Travel Costa Mesa Blog
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
Hands-On Adventures in Costa Mesa: Get Out and Make Things
If you love getting your hands dirty in the best way—think flour, paint splatters, or clay—then Costa Mesa is the place to be. Ever wanted to pretend you’re on The Great Pottery Throw Down? Yeah, us too, and we get to live out our pottery wheel fantasies whenever we want. Depending on your desires, whether it’s painting, learning about building your own hydroponics system, or even picking up some new dance moves, Costa Mesa has a workshop, class, or studio ready for you to dive in.
If you’re a SoCal native, just point your GPS to Orange County, in between Los Angeles and San Diego. If you’re not a local, fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) and skip the hassle of LAX.
Meet Your Inner Maker
If you’re itching to start making things but don’t know where to start (or require supervision), we can’t recommend Urban Workshop highly enough. It’s a makerspace with courses, project classes, and 1:1 mentoring—they’ve got options for everything from textiles to photography and blacksmithing. There’s membership options too if you’re excited to get your make on.
Photo by @urbanworkshop
Canvas Worker has workshops to teach you how to sew a bag of your own. If you’re afraid of sewing machines, don’t be! The instructor walks you through safety and procedure and is there to make things keep running smoothly. At the end of it, you get a gorgeous bag you put together yourself.
Photo by @canvasworker
Sculpt, Glaze, Repeat
Regardless of if you’re a novice potter or a pro, there are options in Costa Mesa for everyone. ARTime Barro has workshops, an online basics course, and classes for adults as well as teens and kids. They also have the option to rent studio time, for experienced artists. Costa Mesa Ceramics has youth and adult classes, as well as the option for booking private classes, including for large groups, so you can bring the whole squad and throw down!
Photo by @costamesaceramics
Craft, Create, Innovate
Inspired Art & Wine has the perfect sip and paint experience—we’re obsessed with their Bob Ross-Inspired Oil Workshop, because who doesn’t love a happy little tree? There’s also a workshop option for wine bottle and glass painting. You can book time for private events, including for offsite and mobile painting.
Photo by @inspiredartwine
Stretch, Breathe, and Slither
Snake Yoga at YXRYOGA isn’t so much a hands-on experience as it is a whole-body-on experience. You can book a private yoga sesh (with up to four guests) and learn how to ground yourself in your body with the help of calm, slithering friends. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, either; we’ve brought nervous folks who ended up besties with their assigned snakes by the end.
Photo by @lxrpythons
Farm-Fresh Fun
The OC Fair & Events Center isn’t just an annual fried-food-and-rides extravaganza; there are workshops held year-round, including at Centennial Farm, a three-acre working farm that offers tours as well as farm and gardening classes. Check the schedule to see what’s coming to the event center; there’s Farmers Markets, bridal expos, and plenty of opportunities to plunge your hands into some soil.
Up Your Food & Bev Game
Sur La Table has an incredible roster of cooking classes, so you can show off everything from French pastry skills to pasta-making and intimate date-night dinners. There are options for basically every palate, and you’ll want to bring home half the store’s worth of kitchenware if you’re not careful.
Photo by @surlatable
The Mixing Glass is the home for all things beer, spirits, wine, and cider, but don’t overlook their classes! Learn about Modern Tiki or Bourbon vs Rye, as well as Mixology 101 and 201 options. And when you’re done learning, you can buy gourmet snacks and bites for your own setup, as well as high-quality provisions, to make perfect cocktails at home.
Feel the Rhythm
Ready to work up a sweat? Head to Sevilla, a nightclub with salsa and bachata dance classes (provided by OC Salsa) every Wednesday that you can attend for a modest fee. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert; they’ve got a class for you, and you don’t even need to bring a partner.
Photo by @sevillanightcluboc
Stay and Play in Costa Mesa
After a full day of hands-on fun, it’s imperative you have a place to chill and recharge. That’s where our incredible Costa Mesa hotels come in. If you’re ready to plan your creative getaway, remember to book a room to relax.
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Posted in Events, Music & Art, Play, Travel
14 Date Ideas for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day
Chocolate and a night in? Sweet, but let’s be real—Costa Mesa has way too much going on to stay home. This Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day, why not upgrade your plans with something that will make your heart flutter.
We’ve rounded up 14 must-try date ideas in Costa Mesa that’ll make your day unforgettable. Whether you’re out with your partner or your ride-or-dies, these picks guarantee all the fun, all the feels, and zero regrets.
1. Take a Paint Class at Inspired Art Wine
Photo by Inspired Art Wine
Art and wine is a timeless combo and Inspired Art Wine is taking it up a notch. They offer painting classes (with wine), as well as wine-focused sessions where you can learn about tasting profiles and create custom labels. For Valentine’s Day, they’re hosting a painting class featuring the scene “London Walk,” perfect for the romantic occasion! Seats are limited, so book yours before they’re gone.
2. Create a Custom Charm Necklace at Balboa Gold
Photo by Balboa Gold
For a keepsake that stands out, head to Balboa Gold inside SOCO & the OC Mix where you and your besties can design your own custom charm necklace or bracelet. Choose from a selection of meaningful charms, initials, and gemstones to match your personal style. Hanging with your boo? Book a permanent jewelry appointment to make it official with a forever bracelet!
3. Climb Together & Conquer Together at Rockcreation
Photo by Rockreation
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro climber, Rockreation is the perfect spot to reach new heights together—literally. Book a class tailored to your goals (fitness, technique, speed, etc.) or set up a private session for your Galentine’s crew. Because nothing says friendship like cheering each other on…or racing to the top for ultimate bragging rights!
4. Stay Classy with Dinner and a Show
Photo by @debophotos
Is there anything more iconic than dinner and a show? Kick-off Valentine’s Day with a decadent 4-course prix-fixe meal at Silver Trumpet—think perfectly seasoned steaks and seafood, hand-crafted desserts, and more deliciousness. Then, take a romantic stroll to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for Pacific Symphony’s Pops show featuring jazz-tinted music.
5. Make Something Special at Color Me Mine
Color Me Mine is ready to paint the town red this Valentine’s Day! On February 14th, grab your partner and BYO champagne, wine, or whatever gets your creativity flowing. They’re offering an intimate evening of ceramic painting, where your masterpieces are yours to keep. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out—reserve your spot before it’s too late!
6. Enjoy a Special Dinner in Costa Mesa
Photo by Knife Pleat
Knife Pleat: Treat your special someone to a Michelin-starred experience at Knife Pleat with a luxurious French six-course tasting menu, available on Valentine’s Day and February 15.
Descanso: Celebrate love effortlessly with a special prix fixe menu for two, featuring Mexican street-inspired cuisine, available from February 13 through 16.
Sevilla: Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere of live Latin music and Spanish cuisine at Sevilla. Their special four-course menu features dishes like warm goat cheese dip, lobster paella valenciana, and orange tart with raspberry meringue for dessert.
The Country Club: Indulge in a romantic four-course meal with live jazz, an elegant dining ambiance, and a complimentary glass of champagne, plus options for wine pairings and themed craft cocktails.
7. Treat Yourselves at South Coast Plaza
Photo by South Coast Plaza
This Valentine’s Day, shopping at South Coast Plaza is more than just a retail therapy session—it’s a love affair. With luxury brands, boutiques, and delicious eateries, you’ll find the perfect gift (or treat yourself—no judgment here). Don’t forget to grab a complimentary rose and stop by Laderach for artisanal chocolates that’ll make your heart—and taste buds—melt.
8. Be Inspired at OCMA
Photo by Jeff Gritchen
The Orange County Museum of Art is the perfect unexpected spot for a memorable date night. Stroll hand in hand through the galleries, exploring California and international masterpieces, and don’t miss the immersive Martin Creed exhibit, featuring giant yellow balloons that make for a fun photo op. Plus, admission is free!
9. Learn Some Moves at Café Sevilla
Photo by Café Sevilla
This Valentine’s Day, spice things up with a Salsa & Bachata dance class at Café Sevilla! No reservations required—just bring your dance partner and some comfy shoes for a night of fun. Start with salsa, then move on to bachata, and put your new skills to the test while dancing into the early morning, until 1:30 am. It’s the perfect way to turn your date night into an unforgettable dance party!
10. Axe Your Ex at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Photo by Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Break free from Valentine’s clichés and axe your ex this February 14th at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales! You read that right. Bring a printed or digital picture of your ex and let out your frustrations by throwing some axes. Make sure to enjoy their wide selection of craft beers while you are there.
11. Take a Wheel Throwing Class at ARTime Barro
Photo by ARTime Barro
For a couple that likes a hands-on approach, we recommend taking a wheel-throwing class at ARTime Barro. Learn core techniques for using a pottery wheel alongside your favorite people with lessons for all levels given by lifelong ceramic experts.
12. Unwind at Facial Lounge
Photo by Facial Lounge
The first few months of the year can be a stressful time, so unwinding on Valentine’s Day is as valid as any date. We recommend booking organic vegan facials at Facial Lounge in Costa Mesa, a spa and lounge where even a few hours can feel like days of relaxation.
13. Spread the Love at The CAMP
Head to The CAMP for a day filled with love, creativity, and fun! Enjoy live tunes by Violette Rain and dive into free activities like floral arranging, custom heart wreath making, and a fun photo op backdrop. Sip on mocktails by Hi Lo Liquor, grab a bag of wildflower seeds to take home, and more!
14. End the Night Right with an Overnight Stay
Photo by @steadyjenny
Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year— perfect for turning it into a three-day weekend celebration! The Westin South Coast Plaza is offering a romantic getaway designed for relaxation and indulgence.
Package Includes:
- Overnight accommodations
- Complimentary Breakfast for two (2) at The Great Room
- Complimentary self-parking for one (1) vehicle
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- One (1) bottle of Champagne or Sparkling Cider
Whether you’re celebrating with your partner or your best friends, a luxurious overnight stay at a Costa Mesa Hotel is the best way to cap off an unforgettable night. Enjoy comfort, privacy, and a little extra love this weekend.
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Shopping
