Costa Mesa Things to Do

There is always something going on at the Orange County Fair Grounds. The actual fair runs for 1 month but other events are going on throughout the year. One of the fun events is in April, the Pet Expo. The Pacific Amphitheatre is also on the premises of the OC Fair Grounds. Lots of great concerts/performances happen at this outdoor venue.

Here is a local hangout where you can see a movie in a quaint Edwards theater, choose from upscale-ish casual restaurants modern and live out the night at the club all in one- Triangle Square.

Housing a popular O.C. Yard House restaurant/bar, the westernized Saddle Ranch restaurant with rocking bull, the ultra 21 and over night club (technoelectronic/hip hop) Sutra Lounge, an affordable cinema house, among other inviting eateries, Triangle Square, or simple, The Triangle, is a major Costa Mesa hangout not to miss.

Notes:
Parking here is tight- really tight.
If traveling by bus, Tri Sq has several OCTA bus stops along its path, including Routes 43, 71 and 55.

The Bridge of Gardens is a 600-foot open-air garden walkway designed by Kathryn
Gustafson that connects two main shopping centers that crosses over Bear Street. There are lovely pools of water, benches, cascading lights, which are lovely at night and beautiful eucalyptus, jacaranda trees, and Mediterranean plants. The Bridge is a work of art.

This exhibit may not be in the mall still, but I found it interesing. While on the third floor balcony looking down I noticed below this very lovely display of transparent capsules. Located in the Jewel Court, it is called the MaxMara Heritage. Turns out in each of the capsules is a historical piece of fashion. There is a kiosk that describes the history of MaxMara's history.

This lovely carousel is located in Carousel Court-Level 1 and only charges a $1 a ride and is open during mall hours only. For Easter they change out the horses for bunnies! Sadly I cannot find any history of this carousel, so I am going assume it is not very historical, but at least it brings joy to kids and their parents.

Once you find the exit for the The Bridge, there is a lovely garden terrace of planters and a garden rivers with a pond of cascading water and cascade of blue and white lights designed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson. At night this area looks spectacular. I am sure during a hot summer day this is a wonderful refuge for guest to relax and cool off.

They had this beautiful chandelier incased in the mall in front of Baccarat's store. The inscription on the casing of this spectacular chandelier reads: Since 1764 Baccarat has written the chapters of its remarkable history in sparkling letters. Founded in Lorraine, the world’s most famous Crystalworks has, over the ages, become a symbol of superb craftsmanship and French art de vivre. The name Baccarat reverberates like an echo of outstanding pieces, extraordinary places and unforgettable parties.

South Coast Plaza was a last minute decision since I didn't want to spend my time waiting at the airport for my hubby to arrive from back east. What an impressive shopping mall with such stores as Bottega Veneta, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels to Hermès, Gucci, Roger Vivier, COACH, UNIQLO and much more. There are three floors and I barely covered the first floor and some of the second floor, and very little of the third floor. I'm not a shopper, but it was fun exploring such a lovely mall. A great place to walk and get your exercise too.

Adjacent to the main Segerstrom Hall is the gorgeous Henry and Renee Segerstrom Concert Hall. The latter is suited for more intimacy and often is host to classical music performances. Within the concert hall is Samueli Theater and Founders Hall for even more intimate events. Check calendar for scheduled visits and updates.

Box Office: (714)556-2787

The Lab Anti-Mall is a spot especially for the alternative crowd or whomever yawns over the standard strip mall of suburbia.

The urban chic staple Urban Outfitters is the main stop here for shopping. But by no means is this just a place to shop for long (just less than a dozen of other clothing/jewelry/accessoriesmisc boutiques here)- rather one to see and experience the stopping grounds of particular O.C. youth culture- from teeny boppers- to young hipster and hipster-ish adults, I 'd say up to 40 years old or so. Many grown-ups older than 40 usually feel "out of touch" here- and i suggest you stick to going to South Coast Plaza.

Do come here for some excellent dining options- including the very popular vegetarian Gypsy Den, emerging vegan food truck-turned restaurant, Seabirds, organic java lovin' Cafecito Organico, and for the meat eaters, be satisfied at Havana Cuban Bistro.

The LAB is home to the Sobeca Art Walk, usually held on last Tuesdays of the month. Check out the artsy scene featuring colorful (in all ways) local work.

The CAMP, "masculine" twin of the LAB shopping/dining spot, is worth a stop. If you are not impressed by the ultra commercial South Coast Plaza or think the latter is way too massive and crowded to enjoy, you may find charm at the nature-loving CAMP.

Local flair is ever-present at the CAMP. The dozen+ eco-friendly businesses located in the area reflect well of the community. Eateries like Ecco serve up soulful meals with ingredients only from nearby farms.

Throughout the year, apropos events are hosted here- from garden and yoga seminars, lectures on healthy living, to film screenings that focus on eco-lifestyle.
Get here by bus- OCTA 57, exit Bristol/Baker

South Coast Plaza is the premiere shopping area of Orange county, consisting of the main SCP mall and a wing adjacent, Crystal Court Promenade. Almost half of the plaza is not "shoppable" for the average shopper looking for deals. However, if you are looking for ultra-designer goods and got the dollars and gold cards, come here and you'll be dazzled by various exclusive boutiques like Versace, Armani, Tiffany's Prada, Burberry, and Gucci, among several others. Luckily for the regular folks, there are more affordable options here like Sears, GAP and Macy. Other major department store anchors here are Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus. There are roughly 250 retailers at the center at any given time.

If you don't like shopping at all (my God, what planet are you from ? :-), come here to appreciate the architecture of the place, including the Bridge of the Gardens, pictured. It is really impressive! Also, SCP is great dining. Expect no food court here. There is no central place to get fast food, rather, just a McDonalds, located by Sears and Starbucks for coffee and quick bite. Visitors can choose from a number of cafes and restaurants like the ever popular, aromatic Lawry's, Quattro Cafe and several more. For those who like to sit around while shopper delight from store to store (read: a good number of old men), there is plenty of comfortable seating throughout.

Various events and special exhibitions, including public art displays and musical performances are scheduled during the year. Check out web site for current happenings.

Other major shops: Harry Winston, Cartier, Calypso Christiane Celle, Montblanc, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Valentino, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Hermès, Christian Louboutin, Barneys New York Co-Op

Nearby (walking distance) is another shopping/dining area, Metropointe

Newer stores open now: Lego Store, Microsoft Store, Forever 21

The annual O.C. Fair is the biggest multi-day event in good ol' Orange county, California- and it happens each year in Costa Mesa. Many from sister county L.A head down south to live it up in the O.C. for summer concerts, little roller coasters, prize booths, petting zoo, face painting and very sugar-filled or fatty food! Hurray!

I've been to the fair at least 4 times...oh, but I have lost count over the years! But each time here, I feel like a lil' one all over again!

Expect major crowds here! Pack major patience and allow yourself to come early. There are many discounts offered to attend the fair. Usually on the first day of fair, there is free or $1 admission. On some weekdays, there are special deals (such as on Wednesday when contributing to donating charitable goods in 2011 could be done in exchange for free admission). Check website for promotions like this). If you are a kid (about 12 or younger) or from U.S. military, there is usually a discounted fare for you on certain days.

Check out the latest schedule of the concerts and other events on the website but here are some listed from 2005. These were some stand-outs:

Heart (The Wilson gals still are rockin') Repeat performer
Garbage (Brit alt-rock)
Julio Iglesias (for the lovers!)
Leann Rimes (classic voice)
Hillary Duff (former teen star!)
Dana Carvey (cool comedian who does dead-on impersonations)
Steve Miller Band (classic rock especially for the grown ups)
Tears for Fears (classic 80s band have made a comeback!)
Scorpions (the loudest , most rockin' band on the lineup!)
Aterciopelados (wonderful fresh rock en espanol sound)
OC Reggefest featuring Burning Spear, Third World and Yellowman
( hmmm... I can smell this concert anytime- and get high!)

My friend live in this area over 10 yr ,just bring me to this very clean and nice place
call Oc Body Care (Massage ) we have 60 min Massage by a pretty Chinese lady, the 60 min session felt like week long vacation
nothing funny or dirty, just very enjoyable time and good service
too bad I am not live here ,will go back for sure next time I visit OC area.

714 -668-9618
660 Baker St #417 Costa Mesa .CA
located in front of the Building

http://ocbodycare.blogspot.com

An interesting short diversion is the California Scenario, a sculpture garden of abstract designs representative of the state's terrain, designed by Isamu Noguchi. Located near Jerry's Famous Deli on Park Center Drive, off Anton Blvd. It's surprising to experience the serenity and sometimes even solitude of this little 1.5 acre park in light of it's location about 100 yards from the 405 freeway and only about a 10 minute walk from the bustle of the South Coast Plaza mall. Admission is free.