Costa Mesa Travel Blog | Stories & Guides from OC

Two people ride bikes near palm trees at a sunny, empty intersection with crosswalks and a “Coast Hwy” street sign. Buildings and more palm trees line the background under a clear sky.

Your Guide to a Swell Time: Summer Fun & Sun in Costa Mesa

Planning a Southern California summer escape? Costa Mesa is the perfect home base—beach‑close, full of outdoor activities, and buzzing with major summer events including the OC Fair and Pacific Amphitheatre shows.

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No Forks Given: The Best Summer Eats in Costa Mesa

No Forks Given: The Best Summer Eats in Costa Mesa

Explore Costa Mesa’s top summer bites, from new burger joints to modern taquerias and fresh‑made paletas. Stay overnight and make it an Eatcation^®.

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Five people in a workshop, some in aprons, gather around a table covered with leather rolls and tools, smiling and chatting. Shelves with organized boxes line the wall—a creative spot if you’re looking for things to do in Costa Mesa.

Looking for Something Fun to Make or Do? Costa Mesa Has Answers

Discover hands‑on workshops, classes, and creative experiences in Costa Mesa. From pottery to sewing to snake yoga, find your next adventure.

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The Journal: News, views, and to-dos.

Besteas for Life: A 48-Hour Friend Trip in Costa Mesa

Plan Your Visit, Travel June 24, 2026

Besteas for Life: A 48-Hour Friend Trip in Costa Mesa

Four people walk along a sandy beach near a pier, smiling and wearing casual summer clothes and sunglasses. The scene captures the relaxed vibe of beaches near Costa Mesa, with the ocean, pier, and bright sky in the background.

Plan Your Visit, Travel June 24, 2026

Endless Summer Awaits: Soak Up the Sun in Costa Mesa

Three friends are smiling and talking at a bar, each holding a glass of beer. They appear to be enjoying each others company in a warm, casual setting.

Eat & Drink June 23, 2026

Costa Mesa’s Perfect Pour: A Summer Dining Guide

Three people relax on a sandy beach near the waterline, with gentle waves washing ashore and palm trees lining the background. A few other people are spaced along the wide, empty beach under a cloudy sky.

Plan Your Visit, Travel June 20, 2026

Sea You There: A Beach-Close Itinerary

Two people smiling and taking a selfie together, standing in front of colorful stacked barrels. One person wears glasses and a light cardigan, the other has a headband and a leather jacket. They have their arms around each other.

Events June 8, 2026

Our Favorite Places To Celebrate Pride Month in Costa Mesa

A person holding a tray of cooked meat near a grill with flames rising in the background, in a kitchen with white tiled walls.

June 1, 2026

Dad-Approved Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Costa Mesa

Sip Happens: The Best Happy Hours in Costa Mesa

Eat & Drink May 29, 2026

Sip Happens: The Best Happy Hours in Costa Mesa

A woman with brown hair wearing a denim shirt browses clothes on a rack in a bright, modern boutique with colorful decor and neatly displayed accessories.

Events May 1, 2026

6 Ways to Spoil Mom on Mother’s Day in Costa Mesa

Colorful mural on a building shows a womans face with a flower in her hair, a surfer, palm trees, and the words Welcome and City of the Arts on a bright red and blue geometric background.

Events, News, Travel April 30, 2026

Costa Mesa Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week!

Worth the Walk: Try the Seenic Route Through Costa Mesa

Plan Your Visit, Travel April 21, 2026

Worth the Walk: Try the Seenic Route Through Costa Mesa

No Forks Given: The Best Summer Eats in Costa Mesa

Eat & Drink April 21, 2026

No Forks Given: The Best Summer Eats in Costa Mesa

Clutch Finds in Costa Mesa: Luxury Shopping for the Modern Man

Shopping April 17, 2026

Clutch Finds in Costa Mesa: Luxury Shopping for the Modern Man

Two people ride bicycles along a palm tree-lined sidewalk near a wide, empty intersection on a sunny day. There are crosswalks, traffic lights, and a street sign reading Coast Hwy.

Plan Your Visit, Travel April 17, 2026

Your Guide to a Swell Time: Summer Fun & Sun in Costa Mesa

Five people in a workshop, some in aprons, gather around a table covered with leather rolls and tools, smiling and chatting. Shelves with organized boxes line the wall—a creative spot if you’re looking for things to do in Costa Mesa.

Play April 8, 2026

Looking for Something Fun to Make or Do? Costa Mesa Has Answers

Spring Into a Costa Mesa State of Mind: Longer Days, Brighter Ways

Misc March 20, 2026

Spring Into a Costa Mesa State of Mind: Longer Days, Brighter Ways

Three people smile and laugh in a surf shop, surrounded by colorful surfboards. Perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog, a woman in front holds a red surfboard while her friends stand behind her, all appearing cheerful and relaxed.

Misc March 16, 2026

Unpack Costa Mesa: Hidden Gems From the City’s Treasure Chest

A collage of six women of diverse ages and backgrounds, each smiling at the camera in professional or formal attire, featured on a Costa Mesa travel blog with different indoor and outdoor backgrounds behind them.

Misc, News March 3, 2026

Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Trailblazers of Costa Mesa

Two glass mugs filled with green beer sit on a bar, suggesting a festive St. Patrick's Day atmosphere—a scene perfect for sharing on a Costa Mesa travel blog. The background features blurred green and brown decorations, adding to the celebration.

Events March 1, 2026

Lucky You: St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Costa Mesa

When in Roam: Discover Costa Mesa by Car

Misc February 28, 2026

When in Roam: Discover Costa Mesa by Car

A group performs a traditional dragon dance in yellow shirts on an outdoor staircase, with a modern glass building and people in the background—an eye-catching scene perfect for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Eat & Drink, Events, Locals, Shopping February 1, 2026

2026 Lunar New Year: Embrace the Year of the Horse in Costa Mesa

People enjoy a roller coaster ride called Raptor at an amusement park. The green and yellow coaster is elevated, with riders visible at the top, while crowds gather below under a clear blue sky—perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog snapshot.

Misc January 26, 2026

Where Will 2026 Take You? Start with Costa Mesa.

Four women sit at an outdoor restaurant table in Costa Mesa, smiling and raising their drinks in a toast. Plates of food and drinks are on the table, as large umbrellas provide shade—a perfect moment for a Costa Mesa travel blog.

Eat & Drink, Events, Music & Art, Plan Your Visit, Shopping January 14, 2026

Unique Date Ideas for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day

A white bowl with grilled endive on a creamy puree, topped with sea beans, dill, lentils, pink peppercorns, and beet relish—an artful dish perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog, beautifully arranged on a dark surface.

Eat & Drink January 10, 2026

Jet-Setting Without Regret: Travel Well, and Eat Well in the New Year

Shop Happens: Your Next Great Find is in Costa Mesa

Misc January 3, 2026

Shop Happens: Your Next Great Find is in Costa Mesa

From Labubus to Lightsabers: Fandom Fun in Costa Mesa

Misc January 2, 2026

From Labubus to Lightsabers: Fandom Fun in Costa Mesa

A group of people in colorful traditional Japanese attire stand outdoors, their backs to the camera—a scene perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog. One holds a bright red parasol, while several display floral hair decorations beneath a clear blue sky.

Misc January 2, 2026

Lost in Installation: Experience Japanese Culture in Costa Mesa

Wander Well: The Artful Side of Costa Mesa

Misc January 1, 2026

Wander Well: The Artful Side of Costa Mesa

A busy indoor food court in Costa Mesa with people sitting at tables eating and chatting under hanging star-shaped lights, near food vendor stalls with colorful signs—perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog feature.

Misc January 1, 2026

Under-the-Radar Eats in Costa Mesa

Get Fizzy With It: Costa Mesa After Dark

Misc January 1, 2026

Get Fizzy With It: Costa Mesa After Dark

Three friends lying on grass outdoors, laughing and covering their eyes playfully. With backpacks and a purse nearby, it’s a carefree moment perfect for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Misc December 31, 2025

Plan Less, Live More: Costa Mesa’s Guide to a Surreal Good Time

Shelves in a well-lit store display a wide variety of wine and champagne bottles, organized by type and label, stretching down a long aisle—a scene perfect for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Misc, Shopping December 16, 2025

The Best Liquor Stores in Costa Mesa to Pick Up Your Holiday Booze

A collage for a Costa Mesa travel blog featuring people shopping, dishes like ramen, burgers, pretzels, pancakes with strawberries, and two people relaxing outside Mercado Mesa with its distinctive arched entrance.

Eat & Drink, Events, Locals, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel December 3, 2025

Costa Mesa’s Best Food, Shopping, and Experiences in 2025

Misc December 1, 2025

Winter Wonders in Costa Mesa: Festive Activities for a Magical Holiday Escape

A colorful shop interior in Costa Mesa with shelves displaying mugs, clothes, and gifts. Dried flowers hang from the ceiling as sunlight streams in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog feature.

Shopping November 13, 2025

11 Must-Visit Small Businesses in Costa Mesa

A person carves a roasted chicken garnished with rosemary, surrounded by lemon slices, roasted garlic, and vegetables—an inviting scene perfect for a costa mesa travel blog capturing festive meals and local flavors with wine in the background.

Eat & Drink, Locals, Plan Your Visit November 12, 2025

Feast Without the Fuss: Here’s Where to Get Thanksgiving Dinner in Costa Mesa

Three women pose and smile in front of a large mural with handwritten text about art, perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog. Another person with curly hair faces them, possibly taking a photo. The mural is on a tan wall with greenery above.

Eat & Drink, Events, Misc, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel September 30, 2025

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa

A paved walkway leads to a building with a green roof, surrounded by palm trees and flagpoles with flags—an ideal spot for any Costa Mesa travel blog exploring the Orange County Walk of Honor memorial area lined with stone pillars.

Misc September 24, 2025

Veteran’s Day in Costa Mesa: Heritage, Heroes, and History

A plate of chilaquiles topped with two sunny-side-up eggs, fresh herbs, crema, and crumbled cheese, served on a rustic wooden table—perfect for featuring on any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Eat & Drink September 18, 2025

Got the Brunchies? Get a Taste of Costa Mesa’s Best Brunch Spots!

A person in a striped dress stands on grass with arms raised, smiling in front of the ancient stone pyramid of Chichen Itza under a bright blue sky with a few clouds.

Misc, News September 16, 2025

A Mexican American Perspective on Hispanic Heritage in Costa Mesa

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa

Misc September 1, 2025

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Costa Mesa

Four hands hold up different LGBTQ+ pride flags—lesbian, bisexual, rainbow, and transgender—against a blue sky with clouds. Rainbow bracelets on each wrist show pride and support, perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog celebrating diversity.

Misc August 27, 2025

Pride Is More Than a Parade in Costa Mesa

Aerial view of a bustling fairground with colorful tents, amusement rides, food stalls, and crowds enjoying a sunny day. Featured in a Costa Mesa travel blog, the Ferris wheel and distant cityscape create an inviting backdrop.

Eat & Drink, Events, Misc, Play July 19, 2025

Our Best Tips and Tricks for The OC Fair

A collage with six photos: churros and ice cream, a Ferris wheel, a vintage photo booth sign, vibrant street art mural, three people posing outdoors in Costa Mesa, and a cheeseburger—perfect for your Costa Mesa travel blog.

Eat & Drink, Play, Shopping, Travel June 29, 2025

Costa Mesa Unlocked: Revealing Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Two hands holding cocktails; one adorned with rosemary and ice, the other with a chili rim and dried citrus. Both drinks, in textured glasses, are viewed from above—a perfect shot for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Eat & Drink, Travel June 26, 2025

Pour Choices, No Regrets: Costa Mesa’s Best Sips

Aerial view of a park with winding dirt paths crossing green fields and patches of grass, trees scattered throughout, and a small structure in the bottom left corner—perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog feature.

Misc April 2, 2025

Your Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel, Dining, and Outdoor Adventures in Costa Mesa

Feasts, Treats, and Decadent Eats in Costa Mesa

Eat & Drink, Travel February 26, 2025

Feasts, Treats, and Decadent Eats in Costa Mesa

Three juicy burgers topped with grilled onions, melted cheese, and tomato slices sit on a white surface, with a colorful side of sliced pickles and vegetables—a perfect feature for any Costa Mesa travel blog craving local flavors.

Eat & Drink, Travel February 25, 2025

Get Taste Buzzed: The Best Eats in Costa Mesa

A modern nightclub interior in Costa Mesa with colorful LED lighting, a spacious dance floor, round booths, and a big TIME NIGHTCLUB screen above the stage—perfect for any Costa Mesa travel blog’s nightlife feature. The space is empty and well-lit.

Events, Locals December 19, 2024

9 Ways to Ring in the New Year in Costa Mesa

A modern display features floral arrangements, decorative tableware, and kitchen items set against green and white panels—perfect inspiration for a Costa Mesa travel blog, with framed botanical art and a vase with flowers on a side pedestal.

Events, Locals, Plan Your Visit October 31, 2024

Your Guide to a Dazzling Holiday Gathering in Costa Mesa

A woman wearing sunglasses and a patterned jacket smiles while posing in front of a mirror, perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog. Another person sits nearby, pointing towards her amid cozy decor, including a woven chair and wall hangings.

Eat & Drink, Locals, Misc, Music & Art, Plan Your Visit, Play, Shopping, Travel October 8, 2024

Costa Mesa: An Easy Weekend Getaway From the Inland Empire

A market stall labeled Chiles y Especias displays hanging dried chiles and spices, with two people standing behind the counter under warm lights—a vibrant scene perfect for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Misc September 25, 2024

5 Reasons Why Senior Travelers Will Love Costa Mesa

Four people are enjoying themselves in and around a turquoise classic convertible car under a modern building entrance. Perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog, one man stands on the car’s door, flashing a peace sign as the others smile and chat inside.

Locals, Plan Your Visit, Travel August 8, 2024

Road Trip Ready: Cruise from Los Angeles to Costa Mesa

People dancing and raising their hands in a dimly lit nightclub or bar with colorful blue and red lights in the background. Bottles line the shelves behind the bar—a must-see spot featured on our Costa Mesa travel blog.

Events, Misc, Music & Art, Plan Your Visit, Travel August 6, 2024

The Best Places to Dance in Costa Mesa

Two women in swimsuits walk barefoot along a sandy beach near a wooden pier on a sunny day, while the costa mesa travel blog captures blue skies and gentle waves in the background.

Eat & Drink, Events, Music & Art, Plan Your Visit, Play, Shopping, Travel July 2, 2024

The Ultimate Summer Destination for SoCal Travelers

A display case filled with various flavors of gelato in metal trays, including lemon, mint, chocolate, and caramel—each decorated with matching toppings—a perfect highlight for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Eat & Drink July 2, 2024

Top 5 Must-Try Ice Cream Shops in Costa Mesa

A table filled with barbecue foods, including ribs, sausage, pickles, onions, white bread, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, corn, a sandwich, drinks, and various sides, viewed from above.

Eat & Drink June 24, 2024

The 7 Best American Eats in Costa Mesa

Aerial view of a busy fairground with colorful tents, rides, food stalls, and crowds of people enjoying the event on a sunny day. A Ferris wheel and distant mountains are visible in the background.

Play May 28, 2024

How to Make the Most of Your Summer in Costa Mesa

A modern restaurant entrance with glass doors labeled “the plot” welcomes visitors. Outdoor seating and plants create an inviting vibe, making it a perfect spot featured on any Costa Mesa travel blog. Sunlight brightens the well-marked front entrance.

Misc April 8, 2024

5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Earth Month in Costa Mesa

A large outdoor market at sunset in Costa Mesa buzzes with people exploring colorful vendor tents and bright lights, while The Hangar rises in the background—a lively, festive scene perfect for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Events April 8, 2024

Things to do in Costa Mesa This Spring

Open-faced sandwich on toasted bread topped with roasted vegetables, meat, pickled onions, and sauce, garnished with cherry tomatoes on a wooden board—perfect for your next Costa Mesa travel blog feature in a modern, stylish restaurant setting.

Misc March 19, 2024

The Best Easter Brunches in Costa Mesa

A mural on a wall features yellow and purple tones. On the left, there are realistic portraits of diverse people, while on the right, a large basketball displays Costa Mesa—perfect for any costa mesa travel blog seeking local art.

Events, Misc, Music & Art, Shopping February 23, 2024

February Feed: Costa Mesa’s Trending News & Reads

Planning a Staycation in 2024 in Costa Mesa

Travel January 10, 2024

Planning a Staycation in 2024 in Costa Mesa

A large crowd at a concert or nightclub in Costa Mesa dances and cheers with hands raised, surrounded by purple lights, confetti, and smoke. A performer is on stage in front of a big screen displaying the name JVNA—perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog highlight.

Eat & Drink, Events, Locals, Misc, Plan Your Visit December 13, 2023

7 Ways to Ring in the New Year in Costa Mesa

Two performers in glowing, festive costumes stand under a bright red and white “North Pole Journey” sign, surrounded by illuminated arches and holiday decorations at night—a magical moment perfect for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Eat & Drink, Events, Locals, Music & Art, Shopping December 11, 2023

Winter Wonders in Costa Mesa: 5 Activities for a Magical Holiday Escape

A stylish restaurant interior, perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog, with orange tufted leather seating, green quilted chairs, dark tables set with plates and glasses, warm lighting, and red patterned wallpaper displaying trophies and framed photos.

Eat & Drink, Events, Shopping November 8, 2023

Fall into Fun: Costa Mesa’s Ultimate Weekend Guide

A man in a suit and jacket uses a shovel to dig near a road by the COSTA MESA CITY LIMIT sign. This vintage scene captures the spirit of mid-20th century Costa Mesa—perfect inspiration for a costa mesa travel blog.

Misc, Music & Art October 5, 2023

Costa Mesa: A Symphony of Creativity Blooms in the City of Arts^®

Three friends sit around a table at a stylish lounge, chatting and smiling. Perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog, two women in red dresses and a man in a denim jacket enjoy drinks, with candles and art on the wall behind them.

Misc August 2, 2023

10 Costa Mesa Restaurants to Visit for Great Late-Night Bites

A collage with four images: Barbie movie poster, a woman holding a colorful beach towel, a retro-style diner with pink lights, and pink-frosted pastries—perfect inspiration for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Eat & Drink, Locals, Misc, Play, Shopping July 18, 2023

10 Places to Get Your Barbie^™ Fix in Costa Mesa

A large white Ferris wheel towers over a lively fairground with colorful booths, food stands, and crowds of people under a clear blue sky—perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog adventure.

Misc June 26, 2023

Your Top Ways to Save This Year at The OC Fair

A couple stands embracing and pointing, facing an outdoor amphitheater with blue seats and a stage ahead. Large Toyota banners are displayed, and people are scattered throughout the audience on a sunny day—perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog adventure.

Eat & Drink, Events, Locals, Misc, Plan Your Visit May 30, 2023

Ten Ways to Heat Up Your Summer in Costa Mesa

A colorful spread of salads, sandwiches, and soup, including a chicken salad, avocado salads, fresh sandwiches, a bowl of soup, and a fruit salad, all arranged on a white surface with a blue checkered napkin.

Eat & Drink May 25, 2023

Sustainable Eats in Costa Mesa

A glass of citrus cocktail with lemon slices, a pink straw, a purple orchid flower, and an orange slice garnish sits on the armrest of a white cushioned outdoor chair in bright sunlight.

Eat & Drink May 24, 2023

Cool Drinks to Sip this Summer

A hand holds half of a wrap filled with lettuce, chicken, and other veggies; the other half sits on a plate next to a cup of mixed fruit and a cold drink in a cup labeled JANS Health Bar.

Misc May 24, 2023

Grab-and-Go Options Perfect for a Beach Day

Pink and white peonies surround the words Happy Mother’s Day written in elegant black script on a soft pink background.

Eat & Drink, Locals May 9, 2023

Mother’s Day 2023: Brunches, Shopping, Facials and More in Costa Mesa

A man and woman walk hand in hand on a sunny path surrounded by greenery. The woman wears a red top, denim shorts, and hat, while the man wears a white t-shirt and blue shorts. Both are smiling and looking at each other.

Misc April 17, 2023

10 Ways to Support Sustainability in Costa Mesa

Four women pose confidently in a modern hair salon, sitting on chairs and smiling. The salon features mirrors, plants, and a sign reading “THE SALON by alexis hair” on the wall behind them.

Locals, Misc March 8, 2023

Who Run the World? Women-Owned Businesses in Costa Mesa

Two grilled fish fillets on a blue plate with brown rice, a lemon wedge, roasted corn, and colorful cherry tomatoes arranged beside each other.

Eat & Drink February 23, 2023

Time to Try These 5 Hot New Restaurants in Costa Mesa

A woman in a red dress and a man in a gray shirt sit closely together on a rustic wooden bench outdoors, holding hands and smiling at each other. Lush plants and a small wooden structure are in the background.

Events, Plan Your Visit, Play February 5, 2023

Best Valentine’s Day Ideas in Orange County

A person pours red wine from a bottle into a glass on a weathered wooden outdoor table, with more glasses and blurred figures in the background.

Play August 10, 2018

5 Spots for Wine Tasting in Orange County