Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Pour Choices, No Regrets: Costa Mesa’s Best Sips
Did somebody say libations? Costa Mesa is a city of top-tier experiences, and that extends to our beverages—finding the right creative cocktail or craft brew is key for maximizing vibes. Whether you’re hunting for the best possible margarita, you want to savor a unique IPA, or you’re dancing the night away, drink in hand, you’ve come to the right place. Grab your drinking pals and channel your inner Moira Rose for a boozy tour of Costa Mesa’s best sips.
If you’re a SoCal native, Costa Mesa’s an easy jaunt; just tell your designated driver (or rideshare app) to head to Orange County, in between Los Angeles and San Diego. If you’re not local enough for a day-drinking trip, then fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the crowds at LAX.
Photo by @blossomsandbrass
Hops and Dreams
Green Cheek Beer Co. is a haven for beer lovers with some of the best craft beer in Costa Mesa. There are hoppy classics like pilsners and IPAs, but the brewery is full of tasty twists like Guava In Berlin (a Berliner-style Weisse with real guava) and Flying South, a Mexican-style lager with lime. If you’re not into beer, they have options like the lovely hard seltzer Lavender Lemonade, and some fun non-alcoholic options for your DD.
Photo by @crafty_beer_baron
Spirited Away
Wanna have the coolest speakeasy experience? Cowboys and Poodles at The CAMP is like if a saloon married a disco ball, with fun and innovative cocktails to match the vibe. Try the Whole Mood, a tiki-style cocktail with smoking sage, or the Gin Ne Sais Quois, with gin, yellow chartreuse, aperol, grapefruit, and passionfruit notes.
Photo by @cowboysandpoodles
For the clubbers among us, stop by the Birdcage Lounge at queer favorite Strut for crafty cocktails and neon-infused ambiance. The menu is full of nods to the seminal classic The Birdcage, which for us makes it hard to choose, but the Senator’s Secret with vodka, lychee liquor, pear, and fresh lemon juice, is a winner every time. And your DD has their choice of non-alcoholic options here too (we rec the Horned Screamer if you like grenadine).
Photo by @matt_fitt_photography
If you’re in the mood for a taste of Orange County history, then hit up Tin Lizzie, OC’s longest-standing lesbian bar with origins in the 1950s, and get immersed in the saloon of it all: velvet drapes, gold sconces, moody red lighting, and a well-curated menu of cocktail and tiki faves. We love the Black Magic cocktail with cold brew and espresso liquor, and nothing beats a Daiquiri with fresh juice.
Photo by @tin_lizziesaloon_oc
Pitcher Perfect
Habana is an open-air experience at The LAB, Costa Mesa’s beloved anti-mall, and if you’re looking for distinct flavors, this Cuban hotspot has them. Their sangria is basically a local legend at this point—order the red, white, and pink varieties to decide which is your favorite. Also, the food here is divine: try some apps like the empanadas with your booze to keep you fueled.
Next Stop, Margaritas
Playa Mesa has the distinction of being named as serving the best margarita in California, which is no small feat considering the competition! The flavors are innovative and fresh, like the Sandia Margarita, with fresh watermelon juice and a tajin rim. Don’t overlook Playa Mesa’s other cocktails and bevs, though: save room for a Tierra de Guayava.
Photo by @jujumunchies
Crafted to Perfection
Sip in style at Blossoms & Brass, where Japanese flavors meet Italian flair. Every one of their specialty cocktails is a home run, but we’re especially fond of The Genovese for its dry vermouth and ponzu basil syrup. The wine and beer lists aren’t slouches either; everything at Blossoms & Brass is meant to evoke taste, in every sense of the word.
Photo by @blossomsandbrass
If you’re the type who wants to keep the party going all night, Costa Mesa’s nightlife scene has you covered. Just remember to hydrate! If you’re the go-to-bed-early type, we rec brunch the next morning. Remember, if you’re going to be drinking, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Book a room in one of Costa Mesa’s luxurious hotels to sleep off the damage from the night before.
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Our Favorite Places To Celebrate Pride Month in Costa Mesa
June is here, the sun is out, and our rainbows are in full technicolor. Swing by City Hall in Costa Mesa and watch our Pride flag wave. From Harvey Milk Day on May 22nd and all the way to June 30th, the City of Costa Mesa raises the rainbow flag to show their commitment to equality and in recognition of the ongoing impact LGBTQ+ folks make not just in Costa Mesa, but all over the world.
Costa Mesa City Council recognizes June as Pride Month, and Costa Mesa stands out among our Orange County neighbors as a welcoming, accepting, and inclusive place. We offer space for the LGBTQ+ community to gather, to work, to celebrate, and to thrive. We are small business owners, chefs, artists, teachers, and neighbors.
In Costa Mesa, Pride doesn’t end on June 30th. It continues throughout the year, as does our commitment to advance support and advocacy, to fight discrimination, and to remember and honor those that came before us in the pursuit of equality.
Now, let’s hit play on all our favorite places to celebrate Pride in Costa Mesa, all year long.
Strut Bar + Birdcage Lounge
Need to dance the night away? Strut Bar, OC’s premiere LGBTQ nightclub, has the beats to get your body moving and drag shows that light up the stage all year long. Walking into Strut, you’re instantly immersed in a familiar atmosphere with all the music you know and love, but with a community vibe that only exists in Costa Mesa. If you want something quieter for conversation, you don’t have to leave. Step into their all-new Birdcage Lounge, where you can cuddle up with your besties—or with a fantastic cocktail. The more intimate space serves flocktails in kitschy bird cups and flamingo pool floaties.
Not one for nightlife? Dolly awaits. Strut is the home of a special tribute to Dolly Parton, featuring a fifty-two foot mural on the exterior of the building, recently restored by Long Beach artist David Gilmore. The owner of Strut, Luke Nero, says, “She represents love and light.” Enough said.
Tin Lizzie Saloon
Coming here is being part of history. Tin Lizzie Saloon is not just the longest-standing gay & lesbian bar in Costa Mesa, but in all of Orange County. The saloon dates back to the 1950s, and as you step inside, the rest of the world falls away. Tin Lizzie sets its own tempo, moving at a pace that has marched and endured proudly for almost a century.
The moody red lights and Victorian atmosphere offer a memorable night for locals and visitors alike.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Segerstrom Center for the Arts brings Orange County together through celebrating art, performance, and music. Visit Segerstrom for their world-class entertainment, from shows straight out of Broadway, to symphony performances, and movie screenings on the lawn.
Does the word “prom” give you nervous flashbacks to being too gay to be cool in high school? We get it, and so does Segerstrom. This June, they’re hosting Pop Punk Prom. This time, Prom means community, drag queens, and way better music. Use the Code: PROMPARTNER for 20% off tickets!
OC Pride Festival & Parade
The OC Fair & Event Center has year-round experiences and entertainment, and summer’s OC Fair is the main event. This year brings big news: a new queen is in town, and she’s sashaying her way to the fairground for the OC Pride Festival & Parade. This is the official Pride event for OC, out-loud and in-color at its brand new home in Costa Mesa. Catch it on September 27th, 2025 at the fairgrounds.
One-of-a-Kind Dining
In Costa Mesa, everyone’s welcome—and we mean everyone. The restaurants, bars, and local spots are spaces where you can show up exactly as you are, whether you’re dressed for brunch or full-on Pride parade.
One of those feel-good places is Collage Culinary Experience a two-story dining collective inside the iconic South Coast Plaza. There’s not a label that fits the experience, and we’re okay with that. Collage offers local and global-inspired fare in a colorful, stylish space that celebrates authenticity and joy. Swing by Paradise Dynasty and try their rainbow Xiao Long Bao to fuel up before a night full of fun.
Shop Local, Shop Small
Change starts at the community level, and two alternative shopping centers in Costa Mesa are making it happen. Eschewing everything quick, corporate, and mass-produced, The LAB and The CAMP instead choose community and creators. The soul of a city is in its small businesses and its local dining, and there’s no better place to experience the DNA of Costa Mesa than The LAB and The CAMP.
- The LAB Anti-Mall: A stomping ground for local creators and crave-worthy food. It’s the home of shops like House of Intuition, an LGBTQ owned shop with a mission to foster individual spirituality.
- The CAMP: Situated right across the street, The CAMP is a green and eco-friendly campus that balances modern needs with environmental consciousness. Visit LGBTQ-owned Blackmarket Bakery for sweets and treats you’ll be thinking about long after you leave, or hit up the local breweries for craft beers and new friends.
Stay the Night
Settle in and book a stay at one of Costa Mesa’s top hotels to give yourself time to see all the city has to offer. Every location on this guide is inclusive and welcoming. We want you to feel at home right away so you can focus instead on the comfy rooms, comprehensive amenities, and world-class service.
If it’s your first visit to Costa Mesa, welcome! Thanks for being a friend.
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Posted in Events
Dad-Approved Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Costa Mesa
Every year as the spring days stretch into summer, Father’s Day preludes the start of a new season. No matter how you choose to spend the day, whether you raise a glass to dads, stepdads, grandpas, husbands, those departed too soon, or any other heroes, it’s a special time to reflect and celebrate.
Spend the day (or the weekend) in Costa Mesa, your gateway to all of Southern California’s best adventures. Here are the best things to do and the best places to eat, from the classic steak dinner to some self-care that Dad would never book on his own.
Where to Take Dad on Father’s Day in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa Country Club
Photo by Costa Mesa County Club
Got a golfer dad? The Costa Mesa Country Club includes two municipal courses, Mesa Linda and Los Lagos. Both offer just the right amount of difficulty—Los Lagos with gentle, rolling fairways and Mesa Linda with doglegs and smaller sloping greens.
Tip: If you’re looking to level up your gift game, stop by Quiet Golf on Randolph. Their refined, minimalist gear and apparel will have Dad looking sharp on and off the course.
Jack Henry Studios
Wellness and self-care are for everyone, Dad included. Hook him up with a fresh cut, skincare, or wellness session at Jack Henry Studios. The studio stands out for their use of pure, organic, and sustainably harvested ingredients in all haircare and skincare services.
Golden Crown Barber Shop
Maybe he’s a little more old-school and shrinks away at the word wellness. Hit up OC cult-favorite barbershop, Golden Grown, at their newest location in Costa Mesa for a hot towel shave and a fresh look that he’ll like enough to tell his buddies about at the next poker night.
Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Photo by Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Looking for something cool to do with a group? Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales delivers. With horror movie memorabilia, a killer cocktail menu, and thrilling axe-throwing lanes, it’s an experience he won’t forget. We recommend sampling their craft beers with a Monster Mash flight or taking on the Scorpion Challenge— loser drinks a spicy beer topped with a real scorpion.
South Coast Plaza
This Father’s Day, treat him to something special at South Coast Plaza because his sneaker game (or watch game, or cologne game) deserves a refresh. From Collegium’s luxe sneakers to Hugo Boss’s sharp-meets-casual fits and Giorgio Armani’s timeless sophistication, there’s no shortage of ways to elevate his look.
Then, treat him to a memorable meal with special Father’s Day dining options at more than 40 restaurants throughout South Coast Plaza.
Where to Feed Dad on Father’s Day
Silver Trumpet
Photo by Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
This Father’s Day, let Silver Trumpet handle the BBQ duties. Treat him to lakeside views, baby back ribs, brisket, and all the sides that hit just right. Dad relaxes, and you score bonus points.
The Country Club
The Country Club is serving up a Father’s Day celebration built around his favorite things: bourbon, putting, and a seriously good Prime Dip sandwich. Enjoy the restaurant’s all-day special while taking part in a golf-putting challenge designed to add a little friendly competition to the festivities.
Water Grill
Photo by Water Grill
Does Dad love seafood? If so, head to Water Grill across South Coast Plaza. The restaurant menu changes daily based on the fresh seafood available, but their iced shellfish platters are not to be missed.
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Perhaps the most classic Father’s Day restaurant in Costa Mesa. Mastro’s is the ultimate steakhouse offering some of the finest hand-cut prime steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant also regularly hosts live music to match its sophisticated ambiance.
Descanso
Descanso Restaurant had us at Steak & Tequila Pairing! Whether you’re having their Huevos con Bistec for brunch or Plancha-style Ribeye for dinner, each dish is paired with premium tequila served neat. Cheers to that!
Crawl Costa Mesa’s Local Breweries
Photo by Bootlegger’s Brewery
Looking for a place to enjoy a round of beers? Check out our Costa Mesa Beer Trail spanning five local breweries, each with their own hand-crafted brews, unique interiors, patio seating, entertainment, and food.
Make It a Weekend Getaway
Photo by Crowne Plaza
Turn Father’s Day into Father’s Weekend by booking a stay at one of Costa Mesa’s top hotels. It’s the perfect excuse to relax and rack up some quality time (and maybe a few extra rounds of dad jokes) with the man of the hour.
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Posted in Food
Costa Mesa Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week!
Photo by Rachel Off Duty
Costa Mesa annually embraces millions of travelers at various points of interest throughout the city, such as South Coast Plaza, OC Fair & Event Center, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange County Museum of Arts, The LAB, and The CAMP. The fabulous restaurants and retail boutiques contribute to the city’s unique charm. Costa Mesa’s allure lies in its ever-changing landscape, ensuring there’s always something new to see, do, and taste
During National Travel and Tourism Week, we are honoring those who warmly embrace our visitors, promote our city with genuine passion and enthusiasm, and collaborate with others to achieve mutual success. We recognize our creative and driven business owners, big and small, and their incredibly dedicated staff, who show up daily to take care of our guests. We see our community pride growing as more stories and engagement spread. You are indispensable.
As the city’s destination marketing organization, Travel Costa Mesa recognizes the significant role of tourism in our community. The jobs it creates and the security it brings are vital for our economy. Did you know that approximately 8 percent of all jobs in Costa Mesa are sustained by tourism? The transient occupancy tax our hoteliers collect in our city accounts for the fourth most significant revenue source in the city’s general fund, contributing to the city’s funding of police, fire, and other public services. Sales tax collected from retail and dining is crucial in financing essential city, state, and county services.
Tourism has the potential to stimulate new business growth. The increased demand for goods and services, infrastructure, cultural and creative industries, collaboration, and business networking creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and enhances the visitor experience, generating more demand for goods and services. We take pride in being a part of a diverse industry that provides opportunities for economic growth.
Photo by U.S. Travel Association
Collaboration is highly valued in our industry as it fosters success for businesses, guests, and residents. However, Travel Costa Mesa recognizes that it needs help to achieve its mission. Partnerships with forward-thinking companies and positive, creative individuals are essential to our objectives. We’ve partnered with multiple businesses and entrepreneurs in Costa Mesa and look forward to establishing more connections that enhance our travel and hospitality industry. When tourism thrives, communities thrive.
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6 Ways to Spoil Mom on Mother’s Day in Costa Mesa
Treat Mom like the queen she is! From flowers to facials and fine dining, Costa Mesa has everything you need to turn Mother’s Day into Mother’s Weekend. Whether you’re planning ahead or pulling together a last-minute surprise, here are six ways to show Mom you didn’t just wing it this year.
1: Treat Your Mom to a Memorable Brunch
Mother’s Day brunch is basically a love language. Here are a few can’t-miss menus:
- Silver Trumpet: Their special menu features a seafood and grill station, more than a dozen buffet options, as well as appetizers, desserts, and salads.
- Le Chateau Garden Bistro: Experience a gourmet brunch featuring omelet, carving, and seafood stations. To top it off, brunch includes bottomless mimosas.
- Knife Pleat: Celebrate Mom with a luxurious afternoon tea at South Coast Plaza’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Enjoy LAMILL teas, elegant tea sandwiches, savory bites, and hand-crafted desserts. Caviar and champagne are also available.
- Seasons 52: Enjoy starters like lobster bisque and avocado toast, and entrées ranging from crab quiche to wood-grilled shrimp and grits.
- Terrace by Mix Mix: Indulge in a three-course Mother’s Day brunch inspired by modern Filipino flavors, with starters like albacore tostadas, goat cheese toast with fruit, and roasted bone marrow flatbread.
Craving more brunch inspo? Check out our blog featuring Costa Mesa’s 10 best brunch spots.
2: Spa Day + Caffeine Fix = Mom’s Perfect Morning
Photo by Facial Lounge
Start your day with a luxurious skincare experience at Facial Lounge where every product is 100% all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. Then head next door to Coffee Dose —their pink walls, witty mugs, and cheeky drinks like the Espresso Tini will have her saying, ‘I love this!'”
3: Gift Her a Floral Bouquet That Will Last Forever
Photo by @phoebe_eats IG
If your mom loves flowers, why not gift her some that will last all year long? Hadley and Ren inside The OC Mix specialize in everlasting floral bouquets that are customizable, easy for Mom to care for, and eco-friendly. While at The OC Mix, swing by Balboa Gold to design custom matching charm bracelets with mom.
4: Swap Netflix for Paint Night & Pinot
Photo by Inspired Art Wine
Nothing says “bonding” like sipping wine and pretending you’re the next Bob Ross. Inspired Art Wine is hosting two Mother’s Day paint sessions with floral themes, a free mimosa for mom, and zero pressure to color inside the lines. Reserve your spots ahead of time to ensure get a seat.
5: Shop Till Mom Drops (Her Jaw at the Options)
Photo by South Coast Plaza
Treat Mom to a day of indulgence at South Coast Plaza, where luxury brands like CHANEL, Cartier, Bvlgari, and Hermès offer the perfect gift for every kind of mother. Come prepared by getting Mom a South Coast Plaza gift card, which can be redeemed at any of the 280+ shops and restaurants.
6: Book Mom the Staycation She Deserves
Photo by The Westin South Coast Plaza
Surprise Mom this Mother’s Day weekend with a plush hotel room where she can relax and feel extra pampered. Book Mom an overnight stay at one of the 11 hotels in Costa Mesa, each with its own unique style and amenities.
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Posted in Events
