Whether You’re a Foodie or Art Connoisseur, This Hotel Is Central to It All
Sure, Orange County is known for beaches, surf breaks and breakfast burritos. We have a reputation for cool coffee shops and badass bakeries, with sweets and treats all washed down at happy hour haunts. But what you may not know is that we have an artsy side to us as well. That’s right, your girl can do both. There’s a little slice of Costa Mesa that is brimming with creative energy and artistic freedom. And at the heart of it all is the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel—a sophisticated stay perfect for summer travelers looking to get the most out of a warm-weather vacation. This part of town is home to attractions like the Orange County Museum of Art and Segerstrom Center for the Arts and is just a stone’s throw from South Coast Plaza for the shopping fanatics. There’s a little bit of something for everyone in this Orange County city and we’re here to spill the tea on how all types of travelers can make the most of a visit to Costa Mesa.
For The Foodies
Well let’s start by saying this: there’s no shortage of excellent culinary options in this area. From Din Tai Fung to Vaca, some big-name chefs and Michelin-recognized restaurateurs have set up shop in the Southwest Metro area. One of our favorites, Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar, is a foodie fantasy offering an exceptional dining experience paired with tranquil lake views. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring or to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family. When it comes to drinks, you can’t go wrong with their handcrafted, theater-inspired cocktails. Start your evening with a classic like a perfectly mixed old fashioned or mojito, or you can opt for something a bit more adventurous like their signature Silver Trumpet Martini, a delightful blend of premium spirits with a twist.
As for dishes, the menu boasts a range of gourmet offerings with seasonal flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. For starters, indulge in their crispy calamari or ahi tuna tostadas for a burst of freshness. On to the mains, seafood lovers should opt for the pan-seared Chilean sea bass, served with roasted fingerling potatoes and a citrus beurre blanc, while meat enthusiasts can savor the grilled Angus rib eye steak that’s cooked to perfection and served with truffle mashed potatoes and broccolini. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The chocolate lava cake or vanilla bean crème brûlée are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Local Insight: OC staple Mastro’s is also within walking distance and Water Grill is a favorite happy hour hangout. And South Coast Plaza offers an array of appetizing options (close to 50 on-site eateries to be exact) like Tableau and Calo Kitchen.
For The Beach Bums
Beachgoers, rejoice! Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel kept you in mind with their Bed & Beach Bliss offer. With the BBB, the sun, sand and surf are yours to savor. The hotel will equip you with everything you need to make your sandy excursion a success, from a towel-bearing tote to a thoughtfully tucked-away turkey wrap. When you take advantage of this offer, you’ll receive a 30% off discount code to the hotel gift shop, an insulated picnic bag with all the summertime necessities and more! This deal runs all summer long from June 1 through Sept. 2, so be sure to claim it when you book. If you are looking to keep things local, we recommend hitting up one of the beaches on the Balboa Peninsula along the boardwalk so you can immerse yourself in the buzz of a Newport Beach summer.
For the Art Enthusiasts
We promised art, so you’re getting art. At Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel, guests are privileged to be steps away from two cultural giants: the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). In the summer, Segerstrom entertains audiences with a plethora of performances, from Broadway hits like “Hamilton” to mesmerizing ballets and symphony orchestras. This summer, they are featuring “Funny Girl,” “Clue,” “Peter Pan” and an interactive “Bluey” show that your kids will go crazy over. Meanwhile, OCMA is showcasing eye-catching contemporary art, featuring innovative works from both established and emerging artists. Visitors can immerse themselves in thought-provoking exhibitions, such as “Exploring Identity Through Portraiture” or “Environmental Perspectives: Art as Activism.” Additionally, OCMA’s unique features, including interactive installations and outdoor sculpture gardens, provide a captivating experience for art enthusiasts of all ages. Oh, did we mention they have an art happy hour the first Friday of every month? With this Costa Mesa hotel as your home base, the world (or, at least, this part of town) really is your oyster.
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For the Shopaholics
South. Coast. Plaza. Need we say more? South Coast Plaza is synonymous with shopping in this city. This sprawling retail center has been captivating visitors since the ‘60s and is fun for everyone in the family. Boasting an impressive array of over 250 boutiques and department stores, including iconic luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, it’s a paradise for fashion enthusiasts and shopaholics alike. But South Coast Plaza offers more than just retail therapy; its diverse dining scene covers the culinary spectrum with eats from around the globe. There’s a carousel for the kiddies, plenty of parking (although highly walkable from Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel) and lots of square footage to get those steps in. Check out their events calendar to see if anything tickles your fancy, and be sure to come hungry!
For the Animal Lovers
The OC is an extremely pet-friendly city—just check out these spots that encourage you to bring your furry friends. Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is no different. They love to host your fur babies and ensure all the amenities are also up to their standards. Four-legged hotel guests can enjoy an outdoor dog walk around the hotel’s lake, outfitted with dog waste stations and all the space a vacationing pup could want. You are also a 20-minute cruise away from the dog beach in Huntington—an absolute refuge for ruff-housing. This puppy playground is bound to wear out your pooch so you can spend the afternoon lounging by the hotel’s on-site lake.
