Travel Costa Mesa Blog
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
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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Costa Mesa Unlocked: Revealing Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
If you think you know everything about Southern California, that it’s all beaches and theme parks, think again! Costa Mesa is where the real magic happens. Known as the City of the Arts®, this crown jewel of Orange County is all about unforgettable experiences. Think Broadway-calibre theater, shopping that puts Rodeo Drive to shame, and a foodie scene that boasts Michelin-recognized dining. If glitz and glamor isn’t your scene, try indie creativity with hidden-gem boutiques, vintage photobooths, and quirky experiences like snake yoga. Read on to find out what you can do in Costa Mesa that you can’t do anywhere else.
You can find Costa Mesa nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego, so it’s an easy drive for locals. If you’re further away, fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) to beat the LAX crowds.
Exclusive Bites
Celeb chef-turned-actor Matty Matheson (you probably recognize him from The Bear) opened Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club in Toronto, where it received gangbuster reviews. You don’t have to fly to Canada to get a taste of one of these saucy, saucy burgers or gooey poutine: the only other location is in Costa Mesa! (P.S. Get the Pineapple Soft Serve for dessert. It’s the perfect finish.)
Photo by @mattyspattysburgerclub
Mercado Gonzalez is a 70,000-square-feet Mexican market transplanted to Costa Mesa. The food choices are plentiful, and traversing the whole thing can be an all-day adventure. No need for plane tickets or border crossings here; just show up hungry. For that extra dose of exclusivity, we rec the churros from Churrería El Moro, since Mercado Gonzalez is the flagship U.S. location where you can try their famous treats.
Photo by @elmoro_usa
Wild & Wonderful Experiences
Ain’t no fair like the OC Fair! Running from mid-July to mid-August, this summer extravaganza has rides, live music with artists like Melissa Ethridge, Fitz & the Tantrums, and Blues Traveler, and deep-fried everything, along with fresh, healthier options. While the Fair has wrapped up for 2025, the excitement doesn’t end when the Fair does. The Fairgrounds hosts events all year. We’re looking forward to OC Japan Fair in October for the incredible food, and Gem Faire in December for everything that stuns and sparkles. The OC Fair & Events Center brings all the classic, nostalgic fun of a county fair, but bigger, better, and with Southern Californian flavor.
Got a case of FOMO? Try out viral experiences IRL in Costa Mesa, like LXRYoga’s famous (and adorable) snake yoga. Sure, goat yoga has been all the rage on the apps, but snake yoga is another thing entirely; the snakes are friendly and calm, there’s five minutes of photo opps to get your perfect snake selfie, and you get to hang out with a slithery new friend.
Photo by Jeff Gritchen
If snakes give you creepy-crawlies, there’s another viral hit in Booth by Bryant. Miss the old analog photobooths and their cute black-and-white pics? They’re a relic of the past, but in Costa Mesa, you can hop into a vintage booth and bring back memories or make new ones.
Photo by @sinadeinert
Costa Mesa’s known as The City of the Arts® for so many reasons, but a big one is the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). The museum is a love letter to modern and contemporary art, and especially to California. Best yet, because of an endowment, admission is free. Accessible, cultural, and thought-provoking, with frequent rooftop events and artist talks, OCMA is one the coolest places in the city.
Photo by @ocmamuseum
Retail Therapy
Costa Mesa has all sorts of shopping experiences that think outside of the box. The CAMP is a green, eco-conscious, and healthy-minded outdoor retail campus with tons of dining options, sustainable and artisanal shops, and even a ceramic and pottery studio. Every time we go to the CAMP, we find something new to obsess over; recently, it’s been the 2nd Street USA location, where we’re obsessed with the well-curated, premium secondhand goods.
Photo by @thecampoc
The LAB is not a mall; it’s an anti-mall. The variety of shops and restaurants—like Buffalo Exchange for thrifting, an Airstream trailer selling vinyls at Creme Tangerine, and Chef Atsushi Yokoyama’s Hana re, just to name a few—puts hometown malls to shame. Not that we have anything against an Orange Julius, patron saint of our childhoods, but we’d much rather go to a speakeasy like RUIN and have a Kiki Kiwi cocktail.
Photo by @thelabantimall
We saved some of the best for last with South Coast Plaza. Not only is it the largest shopping center on the West Coast, with over 250 retailers, but it’s also the home to incredible food and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (where you can find OCMA). South Coast Plaza is the West Coast–exclusive home to brands like Alexander Wang, Missoni, Khaite, and Chopard. Beverly Hills who?
Photo by @southcoastplaza
Costa Mesa’s waiting with one-of-a-kind experiences. Bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and your cutest comfy shoes to explore everything the city has to offer. But why rush? Book a room in one of our fabulous hotels to enjoy a multi-day experience.
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Pour Choices, No Regrets: Costa Mesa’s Best Sips
Did somebody say libations? Costa Mesa is a city of top-tier experiences, and that extends to our beverages—finding the right creative cocktail or craft brew is key for maximizing vibes. Whether you’re hunting for the best possible margarita, you want to savor a unique IPA, or you’re dancing the night away, drink in hand, you’ve come to the right place. Grab your drinking pals and channel your inner Moira Rose for a boozy tour of Costa Mesa’s best sips.
If you’re a SoCal native, Costa Mesa’s an easy jaunt; just tell your designated driver (or rideshare app) to head to Orange County, in between Los Angeles and San Diego. If you’re not local enough for a day-drinking trip, then fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the crowds at LAX.
Photo by @blossomsandbrass
Hops and Dreams
Green Cheek Beer Co. is a haven for beer lovers with some of the best craft beer in Costa Mesa. There are hoppy classics like pilsners and IPAs, but the brewery is full of tasty twists like Guava In Berlin (a Berliner-style Weisse with real guava) and Flying South, a Mexican-style lager with lime. If you’re not into beer, they have options like the lovely hard seltzer Lavender Lemonade, and some fun non-alcoholic options for your DD.
Photo by @crafty_beer_baron
Spirited Away
Wanna have the coolest speakeasy experience? Cowboys and Poodles at The CAMP is like if a saloon married a disco ball, with fun and innovative cocktails to match the vibe. Try the Whole Mood, a tiki-style cocktail with smoking sage, or the Gin Ne Sais Quois, with gin, yellow chartreuse, aperol, grapefruit, and passionfruit notes.
Photo by @cowboysandpoodles
For the clubbers among us, stop by the Birdcage Lounge at queer favorite Strut for crafty cocktails and neon-infused ambiance. The menu is full of nods to the seminal classic The Birdcage, which for us makes it hard to choose, but the Senator’s Secret with vodka, lychee liquor, pear, and fresh lemon juice, is a winner every time. And your DD has their choice of non-alcoholic options here too (we rec the Horned Screamer if you like grenadine).
Photo by @matt_fitt_photography
If you’re in the mood for a taste of Orange County history, then hit up Tin Lizzie, OC’s longest-standing lesbian bar with origins in the 1950s, and get immersed in the saloon of it all: velvet drapes, gold sconces, moody red lighting, and a well-curated menu of cocktail and tiki faves. We love the Black Magic cocktail with cold brew and espresso liquor, and nothing beats a Daiquiri with fresh juice.
Photo by @tin_lizziesaloon_oc
Pitcher Perfect
Habana is an open-air experience at The LAB, Costa Mesa’s beloved anti-mall, and if you’re looking for distinct flavors, this Cuban hotspot has them. Their sangria is basically a local legend at this point—order the red, white, and pink varieties to decide which is your favorite. Also, the food here is divine: try some apps like the empanadas with your booze to keep you fueled.
Next Stop, Margaritas
Playa Mesa has the distinction of being named as serving the best margarita in California, which is no small feat considering the competition! The flavors are innovative and fresh, like the Sandia Margarita, with fresh watermelon juice and a tajin rim. Don’t overlook Playa Mesa’s other cocktails and bevs, though: save room for a Tierra de Guayava.
Photo by @jujumunchies
Crafted to Perfection
Sip in style at Blossoms & Brass, where Japanese flavors meet Italian flair. Every one of their specialty cocktails is a home run, but we’re especially fond of The Genovese for its dry vermouth and ponzu basil syrup. The wine and beer lists aren’t slouches either; everything at Blossoms & Brass is meant to evoke taste, in every sense of the word.
Photo by @blossomsandbrass
If you’re the type who wants to keep the party going all night, Costa Mesa’s nightlife scene has you covered. Just remember to hydrate! If you’re the go-to-bed-early type, we rec brunch the next morning. Remember, if you’re going to be drinking, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Book a room in one of Costa Mesa’s luxurious hotels to sleep off the damage from the night before.
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Dad-Approved Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Costa Mesa
Every year as the spring days stretch into summer, Father’s Day preludes the start of a new season. No matter how you choose to spend the day, whether you raise a glass to dads, stepdads, grandpas, husbands, those departed too soon, or any other heroes, it’s a special time to reflect and celebrate.
Spend the day (or the weekend) in Costa Mesa, your gateway to all of Southern California’s best adventures. Here are the best things to do and the best places to eat, from the classic steak dinner to some self-care that Dad would never book on his own.
Where to Take Dad on Father’s Day in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa Country Club
Photo by Costa Mesa County Club
Got a golfer dad? The Costa Mesa Country Club includes two municipal courses, Mesa Linda and Los Lagos. Both offer just the right amount of difficulty—Los Lagos with gentle, rolling fairways and Mesa Linda with doglegs and smaller sloping greens.
Tip: If you’re looking to level up your gift game, stop by Quiet Golf on Randolph. Their refined, minimalist gear and apparel will have Dad looking sharp on and off the course.
Jack Henry Studios
Wellness and self-care are for everyone, Dad included. Hook him up with a fresh cut, skincare, or wellness session at Jack Henry Studios. The studio stands out for their use of pure, organic, and sustainably harvested ingredients in all haircare and skincare services.
Golden Crown Barber Shop
Maybe he’s a little more old-school and shrinks away at the word wellness. Hit up OC cult-favorite barbershop, Golden Grown, at their newest location in Costa Mesa for a hot towel shave and a fresh look that he’ll like enough to tell his buddies about at the next poker night.
Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Photo by Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Looking for something cool to do with a group? Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales delivers. With horror movie memorabilia, a killer cocktail menu, and thrilling axe-throwing lanes, it’s an experience he won’t forget. We recommend sampling their craft beers with a Monster Mash flight or taking on the Scorpion Challenge— loser drinks a spicy beer topped with a real scorpion.
South Coast Plaza
This Father’s Day, treat him to something special at South Coast Plaza because his sneaker game (or watch game, or cologne game) deserves a refresh. From Collegium’s luxe sneakers to Hugo Boss’s sharp-meets-casual fits and Giorgio Armani’s timeless sophistication, there’s no shortage of ways to elevate his look.
Then, treat him to a memorable meal with special Father’s Day dining options at more than 40 restaurants throughout South Coast Plaza.
Where to Feed Dad on Father’s Day
Silver Trumpet
Photo by Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
This Father’s Day, let Silver Trumpet handle the BBQ duties. Treat him to lakeside views, baby back ribs, brisket, and all the sides that hit just right. Dad relaxes, and you score bonus points.
The Country Club
The Country Club is serving up a Father’s Day celebration built around his favorite things: bourbon, putting, and a seriously good Prime Dip sandwich. Enjoy the restaurant’s all-day special while taking part in a golf-putting challenge designed to add a little friendly competition to the festivities.
Water Grill
Photo by Water Grill
Does Dad love seafood? If so, head to Water Grill across South Coast Plaza. The restaurant menu changes daily based on the fresh seafood available, but their iced shellfish platters are not to be missed.
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Perhaps the most classic Father’s Day restaurant in Costa Mesa. Mastro’s is the ultimate steakhouse offering some of the finest hand-cut prime steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant also regularly hosts live music to match its sophisticated ambiance.
Descanso
Descanso Restaurant had us at Steak & Tequila Pairing! Whether you’re having their Huevos con Bistec for brunch or Plancha-style Ribeye for dinner, each dish is paired with premium tequila served neat. Cheers to that!
Crawl Costa Mesa’s Local Breweries
Photo by Bootlegger’s Brewery
Looking for a place to enjoy a round of beers? Check out our Costa Mesa Beer Trail spanning five local breweries, each with their own hand-crafted brews, unique interiors, patio seating, entertainment, and food.
Make It a Weekend Getaway
Photo by Crowne Plaza
Turn Father’s Day into Father’s Weekend by booking a stay at one of Costa Mesa’s top hotels. It’s the perfect excuse to relax and rack up some quality time (and maybe a few extra rounds of dad jokes) with the man of the hour.
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Posted in Food
