You TL;DR Guide to Shopping in Orange County
TL;DR: Orange County is known for its luxury shopping. Check out one of these four locally-owned malls to see what the hype is all about. While many people assume you have to be dressed up and willing to spend the big bucks to enjoy these spots, the truth is you can come comfortably and spend as much or as little as you want. Aside from shopping designer brands, there are plenty of other retailers to visit as well as various entertainment and dining options. The malls included in this list are great places to walk around, grab a bite, or people watch. It makes the perfect place for both locals and visitors.
- What Makes Shopping in O.C. Worth It?
- South Coast Plaza
- Fashion Island
- Irvine Spectrum
- The Marketplace
- Explore More California
With major retailers born out of this Southern California County (including lifestyle streetwear brands such as Vans, Hurley, and Rainbow Sandals) and a large luxury market, Orange County is a great place to do a bit of shopping for those who love scoring a good deal while on vacation.
There are so many plazas, strip malls, boutiques, and downtown areas worth exploring. However, for the sake of today’s post, we’ll be focusing on traditional regional shopping malls – and we can dive into other fun centers in the future!
What Makes Shopping in O.C. Worth It?
Did you know Orange County was once known for its farmland? In fact, lima bean production was so prominent in the county that O.C. was once known as “Beanville.” Those families helped economically develop the County and later on became the leaders in its further commercial development.
You will notice that the four locally-owned malls listed below are owned by the same two companies: the Segerstrom Family and the Irvine Company. These two (now major) corporations got their start in the County by owning the farmland and producing much of the County’s exports. Today, they now are major players in Orange County’s real estate world.
Orange County has also become synonymous with “luxury lifestyle” (mostly because of the popularization of shows like The O.C. and The Real Housewives). And while reality television isn’t exactly the reality, it is true that Orange County is a center for luxury fashion and high-end shopping.
South Coast Plaza
Address: 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Parking: Free and Valet
Opened: 1967
Ideal for: Luxury shopping, dining, sight-seeing
South Coast Plaza is a world-renowned destination for travelers near and far. Most of the signage is in English, Spanish, and Chinese – and pre-covid it wasn’t uncommon to see tourists show up straight from the airport with luggage in hand.
Owned by Costa Mesa family, the Segestroms, this privately-owned mall offers an upscale shopping experience. It is also considered to be the largest mall in California and the fourth largest mall in all of the USA. Browse around to find luxury designer brands, like Gucci or Louis Vuitton. You can also find a few Michelin star or Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurants scattered throughout the mall. Stay tuned for a deeper dive on where to eat in the next few weeks!
While South Coast Plaza is known for its high-end shopping, there are a variety of stores at different price points you can visit. It’s also in close proximity to a few other shopping centers, like Metro Pointe and South Coast Village, which offer even more diverse retail and dining options.
Related: Your Shopping Guide to South Coast Plaza – accessibility, amenities, and more
Fashion Island
Address: 401 Newport Center Drive
Parking: Free
Opened: 1967
Ideal for: Luxury shopping, sight-seeing
Owned by the Irvine Company, Fashion Island is an upscale, outdoor mall located in Newport Beach. While you walk around, be sure to check out the Koi Pond – one of the few remaining original architectural pieces. With plenty of outdoor space, Fashion Island is a great place to grab a quick bite and check out the various different shops.
Irvine Spectrum
Address: 670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Parking: Free and Valet
Opened: 1995
Ideal for: Dates, meeting with friends, families
Also owned by The Irvine Company, Irvine Spectrum is an outdoor mall in Irvine. Conveniently located off of the 405, Irvine Spectrum is easily spotted thanks to its large Ferris Wheel.
With a grassy plaza area (located behind the Ferris Wheel) where local musicians play, Irvine Spectrum is a great place for families to relax or grab a bite. This mall is also home to the Hello Kitty Cafe and a specialty VR arcade in addition to the usual major retailers.
The Marketplace
Address: 2961 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782
Parking: Free
Opened 1988
Ideal for: Shopping for sporting/outdoor equipment; everyday/essentials shopping
And finally, the fourth mall on this list is also owned by the Irvine Company. As such, you’ll notice some of the Irvine Company’s trademark style as you walk around. However, unlike Irvine Spectrum and Fashion Island, The Market Place is more spread-out, making it ideal for intensive shopping trips. With a variety of retailers (such as REI, ULTA, and Target), The Market Place can be your one stop shop for everyday items and essentials.
Soak in the unique ambiance and explore the plethora of stores, restaurants, and cafes scattered throughout these regional shopping malls. Let me know if you’ve been to any of the places on this list!
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