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Travel Costa Mesa Blog

Posts Tagged ‘OC Fair’

Winter Wonders in Costa Mesa: 5 Activities for a Magical Holiday Escape

Posted on December 11, 2023 | 9:36am

‘Tis the season, and if you’re in the mood for some festive fun, look no further. Grab your beanies, charge up your phones, and get ready to experience five totally Instagrammable Costa Mesa activities that scream holiday vibes!

1. Winter Fest OC, Where the Fun Never Ends

Dive headfirst into the holiday spirit at Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival! Glide through their enchanting ice-skating trail, enjoy winter themed cocktails inside a cozy fireside igloo, speed down a 150 foot ice tubing slide, and experience a dazzling light show perfectly synchronized to your favorite holiday songs. It’s a must-do event with plenty of attractions for all ages and so many festive photo ops to fill your IG stories!

2. Experience Holiday Shopping at South Coast Plaza

It’s time to get your holiday shopping done and where better to do it than at South Coast Plaza? The magical holiday décor transforms this shopping destination into a winter wonderland complete with a reindeer carousel and whimsical Santa Express train inside its festive corridors. With an unparalleled selection of high-end stores and holiday essentials, it offers a luxurious and memorable shopping experience for finding the perfect gifts.

3. Snap-Worthy Moments at the Town Center Park Tree 

This season is all about capturing the holiday spirit so don’t forget to take pictures at the massive Christmas tree in Town Center Park, right in front of The Westin South Coast Plaza. If you’re in the mood for a tasty meal, try Vaca, a local Spanish restaurant with a perfect view of the tree. And here’s a bonus – it’s just steps away from Segerstrom Center for Arts and South Coast Repertory if you are looking to top off your night with a live holiday performance!

4. Indulge in Sweet Delights at Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

– photo by Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

Satisfy your craving for a sweet treat with freshly made donuts from Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee. With accolades from Condé Nast, this eatery has become a culinary sensation, and you must try their limited-time holiday-themed options. From bourbon delights to peppermint perfection, experience the joy of the season in every bite.

5. Watch A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory 

– photo by Jenny Graham

The holidays in Costa Mesa aren’t complete without watching a performance of “A Christmas Carol” at Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory. This long-held tradition is the absolute best way to enjoy a captivating performance of a heartwarming classic tale.

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Posted in Events, Food, Locals, Music & Art, Shopping

Costa Mesa: A Symphony of Creativity Blooms in the City of Arts®

Posted on October 5, 2023 | 11:22am

Step into Costa Mesa, where October marks the vibrant celebration of Art Month—a clear testament to the city’s abundant cultural richness and its rightful title as the City of the Arts®. In this story, we’ll dive into the fascinating history that earned Costa Mesa this title, explore the city’s iconic murals, showcase the performing arts venues, and revel in the delectable fusion of art and food.

Costa Mesa’s Artful Roots: A Glimpse into History

– Photo by @robdavisre

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa boasts a history as colorful as its artistic offerings. Originally an agricultural haven, the city evolved into a hub for creativity, with each chapter of its history contributing to the vibrant arts community we see today.

Why City of the Arts®?

Costa Mesa boasts its renowned title due to its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic expression. The city’s dedication to the arts is exemplified by its live entertainment theaters, public art installations, and diverse array of artistic culinary food that attracts residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in creativity.

OCMA’s Majestic Celebration: One Year of Artistic Brilliance

October marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Orange County Museum of Art’s (OCMA) new building! This architectural gem is free to enter and stands as a beacon for art enthusiasts, offering a breathtaking showcase of contemporary works that echo the city’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

Mural Magic: A Stroll Through Costa Mesa’s Outdoor Gallery

Embark on a visual journey through Costa Mesa’s streets adorned with striking murals. Admire the work of renowned artists like Shepard Fairey, whose iconic pieces add a touch of urban sophistication. Celebrate the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant with a mural that captures the spirit of a true legend. Be captivated by the whimsical and enchanting CostAmazing murals that grace the city’s walls, turning every street into a canvas of creativity.

Performing Arts Extravaganza: Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Indulge in the performing arts at the world-renowned Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The center’s majestic venues, including Segerstrom Hall and Samueli Theater, play host to an array of captivating performances, from Tony-Award winning Broadway shows to classical symphonies, enriching the cultural landscape of Costa Mesa.

Self-Guided Art Walk: Unleash Your Inner Explorer

Embark on a self-guided art walk through Costa Mesa’s enchanting neighborhoods. Enjoy a free audio tour while discovering hidden gems and 20+ public art installations that showcase the talents of local and international artists. Let the streets be your canvas as you immerse yourself in the city’s ever-evolving artistic spirit.

Harmonies Under the Stars: Pacific Amphitheater

Enjoy the sweet melodies of outdoor concerts at Costa Mesa’s Pacific Amphitheater. Surrounded by the OC Fairgrounds, music enthusiasts can bask in the magic of live performances under the stars, creating unforgettable memories amidst the city’s artistic embrace.

The Art of Food: A Feast for the Senses

Costa Mesa is not just a haven for visual and performing arts; it’s a culinary canvas that showcases the art of food. Take an Eatcation® as you immerse your taste buds in a symphony of world cuisines, with award-winning restaurants offering a gastronomic journey that mirrors the city’s commitment to excellence in all its forms.

The City of the Arts® invites you to join the celebration of Art Month this October! Whether you’re admiring murals, attending a performance, indulging in culinary delights, or simply exploring the city’s artistic nooks, Costa Mesa promises a symphony of creativity that will leave an incredible mark on your soul. Come and be a part of this artistic hub, where every street, every mural, and every note of music tells a story of a city that truly lives and breathes the arts.

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Posted in Misc, Music & Art

Over-The-Top Food For This Year’s OC Fair

Posted on July 11, 2023 | 7:22am

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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Posted in Events, Food

Your Top Ways to Save This Year at The OC Fair

Posted on June 26, 2023 | 8:02am

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

5 agritourism spots in Costa Mesa

Posted on October 22, 2021 | 9:00pm

National Farmers Day may be in October, but Costa Mesa has some pretty awesome agritourism experiences year round. According to Visit California, “California farms produce over a third of the United States’ vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts—not to mention a lot of wine.” You can celebrate the bounty of California agriculture at these 5 places right here in Costa Mesa.

Centennial Farm

Centennial Farm, at OC Fair & Event Center, is a three-acre working farm dedicated to fun and education for the whole family. The farm is home to oxen, peafowl, chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, pigs and cattle. There’s also a beehive in the back garden. Crops on the farm rotate seasonally. There are 10 raised garden beds where you might find anything from artichokes to strawberries, depending on the time of year you visit. 

Centennial Farm offers tours through their Discovery Days and Junior Farmers programs. Both require reservations and capacity is limited for the 2021/2022 season. You can find out more or make a reservation here

Photo courtesy of Brooke Ann Nowogrodski

Hana Field by Tanaka Farms

Hana Field by Tanaka Farms is an eight-acre working farm with fields of flowers, or hana in Japanese. Flowers include ​​sunflowers, zinnias, herbs and more, depending on the season. You can visit Hana Field year round for U-Pick flowers, as well as a small barnyard animal exhibit with chickens, goats and bunnies. You’ll also find a tractor pull ride, play area, a straw bale maze and mountain, plus an arts & crafts station. In October, U-Pick pumpkins are available too.

Reservations are required for visiting and can be booked through the website. We also recommend reading the rules and regulations section. 

The CAMP

We can’t forget The CAMP, an eco-friendly retail campus with exciting dining and shopping options. The CAMP features 12 gardens with fruits, vegetables and herbs for restaurants to source local ingredients. Whether you shop for sustainable items at one of the shops or dine at a restaurant with locally sourced ingredients, visiting The CAMP is unique spot to honor California’s agriculture.

Photo courtesy of @jaynelane32 on Instagram

Farmers Markets

Enjoy local California agriculture by visiting one of Costa Mesa’s two weekly farmers markets. The Farmers Market at OC Fair & Event Center is an OC Farm Bureau certified farmers market. Open every Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and offers fresh produce, local honey and hot food vendors. On Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, SOCO Farmers Market at SOCO & The OC Mix features farm-fresh produce, free-range meat, eggs, baked goods and more. Hot food options include vegan Japanese fare and tacos. Local musicians often play in front of The OC Mix, making for a festive experience.

Photo courtesy of henrysegerstrom.com

Segerstrom Ranch Historic Site

Costa Mesa was once home to fields of lima beans on land that became, among other things, South Coast Plaza and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. In fact, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons was the largest independent producer of lima beans in the United States. The Segerstrom Ranch Historic Site, which still produces a small amount of lima beans, offers a once-a-year tour that traditionally takes place the first weekend in December. A 2021 tour has not been announced yet.

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Posted in Misc