Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Dad-Approved Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Costa Mesa
Every year as the spring days stretch into summer, Father’s Day preludes the start of a new season. No matter how you choose to spend the day, whether you raise a glass to dads, stepdads, grandpas, husbands, those departed too soon, or any other heroes, it’s a special time to reflect and celebrate.
Spend the day (or the weekend) in Costa Mesa, your gateway to all of Southern California’s best adventures. Here are the best things to do and the best places to eat, from the classic steak dinner to some self-care that Dad would never book on his own.
Where to Take Dad on Father’s Day in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa Country Club

Photo by Costa Mesa County Club
Got a golfer dad? The Costa Mesa Country Club includes two municipal courses, Mesa Linda and Los Lagos. Both offer just the right amount of difficulty—Los Lagos with gentle, rolling fairways and Mesa Linda with doglegs and smaller sloping greens.
Tip: If you’re looking to level up your gift game, stop by Quiet Golf on Randolph. Their refined, minimalist gear and apparel will have Dad looking sharp on and off the course.
Jack Henry Studios
Wellness and self-care are for everyone, Dad included. Hook him up with a fresh cut, skincare, or wellness session at Jack Henry Studios. The studio stands out for their use of pure, organic, and sustainably harvested ingredients in all haircare and skincare services.
Golden Crown Barber Shop
Maybe he’s a little more old-school and shrinks away at the word wellness. Hit up OC cult-favorite barbershop, Golden Grown, at their newest location in Costa Mesa for a hot towel shave and a fresh look that he’ll like enough to tell his buddies about at the next poker night.
Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales

Photo by Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales
Looking for something cool to do with a group? Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales delivers. With horror movie memorabilia, a killer cocktail menu, and thrilling axe-throwing lanes, it’s an experience he won’t forget. We recommend sampling their craft beers with a Monster Mash flight or taking on the Scorpion Challenge— loser drinks a spicy beer topped with a real scorpion.
South Coast Plaza
This Father’s Day, treat him to something special at South Coast Plaza because his sneaker game (or watch game, or cologne game) deserves a refresh. From Collegium’s luxe sneakers to Hugo Boss’s sharp-meets-casual fits and Giorgio Armani’s timeless sophistication, there’s no shortage of ways to elevate his look.
Then, treat him to a memorable meal with special Father’s Day dining options at more than 40 restaurants throughout South Coast Plaza.
Where to Feed Dad on Father’s Day
Silver Trumpet

Photo by Avenue of the Arts, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
This Father’s Day, let Silver Trumpet handle the BBQ duties. Treat him to lakeside views, baby back ribs, brisket, and all the sides that hit just right. Dad relaxes, and you score bonus points.
The Country Club
The Country Club is serving up a Father’s Day celebration built around his favorite things: bourbon, putting, and a seriously good Prime Dip sandwich. Enjoy the restaurant’s all-day special while taking part in a golf-putting challenge designed to add a little friendly competition to the festivities.
Water Grill

Photo by Water Grill
Does Dad love seafood? If so, head to Water Grill across South Coast Plaza. The restaurant menu changes daily based on the fresh seafood available, but their iced shellfish platters are not to be missed.
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Perhaps the most classic Father’s Day restaurant in Costa Mesa. Mastro’s is the ultimate steakhouse offering some of the finest hand-cut prime steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant also regularly hosts live music to match its sophisticated ambiance.
Descanso
Descanso Restaurant had us at Steak & Tequila Pairing! Whether you’re having their Huevos con Bistec for brunch or Plancha-style Ribeye for dinner, each dish is paired with premium tequila served neat. Cheers to that!
Crawl Costa Mesa’s Local Breweries

Photo by Bootlegger’s Brewery
Looking for a place to enjoy a round of beers? Check out our Costa Mesa Beer Trail spanning five local breweries, each with their own hand-crafted brews, unique interiors, patio seating, entertainment, and food.
Make It a Weekend Getaway

Photo by Crowne Plaza
Turn Father’s Day into Father’s Weekend by booking a stay at one of Costa Mesa’s top hotels. It’s the perfect excuse to relax and rack up some quality time (and maybe a few extra rounds of dad jokes) with the man of the hour.
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Time to Try These 5 Hot New Restaurants in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa’s place is secured as the hottest culinary city in Orange County. With 3 Michelin Star restaurants, two Bravo TV “Top Chefs” and James Beard Award nominees, Costa Mesa boasts an incredible array of restaurants that make it the perfect place to plan your next Eatcation®.
Check out these 5 new hotspots to dine in Costa Mesa!
Palenque Kitchen

Palenque Kitchen opened in Costa Mesa’s Westside neighborhood in late 2022 and has already been getting rave reviews. Palenque focuses on regional Mexican cuisine from Oaxaca with a modern twist by Executive Chef Gabriela Gomez. They also have a full bar with emphasis on cocktails deriving from agave, with one of the largest Mezcal and Tequila selections in Orange County. Palenque is open late Fridays and Saturdays with a nightclub vibe…plus, find happy hour every day from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with single tacos as low as $5. 1749 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. https://www.palenquekitchen.com/location/orange-county/
Hong Sushi & Ramen

Hong Sushi and Ramen is a new spot in Costa Mesa’s Westside neighborhood offering the freshest sushi including hamachi, toro, tako, unagi, ebi and much more. Try happy hour every day from 2-5 p.m. Monday through Friday with $5-7 appetizers and $5 sake. 2075 Newport Blvd. Ste 108, Costa Mesa. https://sushiwaveinc.com/
Simply Fish Seafood

Simply Fish Seafood Restaurant was created by Derek Taguchi, a native Southern Californian, third-generation Japanese American with a passion for fishing and seafood. He’s trying to offer seafood usually only found at high-end dining establishments to the everday seafood lover. Select from daily catches of Pacific halibut, ahi, mahi mahi, salmon, whitefish or scallops cooked in your choice of lemon garlic butter, blackened Cajun, or teriyaki. They have Taco Tuesday specials, sandwiches, bowls and even Keto-friendly dishes. 1534 Adams Ave. Ste. D, Costa Mesa. https://www.simplyfishseafood.com/
Mezzo Calzone

Mezzo is making high quality traditional Italian calzones in a variety of flavors. The calzone’s outer crust is baked to crispy perfection while the doughy inside filling contains a blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses along side an assortment of hearty meats and vegetables. We love the pesto calzone pictured. 440 Fair Dr. #106, Costa Mesa. https://www.mezzocalzones.com/
MIAN South Coast Plaza

The Michelin Bib Gourmand-award-winning MIÀN Gourmet Sichuan Noodle opened at South Coast Plaza in October 2022. MIÀN is the brainchild of James Beard Award-nominated Chef Tony Xu from Los Angeles. Find a variety of noodle soups with bold, spicy flavors, plus a variety of other traditional Sichuan dishes on the menu. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. https://www.southcoastplaza.com/directory/mian/
Honorable Mention: FOLKS Pizzeria

We know, it’s not new – but people are calling it the best little pizzeria in OC. Eater LA featured it this week and the OC Register exalted its amazing crust. Folks Pizzeria is a full-service, dine-in experience with limited seats and pizza oven capacity so you may wait a minute for the deliciousness. Walk-ins & reservations for dine-in are welcomed. The CAMP, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. folkshospitality.com
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Posted in Food