Travel Costa Mesa Blog
How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is a time to celebrate the rich culture and amazing contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community. Observed annually from September 15 to October 15, HHM is celebrated both locally and nationwide across the United States. Costa Mesa, which translates to “coastal tableland” in Spanish, has a deep- rooted connection to Hispanic culture that dates back to the late 18th century when Spanish missionaries and soldiers first settled in the area. Today, the city celebrates its diverse community through food, art, and colorful cultural events that honor Hispanic traditions.
Read on for our favorite ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa!
Food
Costa Mesa’s food scene is packed with bold Hispanic and Latin flavors. You can eat your way through Mexico at Mercado Gonzalez, a giant Mexican food market with over 20 puestos, or food stations, dishing out everything from tacos to churros, carnitas to ceviche, and so much more!
For a delicious twist on traditional Peruvian lomo saltado, start your culinary journey at Costa Contemporary Kitchen. Then, sip on award-winning margaritas at Playa Mesa before indulging in a flavorful four meat, Michelin recognized paella from Vaca. Coffee lovers (you know who you are) should swing by Hola Adios Coffee Shop for a caffeine fix and try their mouthwatering barbacoa burrito.
We could rave about the food all day, but we’ll let our restaurant list do the talking— check it out for all our top restaurants!
Art, Music, and Dance
Diego Sepulveda Adobe
Journey through California’s rich past by visiting the Diego Sepulveda Adobe museum. Located in Estancia Park, the adobe is one of Costa Mesa’s most historic sites showcasing nearly 200 years of local history. Originally a travel stop and later a ranch house, each room has been restored to showcase four key periods in Orange County history: Indian, Mission, Spanish, and Victorian. Visit on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month to explore this historical hidden gem!
ARTime Barro
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month hands-on at ARTime Barro, a local Mexican-owned pottery studio in Costa Mesa. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, their workshops and classes cater to all skill levels. With a deep commitment to fostering creativity and community, ARTime Barro stands out as a must-visit destination. You’ll not only gain knowledge of ceramics but also take home a handcrafted keepsake from your visit.
Sevilla OC
Photo by Sevilla
Experience Southern California’s longest-running flamenco dinner at Sevilla OC! These shows offer a rich blend of visuals, sounds, and flavors that will transport you right to Spain. Enjoy a mouthwatering three-course paella dinner while being blown away by a stunning two-part Flamenco performance. These dancers, trained in Spain and masters of their craft, will truly mesmerize you with their powerful and soulful movements that channel centuries of tradition.
Griselda Rosas at Orange County Museum of Art
Griselda Rosas uses charcoal, watercolor, and textiles to explore life along the U.S. and Mexico border. With her young son Fernando as her partner-in-creativity, she embroiders over his drawings to turn them into fantastical figures drawn from folklore, Indigenous history, and children’s stories. She transforms everyday materials—like her son’s childhood clothes—into art that blends memory, identity, and culture.
Special Events
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
September 27, 2025
Join the City of Costa Mesa at Lions Park for their Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration from 10 am – 2 pm. Enjoy food, games, activities, and special cultural performances.
OC Pride Parade and Festival at OC Fair and Event Center
September 27, 2025
Get ready—the OC Pride Festival & Parade is coming back to the OC Fair & Event Center! This is Orange County’s official Pride celebration, bringing glitter, music, rainbows, and all the love. Enjoy an exciting lineup of Spanish and English performers, plus diverse programming—from Teen Pride to Pride Family Camp, and explore over 150 LGBTQIA+ and ally-owned vendors. Get your tickets before they sell out!
Cumbia Night at Semi Tropic Wines
September 20, 2025
Turn up the ritmo at Costa Mesa’s favorite wine bar! Let DJ Rigo Suave guide you through a night of hip-swaying cumbia beats that will keep you dancing all night log. Pair the music with a glass (or two) of wine and you’ve got the perfect combo for a night of community, culture, and fun.
Photo by Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Sonia De Los Santos
October 11 – 12, 2025
Experience an evening with Sonia De Los Santos. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, has been performing in Spanish and English since 2007. Her joyful songs—often inspired by Latin American rhythms like huapango, cumbia, salsa, and festejo, as well as North American folk traditions—celebrate themes of childhood, friendship, and her journey from Mexico to New York.
Costa Mesa offers plenty of ways to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, from discovering new restaurants and flavors, to exploring local history, and being part of cultural events and performances. For a complete experience, book an overnight stay at one of Costa Mesa’s hotels and make it a fun getaway!
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Posted in Misc
Pride Is More Than a Parade in Costa Mesa
Pride isn’t just a parade; it’s a celebration, yes, but it’s also a commitment to a community that’s still in need of recognition. OC Pride takes place in Costa Mesa at the OC Fair & Event Center on September 27th, 2025—well after most cities have rolled up their rainbow sidewalks. We love an excuse to drag out summer (since it officially and sadly ends on September 22nd) or to simply drag out brunch. But what’s truly special is how Costa Mesa celebrates inclusivity year-round, from queer-owned businesses and arts spaces to community organizations that keep pushing for progress. Authenticity, acceptance, and joy are always in season here.
If you’re a Southern California native, Costa Mesa is an easy trip: it’s located right between L.A. to the north and San Diego to the south. If you’re an out-of-towner (or out-of-stater) looking to experience Pride the OC way, hop on a plane and land at John Wayne Airport (SNA).
How to Make the Most of OC Pride 2025 in Costa Mesa
If it’s your first time at OC Pride, we’ve got the info you need to show up, feel seen, and have a good time. This year’s theme is Revolutionary, and the activities show the care OC Pride has put into creating safe spaces. From the free parade to the Zero Proof Sober Space for alcohol-free fun, and the return of the Pride Market Place, there’s no shortage of things to do or get involved in.
More of a partier? Check out the Pride Stage and the WTF Splash Zone with plenty of DJs and lasers to keep things going well into the night. Into a family-friendly vibe? Check out Pride Family Camp or Teen Pride. Trans folks have their own affirming space with Trans Central as well. You can even connect with Orange County city pride orgs, or hear stories and performances, as well as TED Talk–style speeches, at Pride Speaks. Basically, OC Pride wants to make sure everyone in the acronym is welcome and has a place to connect with their community.
The OC Pride 2025 Parade and Block Party in Costa Mesa kick off the day at 11:00 a.m., making it one of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in Orange County. (And don’t forget: the parade is free!) At noon, the Revolutionary Festival kicks off; you do need tickets for the festival (unless you’re under 15 or over 65, in which case you get free entry); grab some tickets here. There’s a send-off at 10:00 p.m., and the entire event is over at 11:00 p.m. It’s a long, exciting day, so don’t forget to hydrate and bring your sunscreen.
A Costa Mesa Pride for Everyone
OC Pride is located in Costa Mesa, but that doesn’t mean that only locals are invited. Orange County as a whole is ready to celebrate. If you’re not familiar with Orange County, or Costa Mesa in particular, well, all we can say is get ready for some sunshine and friendliness. Not from Costa Mesa? Not from Orange County? Anxious about finding your community? We mean it when we say everyone’s welcome.
As the City of the Arts®, Costa Mesa is known for creativity, inclusivity, and a community that embraces self-expression. Hosting OC Pride isn’t just about location—it’s about identity. The same city that fills theaters, galleries, and music halls with inspiring voices and bold perspectives is proud to be the home of OC Pride 2025.
Queer-Owned Businesses to Support in Costa Mesa Year-Round
In addition to the rad selection of LGBTQ+-owned and allied vendors at the Pride Market Place, we want to spotlight some businesses to check out the rest of the year.
Stella Jean’s is a queer-founded small business serving up some of the best ice cream flavors in California. The seasonal flavors rotate and offer vegan and gluten-free options; the Yuzu + Poppyseed Cake is a personal favorite! Their always-on-offer flaves are great too, like their Mango Sticky Rice or Brown Butter Pecan.
Right next door to Stella Jean’s on 17th Street is its sister restaurant, Pop Pie Co, for sweet and savory pie goodness. Get a slice of pie a la mode (or a whole pie, if that’s your bag!), or try a hand pie on for size. The Green Hog & Cheese savory pot pie is beyond words, but everything on the menu’s great—there’s a hearty drinks selection and even breakfast options. Yum.
House of Intuition is an LGBT+, Latin, and women-owned oasis at the LAB Anti-Mall. If you’re looking to connect with yourself and the magic around you, or just searching for a slice of peace in a busy, loud world, HOI has your back. You can shop by intention, or you can curate your space with altar supplies, tarot decks, candles, crystals, and everything a magical heart could desire.
If you’re coming to Costa Mesa for OC Pride, make a weekend of it! The LGBTQ+ nightlife in Costa Mesa is second to none with spots like Tin Lizzie and Strut, and you’ll love the chance to crash on a cushy hotel bed after a night out. The city has a hotel for every budget and traveler, whether you’re going solo or bringing the whole family. Check out the OC Pride Package from Westin South Coast Plaza for a deal that runs through October 5th, 2025.
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Posted in Misc
Our Best Tips and Tricks for The OC Fair
Once a year, Costa Mesa’s summer sun brings a special attraction where everyone can come together for a good time. The foodies and thrill seekers can find their latest adventure, the shoppers and artists can find new inspiration, and families, couples, or solo-riders can experience sights, sounds, and laughter they’ll remember all season.
Grab your sunscreen and your appetite: it’s time for the OC Fair.
Know Before You Go
From Friday, July 18th to Sunday, August 17th (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa will be transformed into a fun-packed festival to fill up your summer days. We’ve pulled together our best tips, tricks, and insider information to help you have the best time ever at the fair this year.
Tickets
- Purchase tickets in advance. Limited daily capacity makes for a better experience for fairgoers.
- Don’t wait until the end of the season thinking you’ll beat the crowd—the last several days of the fair often sell out.
How to Beat the Crowd
- Rideshare is the way to go! It’s quicker and less stress than circling for a parking spot. That means more time to enjoy the fair.
- If you do want to avoid the crowds, come to the fair early! It opens at 11am. Grab a breakfast burrito, fresh-baked cinnamon roll, or acai bowl as you sip your morning coffee and congratulate yourself on making it in before anyone else.
- Better yet—turn it into an overnight stay. Stay at the Best Western Plus and walk to the fair. OC Hotel Costa Mesa or Hampton by Hilton Costa Mesa Newport Beach are a short Uber ride away from the Fair—or a longer walk for ambitious fairgoers. Hotels often sell out during the Fair, so book early. View all of Costa Mesa’s best hotels here.
Tips to Save Some $$$
- Tickets to performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, and Action Sports Arena all include same-day entry. Visit The Hangar for tribute bands and singalong to Elton John, Prince, or Queen for a bargain, with fair admission included.
- All exhibits are free with Fair admission, including blue-ribbon winning cake decorations, woodworking and fine arts, and REWIND: A VHS Revival. (More on that below!)
- Save on food by trying the $5 Taste of the Fair. Everyday until 4 p.m. you can sample bites from a variety of vendors offering $5 menu items.
NEW: OC Fair After Dark at Plaza Pacifica is where to go for music and dancing—Friday through Sunday nights feature swing dancing, DJ sets, and Latin beats that keep the fun going. Free with Fair admission!
Did You Know That…?
- OC Fair is a celebration of Orange County’s agricultural heritage. From cattle to lima beans, agriculture was a driving force in the development of Orange County, and the Fair is a rare moment where we can get closer to our food production. Visit the Fair’s Centennial Farm, a year-round working farm, to meet animal educators, get up close and personal with exotic animals and barnyard favorites at the petting zoo, and cheer the pigs at the All-Alaskan Pig Races!
- REWIND: A VHS Revival features hand-painted, large-scale recreations of album covers and movie posters, live painting demos, and more—all capturing the spirit of the VHS era. It’s a nostalgic celebration of bold graphics and pop culture that defined a generation.
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Pool Floats & Ocean Waves: Chase the Sunshine in Costa Mesa
Picture this: It’s golden hour, and every photo you take has a perfect sun-kissed radiance. You can soak it up at the pool, or you can grab beach gear and chase ocean waves. And when the sun’s dipping behind the horizon, photos take on a dreamlike pink-and-orange hue. Sounds divine, right? It’s more than a daydream, though—the reality is that every hour feels like golden hour in Costa Mesa, California.
Photo by @theparkclubca
Getting to this gem of Orange County, nestled between L.A. and San Diego, is a breeze. If you’re not close enough to drive, here’s a local tip: fly into O.C.’s beloved John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the stress of LAX. You’ll thank us later.
76 and Sunny? Sounds Like Another Day in Costa Mesa
A typical day in Costa Mesa requires you to drive with the windows open and drop top down. The perpetually sunny weather makes it the perfect destination for a road trip. Turn the music up and sing along with friends as you cruise the 55 or 405. Pack your favorite shorts and sandals, buy extra sunscreen, get a fresh pedicure, and when you arrive, take a minute to breathe. You’re invited to be part of everything Costa Mesa has to offer, including our laid-back, fun-seeking spirit that’s the antidote to work burnout.
Once you’re in the city, you’re only ever eleven minutes away from slipping your toes into the water of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re not a swimmer, how about some up-close-and-personal whale watching? For the saltwater souls, Costa Mesa is just a twenty-minute trip to some of the best shore diving and snorkeling in the entire state at Laguna Beach.
Photo by @derekrliang
Costa Mesa’s a coastal getaway without the beachfront markup. Soak up the best of California’s shopping, dining, and art with quick access to the waves and less of a hit to your bank account
Check In to Cool Off
Costa Mesa is swimming in access to beaches (forgive us the pun!), but that’s not the only water you can make a splash in. In this city, we consider access to a pool to be a year-long essential. Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach, OC Hotel Costa Mesa, The Westin South Coast Plaza, and Costa Mesa Marriott have some of our favorite pools and jacuzzis.
Photo by @ayreshotels
Have you ever woken up and gone for a swim first thing? It’s a better boost than coffee, and you’ll be revved up and ready to hit the town and go exploring
Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out
Of course, it isn’t just about water in Costa Mesa. There are tons of outdoor options for catching rays and enjoying your day.
Whether you’re a Pickleball newbie or a seasoned Picklehead, there’s not a better time or place to play one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. If “free” is your favorite word, try the outdoor courts at Tanager Park. If you’re planning on staying at The Westin South Coast Plaza, there are gorgeous, newly added pickleball and tennis courts you can rent. For a small fee, the Downtown Recreation Center has three indoor wooden pickleball courts.
Photo by @westinsouthcoastplaza
Like we’d ever forget about golfers! With two municipal golf courses available, Costa Mesa Country Club is teeming with tee times. It’s easy to book some hours on the beautiful greens. Just remember that extra sunscreen you packed
Photo by @meahmondul
Come for the Sun, Stay for the Party
The fun doesn’t end in Costa Mesa when it’s dark out. Try late-night eats or dance the night away; whatever your taste, Costa Mesa will match the flavor.
There’s so much to do, and only so many hours of daylight—so why try to cram everything into one day? Book a stay in one of Costa Mesa’s incredible hotels to extend your fun in the sun (and after dark).
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Costa Mesa Unlocked: Revealing Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
If you think you know everything about Southern California, that it’s all beaches and theme parks, think again! Costa Mesa is where the real magic happens. Known as the City of the Arts®, this crown jewel of Orange County is all about unforgettable experiences. Think Broadway-calibre theater, shopping that puts Rodeo Drive to shame, and a foodie scene that boasts Michelin-recognized dining. If glitz and glamor isn’t your scene, try indie creativity with hidden-gem boutiques, vintage photobooths, and quirky experiences like snake yoga. Read on to find out what you can do in Costa Mesa that you can’t do anywhere else.
You can find Costa Mesa nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, so it’s an easy drive for locals. If you’re further away, fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) to beat the LAX crowds.
Exclusive Bites
Celeb chef-turned-actor Matty Matheson (you probably recognize him from The Bear) opened Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club in Toronto, where it received gangbuster reviews. You don’t have to fly to Canada to get a taste of one of these saucy, saucy burgers or gooey poutine: the only other location is in Costa Mesa! (P.S. Get the Pineapple Soft Serve for dessert. It’s the perfect finish.)
Photo by @mattyspattysburgerclub
Mercado Gonzalez is a 70,000-square-feet Mexican market transplanted to Costa Mesa. The food choices are plentiful, and traversing the whole thing can be an all-day adventure. No need for plane tickets or border crossings here; just show up hungry. For that extra dose of exclusivity, we rec the churros from Churrería El Moro, since Mercado Gonzalez is the flagship U.S. location where you can try their famous treats.
Photo by @elmoro_usa
Wild & Wonderful Experiences
Ain’t no fair like the OC Fair! Running from mid-July to mid-August, this summer extravaganza has rides, live music with artists like Melissa Ethridge, Fitz & the Tantrums, and Blues Traveler, and deep-fried everything, along with fresh, healthier options. While the Fair has wrapped up for 2025, the excitement doesn’t end when the Fair does. The Fairgrounds hosts events all year. We’re looking forward to OC Japan Fair in October for the incredible food, and Gem Faire in December for everything that stuns and sparkles. The OC Fair & Events Center brings all the classic, nostalgic fun of a county fair, but bigger, better, and with Southern Californian flavor.
Got a case of FOMO? Try out viral experiences IRL in Costa Mesa, like LXRYoga’s famous (and adorable) snake yoga. Sure, goat yoga has been all the rage on the apps, but snake yoga is another thing entirely; the snakes are friendly and calm, there’s five minutes of photo opps to get your perfect snake selfie, and you get to hang out with a slithery new friend.
Photo by Jeff Gritchen
If snakes give you creepy-crawlies, there’s another viral hit in Booth by Bryant. Miss the old analog photobooths and their cute black-and-white pics? They’re a relic of the past, but in Costa Mesa, you can hop into a vintage booth and bring back memories or make new ones.
Photo by @sinadeinert
Costa Mesa’s known as The City of the Arts® for so many reasons, but a big one is the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). The museum is a love letter to modern and contemporary art, and especially to California. Best yet, because of an endowment, admission is free. Accessible, cultural, and thought-provoking, with frequent rooftop events and artist talks, OCMA is one the coolest places in the city.
Photo by @ocmamuseum
Retail Therapy
Costa Mesa has all sorts of shopping experiences that think outside of the box. The CAMP is a green, eco-conscious, and healthy-minded outdoor retail campus with tons of dining options, sustainable and artisanal shops, and even a ceramic and pottery studio. Every time we go to the CAMP, we find something new to obsess over; recently, it’s been the 2nd Street USA location, where we’re obsessed with the well-curated, premium secondhand goods.
Photo by @thecampoc
The LAB is not a mall; it’s an anti-mall. The variety of shops and restaurants—like Buffalo Exchange for thrifting, an Airstream trailer selling vinyls at Creme Tangerine, and Chef Atsushi Yokoyama’s Hana re, just to name a few—puts hometown malls to shame. Not that we have anything against an Orange Julius, patron saint of our childhoods, but we’d much rather go to a speakeasy like RUIN and have a Kiki Kiwi cocktail.
Photo by @thelabantimall
We saved some of the best for last with South Coast Plaza. Not only is it the largest shopping center on the West Coast, with over 250 retailers, but it’s also the home to incredible food and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (where you can find OCMA). South Coast Plaza is the West Coast–exclusive home to brands like Alexander Wang, Missoni, Khaite, and Chopard. Beverly Hills who?
Photo by @southcoastplaza
Costa Mesa’s waiting with one-of-a-kind experiences. Bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and your cutest comfy shoes to explore everything the city has to offer. But why rush? Book a room in one of our fabulous hotels to enjoy a multi-day experience.
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