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.
Comments Off on Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa
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!
Comments Off on Veteran’s Day in Costa Mesa: Heritage, Heroes, and History
Posted in Misc
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 mid-October, 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!
Comments Off on A Mexican American Perspective on Hispanic Heritage in Costa Mesa
Posted in Misc
How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is a time to celebrate the rich culture and amazing contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community. Observed annually from September 15 to October 15, HHM is celebrated both locally and nationwide across the United States. Costa Mesa, which translates to “coastal tableland” in Spanish, has a deep- rooted connection to Hispanic culture that dates back to the late 18th century when Spanish missionaries and soldiers first settled in the area. Today, the city celebrates its diverse community through food, art, and colorful cultural events that honor Hispanic traditions.
Read on for our favorite ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa!
Food
Costa Mesa’s food scene is packed with bold Hispanic and Latin flavors. You can eat your way through Mexico at Mercado Gonzalez, a giant Mexican food market with over 20 puestos, or food stations, dishing out everything from tacos to churros, carnitas to ceviche, and so much more!
For a delicious twist on traditional Peruvian lomo saltado, start your culinary journey at Costa Contemporary Kitchen. Then, sip on award-winning margaritas at Playa Mesa before indulging in a flavorful four meat, Michelin recognized paella from Vaca. Coffee lovers (you know who you are) should swing by Hola Adios Coffee Shop for a caffeine fix and try their mouthwatering barbacoa burrito.
We could rave about the food all day, but we’ll let our restaurant list do the talking— check it out for all our top restaurants!
Art, Music, and Dance
Diego Sepulveda Adobe
Journey through California’s rich past by visiting the Diego Sepulveda Adobe museum. Located in Estancia Park, the adobe is one of Costa Mesa’s most historic sites showcasing nearly 200 years of local history. Originally a travel stop and later a ranch house, each room has been restored to showcase four key periods in Orange County history: Indian, Mission, Spanish, and Victorian. Visit on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month to explore this historical hidden gem!
ARTime Barro
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month hands-on at ARTime Barro, a local Mexican-owned pottery studio in Costa Mesa. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, their workshops and classes cater to all skill levels. With a deep commitment to fostering creativity and community, ARTime Barro stands out as a must-visit destination. You’ll not only gain knowledge of ceramics but also take home a handcrafted keepsake from your visit.
Sevilla OC
Photo by Sevilla
Experience Southern California’s longest-running flamenco dinner at Sevilla OC! These shows offer a rich blend of visuals, sounds, and flavors that will transport you right to Spain. Enjoy a mouthwatering three-course paella dinner while being blown away by a stunning two-part Flamenco performance. These dancers, trained in Spain and masters of their craft, will truly mesmerize you with their powerful and soulful movements that channel centuries of tradition.
Griselda Rosas at Orange County Museum of Art
Griselda Rosas uses charcoal, watercolor, and textiles to explore life along the U.S. and Mexico border. With her young son Fernando as her partner-in-creativity, she embroiders over his drawings to turn them into fantastical figures drawn from folklore, Indigenous history, and children’s stories. She transforms everyday materials—like her son’s childhood clothes—into art that blends memory, identity, and culture.
Special Events
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
September 27, 2025
Join the City of Costa Mesa at Lions Park for their Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration from 10 am – 2 pm. Enjoy food, games, activities, and special cultural performances.
OC Pride Parade and Festival at OC Fair and Event Center
September 27, 2025
Get ready—the OC Pride Festival & Parade is coming back to the OC Fair & Event Center! This is Orange County’s official Pride celebration, bringing glitter, music, rainbows, and all the love. Enjoy an exciting lineup of Spanish and English performers, plus diverse programming—from Teen Pride to Pride Family Camp, and explore over 150 LGBTQIA+ and ally-owned vendors. Get your tickets before they sell out!
Cumbia Night at Semi Tropic Wines
September 20, 2025
Turn up the ritmo at Costa Mesa’s favorite wine bar! Let DJ Rigo Suave guide you through a night of hip-swaying cumbia beats that will keep you dancing all night log. Pair the music with a glass (or two) of wine and you’ve got the perfect combo for a night of community, culture, and fun.
Photo by Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Sonia De Los Santos
October 11 – 12, 2025
Experience an evening with Sonia De Los Santos. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, has been performing in Spanish and English since 2007. Her joyful songs—often inspired by Latin American rhythms like huapango, cumbia, salsa, and festejo, as well as North American folk traditions—celebrate themes of childhood, friendship, and her journey from Mexico to New York.
Costa Mesa offers plenty of ways to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, from discovering new restaurants and flavors, to exploring local history, and being part of cultural events and performances. For a complete experience, book an overnight stay at one of Costa Mesa’s hotels and make it a fun getaway!
Comments Off on How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa
Posted in Misc
Pride Is More Than a Parade in Costa Mesa
Pride isn’t just a parade; it’s a celebration, yes, but it’s also a commitment to a community that’s still in need of recognition. OC Pride takes place in Costa Mesa at the OC Fair & Event Center on September 27th, 2025—well after most cities have rolled up their rainbow sidewalks. We love an excuse to drag out summer (since it officially and sadly ends on September 22nd) or to simply drag out brunch. But what’s truly special is how Costa Mesa celebrates inclusivity year-round, from queer-owned businesses and arts spaces to community organizations that keep pushing for progress. Authenticity, acceptance, and joy are always in season here.
If you’re a Southern California native, Costa Mesa is an easy trip: it’s located right between L.A. to the north and San Diego to the south. If you’re an out-of-towner (or out-of-stater) looking to experience Pride the OC way, hop on a plane and land at John Wayne Airport (SNA).
How to Make the Most of OC Pride 2025 in Costa Mesa
If it’s your first time at OC Pride, we’ve got the info you need to show up, feel seen, and have a good time. This year’s theme is Revolutionary, and the activities show the care OC Pride has put into creating safe spaces. From the free parade to the Zero Proof Sober Space for alcohol-free fun, and the return of the Pride Market Place, there’s no shortage of things to do or get involved in.
More of a partier? Check out the Pride Stage and the WTF Splash Zone with plenty of DJs and lasers to keep things going well into the night. Into a family-friendly vibe? Check out Pride Family Camp or Teen Pride. Trans folks have their own affirming space with Trans Central as well. You can even connect with Orange County city pride orgs, or hear stories and performances, as well as TED Talk–style speeches, at Pride Speaks. Basically, OC Pride wants to make sure everyone in the acronym is welcome and has a place to connect with their community.
The OC Pride 2025 Parade and Block Party in Costa Mesa kick off the day at 11:00 a.m., making it one of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in Orange County. (And don’t forget: the parade is free!) At noon, the Revolutionary Festival kicks off; you do need tickets for the festival (unless you’re under 15 or over 65, in which case you get free entry); grab some tickets here. There’s a send-off at 10:00 p.m., and the entire event is over at 11:00 p.m. It’s a long, exciting day, so don’t forget to hydrate and bring your sunscreen.
A Costa Mesa Pride for Everyone
OC Pride is located in Costa Mesa, but that doesn’t mean that only locals are invited. Orange County as a whole is ready to celebrate. If you’re not familiar with Orange County, or Costa Mesa in particular, well, all we can say is get ready for some sunshine and friendliness. Not from Costa Mesa? Not from Orange County? Anxious about finding your community? We mean it when we say everyone’s welcome.
As the City of the Arts®, Costa Mesa is known for creativity, inclusivity, and a community that embraces self-expression. Hosting OC Pride isn’t just about location—it’s about identity. The same city that fills theaters, galleries, and music halls with inspiring voices and bold perspectives is proud to be the home of OC Pride 2025.
Queer-Owned Businesses to Support in Costa Mesa Year-Round
In addition to the rad selection of LGBTQ+-owned and allied vendors at the Pride Market Place, we want to spotlight some businesses to check out the rest of the year.
Stella Jean’s is a queer-founded small business serving up some of the best ice cream flavors in California. The seasonal flavors rotate and offer vegan and gluten-free options; the Yuzu + Poppyseed Cake is a personal favorite! Their always-on-offer flaves are great too, like their Mango Sticky Rice or Brown Butter Pecan.
Right next door to Stella Jean’s on 17th Street is its sister restaurant, Pop Pie Co, for sweet and savory pie goodness. Get a slice of pie a la mode (or a whole pie, if that’s your bag!), or try a hand pie on for size. The Green Hog & Cheese savory pot pie is beyond words, but everything on the menu’s great—there’s a hearty drinks selection and even breakfast options. Yum.
House of Intuition is an LGBT+, Latin, and women-owned oasis at the LAB Anti-Mall. If you’re looking to connect with yourself and the magic around you, or just searching for a slice of peace in a busy, loud world, HOI has your back. You can shop by intention, or you can curate your space with altar supplies, tarot decks, candles, crystals, and everything a magical heart could desire.
If you’re coming to Costa Mesa for OC Pride, make a weekend of it! The LGBTQ+ nightlife in Costa Mesa is second to none with spots like Tin Lizzie and Strut, and you’ll love the chance to crash on a cushy hotel bed after a night out. The city has a hotel for every budget and traveler, whether you’re going solo or bringing the whole family. Check out the OC Pride Package from Westin South Coast Plaza for a deal that runs through October 5th, 2025.
Comments Off on Pride Is More Than a Parade in Costa Mesa
Posted in Misc
