Travel Costa Mesa Blog
14 Unique Date Ideas for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day
If “just dinner” is your Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day plan, let Costa Mesa spice it up this year. We’ve rounded up 14 unique ways to celebrate with your ride-or-dies. Expect all the fun, all the feels, and absolutely no regrets.
And since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, you’ve got all weekend to celebrate and stay in the city! Scroll for all the details.
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. Make Custom Belts at Saltwater Leather
Get buckled up for a fun, hands-on date at Saltwater Leather where you’ll make your very own custom leather belts. Match your leathers for a “we’re-in-sync” look or mix different colors to show off your unique styles, opposites attract, after all. Choose the perfect buckle, then seal the deal by engraving your names on them! You’ll leave with a custom leather keepsake you can wear (and brag about) all year long.
3. Take Vintage Photo Booth Pictures
You’ve seen it all over TikTok — now is the perfect occasion to try it. It doesn’t get more romantic or nostalgic than stepping into a vintage photo booth at Booth by Bryant. Snap a few pics before heading to dinner or hop in after a couple of drinks for some perfectly unfiltered fun. Sweet, silly, or slightly chaotic, these timeless black and white photo strips capture the kind of moments you’ll want to keep forever.
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 Michael Feinstein’s Valentine with the Carnegie Hall Ensemble performance.
5. 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!
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 tasting menu, available on February 13 and February 14. If you can’t make dinner, their Valentine’s Day Afternoon tea will be offered on February 14th from 11:30 to 2:00 PM.
Silver Trumpet:Celebrate love effortlessly with a 3-course prix-fixe menu featuring a choice of starters, including roasted candy cane beets, seafood bisque, or French onion tart; elegant entrées such as lobster raviolo, black cod, or Hudson Valley duck breast; and a decadent pink velvet cake to finish.
Sevilla: Enjoy a fun 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 Capital Grille: Enjoy an evening designed for effortless romance, featuring Seared Tenderloin with Butter-Poached Lobster Tails.
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
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. Did we mention 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 1:00 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 15th 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.
14. End the Night Right with an Overnight Stay
This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday which is the perfect excuse to celebrate all weekend! The Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel is offering a romantic and luxurious getaway experiance.
Package Includes:
- $100 F&B Credit per night
- Breakfast for Two per day
- Complimentary Bottle of Champagne upon arrival
- Complimentary Overnight Self-Parking
- Rose Petals
Whether you’re with your partner or your best friends, spending the night at a Costa Mesa Hotel is the best way to add a little extra love to the occasion.
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Shopping
Jet-Setting Without Regret: Travel Well, and Eat Well in the New Year
Travel is good for the soul, and so is eating well. Eating clean and healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and in Costa Mesa, it isn’t. Our food scene is full of fresh ingredients, feel-good flavors, and menus with exciting seasonal options. Forget the idea that sticking to your New Year’s resolutions means staying home with a sad bowl of something beige. Get out there and dig into bold flavors, creative combinations, and guilt-free choices at our top spots for eating well in Costa Mesa in 2026.
Where to Eat Well in the New Year in Costa Mesa
Seabirds
– photo by Seabirds
Located at The LAB Anti-Mall, Seabirds has been leveling up the vegan food scene year after year. What started as a food truck has bloomed into their Costa Mesa flagship that has stood the test of time, a tried-and-true favorite for locals and visitors alike. Famous for their Purple Taquitos and creamy, dreamy vegan cashew gruyere Grilled Cheese, this spot is a must for anyone craving bold, scratch-made, unprocessed eats. Every bite is packed with flavor—and zero guilt.
Fermentation Farm
– photo by Fermentation Farm
A happy gut makes for a happy you—and that’s exactly what Costa Mesa’s Fermentation Farm is all about. This local fave puts the power of probiotics to work with fermented goodies fueled by beneficial yeast and bacteria that your gut will love. And once your stomach is full, they’ve got the rest of your body covered too, with vitamins, minerals, and supplements to keep you feeling your best from the inside out.
Tip: Swing by on Thursdays at 11 a.m., when local farms pop up right outside the shop with fresh, seasonal produce—because healthy living tastes even better when it’s local.
Jan’s Health Bar
– photo by Jan’s Health Bar
Jan’s Health Bar has a simple mission statement: Eat well. Feel good. They’ve been promoting healthy, fresh eating since 1972, and with age comes wisdom–and approachability. Don’t be afraid to start: dive right in with Jan’s smoothies, wraps, or $12 “Winter Wednesdays” salads. Enjoy thoughtful recipes and real food that brings flavor without compromise.
Mendocino Farms
-Photo by Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms in Costa Mesa is your every day, go-to lunch and dinner pick to keep you on track with your goals. Customize your own sandwich or salad, or go with a tasty favorite off their menu. If you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just trying to eat more veggies, there’s no need to compromise on taste. Want to swap that creamy dressing for a lighter option? Go for it. Extra protein? Absolutely. With fresh, seasonal ingredients and a whole lot of flavor, Mendocino Farms makes it easy to stay on track while treating your taste buds to something delicious.
Nekter Juice Bar
– photo by Nekter Juice Bar
Juice up your day at Nekter Juice Bar, Costa Mesa’s go-to for all things fresh and fruity! This local chain is ideal for pre- or post-workout, with the option to place orders ahead of time through their app. Catch up with friends over handcrafted acai bowls, protein-packed waffles, or smoothies. Wrap up by taking a few healthy snacks to-go to keep you charged as you visit any of Costa Mesa’s unique neighborhoods.
Goop Kitchen
-Photo by Goop Kitchen
Convenient and healthy? It sounds too good to be true, but that’s the name of the game at Goop Kitchen inside Costa Mesa Kitchens takeout food hall. Whether you’re craving a nourishing soup, a crisp salad, or a hearty bowl, their menu is designed to make healthy eating easy and tasty.
Tip: The beach is just a short drive (or Uber ride) away, so grab your meal and enjoy it with a side of SoCal ocean views!
Mother’s Market & Kitchen
– photo by @arshashealthyway via IG
The perfect one-stop-shop for anyone looking to keep their diet fresh, clean, and colorful in the New Year, Mother’s Market & Kitchen in Costa Mesa has it all. Sit down and have a meal at the cafe, recharge with fresh-pressed juice, or simply fill a cart with their well-curated grocery options and enjoy a meal at home. Whatever your pace and goals for the day are, you’ll find what you need. Everything is natural, everything is organic, and everything works toward a better, healthier you.
Dry January at Ruin Bar
-Photo by Ruin Bar
If you’re looking to enjoy bar vibes without the booze, Ruin Bar has you covered—especially with their special Dry January alcohol-free menu! Kick things off with their Vacation Vibes mocktail, a delightful mix of pineapple, orange juice, lemon, and a sprinkle of cinnamon that’ll transport you straight to the tropics. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, try their Vanilla Coke or Grapefruit Colada for a deliciously unique spin on familiar flavors. Whether you’re going dry or just looking for sober fun, Ruin Bar lets you enjoy the best of both worlds with great drinks and a fun environment!
Eat, Drink, and Feel Great
Eating healthy this New Year isn’t a restriction—it’s an opportunity to travel and explore new flavors that make you feel like your best self. And there’s no better place to dive in than Costa Mesa, where healthy eats and exciting experiences await in every corner. Plan your adventure!
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Posted in Food
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.
A Giveaway With All of Our Favorites
We picked our favorites, and we’re giving it away so you can get a taste of the best Costa Mesa has to offer. Visit us at @TravelCostaMesa to enter to win.
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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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