Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best of Fall in Costa Mesa
As the air turns crisper and the sunsets start to show their vibrant hues, Costa Mesa awakens with a unique energy that evokes the essence of fall. With countless exciting events, mouthwatering culinary experiences, and Instagram-worthy spots, this season in Costa Mesa is not one to be missed. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating fall in style.
Sip Your Way into Fall at Coffee Dose and Portola Coffee
-Photo by OC Mix
Kickstart your day with a visit to two local gems, Coffee Dose and Portola Coffee. These beloved coffee shops have crafted special fall drinks that are sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
At Coffee Dose, indulge in their “Basic Witch” Latte – their take on the pumpkin spice latte made with a creamy blend of espresso, oat milk, brown sugar, organic pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and a touch of sea salt. For those craving something unique, try the “Cereal Killer” Latte, a sweet concoction that perfectly captures the essence of autumn by blending the flavors of a maple cinnamon latte topped with cinnamon sweet cream and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Enjoy these fall drinks now through November 3rd and make sure not to miss the entertaining and spooky messages adorning each cup.
Meanwhile, Portola Coffee offers a delicious Maple Chai Cold Brew, which combines rich cold brew coffee with the warm flavors of maple syrup, chai cold foam, and cinnamon. If you’re in the mood for a classic fall treat, their Autumn Spice Latte is a comforting choice, with sweet potato, brown sugar, marshmallow whip, and aromatic spices that evoke the season’s spirit.
Get into the Fall Spirit at Tanaka Farms – Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Field
-Photo by Tanaka Farms
For a quintessential fall experience, head over to Tanaka Farms and explore their Hana Field Pumpkin Patch and Flower Field. Located right in the heart of Costa Mesa, this family-owned farm is a haven for pumpkin enthusiasts of all ages.
Take a leisurely stroll through the 8-acres of pumpkin fields, select your own pumpkins, and snap some Instagram-worthy photos amidst the vibrant orange backdrop. With a wide variety of pumpkins to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect one to carve or decorate for Halloween.
In addition to pumpkins, you can explore endless sunflower and marigold fields for stunning fall photos. Enjoy attractions like a corn maze, flower picking (seasonal availability), an educational Barnyard Exhibit, and much more! Don’t forget the picnic areas for a relaxing meal or grab a snack from the Hana Field Food Truck! They are open every Saturday & Sunday from 10am -6pm starting September 30th – October 29th. Book your pumpkin patch experience here.
South Coast Plaza: Fall’s Fashion and Fun
-Photo by South Coast Plaza
No visit to Costa Mesa is complete without a trip to South Coast Plaza, the premier shopping destination in Southern California. This fall, South Coast Plaza comes alive with a variety of events and offerings that are sure to appeal to all ages.
Explore the latest fall fashion trends in the luxury boutiques and department stores that call South Coast Plaza home. With an array of designer labels and collections, you’ll find everything you need to update your wardrobe for the season.
But it’s not just about shopping at South Coast Plaza; there are also fall cooking classes to satisfy your culinary cravings. Discover the flavors of fall during the Sur La Table & Le Creuset cooking classes through October 21st, where you can enjoy hands-on classes like ‘Autumn in Italy’ and ‘Tuscan Surf & Turf’.
Savor the Season in Costa Mesa
-Photo by @Behrpaw
Costa Mesa offers an irresistible blend of fall happenings and flavors that are sure to enchant anyone seeking an unforgettable autumn experience. From exclusive seasonal lattes at Coffee Dose and Portola Coffee to wandering through Hana Field Pumpkin Patch and immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa is the place to be this fall. So, embrace the season, explore the city, and make this autumn your most vibrant and memorable one yet! Find more fall happenings here.
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Posted in Misc
Over-The-Top Food For This Year’s OC Fair
Chances are good that you’ve been waiting all year to see what deliciously eyebrow-raising foods the creative vendors of the OC Fair have cooked up for us this year. Of all the fun the OC Fair brings to Costa Mesa each year, the free pass to indulge in new and curious foods is hard to beat. That’s why we’re showing you some of the newest additions to this year’s menu, along with our old favorites.
If you want to fit the most into your your OC Fair food tour, stop by on Thursdays between noon and 4 p.m. when vendors will be offering a sampling of treats for $4 each! And be sure to buy your OC Fair tickets ahead of time, because advance tickets are required.
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Your Top Ways to Save This Year at The OC Fair
What time is it? It’s time to be “Happy Together” at the OC Fair, July 14 through August 13, 2023, only at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa! Find out all about this year’s fair, one of the biggest on the West Coast and one of the ten largest fairs in the United States!
This year’s 2023 OC Fair has some great offers and specials. Advance ticket purchase is required as the fair is limiting the number of admission tickets available for each day. Choose your days and plan your summer! The good thing is, when you buy tickets online for the OC Fair, you’ll pay no service fees on admission tickets. Before you go, you can also read over the fair’s Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
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Posted in Misc
Sustainable Eats in Costa Mesa
Come find where the love of sustainability and slow living meets great eats. Many of our Costa Mesa restaurants prioritize supporting local and ethical food sourcing along with sustainable and limited food waste in their kitchens. This adds up to a dining experience that combines phenomenal taste with the support of our environment.
Six Sustainably Focused Restaurants
Outpost Kitchen: The gourmet coffee and organic food experience is reminiscent of his Australian hometown. From local, organic, fresh produce, delicious creations are made. The Avocado Toast is a good example; more than just toast and avocado, it includes Pappadew pesto, feta cheese, Asian greens and olive oil – and you can add a poached egg to put it over the top.
Fermentation Farm: Focused on creating health from the gut out. “Healthy Gut = Healthy Life,” with probiotic-rich and restorative foods. Enjoy fermented drinks like kombucha, plus brewed sodas, organic bone broth, plus yogurts, kefir, soups and more.
Mother’s Organic Kitchen: Bringing wellness to SoCal since 1978. Beyond the market, where you can get fresh juice and smoothies, you can shop in the market filled with 100% organic products and groceries.
Veg’d: Giving a whole new meaning to fast food. A 100% plant-based menu where even the patties are made without preservatives.
Seabirds Kitchen: This vegan restaurant offers creative and flavorful dishes using fresh, organic ingredients. HINT: Try the Beer Battered Avocado Tacos
The Plot: Coming late summer 2023. Restaurateurs Devin and Jessica Waite are bringing exciting plant-forward eating to OC with the opening of their second location of The Plot at The CAMP. The Plot’s menu features creative and sustainable plant-based dishes with a zero-waste ethos business model. They say their mission is to make plant-based food irresistible and to give back more than they take.
Want to expand your sustainability support in Costa Mesa beyond restaurants? Explore these 10 ways that you can take your commitment to the environment to the next level.
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Posted in Food
Cool Drinks to Sip this Summer
Things are heating up in Costa Mesa this summer and there’s nothing better than cooling off with a delicious cocktail! We’ve picked a few of the hottest places in town to get a cold libation.
- Silver Trumpet – Located in the Theater & Arts District, the mixologists at Silver Trumpet weave the taste of art into everything they make. HINT: Try the Summer Sounds Sangria.
- SOCIAL Restaurant & Bar – This upscale bar offers craft cocktails with fresh, unique ingredients.
- Playa Mesa – This Mexican restaurant offers a variety of margaritas and other tequila-based cocktails.
- Habana – This Michelin Guide Cuban restaurant at The LAB offers a variety of mojitos and other rum-based cocktails.
- Portola Coffee Roasters – This artisanal coffee shop offers some of the best coffee in Orange County, as well as refreshing iced coffee and cold brew options.
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Posted in Food
