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
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 18th to Sunday, August 17th (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 Hampton by Hilton Costa Mesa Newport Beach 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 REWIND: A VHS Revival. (More on that below!)
- Save on food by trying the $5 Taste of the Fair. Everyday until 4 p.m. you can sample bites from a variety of vendors offering $5 menu items.
NEW: OC Fair After Dark at Plaza Pacifica is where to go for music and dancing—Friday through Sunday nights feature swing dancing, DJ sets, and Latin beats that keep the fun going. Free with Fair admission!
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!
- REWIND: A VHS Revival features hand-painted, large-scale recreations of album covers and movie posters, live painting demos, and more—all capturing the spirit of the VHS era. It’s a nostalgic celebration of bold graphics and pop culture that defined a generation.
Comments Off on Our Best Tips and Tricks for The OC Fair
9 Ways to Ring in the New Year in Costa Mesa
Get ready to wrap up the year with a celebration to remember! Costa Mesa is gearing up for an epic New Year’s Eve, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away or indulge in a delicious dinner, there’s something special for everyone.
1. Welcome the New Year at TIME Nightclub
Image via TIME Nightclub
Get ready to dance the night away. Ring in the New Year at TIME Nightclub, featuring DJ Valentino Khan! Join the celebration starting at 9pm, where the beats, lights, and energy will keep your spirits high all night long.
Why not celebrate the end of the year as a VIP? Elevate your experience with table service for a New Year’s Eve party you’ll talk about for years.
2. Spice it up at Sevilla Restaurant and Bar
Image via Sevilla
Start your evening with delicious Spanish tapas at Sevilla, and keep the night going with flamenco, live Latin music, and specialty cocktails. Sevilla is also showcasing a three-course prix-fixe menu with a show stopping paella Valenciana, topped with a cold lobster tail.
Reservations are highly recommended. Call 949-688-1555 or purchase a package online.
3. Find your VIP vibe at Mesa
Image via Mesa
If you prefer a relaxed, lounge environment, join the NYE festivities at MESA. Enjoy their prix-fixe dinner service at 7pm so that you’re ready to let the good times roll when the nightclub opens at 10pm. Indulge in premium champagne and live music by DJ Zeb as you revel in the joy of the countdown.
Book your reservation online for their NYE gala here.
4. Bling in the New Year at The Country Club
Image via The Country Club
The Country Club in Costa Mesa is offering the ultimate VIP perk for their NYE celebration: bottomless bubbly. Grab a champagne wristband for you and your crew and keep your glass full at their unlimited champagne bar. You’ll want to dig into a delicious dinner before the party kicks off, so schedule a seating for their chef-special dinner at 5:30pm or 7:30pm.
The Country Club is pulling out all the stops for the midnight countdown so that you can start 2025 off with a bang. Make a reservation here.
5. Don’t miss an epic Y2K dance party at The Wayfarer
Image via The Wayfarer
If you’re looking for live music but less of a nightclub vibe, gastropub and live music venue The Wayfarer might be the perfect fit.
Dance the night away and hear all your favorite 90s and 00s songs by local favorite, Sega Genecide. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast during the countdown, then get back to dancing to your Y2K faves, plus some 2024 hits. Doors open at 9pm, and tickets are available online. This event is likely to sell out, so don’t wait.
6. Celebrate the year of BRAT
Image via Yelp
BRAT is forever at Costa Mesa’s Tin Lizzie Saloon. This LGBTQ+ friendly club will be serving their “Holidaze” cocktail menu and serving up the best Mean Girl tracks of 2024. Wear your best BRAT outfit and step out for a 365 party girl bash. You’ll feel so Julia as you ring in the new year.
7. Toast to the New Year at Water Grill
Image via Water Grill
Make your New Year’s Eve truly special with a delicious four-course prix-fixe menu at Water Grill. Elevate your experience with a thoughtfully curated $50 wine pairing option.
Cheers to a night of indulgence, celebration, and culinary perfection!
8. Treat yourself to fine dining at The Westin
Image via The Westin South Coast Plaza
New Year’s Eve dinner at The Westin is a classy way to mark the end of the year, especially when celebrated with friends and family. Executive Chef Nelson Sanchez has created a three course prix-fixe menu, served with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. You can dine as early as 3pm or as late as 11pm.
9. Keep the party going at a Costa Mesa hotel
Image via The Westin South Coast Plaza
A stay at a Costa Mesa hotel is the epitome of a New Year’s Eve well spent: safe and carefree, with a touch of luxury and indulgence. Dance the night away without worrying about busy, late-night transportation and wake up in the comfort of one of our award-winning hotels.
See you in 2025! Happy New Year!
Comments Off on 9 Ways to Ring in the New Year in Costa Mesa
The Best Liquor Stores in Costa Mesa to Pick Up Your Holiday Booze
Cozy cocktails, cold beers, or crisp wines—there is no wrong choice for a holiday celebration. Instead of grabbing the same old ingredients from the same old stores, try one of these local Costa Mesa liquor stores. These small businesses each offer a unique selection of drinks and cocktail essentials that’ll make your holiday celebrations cheers-worthy!
Here’s the Top 5 Liquor Stores in Costa Mesa to Toast the Season
Image via Hi-Time Wine Cellars
Hi-Time Wine Cellars
Address: 250 Ogle St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Voted one of the top 10 wine shops in the US, Hi-Time Wine Cellars stocks everything. From domestic brews to exotic whiskeys and exquisitely rare wines, their broad selection has something to match the vibe of any holiday celebration. After over six decades of business, this family-run shop knows a thing or two about fueling Costa Mesa holiday celebrations.
Why it’s worth stopping by:
- Top-tier underground temperature-controlled wine cellar
- Walk-in beer refrigerator with 1,200+ varieties of beer
- Classic-style wine bar to sample featured vintages before buying
Image via Mixing Glass and Market
Mixing Glass and Market
Address: 1500 Adams Ave, 104A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Pick up cocktail ingredients, gift basket supplies, and quirky items for last-minute gifts all in one place. Better yet, stop by for a holiday cocktail class so you can put those ingredients to use and impress your friends and family. Their carefully curated selection ensures that you and your guests’ taste buds will appreciate whatever you pick up for the holidays.
Why it’s worth stopping by:
- Everything you need to stock a home bar and mix memory-making cocktails
- Specialty gourmet pantry items that will brighten any celebration
Ranch Spirits
Address: 2651 Irvine Avenue, Suite 1, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Ranch Spirits balances a unique small business vibe with a big-time selection of beverages. As another family-owned business, they have made a name for themselves in the Back Bay with a quality stock of products. They’re constantly pouring up tastings of new arrivals, so there’s always something new to experience.
Why it’s worth stopping by:
- Classy interior with a curated selection of beverages
- Family-run, pet-friendly space with a laid-back atmosphere
- Easily swing by Irvine Ranch Market next door for last-minute charcuterie goods or a quick side for a potluck.
Image via Hi-Lo Liquor
Hi-Lo Liquor Market
Address: 2981 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The trendiest liquor market in the trendiest part of Costa Mesa, Hi-Lo has set out to make shopping for drinks a social experience again. With weekly tastings, regular events, and an eclectic selection, they make a visit a chance to broaden your beverage horizons. Their shelves have recognizable brands, but they also always stock something new that can make a holiday celebration worth remembering.
Why it’s worth stopping by:
- 1-hour delivery with no order minimum for all of Costa Mesa
- Off-grid and hard-to-find beers, wines, and spirits
- Located in The CAMP, a perfect spot for snagging last-minute gifts that are as thoughtful as they are eco-friendly!
Minute King Liquor
Address: 2052 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92647
The classic liquor store experience at Minute King cannot be beaten. Stock up for your holiday celebration with ice-cold options from the beer cave with a surprisingly deep selection of craft brews, or find staple brands and party snacks in their neatly organized interior.
Why it’s worth stopping by:
- Broad selection and morning-to-midnight hours of operation make it perfect for grabbing last-minute essentials
- Within easy walking distance for anyone staying at Hampton by Hilton Costa Mesa Newport Beach
Comments Off on The Best Liquor Stores in Costa Mesa to Pick Up Your Holiday Booze
