Travel Costa Mesa Blog
From Labubus to Lightsabers: Fandom Fun in Costa Mesa
If you’re a fan and have been around fan communities and events, you know that some places just get you: you arrive and know you’re instantly among your people. Costa Mesa is one of those rare destinations where you’re able to shop, eat, and openly celebrate what you love. Whether you’re a diehard Disney fan, a cosplayer working on your next look, a hardcore gamer, or just mad about merch (we see you, blind box enthusiasts!), this Orange County gem gives you a place to belong. Get ready to geek out, maybe even weeb out, and stan your faves in sunshine and sandals.
Never been to Orange County’s secret headquarters for food, culture, and fandom? Costa Mesa is located just a few minutes away from John Wayne Airport (SNA) and is nestled between the beaches of Newport and the Happiest Place on Earth, aka Disneyland. With world-class theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, unexpectedly cool and kitschy art at Orange County Museum of Arts (OCMA), fresh shopping experiences at The LAB and The CAMP, and Michelin-starred eats, Costa Mesa is the perfect spawn point for adventure.
Theater Meets Pop Culture
An unexpectedly great place to geek out is at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. With six venues on campus, the center features year-round programming. Catch the upcoming concert of music from Tim Burton films at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, or hit up Segerstrom Hall for events like the PlayStation Concert Tour, Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert, and The Witcher in Concert. Segerstrom transforms your obsessions into shared, live experiences, where you can cheer alongside people who love the same stories you do.
Labubu and Friends Await in Costa Mesa
If you’ve been coveting an uber-viral Labubu of your own, we have great news. Tucked inside of South Coast Plaza’s luxury shopping experience is the first U.S. store from global toy sensation Pop Mart. Blind boxes, toy collabs with Skullpanda and Disney, and—most importantly—Labubus can be bought in the store and in person. You don’t have to order online and wait weeks for delivery! In Costa Mesa, you get the in-person thrill of opening a blind box and going right back into the store for another endorphin rush, and you won’t be alone (we may be speaking from experience here).
For the Weebs, With Love
Did we recently purchase a three-track Cardcaptor Sakura Character Single YUKITO from 1998 in pristine condition at BOOK OFF? We sure did. If you have no idea what those words meant, don’t worry—just know how happy we felt.
BOOK OFF is a secondhand shop stuffed with Japanese anime treasures, Marvel figurines, out-of-print manga, vintage CDs, and rare merch you probably won’t be able to dig up online.
If you time it right by visiting Costa Mesa between October 14–19th in 2025, you can also make the most of your weeb adventure by hitting up the OC Japan Fair. Enjoy a cosplay show, eat as much delicious food as you can manage (seriously, look at the vendors list), and maybe make a friend into the same obscure anime as you at an anime goods booth.
To wrap up your otaku tour, try Mitsuwa Marketplace. The food and shops are great, obviously, but the Gashapon Bandai Official Shop is a dream come true for capsule-toy lovers.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Fandom Café
Every hero needs a potions shop, and in Costa Mesa, that’s Elixir Tea Bar. The vibe of this place is unreal, with handcrafted, fannish boba tea creations like the Prophecy, a black tea boba drink with cardamom. But truly, the atmosphere is what makes Elixir shine; every inch of the café is fantastical, with booths filled with cosplayers, dragon heads mounted on the walls, and all kinds of fandoms are welcome to join the immersion. There’s even a Secret Wizard Society you can join with its own events and a secret menu only members can order from.
The Mouse is Minutes Away
Did you think we’d overlook one of the biggest fandoms to ever exist? Never. No fan pilgrimage in Orange County is complete without a visit to Disneyland, just a short drive from Costa Mesa in neighboring Anaheim. Ever wanted to wield a lightsaber? Big on trading pins or bedazzled mouse ears? Always wanted to snap selfies with your favorite princess at a character meet-and-greet? Disneyland is more than rides and enormous churros; it’s a place where enthusiasm is contagious and people young and old embrace stepping into the fantastical. Bring your sunscreen and your fandom glee to a place where your favorite stories come to life.
Find Uncommon Ground, Find Your People
Costa Mesa is a place to feel connected, meet kindred spirits, and celebrate your passion, no matter which fandom you’re in. Here, you can find uncommon ground in the city’s fan-friendly vibe. A trip to Costa Mesa is the perfect detox from screen time and it’s the antidote to feeling disconnected, especially during the holiday season. Stay, play, and find your people—Costa Mesa has hotels to suit every budget and style.
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Posted in Misc
Under-the-Radar Eats in Costa Mesa
Your stomach is rumbling for brunch… but there’s a forty-minute wait and you haven’t even had coffee yet. In Costa Mesa, you don’t need to download a reservation app or know the owners to score a table. We’ve collected some Costa Mesa restaurants where you’re guaranteed a seat—just show up hungry, and you’re in. From strip mall legends to breweries where your jeans and Vans fit right in, this is a city where the best bites (and pints) are hiding in plain sight.
If you’ve never been to Costa Mesa, we’re in a sweet spot between L.A. to the north and San Diego to the south (and we’re only minutes from the beach). If you’re flying in, definitely arrive at John Wayne Airport (SNA) and save yourself a bunch of hassle.
Costa Mesa’s No-Reservation Hall of Fame
Our first pick is Prince Street Pizza, a New York fave with a recently opened Costa Mesa location. Here, pizza meets pop culture (like viral collabs with DOOM, Machine Gun Kelly, and even Milk Bar), but the stars of the show are definitely the delicious Sicilian-style pepperoni cups and excellent sauces. Get your favorite flavor by the slice or a whole pie—and it’s open late, perfect for midnight cravings.
The Taco Stand started nearby in San Diego with founders from Tijuana, so it’s got the Cali-Mex flavor you crave. The Grilled Pescado taco is great, but the whole menu is full of bangers like their freshly made Churros and Mar y Tierra Fries. Add your favorite salsa from mild to crazy hot and enjoy.
If you’re already in the neighborhood for tacos, walk over to The CAMP and hit up Salty Bear Brewing for delectable craft beer. They don’t have a kitchen, but they do have Fruit Punch Hard Seltzer and Pineapple Express Hazy. (Hot tip: The CAMP is a primo location for grab-and-go food in general.)
Yubuya Sushi is efficient deliciousness: it’s cashless (so bring your card or app) and orders happen at a self-service kiosk. Not familiar with yubu? Think fried tofu skin stuffed with goodies—a pocket of pure flavor. Go for the Spicy Tuna or Avocado Krab, or if you’re not into tofu, try a Fresh Salmon Don bowl.
You’ve probably already heard of Bootleggers Brewery, but did you know it’s got a tasting room in Costa Mesa? With over two dozen brews to try, like the Dark & Malty or the What the Huck (a huckleberry cream ale), you’re going to find something you love. It’s dog-friendly and has outdoor seating as well, so you can soak up the sun while you ponder your hops.
Now, for this next pick, we’re switching gears a bit. It’s technically a grocery store, but hear us out. Inside Mitsuwa Marketplace (which should already be your go-to for Japanese groceries, just sayin’) are a bunch of hidden gem restaurants and shops. Try Hamada-Ya Bakery for coffee and pastries or Matcha REN for premium matcha soft serve and other treats. If you’re more into savory, get some udon at Sanuki Seimen Mugimaru and thank us later.
Much like Mitsuwa, Mercado Gonzalez is more than a store: it’s a playground for your tastebuds. Wander a food court that’s straight out of Mexico City but transplanted to Costa Mesa. Mercado Gonzalez is 70,000 square feet of possibility, from El Moro Churrería to Aguas Frescas Las Delicias and La Tamalería. Every option is fresh, fun, and fast—and there’s no reservation (or passport!) required.
We doubt you need an excuse to turn a delicious meal into a full-on vacation, but it truly is impossible to sample the best of the city in one day. Stay the night so you can get at least three meals and maybe some snacks. With a variety of Costa Mesa hotels to choose from, all you need to do is pack a bag and bring your appetite.
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Posted in Misc
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
Veteran’s Day in Costa Mesa: Heritage, Heroes, and History
When you picture the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, your mind probably goes to the sizzle and scent of fryers and grills, the bass of live music at the Pacific Amphitheatre, or the Ferris wheel towering overhead. But the land has a longer, deeper story—one that makes Veteran’s Day in Costa Mesa especially meaningful.
Long before the rides and music, the site was home to the Santa Ana Army Air Base (SAAAB). Starting in 1942, SAAAB saw thousands of cadets at the base in pre-flight training before heading overseas. In 1944, SAAAB became the Army Air Force (AAF) Personnel Distribution Command. In 1946, the base was decommissioned, though in the 1950s it was briefly used as a guided missile training facility.
Many of the service members who trained at SAAAB or worked at AAF returned to Orange County after the war’s end, and they helped develop the area into the beautiful, thriving community it is today.
From WWII to the OC Fair
It might be hard to picture now, but almost one-fifth of Costa Mesa was once dedicated to the Santa Ana Army Air Base. After the base was decommissioned, however, the land was turned over to the county and became a community hub. By the time the OC Fair was up and running in 1949, acres previously used for training, housing, and feeding service members became the site of carnival rides. (Fun fact: A lot of the land that used to make up SAAAB has been repurposed for things other than the fair. Costa Mesa High School, Tewinkle Park, and Vanguard University are just a few examples of places built on what used to be SAAAB grounds.)
Today, the OC Fair honors Orange County’s agricultural history, ensuring no one forgets its origins of citrus groves and farms. Livestock competitions have been part of the fair from the beginning, but in the present day, the three-acre Centennial Farm remains a working, year-round farm, with opportunities for hands-on learning and a memorial for agricultural workers called the Table of Dignity. 4-H students tending their animals are as big of a draw as the Ferris wheel, which shows how vital Costa Mesa’s history is to its identity.
The fair isn’t just your regular hub for concerts and festivals, but a living reminder of Costa Mesa’s origins and as the seat of military pride for Orange County.
Heroes Hall, Where Stories Live On
One of the former SAAAB barracks has been transformed into Heroes Hall, the veterans museum at the OC Fairgrounds. The museum preserves Orange County’s military history while honoring veterans from all generations. There’s a permanent exhibit called “The SAAAB Story,” which delves into the site’s past and involvement in WWII, including real uniforms, photos, and the words of service members who trained there. Year-round programming includes rotating exhibitions: currently, Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam is on display through December 21, 2025.
Heroes Hall honors more than Costa Mesa’s WWII history; it’s dedicated to veterans from all generations. Visitors are encouraged to learn from veterans at community events, and there’s educational activities for students (or just people interested in history). Stories are not just remembered, but shared across generations. And admission is free, to make sure the experience is accessible to anyone who wants to engage.
This Veteran’s Day, Heroes Hall at the OC Fair is the perfect place to experience the past and honor a history of service, sacrifice, and deep-rooted heritage. Costa Mesa invites veterans and their families to come experience Heroes Hall and find connection with the past. Whether you’re eager to connect with other veterans or just want to spend time contemplating in the oasis of the Serenity Walk, it’s surely going to be a Veteran’s Day to remember.
If you’re not from Orange County, you can fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) or drive to Costa Mesa. We’re between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. Turn your visit to Costa Mesa into an overnight stay, and book a room at Best Western Plus, OC Hotel, or the newly renovated Hampton Inn—all within walking distance of the fair. Costa Mesa has hotels that suit every budget and type of traveler, from solo to family, business, or leisure. For our veterans, don’t forget to ask for military or government discounts!
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A Mexican American Perspective on Hispanic Heritage in Costa Mesa
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and signifies a dedicated time to honor the individuals, communities, histories, and traditions that have impacted our lives in the United States. The fifteenth of September marks the anniversary of the independence of several Latin American countries, like Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala, while independence for Mexico and Chile followed shortly thereafter. Hispanic Heritage Month concludes on October 15, and it serves as an open invitation for us to reflect and share stories to preserve Hispanic culture for generations to come.
Did you make it through the short history lesson? Great—gold star! It’s important that we acknowledge our past before we turn to the present and future, and we want to give the mic to someone actively shaping our culture and media.
Jasmine Avalos is a Mexican American writer, photographer, producer, and Social Media and Content Manager for Travel Costa Mesa (that’s us!). She’s the creative force behind keeping our social channels fun and relevant (give us a follow on @TravelCostaMesa if you haven’t already), while also ensuring that everything digital and behind-the-scenes is running smoothly. She’s the reason this page loaded!
Jasmine has been recognized in the travel industry as a rising star—and we can prove it, since California Travel Association literally named her their 2025 CalTravel Rising Star, recognizing her exceptional contributions, leadership, and passion for California’s travel and tourism industry. She also received CalTravel’s 30 & Under Emerging Leader Awards for 2025, and we have no doubt her enthusiasm for community building and travel will continue to propel her forward.
Jasmine agreed to share her perspective on Hispanic Heritage Month and even let us in on some of her favorite spots to experience Hispanic culture in Costa Mesa.
Jasmine Avalos at an event hosted by Visit Anaheim
QUESTION: How do you think about Hispanic Heritage Month?
JASMINE AVALOS:
It’s a time for me to reflect on the impact and contributions we’ve made throughout things like food, music, language, and history. I think about our achievements and influence, especially the impact on our surroundings here in California.
Art at Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa
QUESTION: What role does travel play in recognizing cultural heritage or specifically Hispanic heritage?
JASMINE AVALOS:
Travel is a chance for you to be fully immersed in a culture. A personal travel experience that stands out is visiting Greece, where I felt like part of the community. Whenever I would go out to eat at my favorite hole-in-the-wall spot, I was greeted by the restaurant owners who took time to welcome me in and describe the menu. Everybody broke into dance after dinner, and I have such vivid memories of the way food, music, and language were all combined.
Jasmine at Chichén Itzá in Mexico
Travel also provides good opportunities to learn. You’re there physically, not just eating mole, for example, but seeing how it’s made, where the ingredients come from, the techniques, and even the setting. Mexican artesanía is so beautiful to look at, but you don’t always think about the time it took to make and paint it. It’s important to see the heritage behind something and the generational skills that have been passed down. It makes what you’re experiencing even more special when you know the story behind it.
QUESTION: Are there any experiences in Costa Mesa you’d recommend for someone who wants to learn more about American Latino culture?
Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa
JASMINE AVALOS:
Mercado Gonzalez is such a “wow” moment when you walk in; it just captures our culture so perfectly. They not only have authentic flavors, but they achieve it with authentic techniques. For example, their carnitas is made in cazo de cobre, traditional copper pots, that totally influences the flavor.
Tres Muchachos Kitchen puts a new take on traditional flavors that taste familiar but always still leave me wondering how they made it taste that way! It’s a family business where their mom is often cooking alongside them, and it just feels like being at someone’s home.
ARTime Barro is so good at making community in Costa Mesa. She holds some classes in Spanish, and I love what she stands for. It makes me really want to bring my mom to a pottery class to be taught in Spanish!
Anne-Marie Schiefer and Jasmine Avalos at Segerstrom Hall (L-R)
Segerstrom Center for the Arts has such an unexpected range of programming, like cumbia dancing or their annual Fiesta Navidad concert. I love how it’s presented so authentically, with thoughtfulness and creativity. Priscilla Reyes, Community Engagement Manager at Segerstrom, is really good about bringing in lesser-known artists and giving them a platform to share their art and talent with the community. Events at Argyros Plaza are always free, giving kids and families the opportunity to experience world-class programming they might not be able to experience or afford otherwise.
QUESTION: Any final thoughts?
JASMINE AVALOS:
A lot of people don’t think of Costa Mesa and Hispanic culture together, or they think of a very stereotyped image of Orange County. People are so welcoming, there’s so much diversity—I was so surprised. You don’t know until you get here. Get here and you’ll see what I’m talking about. And try the ceviche de pulpo at the Mercado!
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