Travel Costa Mesa Blog
5 agritourism spots in Costa Mesa
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.
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.
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.
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.
Posted in Misc
Shop, dine and play in Costa Mesa
It’s back-to-school time, which means new clothes, gadgets and more. Whether you’re shopping for kids or just want a wardrobe refresh, Costa Mesa has unique boutiques and the largest shopping destination on the West Coast. While you’re here, check out the world-class dining and entertainment options available too. Want to make it a mini-getaway? Check out our summer hotel deals!
The LAB
The LAB Anti-Mall is a great place for shopping small and, even, environmentally conscious. Buffalo Exchange is a second-hand shop offering basics, designer, trendy and one-of-a-kind fashion. On the opposite side of The LAB, you’ll find an Urban Outfitters too. Looking for sustainable school supplies? Eco Now, a zero-waste shop and refill station offers plastic free lunch containers, bags, utensils and more. There’s also a cosmetic and skincare section.
There are plenty of restaurants, if you need a bite to eat. The Den Café serves a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. Seabirds Kitchen is a popular vegan restaurant. Try their avo taco, a vegan version of the fish taco. The LAB also has a Baba’s Hot Chicken. Habana is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
The CAMP
Eco-friendly retail campus The CAMP has several shops that favor environmentally conscious clothing. SEED Peoples Market offers curated fashion from local vendors and responsible brands, such as Patagonia. 2nd Street USA is a second-hand shop where you can find clothes and accessories. Purre Boutique has women’s clothing, home goods and accessories.
Take a break from shopping at one of The CAMP’s Eatcation®-worthy restaurants. Old Vine Kitchen & Bar has something delicious any time you visit. Stop in on the weekend for an incredible brunch (make sure to get a cinnamon roll). Chopped champion Rachel Klemek’s Blackmarket Bakery offers breakfast, lunch, pastries, desserts and a full coffee menu. Vegan diners will love Native Foods. For a quick bite, try East Borough’s take on classic Vietnamese dishes. Vitaly is always a great option for traditional Italian food, including gelato. If you’re visiting after 4, make a reservation at Folks. Their naturally leavened pizza and natural wines are a definite treat. We also recommend trying their amazing meatballs.
South Coast Plaza
The premier destination for shopping on the West Coast has everything you need for back-to-school shopping. Whether you’re picking up new tech from the Apple Store, shopping for clothes at one of the boutiques or department stores, you can find it at South Coast Plaza. For a full list of stores for kids clothes, shoes and accessories, click here.
There are more than 30 restaurants to choose from at South Coast Plaza. Try the latest concept, Collage Culinary Experience, a food hall with Paradise Dynasty, Le Shrimp Ramen and Mah Jongs by Chef Mike currently open. The grand opening takes place this fall. You can find a list of all South Coast Plaza restaurants here.
SOCO & The OC Mix
If you’re also shopping for babies or toddlers, check out Whimsical Charm at SOCO & The OC Mix. You’ll find adorable clothes, robes, blankets and shoes. While you’re there, stop for coffee at Portola Coffee Roasters or a meal at one of their restaurants. The Cheese Shop serves sandwiches, get pizza at ARC or have dinner at Michelin star Taco Maria.
Things to Do
Check out our previous blog for Broadway shows and concerts coming to Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Visit our calendar for all the entertainment options coming to Costa Mesa during your visit.
Explore Ecotourism in Orange County
While sustainability and environmental education can sometimes mean expensive vacations to exotic locales, you might not need to do more than take a weekend trip to Southern California for an ecocentric experience. Orange County has plenty to offer the environmentally minded traveler, from exploration of California’s beautiful flora and fauna (even Bald Eagles!) to volunteering opportunities at local sanctuaries.
SPRING BREAK IN CALIFORNIA’S ORANGE COUNTY
Thinking about taking the family on vacation this spring break? How about a little adventure in Orange County, nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego along 42 miles of the Pacific Coast in Southern California? Orange County is famous for attractions like the Disneyland® Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm in Anaheim, not to mention long stretches of jaw-dropping beaches from Huntington Beach to Laguna Beach.
Posted in Events, Food, Hotels, Misc, Music & Art, Play, Shopping
Celebrate National Pizza Day in Costa Mesa
While it seems safe to assume that almost everyone can agree on the merits of a hearty pizza, choosing just the right one for a group can be a pretty precarious task. Everyone has his or her favorite pizzeria, crust thickness and cheese-to-sauce ratio, and who are we to disagree. So, in honor of National Pizza Day on February 9th, and to aid in the planning of your celebratory meals, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top pizza joints in Costa Mesa. You don’t have to believe us, but we’re pretty sure you won’t regret trying any one of these Costa Mesa restaurants.
Posted in Food
