Travel Costa Mesa Blog
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 19th to Sunday, August 18th (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 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Costa Mesa 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 The Art of Music Experience. (More on that below!)
- New this year: $5 Taste of the Fair. Available daily, until 4pm, try smaller portions of fare favorites with a smaller price tag.
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!
- The Fair welcomes Out at the Fair on Sunday, August 11th, for a celebration of diversity and inclusiveness. Out at the Fair describes themselves as a “community-focused event designed to bring people together and promote a message of acceptance and love.” Out at the Fair curates a full day of entertainment at The Hangar with musicians, dancers, and performers.
- The Art of Music Experience returns for the second year. View iconic art from your favorite albums, large-scale and hand painted. The experience includes pop-ups, like a vinyl shop, coffee lounge, themed bar, and live-painting demonstrations.
Comments Off on Our Best Tips and Tricks for The OC Fair
The Ultimate Summer Destination for SoCal Travelers
If you’re looking for the ultimate location to plan a Southern California vacation, then Costa Mesa is the place to be! It’s the perfect home base if you want to explore Disneyland, Hollywood, and beyond. Experience our incredible dining options, shopping destinations, and exciting summer events —all in one trip.
The Perfect Location
Costa Mesa is located right in the middle of Southern California, which makes it super easy to hit up all your summer bucket list destinations.
Plus, if you’re all about spending as much time as you can at the beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach are all just a short drive away and we have plenty of beach-close hotels to choose from.
Foodie Paradise
Costa Mesa is the most flavorful destination in Southern California! With the only 2 Michelin Starred restaurants in Orange County plus 6 Michelin Recognized spots, it’s truly the perfect city to take an Eatcation®. Whether you’re craving artisan coffee, gourmet burgers, or exotic eats, our city has it all. Dive into our insane variety of restaurants and discover new flavors!
Boutique Bliss
Did you know the largest shopping center on the West Coast is located in Costa Mesa?
Experience designer shopping at South Coast Plaza where you can explore over 200 boutiques including a massive two-story Gucci store and the largest Balenciaga boutique in the Americas. But, if you are more into local finds, Costa Mesa has plenty of unique boutiques. Some of our favorites can be found at The LAB and The CAMP.
After Dark Adventures
The fun never ends in Costa Mesa. The nightlife here is lit with cool bars, craft breweries, and plenty of locations to enjoy live music. Whether you’re into dancing, enjoying craft cocktails, or catching a live band, Costa Mesa has you covered. We recommend visiting Mercado Gonzalez, a massive Mexican food hall offering a full cocktail bar and live mariachi music, or newly opened, Westwood Coast for country vibes and line dancing.
Events and Concerts
If you’re in town for the summer then you have to hit up the OC Fair which runs from July 19 – August 18th! It’s one of the top ten largest fairs in the U.S. and has no shortage of rides, carnival games, animals, arts and crafts, beer, food, and live music. Bonus tip: attend a concert at Pacific Amphitheater and get free fair admission. This year’s lineup includes UB40, Stray Cats, Big Time Rush and so many more, check out the full list.
Arts and Culture
Explore the artsy side of Costa Mesa at Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). Don’t miss the chance to walk through their new Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression exhibit. For the first time in the United States, you can explore the designer’s groundbreaking work from the 1960s until 2002, his last show. Admission is FREE!
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is another great choice if you are looking to catch a Broadway show like Clue and Peter Pan. This summer, they’re also hosting free events like outdoor movies and dance classes—perfect for making the most of your summer nights!
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Summer
So what are you waiting for? Drop this blog in the group chat, book your hotel stay, and get ready to experience the best SoCal vacation you’ve ever had. We can’t wait to see you here!
Comments Off on The Ultimate Summer Destination for SoCal Travelers
Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
How to Make the Most of Your Summer in Costa Mesa
During the summer Costa Mesa lights up with countless events, concerts, and cultural experiences throughout the city. Let this guide be your ultimate summer bucket list filled with excitement and unforgettable memory-making adventures.
Top Events for Summer in Costa Mesa
Thrills, Food, Fun, and More at the OC Fair
As one of the top 10 largest fairs in the US, the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa is no small-town affair. Every summer, people from all over anticipate this month-long event, which kicks off on July 19th and runs through August 18th.
You can expect fair classics, like savory food and carnival rides, but that is only the beginning. Explore the fairgrounds to discover unique exhibits, plenty of shopping options, animal encounters, and a variety of live entertainment, from monster trucks to music. Purchase your tickets and start planning your visit for maximum fun.
Catch a Concert at the Pacific Amphitheatre
This year’s lineup for the Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre has something for everyone. From rap to rock to reggae and more, some of the world’s biggest bands are lined up for shows throughout the entire summer.
Some of the highlights will include:
- Stray Cats
- UB40
- Big Time Rush
- Sublime with Rome
Tickets can be purchased through the Pacific Amphitheater site and automatically include same-day admission to the OC Fair!
Explore Free Cultural Experiences at Argyros Plaza
Photo by Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Sign up for the free Plaza Pass to have access to each of the outdoor summer events held at Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Some of the highlights spread over this June and July include:
- Tuesday Night Dancing: Learn about (and how to perform) different dances in a judgment-free area focused on fun.
- Movie Nights: On select nights, there will be showings of movies, ranging from modern classics to hits from the 1980s and 1990s.
- Concerts: Enjoy the sounds of summer with performances from talented local artists.
Check out their full list of events to find the perfect evening event for friends and family.
Hit the Waves at World-Famous Beaches
From surfing to relaxing on the sand, the beaches around Costa Mesa offer some of the finest beach experiences in California. The nearest beach is only 5 minutes away, where you can make the most of your visit with memorable activities such as whale watching, paddle boarding, swimming, and of course, surfing.
For an all-around beach experience, try Newport Beach or Huntington Beach. A tourist-favorite locale, Laguna Beach is known for its coastal parks. For something more unique, you can visit the Crystal Cove Tide Pools that play a vital role in the local ecosystem. If you like beaches with cliffs, then Corona Del Mar Beach may be your prime choice. Wherever you go, you will not be disappointed!
Cool Down with Artisanal Ice Cream
Photo by @tacoswithtori via IG
Stricklands Ice Cream has been keeping communities cool for 90+ years with their award-winning recipe for ice cream. Keep track of their small-batch flavor of the day to try specialty flavors that they continually swap out. Expect some classics like mint chocolate chip on some days, but then go adventurous and try unique flavors like Thai iced tea or blueberry cheesecake.
Inspired by flavors and recipes from around the world, Stella Jean’s hand-crafted ice cream always surprises and delights. While you will find more familiar flavors like milk & cookies or vanilla, they love venturing into exciting seasonal flavors with vegan and gluten-friendly options. Try their mango sticky rice or ube & pandesal toffee for a new ice cream experience.
Escape the Heat at South Coast Plaza
Photo by Pablo Enriquez
No visit to Costa Mesa is complete (regardless of season) without a visit to South Coast Plaza. What makes it especially popular in summer is the chance to get out from the heat and refresh with fine food, designer boutiques, and special events. Be sure to visit the brand new two-story Gucci and first North American Bvlgari Lounge.
From world-class chefs to world-famous designers, South Coast Plaza is often considered Costa Mesa’s crown jewel. With plenty of amenities, 250+ shops, and a unique architectural design, it is no surprise that it remains a popular destination for visitors from across the world.
Come Prepared: Book Your Stay Ahead of Time
Extending your stay is the perfect way to see all that Costa Mesa has to offer. Get the most out of your visit by booking a stay at one of our 11 hotels in Costa Mesa. From beach-close locations to extensive amenities, each option can serve as the ideal hub for your SoCal vacation.
Comments Off on How to Make the Most of Your Summer in Costa Mesa
Posted in Play
10 Places to Get Your Barbie™ Fix in Costa Mesa
Come on Barbie, let’s go party! With the whole world ready for the Barbie™ movie opening July 21, we found a few fun places in Costa Mesa where we could definitely see Barbie stopping by…and where you can channel that fun, colorful energy into a Barbie moment yourself. Here’s 10 spots to check out in Costa Mesa and get your Barbie fix!
Local Fare
Local Fare is ready for the season with a whole line of Barbie-inspired products including this cuter-than-can-be beach towel. Find other items to go with your pretty new towel including more fun things for the pool or beach. Visit Local Fare in the shops at The OC Mix.
Coffee Dose
It’s like Coffee Dose was made for Barbie. With a bright, whimsical design and cheeky quotes on dishes and mugs, it’s a delightful cafe to spend the afternoon dreaming about Ken while the pink Corvette is parked outside.
Susie Cakes
Susie Cakes has bright, fun cakes for order or purchase including a Barbie cake with Barbie and her friends! Stop by and see them and taste something delightful at The OC Mix.
SoCo & The OC Mix
With great shopping in a rustic spot full of unique boutiques and pop-ups, SoCo and the OC Mix is one of Costa Mesa’s delightfully fun indoor and outdoor shopping and dining centers. We can see Barbie getting her Instagram moment in front of this sign and then picking up an adorable locally made blouse or earrings!
Forever Nails and Spa
We think Barbie would just love this manicure, but if you want some different choices, they know what they’re doing over at Forever Nails and Spa.
South Coast Plaza
Barbie loves a good designer pair of shoes or bag, and these stilettos from Jimmy Choo seem right up her alley. You can find the Jimmy Choo store at South Coast Plaza, and here are some other ideas from them in the South Coast Plaza blog featuring beautiful items in Barbie Blue.
Costa Mesa Bloom
Costa Mesa IS the City of the Arts®, so you can’t miss checking out some of the great public art in the city. Dress in your cutest colorful outfit like @hellokatiegirlblog and take a picture in front of the “Costa Mesa Bloom” mural, just outside Triangle Square off Harbor Blvd. Inside Triangle Square, you’ll find awesome dining and entertainment too.
Nectar Bath Treats
The bright and bubbly personality of the bath bombs and soap treats Nectar Bath makes seems like a perfect fit for Barbie’s bathtub. Visit the store on Level 1 of South Coast Plaza’s Carousel Court (and take a ride on the carousel while you’re at it!).
Fill Bakery
Pretty and delicious, Fill Bakeshop is a must stop to get your bubble gum pink Barbie treats. Make sure to get extras for Ken and the gang.
The Crack Shack
Did you know Richard Blais’s Crack Shack opened its first OC location in Costa Mesa? One of their best sandwiches is aptly named the “Malibu Barbie Q” and we’re sure you’ll love it. This fried chicken sandwich with an onion ring, bacon and melted cheese might make it harder to keep that famous 18″ waist, but everything in moderation!
Don’t miss the Barbie™ movie, coming out July 21.
Comments Off on 10 Places to Get Your Barbie™ Fix in Costa Mesa
Best Valentine’s Day Ideas in Orange County
Whether you’re looking for a classic white tablecloth dinner and night out, romantic weekend escape or casual and adventurous date night, Costa Mesa is home to some of the best Valentine’s Day ideas in Orange County.
Read MoreComments Off on Best Valentine’s Day Ideas in Orange County
