Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Road Trip Ready: Cruise from Los Angeles to Costa Mesa
If you’re looking to get out of LA for the weekend and want something that’s flexible, stress-free, and close to home, all you need is one tank of gas. Fill up your car and head south to Costa Mesa, the City of the Arts®. Spend your time exploring, dining, and shopping–not sitting in traffic.
Whether you love making plans and little details or you’re all about spontaneity, your Costa Mesa vacation is only one tank of gas away.
Get in the car, Angelenos. We’re going to Orange County.
Stay in the Middle of the Adventure
OC Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel with a fresh and stylish surf aesthetic. It’s five to ten minutes from our favorite Costa Mesa hot-spots, like incredible shopping at South Coast Plaza, or year-round fun at the OC Fairgrounds. If the beachy vibe of OC Hotel has you in the mood to catch some waves, it’s only minutes away from Huntington and Newport Beach.
Check out all of Costa Mesa’s hotels and find the perfect stay for your LA-to-Costa-Mesa road trip.
A New Culinary Scene
By keeping your adventure close to home, you support local businesses and the local economy. Costa Mesa’s dining scene represents the community that built it: a diverse and international collective of makers, creators, and builders that call Orange County home. From Michelin-starred dining to speakeasies with hidden entrances, there’s something special for everyone to get a taste of.
Turn your road trip into an Eatcation® and get started at The CAMP, a gathering spot and shopping center for healthy living. Try the artisan pizza at Folks Pizzeria for bubbly crust and seasonal toppings. (Make a reservation in advance to guarantee yourself a pie!) Brand new to The CAMP is AhbA, a restaurant with California casual fare and retro, Western vibes. Try their highly recommended wagyu burger and see how it holds up against your LA favorites. For a relaxed al fresco experience in a gorgeous European-inspired courtyard, grab a Monte Cristo sandwich at Le Chateau Garden Bistro inside the Ayres Hotel.
Keep the energy up with craft cocktails and kitschy, photo-worthy decor at Cowboys and Poodles. If a pub is more your style, Green Cheek Brewery is only a few steps away and touts their hoppy beers, crispy lagers, and big stouts.
Activities on Easy Mode
The one-tank trip lets you save time while allowing maximum flexibility to leave and arrive when you want. Your vacation should be spent making memories instead of waiting for traffic on the 101. Having to look for street parking is so LA–in Costa Mesa, it’s a breeze to get around. You can even ditch the car and walk to your next adventure.
If you prefer classic comfort and upscale, critically-acclaimed dining, stay at The Westin South Coast Plaza and walk across the bridge to one of the most spectacular shopping destinations in the country. South Coast Plaza is a shopping destination unlike any other, with hundreds of unique luxury offerings and West coast exclusives. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers to park themselves on a chair and wait outside the store (you know the kind), South Coast Plaza is indoors, air conditioned, and thoughtfully designed.
What about a slow-cation? For a more mindful and conscious getaway, Costa Mesa lives up to its name as City of the Arts®. There’s plenty of arts and culture to experience at no cost, and keeping it local reduces your carbon footprint. Try Costa Mesa’s public, self-guided Art Walk tour or visit Orange County Museum of Art. OCMA hosts several exhibits at a time, many of them kid-friendly or delightfully unexpected. For example, “Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression,” an expansive curation of original drawings and dresses from the famed designer, comes to Costa Mesa directly from Marrakech, Morocco.
No matter what kind of getaway you have in mind, Costa Mesa is only a tank of gas away. Buckle your seatbelts, turn on your favorite playlist, and hit the road. We’ll see you soon!
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The Best Places to Dance in Costa Mesa
Whether you’re into EDM, country, or hip hop, Costa Mesa has a dance floor for every vibe. From high-energy nightclubs to laid-back lounges here are the best places to dance the night away.
TIME Nightclub
TIME Nightclub is where the party never stops. Think Vegas, right in Costa Mesa! Its state-of-the-art lighting and sound system will have you feeling the rhythm the minute you walk in. TIME is the ultimate EDM club, playing beats ranging from house to bass and every groove in between. You can catch epic DJ sets and live performances from big names like Steve Aoki, Tiësto, and Zedd.
Sevilla Night Club
Learn some new moves by taking a dance class at Sevilla Night Club located inside Café Sevilla. Every Wednesday starting at 8:00 pm you can join one of their Salsa or Bachata classes. Whether you’re rolling in solo, with friends, or with a partner, these classes are perfect for all levels. And the fun doesn’t stop there— grab a drink at the bar and keep the party going with an open dance floor until 1:30 am. No reservation is needed, just show up for a good time!
STRUT Bar & Club
STRUT is the ultimate destination for LGBTQ+ nightlife in Costa Mesa. This inclusive club offers weekly entertainment from top drag artists and DJs. Whether you want to turn it up like Kesha, break out your party pink for Chappell Roan on one of their iconic theme nights, or just feel like hitting the dance floor for a spontaneous party, Strut promises an unforgettable experience. Get ready to live your best life and dance like nobody’s watching!
Westwood Coast
If country music and Boot Scootin’ Boogie is more your thing, then head over to Westwood Coast! This casual steakhouse hosts fun line dancing sessions every Thursday at 10:00 pm. With over 100 bottles of bourbon to choose from, you’ll find the perfect drink to complement your evening. For an extra thrill, try your hand at the mechanical bull and see if you can stay on for the full ride!
Wayfarer
The Wayfarer is one of Costa Mesa’s best live music venues. Their eclectic mix of up-and-coming local bands and legendary acts, make it a go-to for anyone who’s into music. You can expect to hear everything from indie and alternative rock to electronic and hip-hop. Don’t miss their popular Y2K nights, where you can experience your favorite 90s and 00s hits performed live. With a full bar and kitchen on-site, you can grab some tasty food and drinks while you rock out.
Mesa Lounge
Located at the CAMP, Mesa is perfect if you’re looking for chic lounge vibes. Step into a sleek, stylish ambiance, with an in-house DJ playing Top 40 hits and hip-hop tracks. In addition to their dance floor, enjoy a menu of tasty bites and amazing craft cocktails! Make sure to try their famous lychee martini or go all out with bottle service and take your night to the next level.
Maximize the Fun
As you plan your night, maximize the fun by booking a hotel room! With so many incredible venues and clubs to explore, you can dance the night away and then head back to your cozy room for some well-deserved relaxation. What are you waiting for? Time to put on your dancing shoes!
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Posted in Events, Hotels, Misc, Music & Art, Travel
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!
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Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Music & Art, Play, Shopping, Travel
Costa Mesa Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week!
Photo by Rachel Off Duty
Costa Mesa annually embraces millions of travelers at various points of interest throughout the city, such as South Coast Plaza, OC Fair & Event Center, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange County Museum of Arts, The LAB, and The CAMP. The fabulous restaurants and retail boutiques contribute to the city’s unique charm. Costa Mesa’s allure lies in its ever-changing landscape, ensuring there’s always something new to see, do, and taste
During National Travel and Tourism Week, we are honoring those who warmly embrace our visitors, promote our city with genuine passion and enthusiasm, and collaborate with others to achieve mutual success. We recognize our creative and driven business owners, big and small, and their incredibly dedicated staff, who show up daily to take care of our guests. We see our community pride growing as more stories and engagement spread. You are indispensable.
As the city’s destination marketing organization, Travel Costa Mesa recognizes the significant role of tourism in our community. The jobs it creates and the security it brings are vital for our economy. Did you know that approximately 8 percent of all jobs in Costa Mesa are sustained by tourism? The transient occupancy tax our hoteliers collect in our city accounts for the fourth most significant revenue source in the city’s general fund, contributing to the city’s funding of police, fire, and other public services. Sales tax collected from retail and dining is crucial in financing essential city, state, and county services.
Tourism has the potential to stimulate new business growth. The increased demand for goods and services, infrastructure, cultural and creative industries, collaboration, and business networking creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and enhances the visitor experience, generating more demand for goods and services. We take pride in being a part of a diverse industry that provides opportunities for economic growth.
Photo by U.S. Travel Association
Collaboration is highly valued in our industry as it fosters success for businesses, guests, and residents. However, Travel Costa Mesa recognizes that it needs help to achieve its mission. Partnerships with forward-thinking companies and positive, creative individuals are essential to our objectives. We’ve partnered with multiple businesses and entrepreneurs in Costa Mesa and look forward to establishing more connections that enhance our travel and hospitality industry. When tourism thrives, communities thrive.
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Planning a Staycation in 2024 in Costa Mesa
National Plan for Vacation Day is on January 30th and thousands of travelers will take to the web to book flights, accommodations, and experiences that will foster lifelong memories. For Californians and visitors to the state alike, Costa Mesa can serve as the ideal central hub in SoCal for recreation, shopping, and all the other trappings of a remarkable vacation. Plan your trip today!
Where to Stay: Finding the Right Accommodations
– photo by Hilton Costa Mesa
Step one: Find a base of operations where you can enjoy privacy, comfort, and a good night’s rest. The Hilton, located five minutes from the John Wayne Airport and just seven miles from the beach, offers an ideal choice among the various hotels available across a range of budgets and amenity requirements.
For convenience and walkability, two of the best options are the Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel and the Residence Inn by Marriott, both of which are within walking distance of some of Costa Mesa’s best locales. Take a look at all the distinct offerings of our hotels here.
Where to Shop: From Trendy Boutiques to Plaza-wide Centers
– photo by The LAB Anti-Mall
Costa Mesa is the perfect location for your SoCal vacation especially if you are looking for a little retail therapy haven. From chic boutiques to flagship stores, our diverse shopping scene offers a spectrum of options. South Coast Plaza is the largest shopping center on the West Coast. It is packed with hundreds of shops catering to every style, taste, and lifestyle.
For a more specialized experience, it is worth planning a stop by Goodies on 17th St, a local hotspot for home goods with a personal touch. From candles to unique marble items, the store is a premier stop for finding the next item to bring your home’s vibe into place.
One of the joys of traveling is the opportunity to support local small businesses in each city you visit. But the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa adds convenience into the mix. LAB stands for “Little American Business,” highlighting their mission to serve as a hub for creativity, fashion, culture, and cuisine. A visit will immerse you in the local community atmosphere. With the right mindset, you can get an up-close look at the thriving cultural pulse of Orange County.
Lastly, become enamored with the handmade jewelry designs at May Martin Jewelry. At once timeless and modern, each piece at the shop is created with the goal of being part of your life for the long run, and the lifetime repair policy is a key part of that.
What to Do: Play, Party, Explore
– photo by @imjesseatin via IG
Costa Mesa is, simply put, bursting at the seams all year with events, exhibitions, and experiences. Below, we have a quick and curated list of the places to check out for everything from adrenaline-veined concerts to culinary delights.
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- Best time to visit: Year round
- What it is: A performing arts complex that hosts a myriad of concerts from classical to country.
- Time Nightclub
- Best time to visit: Year round
- What it is: An upscale nightlife hub with live music by both locals and big names like DEADMAU5, VIP bottle service, and high-end decor.
- OC Fair & Event Center
- Best time to visit: Year round
- What it is: A 150-acre fair event extravaganza packed with food, fun, and festivities. Events throughout the year include Imaginology in the spring, OC Fair in mid summer, Centennial Farm, and Heroes Hall.
- Pacific Amphitheater
- Best time to visit: Summer
- What it is: A center for live performances for the past four decades. The Toyota Summer Concert Series brings in world-class talent, making the season an ideal time to visit.
- The Beach
- Best time to visit: Summer
- What it is: Some of the most beautiful beaches Southern California has to offer, with surfing, cozy coves, and tidepools across several different beaches. Key ones to visit are Laguna, Huntington, Newport, and Corona Del Mar.
- Mercado Gonzalez
- Best time to visit: Year round
- What it is: The Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market is a recent addition to Costa Mesa and already has people talking. It shines as a center for food, entertainment, and Mexican cultural experiences. With a massive food hall with 27 puestos that boast culinary gems from every region of Mexico.
Start Planning Your Staycation for 2024 in Costa Mesa Today
The sooner you start planning your Staycation for 2024 in Costa Mesa, the sooner you can start daydreaming to get you through the days until it arrives. Costa Mesa offers a vibrant experience year-round, with no off seasons to speak of. From winter to summer, there’s always something new to see in Costa Mesa!
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Posted in Travel
