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.
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2025 Lunar New Year: Embrace the Year of the Snake in Costa Mesa
Lunar New Year arrives on January 29th, 2025, and Costa Mesa is one of the best places to spend it. From festive dining to unique experiences, the city is brimming with ways to join in the festivities and welcome in the Year of the Snake.
About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays in China, and it is also widely celebrated by other cultures. It is a 15-day celebration marked by many traditions in the home, auspicious wishes, shopping, and spending time with family. The 15th and final day of the holiday is observed as the Lantern Festival, marking the end of the celebration.
Lunar New Year is part of a larger cycle, moving through the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, bringing us out of the Year of the Dragon into the Year of the Snake. The symbolism of the snake represents a complex interplay of elements. Its meaning can range from luck and authority to craftiness and mysteriousness.
In 2025, Costa Mesa will feature numerous celebrations and special events throughout the festival, providing cultural experiences that will entertain, educate, and allow you to explore with family and friends. But it doesn’t end there—many places will have ongoing opportunities to celebrate throughout the month, from celebratory menus to unique shopping experiences.
The Lunar New Year Experience at South Coast Plaza
January 23rd – February 9th
Shop, Dine, and Celebrate
South Coast Plaza eateries will feature festive menu options, special offers, and activities to immerse you in the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year. Expect thematic decor, shopping deals, and events throughout the entire span of the festival. Be sure to visit Jewel Court for a themed installation and atmospheric decorations.
Image via Pandora
Year of the Snake Style
Snakes are slithering into your favorite luxury boutiques, but don’t worry–these snakes bring good luck for the new year. From cutely coiled gold bracelets at Pandora to Palm Angels tracksuits with a full snake print, you can embrace the style as delicately or boldly as you like. Other luxury favorites like Sandro are offering more subtle designs, like classic sweatshirts, joggers, and hoodies with a playful snake emblem.
Window shop all the Lunar New Year merchandise at South Coast Plaza on their website.
Image via South Coast Plaza
Lunar New Year Exclusives
It’s not often that South Coast Plaza offers a sale or promotion, so when they do, we know it’s going to be good. Now might just be the time to splurge on that handbag or watch you’ve been saving up for.
This year, South Coast Plaza is teaming up with LIULI Crystal Art for an exquisite tea set, available as a gift with purchase. LIULI Crystal Art’s gallery is located in Bloomingdales, and the company is known for reinvigorating a style of glass art that dates back to the Han Dynasty in China. Purchases of $3,888 are eligible to receive the exclusive tea set. View the details and more information on the exclusive item here.
Lunar New Year Flavors
Every year, we can’t wait to see what are favorites like Paradise Dynasty, AnQi, and Michelin star winner Knife Pleat are cooking up. If our highlights have you feeling hungry, explore all the specials at South Coast Plaza’s dedicated dining page.
Image via Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung Collaboration with James Jean
Known for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings), Din Tai Fung is a great stop for the whole family. This year, they’ve planned a delicious collaboration with James Jean, a renowned Taiwanese-American artist. Their Costa Mesa location will feature special installations of Jean’s work and a themed menu with dishes symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and joy.
TIP: Don’t forget to collect your lucky red envelope. Five lucky guests will find a Golden Ticket inside that awards access to Din Tai Fung’s VIP Reservation Concierge Service.
At Water Grill For a Limited Time
Water Grill is the perfect stop after a round of shopping at South Coast Plaza or right before a show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. For Lunar New Year, they’re offering three a la carte dishes crafted with the spirit of the new year in mind.
Whole Crispy Black Sea Bass
cilantro, tangerine, radish and XO sauce (harmonious family life)
Wok-Fried Local Spiny Lobster
long beans, Fresno chile, black bean sauce (lucrative new year)
Garlic Noodles with Crab
green onion, crisp garlic (long, joyous life)
Learn more or make a reservation on their website.
Tapas at Vaca
Vaca by Chef Amar Santana is a local favorite and a must-visit in Costa Mesa. For Lunar New Year, Chef Amar has prepared steamed Iberico Pork and Shrimp Dumplings with chorizo, finished with XO sauce. Don’t forget to order their Lunar New Year special cocktail, Snake Eyes.
Visit their website for reservations—highly recommended!
Image via South Coast Plaza
Culinary Artistry at Knife Pleat
Experience Lunar New Year afternoon tea, hosted at Knife Pleat on Saturdays during the holiday. Decadent treats include a mini mooncake, black sesame ball with mandarin filling, and chocolate gold coins. If you’d like to take home a piece of the celebration, Knife Pleat is once again offering their coveted, boxed collection of six signature macarons with popular Asian flavors such as pomelo & mandarin, passion fruit, mango and black sesame.
Learn more and make a reservation at their website.
Lunar New Year Cultural Events
Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival
Saturday, January 25th
1:00 – 6:00 PM
Lunar New Year celebrations take over Centennial Park for a family-friendly, free-to-attend event. Celebrate Asian and Vietnamese culture with live dance performances, cultural exhibits, and food vendors. At 5:45 PM, the celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks show.
Pacific Symphony Lunar Year at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 1st
8:00 PM
Experience a celebration of communities coming together with performances of Eastern and Western music and dance at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Watch as hundreds of performers showcase their talents, including virtuoso guzheng player Bei Bei Monter. Other performers of note include:
- Acclaimed pianist Joyce Yang
- Yang Liu on the erhu
- Lotus Bud Guzheng Academy
- Violin Studio of Wendy Castillo
- American Feel Young Chorus
- YaYa Dance Academy
- Pacific Chorale
O.C. Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 22nd
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
At the tail end of the Lunar New Year celebrations on February 22nd is Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Free for the whole family, the event marks the end of the Lunar New Year season. Be dazzled by a lobby transformed with floating lanterns and then dive into the array of events, including music, dance, art making, food, riddles, and more. Admission is free, but remember to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
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Costa Mesa: An Easy Weekend Getaway From the Inland Empire
Need some end-of-year travel inspiration? It’s time for a reset and Costa Mesa is here to deliver. It’s just a quick drive away from the IE which means no long flights and no overcomplicated itineraries. This Orange County hidden gem is easy to get to but far enough to switch things up!
Retail Therapy
Holiday shopping at South Coast Plaza will have you knocking out that gift list (or treating yourself—we don’t judge). This shopping paradise is packed with hundreds of luxury shops and your go-to brands. Where else can you strut through a two-story Gucci store and then do the same at a two-story Balenciaga?
For a shopping adventure that’s a bit more eclectic and artsy, head over to The Lab! Explore one-of-a-kind shops like Plant Matter, May Martin, and 1978—all creatively housed in retro Airstreams. And for a cool keepsake, walk across the street to The CAMP and take some pictures at Booth. This viral, celeb-loved vintage photo booth gives you an iconic black-and-white photo strip for just $5!
Deliciously Instagrammable
Photo by Calo Kitchen + Tequila
Love food? The foodie scene here is chef’s kiss with eateries that are basically begging for a photo op! Here’s a list of the most aesthetic and tasty spots in Costa Mesa:
- The Plot – Best known for their Beet Reuben sandwich
- Ahba – Best known for their double smashed wagyu Ahba Burger
- Calo Kitchen + Tequila – Best known for their Short Rib Enchiladas
- Maizano – Best known for their grilled octopus Encacahuatado
But really, the list could go on forever! Click here to start planning your Eatcation® adventure and discover even more of our top recommendations.
Relax, Relax, Relax
Photo by Costa Mesa Ceramics
For some well-deserved “me time,” Costa Mesa perfectly blends relaxation with one-of-a-kind experiences, creating the ultimate self-care getaway. Start by giving your skin some much-needed love with a custom facial at Facial Lounge. Next, take your zen to the next level with snake yoga at LXRYOGA—yes, snakes! It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline, with ball pythons. Want to round out your wellness escape with a little creativity? Pop over to Costa Mesa Ceramics and roll up your sleeves—there’s something incredibly calming about crafting your own pottery masterpiece.
Sips and Shenanigans
Photo by Pie Society
Let’s be real: no staycation is complete without a few fabulous drinks! Check out Ruin Bar, a hidden gem that feels like your hip friend’s secret speakeasy. For an aura of mystery enjoy a round of creatively crafted cocktails at P10neer hidden inside Dick Church’s restaurant.
For a quirky twist, swing by Pie Society, where pizza meets prohibition, and your cravings for carbs and cocktails are both satisfied. And if you’re in the mood for a cozy vibe, Oak & Coal has your back with some killer sake and mouthwatering yakitori.
But wait, there’s more! If a round of drinks leaves you itching to hit the dance floor, Costa Mesa has plenty of spots where you can bust a move. Check out these top places to dance.
Recharge and Repeat
After a day of shopping, dining, and unwinding, why not treat yourself to a comfy stay in one of Costa Mesa’s hotels? Booking a hotel not only means you won’t have to worry about the drive home (hello, no designated driver drama), but it also gives you a cozy spot to recharge for another day of adventure. So go ahead, treat yourself—you’ve earned it!
Heading here during the fall? Be sure to check out our blog for all things fun and fall in Costa Mesa!
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The Ultimate Summer Destination for SoCal Travelers
If you’re looking for the ultimate location to plan a Southern California vacation, then Costa Mesa is the place to be! It’s the perfect home base if you want to explore Disneyland, Hollywood, and beyond. Experience our incredible dining options, shopping destinations, and exciting summer events —all in one trip.
The Perfect Location
Costa Mesa is located right in the middle of Southern California, which makes it super easy to hit up all your summer bucket list destinations.
Plus, if you’re all about spending as much time as you can at the beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach are all just a short drive away and we have plenty of beach-close hotels to choose from.
Foodie Paradise
Costa Mesa is the most flavorful destination in Southern California! With the only 2 Michelin Starred restaurants in Orange County plus 6 Michelin Recognized spots, it’s truly the perfect city to take an Eatcation®. Whether you’re craving artisan coffee, gourmet burgers, or exotic eats, our city has it all. Dive into our insane variety of restaurants and discover new flavors!
Boutique Bliss
Did you know the largest shopping center on the West Coast is located in Costa Mesa?
Experience designer shopping at South Coast Plaza where you can explore over 200 boutiques including a massive two-story Gucci store and the largest Balenciaga boutique in the Americas. But, if you are more into local finds, Costa Mesa has plenty of unique boutiques. Some of our favorites can be found at The LAB and The CAMP.
After Dark Adventures
The fun never ends in Costa Mesa. The nightlife here is lit with cool bars, craft breweries, and plenty of locations to enjoy live music. Whether you’re into dancing, enjoying craft cocktails, or catching a live band, Costa Mesa has you covered. We recommend visiting Mercado Gonzalez, a massive Mexican food hall offering a full cocktail bar and live mariachi music, or newly opened, Westwood Coast for country vibes and line dancing.
Events and Concerts
If you’re in town for the summer then you have to hit up the OC Fair which runs from July 19 – August 18th! It’s one of the top ten largest fairs in the U.S. and has no shortage of rides, carnival games, animals, arts and crafts, beer, food, and live music. Bonus tip: attend a concert at Pacific Amphitheater and get free fair admission. This year’s lineup includes UB40, Stray Cats, Big Time Rush and so many more, check out the full list.
Arts and Culture
Explore the artsy side of Costa Mesa at Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). Don’t miss the chance to walk through their new Yves Saint Laurent: Line and Expression exhibit. For the first time in the United States, you can explore the designer’s groundbreaking work from the 1960s until 2002, his last show. Admission is FREE!
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is another great choice if you are looking to catch a Broadway show like Clue and Peter Pan. This summer, they’re also hosting free events like outdoor movies and dance classes—perfect for making the most of your summer nights!
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Summer
So what are you waiting for? Drop this blog in the group chat, book your hotel stay, and get ready to experience the best SoCal vacation you’ve ever had. We can’t wait to see you here!
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February Feed: Costa Mesa’s Trending News & Reads
Costa Mesa has been gaining attention in the media lately as the cultural epicenter of Orange County. From our Kobe Bryant murals to fun Leap Year activities and Lunar New Year celebrations throughout the city, there’s clearly so many reasons everyone is flocking to Costa Mesa! Check out four stories of Costa Mesa featured in the press.
1. Kobe Bryant Murals Featured on ESPN
The legacy of Kobe Bryant lives on in Costa Mesa. ESPN recently recognized the Kobe Bryant mural created by Andaluz outside Social Costa Mesa as one of over 600 murals worldwide honoring his memory and the lives of those lost in the accident.
2. Leap Year Itineraries Curated by Locale
Local Magazine curated five unique itineraries showcasing Costa Mesa’s best offerings and hotel accommodations in “5 Unique Ways to Spend Your Extra Leap Year Day in Costa Mesa,” a handy guide for planning February 29th, or any free day on your calendar!
3. South Coast Plaza Year of the Dragon Celebration Highlighted in Business Wire
Business Wire highlighted South Coast Plaza for hosting the largest Lunar New Year celebration on the West Coast. The 19-day celebration features colorful performances, exclusive products, traditional cuisine, and captivating installations that bring the community together in celebration.
4. LA Times Showcases Costa Mesa as a Cultural Haven
The Los Angeles Times article, “Unveiling Costa Mesa: A Haven for Culture, Cuisine, and Community,” captures the essence of the city, emphasizing its diverse culinary scene, rich cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community that is weaved together through it’s seven diverse neighborhoods.
These recent features and publications underscore Costa Mesa’s rising prominence as the cultural hub of Orange County. So, when planning your Southern California getaway, be sure to make a visit to Costa Mesa to experience everything we have to offer!
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