Gay Travel Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa LGBT Travel Guide Summary
Nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego lies Costa Mesa, home to some of Orange County’s most popular attractions like Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Plaza, and the OC Fair & Event Center. The city’s proximity to the beach, eclectic vibe, and exciting food scene make it an ideal destination to stay and explore Southern California.
COSTA MESA SUMMER FUN AND HOTEL DEALS
Costa Mesa is the perfect summer escape and we've got all the best summer ideas for you right here! In Costa Mesa, you'll find the latest designer fashions at the gorgeous South Coast Plaza along with award-winning dining that all you foodies will appreciate! The food In Costa Mesa is so delicious, many travelers visit specifically for an Eatcation®! For Happy Hour, be sure to peruse Costa Mesa's video series for recommendations for cool cocktails at the hottest spots in town!
For those "in the know," Costa Mesa is ideal for its location -- especially during the summertime! For example, did you know Costa Mesa is just minutes from the famed "OC" (Orange County) beaches? If swimming in the Pacific Ocean isn't your thing, you can always take a dip in one of the city's best swimming pools to cool yourself down on a hot summer afternoon.
Make plans now because the Costa Mesa hotels are offering some of the best rates* in Orange County, and you cannot afford to miss them! To help you make your plans while there, check out the local events calendar here.
Gay-Friendly Activities & Attractions
Known as the City of the Arts®, Costa Mesa has a vibrant arts culture. Theatre and music lovers don’t need to look further than the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a renowned performing arts complex, where you can listen to the Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society, and an array of guest performers throughout the year. It’s also the only place you can see a Broadway show in Orange County. Neighboring South Coast Repertory produces Tony Award®-winning plays, features upcoming playwrights, and creative children’s theatre.
For more of the arts in Costa Mesa, you can visit Orange County Museum of Art (coming to Segerstrom in 2021) or go on Costa Mesa’s free self-guided art walk. You’ll also see art throughout the city, including street art, installations, and even on utility boxes. Be sure to snap a selfie in front of one of the city's many murals.
For more of the arts in Costa Mesa, you can visit Orange County Museum of Art (coming to Segerstrom in 2021) or go on Costa Mesa’s free self-guided art walk. You’ll also see art throughout the city, including street art, installations, and even on utility boxes. Be sure to snap a selfie in front of one of the city's many murals.
Gay-Friendly Dining and Shopping
If shopping is your vacation vibe, there’s plenty to find in Costa Mesa. The world-renowned South Coast Plaza boasts over 250 stores, as one of the largest shopping destinations on the West Coast. Visit high-end boutiques, like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and popular department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s. While you’re there, try some delicious food at one of South Coast Plaza’s 30 restaurants. From Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” finalist Amar Santana’s two restaurants, Vaca and The Hall: Global Eatery, to award-winning Ross Pangilinan’s Terrace by Mix Mix, you’ll discover why Costa Mesa is home to the most sought-after dining in Orange County.
Want to shop local? Costa Mesa has options for that too. Visit The LAB Anti-Mall and, its sister site, The CAMP. The indoor/outdoor retail spaces host a number of unique shops and restaurants with local and handmade goods you can’t find anywhere else. Both are great locations to visit if you’re traveling with pets. Beer lovers will enjoy the Costa Mesa Beer Trail, offering delicious beers brewed right in the city. And foodies will go crazy for Michelin-starred Hana re sushi bar at The LAB.
A must for shoppers and foodies alike is SOCO & The OC Mix. There are many small pop-up boutiques for food and cocktail lovers, as well as jewelry and home goods. You’ll find amazing food options at the lively center as well. Grab a coffee at award-winning Portola Coffee Roasters or sample wine and olive oil at We Olive & Wine Bar. A trip to Costa Mesa wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Michelin-starred Taco María. Stop in for lunch to enjoy out-of-this-world tacos and unique, mouthwatering small plates. Want to indulge? Make dinner reservations for chef Carlos Salgado’s seasonal pre-fixe menu. Head over to ARC for some late-night cocktails and tasty wood-fired pizza or burgers.
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