Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Top 5 Must-Try Ice Cream Shops in Costa Mesa
During SoCal summers, ice cream is a staple for staying cool. We challenge you to try these 5 ice cream spots in Costa Mesa that are serving up the most Insta-worthy twists on this classic summer treat.
Top 5 Ice Cream Spots in Costa Mesa
1. Stella Jean’s Ice Cream
Globally inspired and hand-crafted, the recipes at Stella Jean’s Ice Cream are packed with unique flavors. You will find the classics on the menu (like vanilla and double chocolate), but there will also always be opportunities for venturing into new territory. Flavors like ube + pandesal toffee, mango sticky rice, and strawberry oat crumble are a few honorable mentions.
2. The Straw
Ranked #1 for the best milkshakes in the USA by Travel + Leisure, The Straw is where it’s at for the most flavorful and creative shakes around. Taking inspiration from the 1950s, The Straw’s flavors, style, and vibe work together to capture local OC soul in every sip. If you are 21+, try making any shake boozy for an extra $3.
3. Strickland’s Ice Cream
For nearly 90 years, Strickland’s Ice Cream has been perfecting their recipes and producing award-winning ice cream. Order classic flavors like mint chocolate chip or rocky road. Or discover one of their small-batch flavors of the day— such as taro, red velvet chip, Thai tea, and lychee.
4. El Morro
Located at the new trendy El Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa, El Moro started making churros almost 90 years ago. At their latest location, they have made their mark by serving consuelos, or ice cream churro sandwiches. Each bite brings out the best in the crunchy churro and the creamy-sweet ice cream for what is quickly becoming a local favorite.
5. Vitaly
Nestled inside Costa Mesa’s trendy retail campus The CAMP, Vitaly brightens the space with their courtyard seating where you can enjoy premium gelato (and fresh Italian food, beer, and wine). Whether you are starting a summer day or ending one, stopping by Vitaly for a refreshing treat will never disappoint.
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The 7 Best American Eats in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is home to some of the best stops for classic American eats this 4th of July. From brisket to burgers and beers, these top 7 spots serve up must-have foods and beverages for your Independence Day celebration.
Top 7 American Eats in Costa Mesa
Holé Smokes
The scents and flavors of barbecue are a long-time staple for the 4th of July, and Holé Smokes brings traditional, authentic Texas-style recipes to Costa Mesa. Their careful selection of pecan and oak logs was chosen for their distinct, balanced aromas that bring out the most complex flavors in their brisket, tri-tip, ribs, and more.
Bred Hot Chicken
Located at the LAB Anti-Mall, Bred Hot Chicken can fire up any July 4th celebration with sandwiches and sliders that bridge the gap between southern comfort food and mouth-watering spice. For larger parties, try ordering a family platter with something for everyone.
Rance’s Chicago Pizza
The Golden Foodie Winner for the best pizza in Orange County, Rance’s Chicago Pizza is where people discover (or rediscover) their love for deep-dish. Order one of their mouth-watering pizzas filled with the perfect amount of mozzarella cheese and topped off with their famous zesty tomato sauce. Don’t forget to order a side of their best-selling Rance’s chicken wings.
Westwood Coast
Westwood Coast is where good food meets good times. This country-inspired restaurant offers a mix of high-end dining with dishes like Short Rib Agnolotti and premium char-broiled steaks, paired with entertainment including line dancing, live music, and a fun mechanical bull. They even have a bourbon lover’s dream bar with over 100 bottles to choose from!
Nice Burger
Looking for some vegan-friendly dining options? We recommend trying Nice Burger. Their menu features a dozen burger and sandwich options, all mouth-watering and all 100% vegan-friendly. You can’t go wrong with their grilled mushroom burger or buffalo ranch chicken sandwich with a side of fries.
Try a Craft Pint at Costa Mesa’s Local Breweries
Costa Mesa boasts some of the freshest hand-crafted beers in all of Orange County. Stop by one of Costa Mesa’s breweries for a round or two of local brews made by people passionate about beer. Several of the breweries are within walking distance, making for the perfect 4th of July beer trail. Stops to try include:
- Green Cheek Beer Co.
- Salty Bear Brewing
- Gunwhale Ales
- Brewing Reserve of California
- Bootlegger’s Brewery
Strickland’s Ice Cream
Whether you need to cool off from the SoCal heat (or a Bred Hot Chicken sandwich), Strickland’s Ice Cream has been the place to go for almost 90 years. Their small-batch flavor of the day makes every trip a new experience, with unique flavors such as sweet red beans, red guava, Thai iced tea, taro, and lychee, all alongside familiar classics.
Book a Local Stay
Photo by Residence Inn by Marriott
The 4th of July weekend is the perfect time to extend your visit at one of Costa Mesa’s top hotels. After celebrating the 4th, continue exploring a city filled with unique shopping boutiques, award-winning eateries, and live entertainment, with the beach just a short drive away.
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Costa Mesa’s Pride Guide: LGBTQ Events for 2024
June is here, the sun is out, and our rainbows are in full technicolor. We’re proud devotees of Dolly P. throughout the whole year—we have the mural to prove it, see below—and when June comes around, we can’t help turning the volume up on everything gay in Costa Mesa.
Here are some of our favorite places to celebrate and take part in LGBTQ events in 2024:
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 Plaza Prom: Pride edition. This time, Prom means community, drag queens, and way better music.
- Plaza Prom: Pride: Relive prom night as an adult with drag performances, free arcade games, and DIY corsages and boutonnieres.
- Pride Live: Pride Anthems: Take a musical journey that spans 50 years of music celebrating LGBTQ culture. From heartache to liberation, experience the musical legacy of queer musicians.
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. 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.
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 October 5th, 2024 at the fairgrounds.
One-of-a-Kind Dining
Located in Costa Mesa’s famous South Coast Plaza, the two-story dining collective Collage Culinary Experience is a sensory delight. 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. You can pop in for a quick snack or bev at Blossoms and Brass to start the night out right—or make a day of it and eat your way through the best of Costa Mesa flavor.
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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15 Ways to Celebrate Dad on Father’s Day in Costa Mesa
Spending Dad’s Day in Costa Mesa this year? We’ve rounded up 15 of the best things to do and restaurants to try for Father’s Day.
Where to Take Dad on Father’s Day in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa Country 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 generous greens and Mesa Linda with doglegs and smaller sloping greens.
Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
It’s all in the name. Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales serves themed drinks and quality beer while letting you live out post-apocalyptic thrills. Their horror movie themed atmosphere and special effects elevate the experience from (safely conducted) axe throwing into something eerie, exhilarating, and memorable.
Period Correct
Upgrade Dad’s wardrobe with attire and accessories inspired by classic motorsports culture with timeless designs from Period Correct. Give him a look that elicits the best of nostalgia and modern style.
Quiet Golf
Suit Dad up with clothing and golf accessories from Quiet Golf, known for an aesthetic that blends classic styles with a minimalist, sophisticated design. Stop by their Costa Mesa shop before a visit to the Costa Mesa Country Club so Dad can look his best for the next round of golf.
Jack Henry Studios
Wellness and self-care are for everyone, Dad included. Treat him to a hair, skincare, or wellness session at Jack Henry Studios. The studio stands out for their use of pure, organic, and sustainably harvested ingredients in all their haircare and skincare services.
South Coast Plaza
An international shopping destination, South Coast Plaza is home to hundreds of shops, including boutique designers from around the world. Make sure to check out their recently expanded two story Gucci boutique. The interior design has been revamped, and the extra space means you’ll be able to find a broader selection of the brand’s collections!
Where to Feed Dad on Father’s Day in Costa Mesa
Silver Trumpet
Treat your dad to a memorable dining experience at Silver Trumpet. This year they will be offering surf and turf with ribs and beer all day. Simply sit back, relax, and let them handle everything.
Holé Smokes BBQ
Take Dad out for bold, authentic Texas-style barbecue at Holé Smokes. Choose from a menu of traditional barbecue favorites like brisket, ribs, and tri-tip. All meats are smoked long, low, and slow with logs imported from Texas and Oklahoma.
The Country Club
Make a dinner reservation at The Country Club on 17th Street. The restaurant brings an elevated approach to classic American dishes and craft cocktails. Enjoy an old fashioned and try the 16 oz dry aged bone-in ribeye or the Scottish salmon before diving into their sweet potato beignets for dessert.
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 distinctively sophisticated ambiance.
Water Grill
If you’ve got a seafood lover on your hands, try Water Grill across South Coast Plaza. The restaurant exudes nautical charm with its locally sourced wood and rustic iron finishes. The restaurant’s menu changes daily based on the fresh seafood available that day, but their iced shellfish platters are not to be missed!
OC 626 Night Market
It may not technically be a Father’s Day restaurant, but the OC 626 Night Market shouldn’t be missed if he’s a foodie. The market brings hundreds of vendors together for a foodie fest with all sorts of unique eats. Admission is $5 per person, and rest assured you’ll find plenty of dining options! Stop by June 7th – 9th.
Crawl Costa Mesa’s Local Breweries
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
Turn Father’s Day into Father’s Weekend by booking a stay at one of Costa Mesa’s top hotels. Known for their comfort, class, and amenities, these hotels are perfect for extending your stay and spending more quality time with Dad.
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Posted in Food
How to Make the Most of Your Summer in Costa Mesa
During the summer Costa Mesa lights up with countless events, concerts, and cultural experiences throughout the city. Let this guide be your ultimate summer bucket list filled with excitement and unforgettable memory-making adventures.
Top Events for Summer in Costa Mesa
Thrills, Food, Fun, and More at the OC Fair
As one of the top 10 largest fairs in the US, the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa is no small-town affair. Every summer, people from all over anticipate this month-long event, which kicks off on July 19th and runs through August 18th.
You can expect fair classics, like savory food and carnival rides, but that is only the beginning. Explore the fairgrounds to discover unique exhibits, plenty of shopping options, animal encounters, and a variety of live entertainment, from monster trucks to music. Purchase your tickets and start planning your visit for maximum fun.
Catch a Concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre
This year’s lineup for the Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre has something for everyone. From rap to rock to reggae and more, some of the world’s biggest bands are lined up for shows throughout the entire summer.
Some of the highlights will include:
- Stray Cats
- UB40
- Big Time Rush
- Sublime with Rome
Tickets can be purchased through the Pacific Amphitheater site and automatically include same-day admission to the OC Fair!
Explore Free Cultural Experiences at Argyros Plaza
Photo by Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Sign up for the free Plaza Pass to have access to each of the outdoor summer events held at Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Some of the highlights spread over this June and July include:
- Tuesday Night Dancing: Learn about (and how to perform) different dances in a judgment-free area focused on fun.
- Movie Nights: On select nights, there will be showings of movies, ranging from modern classics to hits from the 1980s and 1990s.
- Concerts: Enjoy the sounds of summer with performances from talented local artists.
Check out their full list of events to find the perfect evening event for friends and family.
Hit the Waves at World-Famous Beaches
From surfing to relaxing on the sand, the beaches around Costa Mesa offer some of the finest beach experiences in California. The nearest beach is only 5 minutes away, where you can make the most of your visit with memorable activities such as whale watching, paddle boarding, swimming, and of course, surfing.
For an all-around beach experience, try Newport Beach or Huntington Beach. A tourist-favorite locale, Laguna Beach is known for its coastal parks. For something more unique, you can visit the Crystal Cove Tide Pools that play a vital role in the local ecosystem. If you like beaches with cliffs, then Corona Del Mar Beach may be your prime choice. Wherever you go, you will not be disappointed!
Cool Down with Artisanal Ice Cream
Photo by @tacoswithtori via IG
Stricklands Ice Cream has been keeping communities cool for 90+ years with their award-winning recipe for ice cream. Keep track of their small-batch flavor of the day to try specialty flavors that they continually swap out. Expect some classics like mint chocolate chip on some days, but then go adventurous and try unique flavors like Thai iced tea or blueberry cheesecake.
Inspired by flavors and recipes from around the world, Stella Jean’s hand-crafted ice cream always surprises and delights. While you will find more familiar flavors like milk & cookies or vanilla, they love venturing into exciting seasonal flavors with vegan and gluten-friendly options. Try their mango sticky rice or ube & pandesal toffee for a new ice cream experience.
Escape the Heat at South Coast Plaza
Photo by Pablo Enriquez
No visit to Costa Mesa is complete (regardless of season) without a visit to South Coast Plaza. What makes it especially popular in summer is the chance to get out from the heat and refresh with fine food, designer boutiques, and special events. Be sure to visit the brand new two-story Gucci and first North American Bvlgari Lounge.
From world-class chefs to world-famous designers, South Coast Plaza is often considered Costa Mesa’s crown jewel. With plenty of amenities, 250+ shops, and a unique architectural design, it is no surprise that it remains a popular destination for visitors from across the world.
Come Prepared: Book Your Stay Ahead of Time
Extending your stay is the perfect way to see all that Costa Mesa has to offer. Get the most out of your visit by booking a stay at one of our 11 hotels in Costa Mesa. From beach-close locations to extensive amenities, each option can serve as the ideal hub for your SoCal vacation.
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