Travel Costa Mesa Blog
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.
Tin Lizzie Saloon
Coming here is being part of LGBTQ+ 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.
Shop Local, Shop Small
Change starts at the community level, and local businesses in Costa Mesa are making it happen. Eschewing everything quick, corporate, and mass-produced, these places 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.
The LAB Anti-Mall: A stomping ground for local creators and crave-worthy food. It’s the home of LGBTQ+ shops like House of Intuition, offering alternate spirituality, Stella Jean’s Ice Cream for delicious small-batch scoops and treats, and Ruin Bar for late night hangs with a cool-kid vibe.
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 businesses like AhbA for crave-worthy Americana food and the most aesthetic rooftop bar in Costa Mesa, Mesa for a swanky lounge perfect for martinis, or Cowboys and Poodles for a Western-inspired speakeasy that Ms. Dolly Parton herself would love.
Pride Parade at IKEA Costa Mesa
Known as a longtime LGBTQ+ ally, Ikea is showing off their local pride here in Costa Mesa! Join their 2nd annual Ikea Costa Mesa Flat Cart Pride Parade at the end of June, because it’s just as quirky and fun as it sounds. Pride-themed floats parade through the store, and you’re welcome to join in! Walk the parade route or just watch the rainbows fly.
Speaking of rainbows, from June 1 to July 31, Ikea is also donating 100% of Rainbow cake sales to Rainbow Railroad, an organization that helps LGBTQ+ folks find emergency relocation and crisis assistance. You don’t have to talk us into having an extra slice of cake–it’s for a good cause!
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. Sing along with the Von Trapp family during The Sound of Music or practice your best Bollywood grooves at Argyros Plaza’s weekly Tuesday Night Dance session. Whether you want to dance, sing, or just be part of something, Segerstrom Center is the place to be.
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.
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
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 a whole weekend of appreciation. No need to pull together a last-minute miracle: we’re here to help you plan ahead. Here are six #CostAmazing ways to show mom you put a little thought and a lot of love into making her day special.
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 brunch buffet features a tasty smoked salmon bar, fresh oysters, New York steak, and fresh summer rolls.
- Le Chateau Garden Bistro: Experience a gourmet brunch featuring omelet, carving, and seafood stations. To top it off, brunch includes bottomless mimosas.
- Westin South Coast Plaza: Indulge in a delicious menu featuring sweet strawberry ricotta French toast or crab eggs Benedict, along with a build-your-own Bloody Mary experience.
- 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.
- Terrace by Mix Mix: Enjoy an eclectic three-course menu featuring French, Italian, and Filipino flavors, with entrées ranging from ube French toast to Chicken Milanese and Rigatoni Bolognese.
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 250+ shops and restaurants.
6: Book Mom the Staycation She Deserves
Brunch or shopping? We vote both. Why pick one or the other when she deserves it all? Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel invites you to spend Mother’s Day in style in the heart of the City of the Arts®.
She’ll wake up to a lakeside view, then it’s an easy stroll over to South Coast Plaza where she can spend a complimentary gift card. She’s welcome to lounge and sip a cocktail in the VIP Access Suite, and if the day (or night) is running late—the hotel is offering a late checkout to make sure her weekend is entirely stress-free. Learn more about the stylish room package here.
If she prefers the beach or a bike ride to a shopping spree, we have options for that too. Whether you want to go high or low, luxury or value-focused, Costa Mesa has a myriad of hotel options to make sure you find the perfect stay.
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Posted in Events
Costa Mesa Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week!
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, UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, 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.
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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Looking for Something Fun to Make or Do? Costa Mesa Has Answers
Looking for the perfect activity to spark your creativity this summer? Want something new, group‑friendly, and a memory that lasts longer than the Instagram Story? Costa Mesa is packed with hands‑on workshops, classes, and experiences that let you make, move, taste, and try new things. Use this Q&A guide to find your next creative adventure.
Never been to Costa Mesa before? We’re centrally located in Orange County, just minutes from the coast and easy to reach. John Wayne Airport (SNA) sits less than 10 minutes away, making it one of Southern California’s most convenient destinations for a quick getaway or weekend adventure.
Your Guide to Creative Side Quests in Costa Mesa
Q: Where can I dive into maker culture or learn a new craft?
A: Urban Workshop is your go‑to, one-stop makerspace for building, crafting, and creating. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at woodworking, blacksmithing, textiles, photography, or even build your own hydroponics system, Urban Workshop has classes, project sessions, and 1:1 mentoring. Memberships are available if you want ongoing access to tools and training.
Q: I’ve never sewn before. Can I still make something cool?
Without a doubt! Try a workshop at Canvas Worker. They offer guided sewing workshops where you’ll learn safety, technique, and how to operate an industrial sewing machine—even if you’ve never touched one before. And at the end, you’ll walk away with a beautifully crafted bag that’s built to last and made with your own hands.
Q: What if I want to try pottery or ceramics?
A: Costa Mesa has multiple studios for people at every skill level.
ARTime Barro: Workshops, an online basics course, and classes for adults, teens, and kids, including Spanish language instruction. Experienced potters can also rent studio time.
Costa Mesa Ceramics: Youth and adult classes plus private bookings for large groups. Perfect for team‑building or a creative night out.
Photo by @inspiredartwine
Q: Is there a fun, artsy activity I can do with friends (and maybe wine)?
A: Yes—book a sip‑and‑paint session at Inspired Art & Wine. Choose from themed workshops like their beloved Bob Ross‑Inspired Oil Workshop (happy little trees included), or try wine bottle and glass painting. They also offer private events and mobile painting sessions.
Q: What’s the most unique hands‑on experience in Costa Mesa?
A: Snake Yoga at LXRYOGA. For real. This private yoga session (for up to four guests) incorporates calm, slithering snake companions to help you ground and relax. Even nervous first‑timers often end up bonding with their assigned snake. (Yes, it happened to us. We’ve brought several people into the snake yoga fold!) The local couple behind LXRYOGA use their own pet snakes and offer limited sessions per month, so you can be comfortable knowing both you and the snakes are in for a positive experience.
Q: Are there any hands‑on outdoor or farm experiences?
A: Visit Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center. This three‑acre working farm offers tours, gardening classes, and year‑round workshops. It’s free, family-friendly, and unexpectedly one of our favorite places to grab an aesthetic grid photo. Check the OC Fair & Event Center calendar for farmers markets, expos, and seasonal events where you can dig your hands into real soil.
Photo by @surlatable
Q: Where can I level up my cooking or cocktail‑making skills?
A: Costa Mesa has classes for both foodies and aspiring mixologists.
Sur La Table: Learn everything from French pastries to pasta‑making to date‑night dinners. Warning: you may want to buy half the store afterward.
Mercado Gonzalez: Coming soon, this incredible Mexican market will offer cooking classes for folks looking to delve deeper into authentic Mexican cuisine.
Photo by @sevillanightcluboc
Q: I want something active. Any dance classes?
A: Head to Sevilla for salsa and bachata nights. Every Wednesday, OC Salsa hosts beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes at Sevilla Nightclub. No partner is required. It’s such a great way to work up a sweat, and you’ll learn some new moves to take with you.
If you’re more into boots‑and‑boogie, head to Westwood Coast for weekly line‑dancing nights.Tuesdays are Family Country night, starting at 6:30 p.m. and open to ages 10+ with a parent/guardian. Thursdays are 21+ starting at nine and ending at midnight. All experience levels are welcome, and instructors are on hand to help beginners dive right in.
Q: Where should I stay after a full day of hands‑on fun?
A: Costa Mesa’s hotels are ready to help you recharge. After a day of pottery, painting, yoga, or cooking, unwind at one of Costa Mesa’s welcoming hotels—perfect for turning your creative day trip into a relaxing getaway.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
From pottery wheels to paintbrushes, sewing machines to snakes (yes, snakes!), Costa Mesa is the place to learn new skills, try something unexpected, and make memories you’ll talk about all year.
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Posted in Events, Music & Art, Play, Travel
