veggies, there’s no need to compromise on taste. Want to swap that creamy dressing for a lighter option? Go for it. Extra protein? Absolutely. With fresh, seasonal ingredients and a whole lot of flavor, Mendocino Farms makes it easy to stay on track while treating your taste buds to something delicious.
Nekter Juice Bar
– photo by Nekter Juice Bar
Juice up your day at Nekter Juice Bar, Costa Mesa’s go-to for all things fresh and fruity! This local chain is ideal for pre- or post-workout, with the option to place orders ahead of time through their app. Catch up with friends over handcrafted acai bowls, protein-packed waffles, or smoothies. Wrap up by taking a few healthy snacks to-go to keep you charged as you visit any of Costa Mesa’s unique neighborhoods.
Goop Kitchen
-Photo by Goop Kitchen
Convenient and healthy? It sounds too good to be true, but that’s the name of the game at Goop Kitchen inside Costa Mesa Kitchens takeout food hall. Whether you’re craving a nourishing soup, a crisp salad, or a hearty bowl, their menu is designed to make healthy eating easy and tasty.
Tip: The beach is just a short drive (or Uber ride) away, so grab your meal and enjoy it with a side of SoCal ocean views!
Mother’s Market & Kitchen
– photo by @arshashealthyway via IG
The perfect one-stop-shop for anyone looking to keep their diet fresh, clean, and colorful in the New Year, Mother’s Market & Kitchen in Costa Mesa has it all. Sit down and have a meal at the cafe, recharge with fresh-pressed juice, or simply fill a cart with their well-curated grocery options and enjoy a meal at home. Whatever your pace and goals for the day are, you’ll find what you need. Everything is natural, everything is organic, and everything works toward a better, healthier you.
Dry January at Ruin Bar
-Photo by Ruin Bar
If you’re looking to enjoy bar vibes without the booze, Ruin Bar has you covered—especially with their special Dry January alcohol-free menu! Kick things off with their Vacation Vibes mocktail, a delightful mix of pineapple, orange juice, lemon, and a sprinkle of cinnamon that’ll transport you straight to the tropics. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, try their Vanilla Coke or Grapefruit Colada for a deliciously unique spin on familiar flavors. Whether you’re going dry or just looking for sober fun, Ruin Bar lets you enjoy the best of both worlds with great drinks and a fun environment!
Eat, Drink, and Feel Great
Eating healthy this New Year isn’t a restriction—it’s an opportunity to travel and explore new flavors that make you feel like your best self. And there’s no better place to dive in than Costa Mesa, where healthy eats and exciting experiences await in every corner. Plan your adventure!
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Posted in Food
Shop Happens: Your Next Great Find is in Costa Mesa
When shop happens, it happens for a reason. You catch something glittering in a window—and you know you need it. Maybe you’ve been hunting for the perfect modern-but-classic Aviator shades to splurge on. Maybe you’re chasing that main-character sparkle. Or maybe you’ve been deep in the algorithm trying to find a dupe for Taylor’s engagement ring. Whatever’s calling your name, Costa Mesa is where shopping dreams come true.
Luxury or low-key, “shop till you drop” is a lifestyle in Costa Mesa. Luxe boutiques are right next to quirky local markets, both offering one-of-a-kind finds. This isn’t a strip-mall crawl; it’s high-end hanging out with high-fun, and the city has options to fit every style (and every wallet).
The Heart of OC Style
Tucked in the middle of Orange County, Costa Mesa is laid-back California meets world-class style. If you’re flying in, try John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is only minutes away. If you’re driving, it’s an easy day trip from both Los Angeles and San Diego, surrounded by the 405, 55, and 73 freeways. Costa Mesa is effortlessly central—close to the coast, close to the action, and very close to your next great find.
For many visitors, that first stop—aka the moment they realize Costa Mesa’s retail scene is on another level—is South Coast Plaza. The plaza is a landmark destination as the largest luxury retail spot on the West Coast, and it doesn’t play around. It boasts the only Alexander Wang store on the West Coast, and cult-favorites like Maison Margiela and Jacques Marie Mage. There’s more than 270 boutiques, from Chanel, to Hermès, Bvlgari, and Gucci. It’s a full-on curated luxury experience, and we know from experience how fun it is to just walk around and window shop. Or to buy Khaite’s Nevada boots.
Anti-Mall, Pro-Style
It doesn’t have to be all designer names and splurges, though. Just down the street, but feeling like it’s another world, is the LAB Anti-Mall, a refreshing twist on retail sameness. “LAB” stands for “Little American Businesses,” which gives a hint for what to expect: independent retailers with unique finds. A huge part of the fun of the LAB is getting to explore a cool, industrial space with art installations and photo-worthy corners at every turn. But the shopping is number one: Browse vintage pieces at Buffalo Exchange, grab something fresh and plant-based at Seabirds Kitchen, or hunt for sustainable fashion (and zero-waste refills) at Eco Now.
The vibe stays eco-conscious right across from the LAB. Since opening in 2002, The CAMP has been one of Southern California’s top eco-friendly spots. It blends style with sustainability, with redwood walkways, garden patios, and unique shopping. Stop by 2nd Street USA for premium secondhand goods, and don’t forget to hit up Ahba for vibes on a cute pink patio and the best cheeseburger south of Los Angeles.
The CAMP and the LAB are Costa Mesa’s “anti-mall corridor,” where creativity, community, and self-expression come together. Keep your eye out for the weekend, when pop-up markets or local maker fairs tend to appear in the space.
When Shop Happens, Stay for More
From designer to indie, Costa Mesa is a place where “shop happens” in a multitude of ways. If you want a timeless bag from a designer brand, or if you want a handmade candle from a local artisan, we’ve got it—and everything in between. You’ll leave with something you love and probably a few things you didn’t plan to buy.The fun doesn’t have to end when the shops close. Make it a shopping weekend and stay at one of Costa Mesa’s chic hotels—mere steps from shopping, dining, and world-class entertainment—and wake up with time to do it all over again.
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Posted in Misc
From Labubus to Lightsabers: Fandom Fun in Costa Mesa
If you’re a fan and have been around fan communities and events, you know that some places just get you: you arrive and know you’re instantly among your people. Costa Mesa is one of those rare destinations where you’re able to shop, eat, and openly celebrate what you love. Whether you’re a diehard Disney fan, a cosplayer working on your next look, a hardcore gamer, or just mad about merch (we see you, blind box enthusiasts!), this Orange County gem gives you a place to belong. Get ready to geek out, maybe even weeb out, and stan your faves in sunshine and sandals.
Never been to Orange County’s secret headquarters for food, culture, and fandom? Costa Mesa is located just a few minutes away from John Wayne Airport (SNA) and is nestled between the beaches of Newport and the Happiest Place on Earth, aka Disneyland. With world-class theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, unexpectedly cool and kitschy art at Orange County Museum of Arts (OCMA), fresh shopping experiences at The LAB and The CAMP, and Michelin-starred eats, Costa Mesa is the perfect spawn point for adventure.
Theater Meets Pop Culture
An unexpectedly great place to geek out is at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. With six venues on campus, the center features year-round programming. Catch the upcoming concert of music from Tim Burton films at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, or hit up Segerstrom Hall for events like the PlayStation Concert Tour, Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert, and The Witcher in Concert. Segerstrom transforms your obsessions into shared, live experiences, where you can cheer alongside people who love the same stories you do.
Labubu and Friends Await in Costa Mesa
If you’ve been coveting an uber-viral Labubu of your own, we have great news. Tucked inside of South Coast Plaza’s luxury shopping experience is the first U.S. store from global toy sensation Pop Mart. Blind boxes, toy collabs with Skullpanda and Disney, and—most importantly—Labubus can be bought in the store and in person. You don’t have to order online and wait weeks for delivery! In Costa Mesa, you get the in-person thrill of opening a blind box and going right back into the store for another endorphin rush, and you won’t be alone (we may be speaking from experience here).
For the Weebs, With Love
Did we recently purchase a three-track Cardcaptor Sakura Character Single YUKITO from 1998 in pristine condition at BOOK OFF? We sure did. If you have no idea what those words meant, don’t worry—just know how happy we felt.
BOOK OFF is a secondhand shop stuffed with Japanese anime treasures, Marvel figurines, out-of-print manga, vintage CDs, and rare merch you probably won’t be able to dig up online.
If you time it right by visiting Costa Mesa between October 14–19th in 2025, you can also make the most of your weeb adventure by hitting up the OC Japan Fair. Enjoy a cosplay show, eat as much delicious food as you can manage (seriously, look at the vendors list), and maybe make a friend into the same obscure anime as you at an anime goods booth.
To wrap up your otaku tour, try Mitsuwa Marketplace. The food and shops are great, obviously, but the Gashapon Bandai Official Shop is a dream come true for capsule-toy lovers.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Fandom Café
Every hero needs a potions shop, and in Costa Mesa, that’s Elixir Tea Bar. The vibe of this place is unreal, with handcrafted, fannish boba tea creations like the Prophecy, a black tea boba drink with cardamom. But truly, the atmosphere is what makes Elixir shine; every inch of the café is fantastical, with booths filled with cosplayers, dragon heads mounted on the walls, and all kinds of fandoms are welcome to join the immersion. There’s even a Secret Wizard Society you can join with its own events and a secret menu only members can order from.
The Mouse is Minutes Away
Did you think we’d overlook one of the biggest fandoms to ever exist? Never. No fan pilgrimage in Orange County is complete without a visit to Disneyland, just a short drive from Costa Mesa in neighboring Anaheim. Ever wanted to wield a lightsaber? Big on trading pins or bedazzled mouse ears? Always wanted to snap selfies with your favorite princess at a character meet-and-greet? Disneyland is more than rides and enormous churros; it’s a place where enthusiasm is contagious and people young and old embrace stepping into the fantastical. Bring your sunscreen and your fandom glee to a place where your favorite stories come to life.
Find Uncommon Ground, Find Your People
Costa Mesa is a place to feel connected, meet kindred spirits, and celebrate your passion, no matter which fandom you’re in. Here, you can find uncommon ground in the city’s fan-friendly vibe. A trip to Costa Mesa is the perfect detox from screen time and it’s the antidote to feeling disconnected, especially during the holiday season. Stay, play, and find your people—Costa Mesa has hotels to suit every budget and style.
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Posted in Misc
