Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Road Trip Ready: Cruise from Los Angeles to Costa Mesa
If you’re looking to get out of LA for the weekend and want something that’s flexible, stress-free, and close to home, all you need is one tank of gas. Fill up your car and head south to Costa Mesa, the City of the Arts®. Spend your time exploring, dining, and shopping–not sitting in traffic.
Whether you love making plans and little details or you’re all about spontaneity, your Costa Mesa vacation is only one tank of gas away.
Get in the car, Angelenos. We’re going to Orange County.
Stay in the Middle of the Adventure
OC Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel with a fresh and stylish surf aesthetic. It’s five to ten minutes from our favorite Costa Mesa hot-spots, like incredible shopping at South Coast Plaza, or year-round fun at the OC Fairgrounds. If the beachy vibe of OC Hotel has you in the mood to catch some waves, it’s only minutes away from Huntington and Newport Beach.
Check out all of Costa Mesa’s hotels and find the perfect stay for your LA-to-Costa-Mesa road trip.
A New Culinary Scene
By keeping your adventure close to home, you support local businesses and the local economy. Costa Mesa’s dining scene represents the community that built it: a diverse and international collective of makers, creators, and builders that call Orange County home. From Michelin-starred dining to speakeasies with hidden entrances, there’s something special for everyone to get a taste of.
Turn your road trip into an Eatcation® and get started at The CAMP, a gathering spot and shopping center for healthy living. Try the artisan pizza at Folks Pizzeria for bubbly crust and seasonal toppings. (Make a reservation in advance to guarantee yourself a pie!) Brand new to The CAMP is AhbA, a restaurant with California casual fare and retro, Western vibes. Try their highly recommended wagyu burger and see how it holds up against your LA favorites. For a relaxed al fresco experience in a gorgeous European-inspired courtyard, grab a Monte Cristo sandwich at Le Chateau Garden Bistro inside the Ayres Hotel.
Keep the energy up with craft cocktails and kitschy, photo-worthy decor at Cowboys and Poodles. If a pub is more your style, Green Cheek Brewery is only a few steps away and touts their hoppy beers, crispy lagers, and big stouts.
Activities on Easy Mode
The one-tank trip lets you save time while allowing maximum flexibility to leave and arrive when you want. Your vacation should be spent making memories instead of waiting for traffic on the 101. Having to look for street parking is so LA–in Costa Mesa, it’s a breeze to get around. You can even ditch the car and walk to your next adventure.
If you prefer classic comfort and upscale, critically-acclaimed dining, stay at The Westin South Coast Plaza and walk across the bridge to one of the most spectacular shopping destinations in the country. South Coast Plaza is a shopping destination unlike any other, with hundreds of unique luxury offerings and West coast exclusives. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers to park themselves on a chair and wait outside the store (you know the kind), South Coast Plaza is indoors, air conditioned, and thoughtfully designed.
What about a slow-cation? For a more mindful and conscious getaway, Costa Mesa lives up to its name as City of the Arts®. There’s plenty of arts and culture to experience at no cost, and keeping it local reduces your carbon footprint. Try Costa Mesa’s public, self-guided Art Walk tour or visit Orange County Museum of Art. OCMA hosts several exhibits at a time, many of them kid-friendly or delightfully unexpected. For example, “Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression,” an expansive curation of original drawings and dresses from the famed designer, comes to Costa Mesa directly from Marrakech, Morocco.
No matter what kind of getaway you have in mind, Costa Mesa is only a tank of gas away. Buckle your seatbelts, turn on your favorite playlist, and hit the road. We’ll see you soon!
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The Best Places to Dance in Costa Mesa
Whether you’re into EDM, country, or hip hop, Costa Mesa has a dance floor for every vibe. From high-energy nightclubs to laid-back lounges here are the best places to dance the night away.
TIME Nightclub
TIME Nightclub is where the party never stops. Think Vegas, right in Costa Mesa! Its state-of-the-art lighting and sound system will have you feeling the rhythm the minute you walk in. TIME is the ultimate EDM club, playing beats ranging from house to bass and every groove in between. You can catch epic DJ sets and live performances from big names like Steve Aoki, Tiësto, and Zedd.
Sevilla Night Club
Learn some new moves by taking a dance class at Sevilla Night Club located inside Café Sevilla. Every Wednesday starting at 8:00 pm you can join one of their Salsa or Bachata classes. Whether you’re rolling in solo, with friends, or with a partner, these classes are perfect for all levels. And the fun doesn’t stop there— grab a drink at the bar and keep the party going with an open dance floor until 1:30 am. No reservation is needed, just show up for a good time!
STRUT Bar & Club
STRUT is the ultimate destination for LGBTQ+ nightlife in Costa Mesa. This inclusive club offers weekly entertainment from top drag artists and DJs. Whether you want to turn it up like Kesha, break out your party pink for Chappell Roan on one of their iconic theme nights, or just feel like hitting the dance floor for a spontaneous party, Strut promises an unforgettable experience. Get ready to live your best life and dance like nobody’s watching!
Westwood Coast
If country music and Boot Scootin’ Boogie is more your thing, then head over to Westwood Coast! This casual steakhouse hosts fun line dancing sessions every Thursday at 10:00 pm. With over 100 bottles of bourbon to choose from, you’ll find the perfect drink to complement your evening. For an extra thrill, try your hand at the mechanical bull and see if you can stay on for the full ride!
Wayfarer
The Wayfarer is one of Costa Mesa’s best live music venues. Their eclectic mix of up-and-coming local bands and legendary acts, make it a go-to for anyone who’s into music. You can expect to hear everything from indie and alternative rock to electronic and hip-hop. Don’t miss their popular Y2K nights, where you can experience your favorite 90s and 00s hits performed live. With a full bar and kitchen on-site, you can grab some tasty food and drinks while you rock out.
Mesa Lounge
Located at the CAMP, Mesa is perfect if you’re looking for chic lounge vibes. Step into a sleek, stylish ambiance, with an in-house DJ playing Top 40 hits and hip-hop tracks. In addition to their dance floor, enjoy a menu of tasty bites and amazing craft cocktails! Make sure to try their famous lychee martini or go all out with bottle service and take your night to the next level.
Maximize the Fun
As you plan your night, maximize the fun by booking a hotel room! With so many incredible venues and clubs to explore, you can dance the night away and then head back to your cozy room for some well-deserved relaxation. What are you waiting for? Time to put on your dancing shoes!
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Posted in Events, Hotels, Misc, Music & Art, Travel
The Ultimate Summer Destination for SoCal Travelers
If you’re looking for the ultimate location to plan a Southern California vacation, then Costa Mesa is the place to be! It’s the perfect home base if you want to explore Disneyland, Hollywood, and beyond. Experience our incredible dining options, shopping destinations, and exciting summer events —all in one trip.
The Perfect Location
Costa Mesa is located right in the middle of Southern California, which makes it super easy to hit up all your summer bucket list destinations.
Plus, if you’re all about spending as much time as you can at the beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach are all just a short drive away and we have plenty of beach-close hotels to choose from.
Foodie Paradise
Costa Mesa is the most flavorful destination in Southern California! With the only 2 Michelin Starred restaurants in Orange County plus 6 Michelin Recognized spots, it’s truly the perfect city to take an Eatcation®. Whether you’re craving artisan coffee, gourmet burgers, or exotic eats, our city has it all. Dive into our insane variety of restaurants and discover new flavors!
Boutique Bliss
Did you know the largest shopping center on the West Coast is located in Costa Mesa?
Experience designer shopping at South Coast Plaza where you can explore over 200 boutiques including a massive two-story Gucci store and the largest Balenciaga boutique in the Americas. But, if you are more into local finds, Costa Mesa has plenty of unique boutiques. Some of our favorites can be found at The LAB and The CAMP.
After Dark Adventures
The fun never ends in Costa Mesa. The nightlife here is lit with cool bars, craft breweries, and plenty of locations to enjoy live music. Whether you’re into dancing, enjoying craft cocktails, or catching a live band, Costa Mesa has you covered. We recommend visiting Mercado Gonzalez, a massive Mexican food hall offering a full cocktail bar and live mariachi music, or newly opened, Westwood Coast for country vibes and line dancing.
Events and Concerts
If you’re in town for the summer then you have to hit up the OC Fair which runs from July 19 – August 18th! It’s one of the top ten largest fairs in the U.S. and has no shortage of rides, carnival games, animals, arts and crafts, beer, food, and live music. Bonus tip: attend a concert at Pacific Amphitheater and get free fair admission. This year’s lineup includes UB40, Stray Cats, Big Time Rush and so many more, check out the full list.
Arts and Culture
Explore the artsy side of Costa Mesa at Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). Don’t miss the chance to walk through their new Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression exhibit. For the first time in the United States, you can explore the designer’s groundbreaking work from the 1960s until 2002, his last show. Admission is FREE!
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is another great choice if you are looking to catch a Broadway show like Clue and Peter Pan. This summer, they’re also hosting free events like outdoor movies and dance classes—perfect for making the most of your summer nights!
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Summer
So what are you waiting for? Drop this blog in the group chat, book your hotel stay, and get ready to experience the best SoCal vacation you’ve ever had. We can’t wait to see you here!
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
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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Posted in Food
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:
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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Posted in Food
