Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa
As the air turns crisper and leaves turn gold, fall for the sights, sounds, (and spooks!) of Costa Mesa. With countless exciting events, comforting and craveable flavors, and one-of-a-kind Halloween happenings, Costa Mesa is a must-visit this season. Whether you’re a local or planning your next vacation, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating fall in style.
Beat the Morning Chill with Seasonal Sips
Kickstart your day with a visit to two local gems, NUDAE Coffee and Coffee Nature. These neighborhood-favorite coffee shops are a great place to taste the season and warm your soul.
AAPI (Asian & Pacific American) and female-owned, NUDAE Coffee recently celebrated their first anniversary, and it’s no surprise their espresso, lattes, and brunchy food are so beloved. For Fall, they’re offering limited-edition brews like “The Great Pumpkin,” a PSL made with warming spices, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and oat milk. It’s topped with salted maple whip and fresh grated nutmeg—yum.
If you prefer to pass on pumpkin spice season, keep an eye out for “Ghost of Uncle Earl” featuring house made syrup using Art of Tea’s Earl Grey Creme, club soda, and a vanilla cream top. Only served iced, it tastes like Vanilla Coke as an Italian soda.
Meanwhile, Coffee Nature brings together the unexpected in “Pumpkin Matcha,” pairing pumpkin syrup and pumpkin oat milk with matcha. Don’t miss “The Andy Apple” latte, a delicious blast of Autumn with apple juice, apple butter syrup, chai, and cinnamon.
Get into the Fall Spirit at Tanaka Farm
For the ultimate fall vibes head over to Tanaka Farms and explore Hana Field Pumpkin Patch. Wander through the eight acres of pumpkins and snap Instagram-worthy photos amidst the vibrant orange backdrop. With so many pumpkins to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect one for carving or decorating. For even more fun, check out their family-friendly corn maze, wagon ride, and cow train!
They are open every Saturday & Sunday from 10am to 5pm starting October 5th through October 27th. Book your pumpkin patch experience here.
Hocus Pocus Beetle Juice Drag Show
You’re going to want to drop this one in the group chat! From September 28th through October 26th, catch Orange County’s most wicked drag performance at STRUT Bar & Club.
The Hocus Pocus Beetle Juice drag show is filled with fun surprises that will leave you spellbound all while you sip on your favorite poison from the bar—because what’s a little witchcraft without a drink in hand? We recommend trying their citrusy “Midnight Cabaret-tini” or their fizzy “My Ex Jack’s Lemonade!”
Snake Yoga & Horror-Themed Axe Throwing
A spooky season calls for spine-tingling fun, and we double dare you to take a snake yoga class at LXR YOGA! This unique experience invites you to stretch and interact with friendly non-venomous ball pythons. In small-group sessions, you’ll first learn how to hold these scaly companions and get comfortable with their gentle nature. Then you’ll draw a crystal, and the rock you pick will reveal which snake gets to join you on your yoga adventure. The class is beginner-friendly and unfolds at a gentle pace so you can connect with your breath and the snakes!
If snake yoga is too much of a stretch, try an axe-throwing season at Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales. This horror themed axe-throwing venue is fully decorated with memorabilia from your favorite scary movies including iconic figures like Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, and Jason Voorhees. Not only do they have giant axes for you to throw but their projection targets are interactive, so you can play games like Battle Stations, Tick Tack Toe, and Alien Attack. As you put your axe-throwing skills to the test, enjoy a round of their spooking themed cocktails and make sure to try their new All Hallows Treat chocolate peanut butter stout.
Fall’s Fashion and Fun
No visit to Costa Mesa is complete without a trip to South Coast Plaza, Southern California’s ultimate luxury shopping destination! Shop the latest fall fashion trends at their newest boutiques including Courreges, Amiri, Jil Sander, and Maison Margiela. With an array of designer labels and collections to choose from, you’ll find everything you need to give your wardrobe a seasonal glow-up.
If you’re looking for an eclectic and artsy shopping experience, make your way over to The Camp. Its open-air layout, quirky art installations, and lush green spaces invite you to explore one-of-a-kind shops and funky pop-up vendors. This October, it’s all about good tunes and ghoulish fun! On October 19th, attend their Autumn Music Fest, dress up in your favorite tie-dye attire and listen to local bands play folk, rock, and indie tunes. Then on October 30th get ready for a spooky Boo Bash with haunted markets, horror trivia, and an outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus.
Need a show-stopping costume for your holiday festivities? Check out the Halloween Bootique inside Triangle Square. Open all year long, this shop has the best costumes and accessories to bring your wildest vision to life!
Cultivate Your Creativity
Pick up a paintbrush—and a glass of wine—at Inspired Art Wine, a studio, bar, and gallery. All throughout October, Inspired is hosting painting sessions with a side of spooky season. Paint your own trick-or-treat scene, or sign up for October 19th‘s mashup of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night” with Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.
No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided.
If you prefer to be a patron (rather than a painter) of the arts, Costa Mesa is the home of award-winning and internationally recognized theatres and concert halls. South Coast Repertory opens their 2024-2025 season with the cult-favorite “Little Shop of Horrors” by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.
The classic creature feature runs from September 21st to October 19th, 2024.
Turn up the volume and bring the whole family for “Halloween Fandemonium!” at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. A live DJ pairs with Pacific Symphony, and Halloween magic is made. Hear all your favorite Halloween classics, plus music from beloved films like Frozen and Star Wars.
Don’t miss the activities held in the lobby before and after the show. There’s coloring, crafts, and more. Costumes highly recommended! Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Savor the Season in Costa Mesa
Fall is the best season to visit, with so much happening and so many new things to try. From exclusive seasonal lattes at NUDAE Coffee and Coffee Nature, to wandering through Hana Field Pumpkin Patch, and immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa is the place to be this fall.
Embrace the season, explore the city, and make this autumn your most vibrant and memorable one yet! Find more fall happenings here.
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Posted in Events, Food, Misc, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
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
Our Best Tips and Tricks for The OC Fair
Once a year, Costa Mesa’s summer sun brings a special attraction where everyone can come together for a good time. The foodies and thrill seekers can find their latest adventure, the shoppers and artists can find new inspiration, and families, couples, or solo-riders can experience sights, sounds, and laughter they’ll remember all season.
Grab your sunscreen and your appetite: it’s time for the OC Fair.
Know Before You Go
From Friday, July 19th to Sunday, August 18th (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa will be transformed into a fun-packed festival to fill up your summer days. We’ve pulled together our best tips, tricks, and insider information to help you have the best time ever at the fair this year.
Tickets
- Purchase tickets in advance. Limited daily capacity makes for a better experience for fairgoers.
- Don’t wait until the end of the season thinking you’ll beat the crowd—the last several days of the fair often sell out.
How to Beat the Crowd
- Rideshare is the way to go! It’s quicker and less stress than circling for a parking spot. That means more time to enjoy the fair.
- If you do want to avoid the crowds, come to the fair early! It opens at 11am. Grab a breakfast burrito, fresh-baked cinnamon roll, or acai bowl as you sip your morning coffee and congratulate yourself on making it in before anyone else.
- Better yet—turn it into an overnight stay. Stay at the Best Western Plus and walk to the fair. OC Hotel Costa Mesa or Hampton by Hilton Costa Mesa Newport Beach are a short Uber ride away from the Fair—or a longer walk for ambitious fairgoers. Hotels often sell out during the Fair, so book early. View all of Costa Mesa’s best hotels here.
Tips to Save Some $$$
- Tickets to performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, and Action Sports Arena all include same-day entry. Visit The Hangar for tribute bands and singalong to Elton John, Prince, or Queen for a bargain, with fair admission included.
- All exhibits are free with Fair admission, including blue-ribbon winning cake decorations, woodworking and fine arts, and The Art of Music Experience. (More on that below!)
- New this year: $5 Taste of the Fair. Available daily, until 4pm, try smaller portions of fare favorites with a smaller price tag.
Did You Know That…?
- OC Fair is a celebration of Orange County’s agricultural heritage. From cattle to lima beans, agriculture was a driving force in the development of Orange County, and the Fair is a rare moment where we can get closer to our food production. Visit the Fair’s Centennial Farm, a year-round working farm, to meet animal educators, get up close and personal with exotic animals and barnyard favorites at the petting zoo, and cheer the pigs at the All-Alaskan Pig Races!
- The Fair welcomes Out at the Fair on Sunday, August 11th, for a celebration of diversity and inclusiveness. Out at the Fair describes themselves as a “community-focused event designed to bring people together and promote a message of acceptance and love.” Out at the Fair curates a full day of entertainment at The Hangar with musicians, dancers, and performers.
- The Art of Music Experience returns for the second year. View iconic art from your favorite albums, large-scale and hand painted. The experience includes pop-ups, like a vinyl shop, coffee lounge, themed bar, and live-painting demonstrations.
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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
Things to do in Costa Mesa This Spring
Spring is here, and Orange County as always is packed with opportunities to make the most of the warming weather. Time your visit right and you will have a range of spring events to choose from in Costa Mesa, from foodie fairs to galleries, even to a full marathon.
OC Winefest
Photo by OC Wine Fest
When: April 20–April 21
Where: OC Fair & Event Center (The Hangar)
Admission: $55
More than 100 different wines from over 30 wineries will be available for a diverse wine tasting event hosted at the OC Fair & Event Center. For 3 hours, you can try wines from around the world made from some of the finest grapes ever grown.
South Coast Plaza Garden Show
Photo by South Coast Plaza
When: April 25–28
Where: South Coast Plaza Shopping Center
Admission: Free
The 34th Southern California Spring Garden show is set to happen at South Coast Plaza over four days. Featuring dozens of plant and garden vendors selling exotic plants, it is the perfect time to find something to make your living space stand out. There will be 8 display gardens showcasing the talent of SoCal horticulture specialists, along with a crowning centerpiece—a 25-foot floral installation.
Beetlejuice, the Musical
When: April 16–28
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Admission: $49–179 (varies by seating)
Experience this classic tale of family and fun in musical form at Segerstrom Hall. This adaptation of Tim Burton’s beloved film has been hailed by Variety as “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN” and was a Broadway favorite before making its way to Orange County.
OC Japan Fair
When: April 19 – April 21
Where: OC Fair & Event Center (Anaheim Building)
Admission: $10 (free for children 6 and under and adults 66 and over)
Gather your friends or family and prepare for a fun, educational experience about Japanese cultures. Featuring comedy, kimono models, music, cosplay, and more, this weekend-long event at the OC Fair & Event Center is the perfect way to start off your spring.
OCMA New Exhibit
Photo by OCMA
When: March 15—August 18
Where: Orange County Museum of Art
Admission: Free
Orange County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, Color is the First Revelation of the World, features more than a dozen artists’ works exploring how color and form intersect. The works all center around hues of blue in a variety of styles, creating unique narratives using color as the central aesthetic element. Admission to the entire museum is free!
Mercado Gonzalez Miguelito’s Kids Classes
When: Saturdays in April (6, 13, 20, & 27)
Where: Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market
Admission: Free
Stop by Mercado Gonzalez for a different kids class every Saturday morning throughout April. Each class will teach kids how to make their own version of food items such as sushi, paleta, sandwiches, and skewers.
OC Marathon
Photo by OC Marathon
When: May 4– May 5
Admission: $50+ (for participants, registration fees vary with event)
Whether running it or watching it, the OC Marathon is always a memorable event. This year it returns for its 20th anniversary. More than just running, the event as a whole spreads across the entire weekend and features live music, kids events, and some of the best breweries in OC. The main event (the HOAG OC Marathon) kicks off at 5:30 AM on May 5th, and the Half Marathon starts one hour later.
Disney’s Aladdin
When: May 7– May 12
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Admission: Starting at $49
The hit Broadway musical ALADDIN is coming to Segerstrom Hall for a week in May. Seize the chance to see a performance that critics across the board have heaped praise upon and experience a beautiful, spectacular, and moving retelling of Disney’s classic tale.
626 Night Market
Photo by 626 Night Market
When: May 31–June 2
Where: OC Fair & Event Center
Admission: $5 for pre-sale tickets
Enjoy the final weekend of spring at the 626 Night Market, a sprawling event featuring local businesses as they showcase some of the best food, handmade products, art and more. Live music will keep the energy going at this fun event for everyone.
Extend Your Stay
There is no shortage of spring events in Costa Mesa offering opportunities for adventure and exploration. Make the most of your visit by booking an overnight stay at one of our eleven hotel properties in the city.
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