Experience · Costa Mesa
Evening Garden Stroll and Spanish Dinner in Costa Mesa
Start your evening with a romantic stroll through the unique Noguchi Garden, admiring its serene landscapes and sculptures as the sun begins to set. Afterwards, head to Vaca Costa Mesa for a sophisticated Spanish dining experience with tapas and fine wines. This plan offers a blend of culture and culinary delight, perfect for an intimate date night.
A 3-hour South Coast Metro evening plan for couples — Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar, Noguchi Garden, Vaca Costa Mesa.
- Duration
- 3 hrs
- Cost
- $100–$200
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- South Coast Metro
- Walking
- Moderate walking · Total 0.4-mile driving route
- Best time
- 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar(1 hr)→
- 2Noguchi Garden(1 hr)→
- 3Vaca Costa Mesa(1 hr 30 min)
Why this plan works
Every stop sits in South Coast Metro, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Vaca Costa Mesa is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Vaca Costa Mesa — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, and solo who want a planned Costa Mesa outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Start your evening with a romantic stroll through the unique Noguchi Garden, admiring its serene landscapes and sculptures as the sun begins to set. Afterwards, head to Vaca Costa Mesa for a sophisticated Spanish dining experience with tapas and fine wines. This plan offers a blend of culture and culinary delight, perfect for an intimate date night.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 11 hrSilver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
Nightlife · South Coast Metro
Lakeside eatery serving local cuisine in a sophisticated windowed-dining room with outdoor patio.
What to do — Arrive for an early evening drink and small bite, perhaps sharing a charcuterie board. Relax by the lake and enjoy the ambiance.
0.2 mi · 4 min walk or 3 min drive
Then A short walk across the plaza will take you to your next stop.
21 hrNoguchi GardenOutdoors · South Coast Metro
Compact, minimalist sculpture garden intended as a representation of the state of California.
What to do — Wander through the art installations, appreciating the design and peaceful atmosphere. Find a quiet bench to share a moment.
Scout Side QuestEach pick your favorite quiet corner in the garden. Regroup on a bench and make your case for why yours is the best.
0.2 mi · 4 min walk or 3 min drive
Then Take a short drive to your dinner destination, Vaca Costa Mesa.
3Optional 1h 30mVaca Costa MesaFood & Drink · South Coast Metro
Spanish eatery providing a mix of tapas & family-style dishes in airy, contemporary digs with a bar.
What to do — Savor a delicious dinner with shared plates, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and sophisticated setting. Consider a dessert to round out the evening.
Scout Side QuestBefore ordering dessert, try guessing the exact flavor or dish your date is secretly eyeing.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Costa Mesa itinerary for couples?
- Yes. It's built for couples, friends, and solo and runs about 3 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Costa Mesa itinerary cost?
- Roughly $100–$200 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.4 miles of walking in total.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.