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

Published Sep 22, 2026, 5:21pm

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

A modern coffee shop counter with pastries on display, a neon sign reading Original Barista, a menu on the wall, coffee machines, and a self-serve water dispenser labeled essentia.

Kickstart your day with a visit to two local gems, Original Barista and Buenas Coffee. These neighborhood-favorite coffee shops are a great place to taste the season and warm your soul.  Original Barista is channeling back-to-school season with their limited time peanut butter cold foam. Try it hot or iced, with banana, or with strawberry on your next coffee run for a grown up version of the pb&j brown bag lunch.

Buenas Coffee, a bright spot of color in an easy-to-miss business complex, has whipped up an autumn menu with seasonal favorite flavors like maple, chai, pumpkin, and pecan. We can’t wait to try “Salem”, a Spanish latte with sweetened, condensed oat milk and cinnamon, available hot or iced.

Get into the Fall Spirit at Tanaka Farm

A young girl stands on a large pile of pumpkins next to a sign that reads Tanakas Pile of Pumpkins, with buildings and blue sky in the background.

Need a break from city life and want to step into your own Lifetime made-for-tv movie? Head to the farm. For the ultimate fall vibes, make time to visit 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. The Hana Field Pumpkin Patch opens for the season on October 3rd and is available Wednesday through Sunday, 9AM to 6PM. Book your pumpkin patch experience here. 

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 24th is the place to be. This year’s theme is “Zombie Homecoming.” 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 a live set from Nightmare on 80s Street, and don’t miss the afterparty that haunts the evening from 10PM to 11:30PM. Get your tickets here before they sell out.

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 the first-ever Dior Beauty flagship in North America, Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe, and the west-coast exclusive for Jessica McCormack. 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!   

Savor the Season in Costa Mesa

A large hotel building stands behind a small lake, with autumn trees and fallen leaves covering the grassy shore in the foreground under a clear sky.

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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Four young adults smiling and walking together outside a modern building; one woman in a red hat leads the group, while the others chat and follow, carrying shopping bags.