Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Costa Mesa’s Best Food, Shopping, and Experiences in 2025
We’re thrilled to share our end-of-year guide to the best Costa Mesa has to offer. From mouthwatering meals to one-of-a-kind shopping and unforgettable experiences, we’re celebrating the highlights from each of Costa Mesa’s diverse neighborhoods.
How did we choose the best? We tapped into staff and community favorites, kept our finger on the pulse of everything new, and thrilled with every viral video. The result is a curated list of what captured the heart and soul of Costa Mesa in 2025.
We couldn’t include every stop we loved, so we recommend you use this to kick off your itinerary and discover—or rediscover—everything that makes Costa Mesa an unexpected favorite. Let’s dive in and celebrate the best of this year!
Eastside Costa Mesa
Eat: Salty Horse
What makes it special: You’ll be ooo-ing over the drink menu, aaa-ing over the food, and somehow end up with a full spread at Salty Horse. The space is a cowboy meets coastal vibe, with a fusion menu pulling flavors from Asian, Mexican, and American cuisines. In a hurry? Grab their classic Cowgirl Matcha to go. Got time to settle in? The pink pitaya pancakes and loaded soyrizo breakfast burrito are perfect for brunch.
Shop: Paseo 17
What makes it special: This Spanish courtyard-style retail space has everything you need to build-your-own perfect day. You can start with coffee at Milligram, then treat your skin to a facial at Freeface. Refresh your wardrobe at Purre Boutique or find a new signature home scent at Slow Goods. Pick up a freshly made bread at Rye Goods and pair it with artisanal jam from Mercado Mesa or finish strong with an Italian dinner at OSPI.
Experience: Snake Yoga
What makes it special: Only in Costa Mesa! What started as a passion project quickly became a viral sensation at LXRYOGA. As seen in People Magazine, this snake yoga experience pairs you with friendly, non-venomous ball pythons for a unique class that’s both calming and exciting. In small-group sessions, yogis first learn how to hold the snakes, then are paired with their own snake for the duration of the class. It’s the perfect way to conquer your fears—or try something totally out of the ordinary.
Westside Costa Mesa
What makes it special: A local favorite in Costa Mesa’s coffee scene, Neat lives up to its name with simple, elegant décor in minty green and cool cream. Their menu is equally neat, dotted with latte essentials, seasonal favorites, and a lime jasmine green tea that you’ll be coming back for. As day turns to night, Neat undergoes its own transformation, becoming Third Place in 2025, a wine bar with cozy, glowing lighting and rich conversation.
Shop: Saltwater Leather Co
What makes it special: Tucked into a creative enclave just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Saltwater Leather Co is named for the water that nips at their heels. A true family affair, primarily run by mother and son, Jaime and Chase Huante. Some may call Jaime a multi-hyphenate, an accomplished chef, and formerly embroidery and crochet teacher at The CAMP, but it’s her leatherworking that shines the brightest. Their Belt Bar and Custom Italian Leather Sandal experiences are hands on, creatively affirming experiences where attendees walk away with luxury goods made by their own two hands. It’s an experience only possible in Costa Mesa, and it’s one that utterly captivated us in 2025.
Experience: Wayfarer
What makes it special: The Wayfarer is Costa Mesa’s live music venue and gastropub, celebrating over ten years of bringing live performance right to the community. Every style of music has a home at The Wayfarer, and everyone is welcome. Drop by and you might discover your next favorite band. We couldn’t help but take notice of the calibre of talent taking the stage this year, and we can’t wait to see what 2026 holds.
Mesa Verde
Eat: Il Girasole
What makes it special: Blue velvet seats, modern art with colorful impasto, bright and tangy passionfruit, silky smooth tiramisu—Il Girasole is a rich delight for the senses, from the decor to the cocktails to the dishes and dessert. Soon to round out a year in Costa Mesa, the concept belongs to Florence-born Chef Antonio Bevacqua. Il Girasole is California-forward Italian food that has a way of lingering even after you’ve left. Find it at SOCO and The OC Mix.
Shop: Thrift & Secondhand Finds
What makes it special: “Thanks, it’s vintage,” is what you’ll be saying after a day spent making your way through Costa Mesa’s upcycling shops. Start out at the brand-new Goodwill of Orange County on Harbor Blvd, where you’re going to need a few hours and a double shot of caffeine to power through. We didn’t know what a treat a brand-new Goodwill is until we had it. The treasures are bountiful, the shop is sparkling clean, and your cart will be overflowing. Follow up with 2nd Street at The CAMP, Buffalo Exchange at The LAB, and Landers Supply House right across the street from Goodwill.
Experience: Costa Mesa Country Club
What makes it special: If a professional golfer—aka Jake Knapp—has teed off here, then it’s definitely a must-do. The Costa Mesa Country Club is a quiet, scenic gem featuring two classic municipal courses, a 30-tee driving range, and pristine practice areas where pros and amateurs alike fine-tune their game. Designed in 1967 by William F. Bell and Ronald Fream, the courses have stood the test of time.
South Coast Metro
Eat: Ramen Row
What makes it special: No Eatcation® is truly complete without a slurp-worthy stop at Costa Mesa’s famous Ramen Row! This noodle nirvana is where locals—and now lucky visitors—find bowls of soul-soothing broth brimming with umami-packed flavor. Don’t miss local favorites like Ramen Nagi, Slurpin’ Ramen Bar, Hakata Ikkousha Ramen, and Kashiwa Ramen. Trust us, one slurp, and you’ll understand why this is the ultimate comfort food row!
Shop: South Coast Plaza
What makes it special: In the shopping Olympics, South Coast Plaza takes gold. It has the highest concentration of luxury brands in the United States, and this year brought several notable firsts:
- First Dior Beauty in North America
- First Manolo Blahnik boutique on the West Coast
- First Delvaux flagship on the West Coast
- First-ever ZARA Man
Honorable mention: Pop Mart. No, it’s not new to South Coast Plaza —but it was our Labubu plug for the year, and honestly, that deserves a recognition.
Experience: Mitsuwa Marketplace
What makes it special: Back from Japan and already missing it? Luckily there’s Mitsuwa Marketplace. This Japanese-style market is packed with hard-to-find snacks, fun stationery, and plenty of aisles worth browsing. Some of our favorite finds include fruit daifuku, cream pan, frozen Kirin beer, and matcha soft serve. Be sure to explore the food court, it’s a quick escape to Japan minus the flight (and jet lag).
Theater and Arts District
Food: Moongoat Greenhouse
What makes it special: In a city rich with independently owned, high-vibe coffee shops, this just might be the best vibes around. Half greenhouse, resplendent with leafy friends from mother-daughter duo DashnGrow, and half goat—that is, Moongoat. Moongoat Coffee is a Costa Mesa-based independent coffee chain, and this marks their second location in Costa Mesa. Just steps away from public sculpture garden, Isamu Noguchi’s California Scenario, stop in for coffee, matcha, or their delicious breakfast biscuits.
Shop: Maum Market at OCMA
What makes it special: Orange County Museum of Art has a dedicated curator in an unexpected location, and that’s their gift shop. While you can still browse the traditional Taschen tomes and greeting cards, it’s primarily dominated by Maum Market, a collective of Asian creators and Asian-founded brands. Shop locally made home goods, gifts, wellness products, and little pieces of luxury before stepping into the main galleries of the museum. Maum Market puts a special focus on handmade, small businesses, all with an elegance and attention to detail that suits a location as stately as OCMA.
Experience: Pacific Symphony
What makes it special: Don’t hit the snooze button: Pacific Symphony has new blood and refreshed energy coming into their 2026-2027 season. 2025 marked Alexander Shelley becoming the Artistic and Music Director Designate of the Symphony, and he took the conductor’s podium with a surge of dedication and enthusiasm that permeated throughout the Symphony’s home at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. In Costa Mesa, the City of the Arts®, Shelley proves that classical music has its place in a city teeming with creativity, style, and counter-culture expression.
SoBeCa District
Eat: Green Cheek Beer Co
What makes it special: Neighborhood-wide, Sobeca spells community—or maybe only after a few drinks at Green Cheek Beer Co. Either way, the brewery, right off the hub of Randolph Street, is expansive in space but intimate in community. Try one of their many options that’s brewed right on sight, from a hard lavender lemonade to their Czech-style pilsner. Come hungry, too, because their food menu has one of the best smashburgers in Orange County, and their Triangle Supreme is a vegan-friendly dead ringer for a similar item from a fast-food favorite that rhymes with Raco Rell…
Shop: General Store by the Pour Kids
What makes it special: General Store by the Pour Kids has a lot of heart, thoughtfully positioned to bring a space into Costa Mesa that didn’t already exist. Part coworking, part coffee shop, part hip, branded merch, part importer of classic Japanese homeware—General Store takes on a lot, and it succeeds. It’s the perfect place to just “stop by and see what they have.” You’ll find unique gifts and new friends. If you see a design you like, be sure to go ahead and get it, as their merch is produced in small batches, and after they run out, it may never come back.
Experience: CANVASWORKER
What makes it special: Tucked into small garages right off Randolph Street is CANVASWORKER, the home of beginner-to-expert level classes on tote and backpack making. Douglas Davidson, industry insider and designer for The Brown Buffalo, leads with clear instructions, patience, and a style all his own that makes you feel instantly engaged. Hear stories about his decades working in the accessories industry, while assembling your project on professional, industrial sewing machines. No previous experience is necessary for his beginner-level tote making class, but Davidson’s steadfast guidance makes you feel capable of creating anything. Walk away with something you’ve created with your own hands, and with a new appreciation for the small details that go into the world we carry around us.
Honorable mention: You’ll find the coolest travel keepsake at Booth By Bryant! These celeb-approved, TikTok viral vintage photo booths snap iconic black-and-white photo strips for just $5. It’s a throwback moment with a modern twist and a timeless way to capture your Costa Mesa memories.
Central Costa Mesa
Eat: Uncle Fluffy
What makes it special: Uncle Fluffy is one of the many delicious ways to experience Japanese culture in Costa Mesa. It’s home to the jiggly golden cheesecake you’ve been seeing all over Instagram and opening only its third California location right here in Costa Mesa—and yes, it’s a big deal. Their original cheesecake is a forever favorite, but the pistachio and lemon flavors will have you coming back. And it’s not just about the cake—pair your fluffy treat with a coffee, fruit smoothie, or a blended drink to complete your experience. Opening soon at Triangle Square.
Shop: Mercado Gonzalez
What makes it special: Mercado González is a one-of-a-kind concept from the multi-generational González family behind 60+ Northgate Markets. This 70,000-square-foot food hall is a love letter to Mexican culture and traditions, bringing everything to life right in front of you—from fresh tortillas, churros, and carnitas to artisan-made shoes, serapes, Talavera, and skincare. Add live mariachi or some cooking classes and you’ve got an all-day destination that celebrates Mexican heritage in the best way possible.
Experience: OC Pride at the OC Fair & Event Center
What makes it special: The OC Fair & Event Center hosts more than 150 events each year, and OC Pride on September 27th easily made the top of the list. This year’s celebration was fun and designed with everyone in mind, bringing the Revolutionary theme to life through the free parade and Zero Proof Sober Space to the return of the Pride Marketplace. Party energy stayed high at the Pride Stage while Pride Family Camp and Teen Pride made youth feel seen and celebrated. Costa Mesa showed up with open arms, reminding attendees that inclusivity here isn’t limited to one month—but is a year-round value.
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Posted in Events, Food, Locals, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
Feast Without the Fuss: Here’s Where to Get Thanksgiving Dinner in Costa Mesa
Whether you’re enjoying a vacation in Costa Mesa, or just doing your best to avoid the avalanche of post-dinner dishes, there’s plenty of local options to dine in or take out on Thanksgiving. We compiled our favorite options to hopefully save you a few rounds searching Google the week of the holiday: what’s open on Thanksgiving? Where can I order Thanksgiving dinner?
Keep reading to find out!
Image via Silver Trumpet
Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
Bottoms up! Silver Trumpet is serving both Thanksgiving brunch and Thanksgiving dinner. Silver Trumpet’s holiday menu is part appetizer, part buffet, and part made-to-order. Roasted turkey, pumpkin ravioli, and pumpkin-spiced panna cotta are just some of the many offerings on the menu this year. Don’t skip on their famous focaccia bread, handmade with seasonal ingredients, and incredible butter pairings.
Here’s a pro-trip: take your turkey-coma to the next level and stay the weekend at Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. You can go straight from the dessert bar to your very comfortable room.
Meal service is from 11am – 7pm on November 27. Pricing starts at $99 for adults, $39 for children, and free for ages 5 and under.
Ready for an exquisite meal? Make a reservation here, and get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine with each meal.
3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Image via Ayres Hotels
Le Chateau Garden Bistro
Spend the holiday weekend at Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach where the award-winning team at Le Chateau Garden Bistro will serve a Thanksgiving feast to remember.
The chef at Le Chateau is cooking up the classics for their prix-fixe menu, like homemade stuffing, butternut squash soup, roasted winter veggies, and of course, oven roasted turkey with port gravy. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
325 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The Westin South Coast Plaza
Gather with loved ones and savor the season at The Westin South Coast Plaza. On November 27 and 28, they will be offering a three course Thanksgiving dinner menu in the heart of Costa Mesa, just steps from world-class shopping and holiday entertainment.
The meal features butternut squash soup or a Thanksgiving Caesar salad to start, followed by a traditional roasted turkey breast dinner served with buttered green beans, potato purée, brioche stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Guests can finish their meal with either pumpkin cheesecake or a warm apple cranberry blossom with vanilla ice cream.
Just show up and enjoy, no reservations required.
Image via Water Grill
Water Grill at South Coast Plaza
Let Water Grill handle Thanksgiving this year. On Thursday, November 27, Water Grill is offering a special, three-course Thanksgiving meal. If you’d prefer to stick to their tried and true seafood favorites, their full menu is also available.
If that sounds tasty, go ahead and make a reservation on OpenTable before they book up.
3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Image via Vaca
Vaca
Vaca won’t be open on Thanksgiving day, but they’ve done all the work and planning for you. From now until November 19th at 2pm, order Thanksgiving dinner to-go and pick it up on November 26th. Who else in your family can say that a Top Chef made their holiday meal?
Vaca’s Thanksgiving To-Go serves up to 10 people and features a whole, roasted turkey, Chef Santana’s famous Italian sausage cornbread stuffing, winter pudding, roasted pumpkin soup, and many other elevated classics. All you have to do is pick it up the day before.
View the full menu and place an order here.
695 Town Center Dr Suite 170, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Image via The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille
Pecan-crusted sweet potatoes with hot honey, slow roasted turkey, and pumpkin cheesecake await at The Capital Grille this Thanksgiving. Alongside their full dinner menu, The Capital Grille is serving a special Thanksgiving entree with all the classic sides.
Speaking of classic sides–they’re all available to-go! Pre-order by November 26 and all you’ll have to do is drop by at the scheduled time to pick up your order, refrigerate it, and reheat it according to the instructions.
Located at South Coast Plaza, they are open for dine-in guests on November 27, 2025. Give The Capital Grille a call at 714-432-1140 or visit them online to make your reservation or order your sides.
Image via Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s The Steakhouse
In addition to their full menu, Morton’s is going all out on Thanksgiving Day with a four-course dinner.
If you’re looking to order ahead, Morton’s will take care of everything with their family-style Thanksgiving dinner to-go. The package serves four, and pre-orders close on November 24 at 9pm. Enjoy their roasted turkey roulade, fresh cranberry sauce, among twice-baked au gratin potatoes other holiday favorites. It even comes with an egg and onion loaf and four slices of pumpkin cheesecake.
Image via Seasons 52
Seasons 52
Located at South Coast Plaza, Seasons 52 is going for the tried-and-true traditional this Thanksgiving, and you’re invited. They’re serving a Thanksgiving plate with roasted turkey, yukon mashed potatoes, green beans, brioche and sage stuffing, and more, along with their a la carte menu.
You can also order their “warm and serve” Thanksgiving dinner box with everything on the dine in menu, plus a Field Greens Salad. For $230, it serves 4 to 6 and comes with 6 mini Pumpkin Pie Indulgences. The last day to preorder is Monday, November 24.
Make a reservation or learn more online here.
Easiest Thanksgiving ever.
Turkey, steak, ham, or seafood? Maybe one of each? Go for the unexpected and pick up fresh ceviche or chips and salsa from Mercado González, open on Thanksgiving Day (though their hours are shorter than usual.) The options are limitless!
Plan ahead and make your reservation at one of our recommended restaurants, then take it to the next level and make it a staycation–have a cozy, comfy room booked and ready for your post-feast turkey coma. Easiest Thanksgiving ever, and best Thanksgiving ever.
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Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa
There’s a crispness in the air, and leaves take on a golden hue. Whether you consider pumpkin spice a friend or foe, it’s a can’t-miss sign of autumn.
We invite you to 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 cozy, welcoming haven for the season. Whether you’re a local or planning your next vacation, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating fall.
Beat the Morning Chill with Seasonal Sips
Kickstart your day with a visit to two local gems, Original Barista and Coffee Nature. These neighborhood-favorite coffee shops are a great place to taste the season and warm your soul.
By popular demand, Original Barista is bringing back their “Pumpkin Brulee Latte” made with Brulee cold foam, house made honeycomb magic, and a sprinkle of Chai dust on top. Coffee Nature has whipped up a seasonal “Witch’s Potion”: matcha, brown sugar, with pumpkin syrup AND pumpkin foam. (We definitely recommend the pumpkin foam.)
Get into the Fall Spirit at Tanaka Farm
For the ultimate fall vibes head over to Tanaka Farms and explore Hana Field Pumpkin Patch. With eight acres of pumpkins, it’s the perfect orange backdrop for all your fall photos and you’ll have no problem finding the perfect one for carving.
New for 2025: the Jurassic Fright Corn Maze! Weave your way past giant raptors, spooky skeletons, and a roaring T-Rex. Tanaka Farms, Hana Field, is open Tuesday – Sunday starting September 27th through November 9th . 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 October 3rd through November 1st , catch Orange County’s most wicked drag performance at STRUT Bar & Club. The Hocus Pocus Spelltacular 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!”
Boo Ha Ha – A Haunted Oktobeerfest
If your idea of Halloween fun includes a pint in hand, The Boo Ha Ha at the OC Fair & Event Center on Saturday, October 25th is the place to be. Sip your way through unlimited craft beer tastings from some of the region’s best breweries — it’s basically trick-or-treating for adults, only the treats come in a frosty glass. The night doesn’t stop there: rock out to live sets from Ozzmania and The Mismiths, and don’t miss the debut of the Dead Man Drivin’ Demolition Derby, with haunted hearses crashing under the fairground lights.
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 with real ball pythons. In small-group sessions, you’ll learn how to handle these slithery (but super gentle) companions. Pick a crystal, and the one you choose decides which snake joins you on the mat. Beginner-friendly and paced for comfort, this unique class lets you breathe, stretch, and get up close with your new scaly friends.
If snake yoga is too much of a stretch, try an axe-throwing session 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. As you put your axe-throwing skills to the test, enjoy a round of their spooky themed cocktails and beer.
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 Gentle Monster, the first-ever Dior Beauty flagship in North America, and the west-coast exclusive for Khaite. 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.
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 spooky twist . Paint your own trick-or-treat scene, or sign up for October 23th‘s mashup of Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night” with Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided.
This October, Segerstrom Center for the Arts is bringing a different kind of chill to the season with San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein. It’s Mary Shelley’s classic story, but told through stunning choreography and dramatic sets that will give you goosebumps-in-a-good-way. It’s dramatic, a little eerie, and the perfect excuse for a fall night out.
Savor the Season in Costa Mesa
Fall is the best time to get out and explore Costa Mesa! Full of craveable fall sips, pumpkin patch adventures, and hands-on fun, why stop at a day? Make it a getaway by booking a cozy overnight stay at a Costa Mesa hotel—you’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to rush home.
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Posted in Events, Food, Misc, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
Got the Brunchies? Get a Taste of Costa Mesa’s Best Brunch Spots!
Looking for the best brunch in Southern California? Come to Costa Mesa. Brunch here isn’t just a meal—it’s an art form. Costa Mesa’s brunch spots deliver if you need protein after a morning surf, a hangover cure, or just some gossip with your avocado toast. From farm-to-table favorites to authentic Mexican brunch and elevated comfort food, here’s our top picks to satisfy your cravings. Grab your foodie crew and dig in!
Nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, Costa Mesa is just a quick drive away for most SoCal locals. But if you need to fly in for your foodie fix, here’s a pro tip: skip the stress of LAX and land at John Wayne Airport (SNA) instead.
While thinking about where to stay for your brunch bonanza, take a look at the menu at some of our favorite brunch-friendly hotels.
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Located in the heart of Costa Mesa’s famous arts district, Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa has a special package that includes a daily breakfast at their three-diamond Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar. Breakfast is generously served until 11am, making it perfect for the brunching crowd. Check out what’s included in the offer (free breakfast for kids, too!) on their website.
Ayres Hotel, Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
Enjoy brunch al fresco at the gorgeous, European-inspired Ayres Hotel. Weekend brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 3pm, at the onsite Le Chateau Garden Bistro. Sip an Aperol Spritz and dig into a classic Eggs Benedict.
With your post-brunch siesta accommodations all set, let’s take a look at our top ten.
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Posted in Food
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 18th to Sunday, August 17th (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 REWIND: A VHS Revival. (More on that below!)
- Save on food by trying the $5 Taste of the Fair. Everyday until 4 p.m. you can sample bites from a variety of vendors offering $5 menu items.
NEW: OC Fair After Dark at Plaza Pacifica is where to go for music and dancing—Friday through Sunday nights feature swing dancing, DJ sets, and Latin beats that keep the fun going. Free with Fair admission!
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!
- REWIND: A VHS Revival features hand-painted, large-scale recreations of album covers and movie posters, live painting demos, and more—all capturing the spirit of the VHS era. It’s a nostalgic celebration of bold graphics and pop culture that defined a generation.
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