Your TL;DR Travel Guide to Shopping in Orange County
TL;DR: South Coast Plaza, aka SCP, in Orange County is a renowned tourist destination and one of the largest family-owned shopping centers in the USA. This bustling mall offers various amenities and services to cater to its international clientele, making it an ideal option for a special shopping experience. Known for its great dining options and designer stores, this mall is a great alternative to Los Angeles’s Rodeo Drive. With free parking and extensive indoor spaces, South Coast Plaza is a must-visit for those who love to shop.
- Getting to Know South Coast Plaza
- Accessibility & Special Amenities
- Unique Features
- When to Visit
- Explore More Shopping
Getting to Know South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza is an international tourist destination, bringing in over 20 million guests annually. It is also one of the largest family-owned shopping centers in the USA, the largest mall on the West Coast, and home to Michelin-star restaurants. Learn more about the family behind SCP here!
Many people know about the famous Rodeo Drive (and it’s another beautiful place to check-out). But between the two, I prefer visiting South Coast Plaza – with free parking and more indoor spaces, I find the experience slightly less stressful to navigate (Beverly Hills Blvd is both filled with amazing things and a headache to drive on).
Located off of the 405, South Coast Plaza is within walking distance of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Metro Point, the Orange County Museum of the Arts, Sunflower Plaza, and South Coast Village.
The mall itself is split between two main buildings, connected by a bridge that arches over Bear Street. The smaller side, formerly known as Crystal Court, houses a few retailers (including Apple and Lululemon), eateries, and a small carousel. The larger side houses most of the luxury businesses and more dining options. It’s also home to a larger carousel and various spaces where special exhibitions or performances are held.
Accessibility & Special Amenities
As a major tourist hub, South Coast Plaza has translation services in 40+ languages and accepts China UnionPay. There are also ramps and elevators located throughout the two buildings to make things more accessible. If you need additional assistance or have concerns, contact the Concierge team here.
Here are a few other special services you can access through Concierge:
- Package/Baggage Check
- Stoller/Wheelchair rentals
- Unique Offers/Specials for Out-of-town guests (see VIP Passport)
While some malls in Orange County do allow pets, South Coast Plaza only allows service animals. If you are looking for a mall to walk around with your pet, check out Fashion Island or Irvine Spectrum for an alternative.
Lastly, there are several public restrooms spread out throughout the mall. If you are feeling lost and need assistance finding one, there are several maps, concierge desks, and security staff that can help you out.
Unique Features
Entertainment
If you are traveling with kids, be sure to check out the Carousel (one on each side of them mall). If you are shopping during the month of September, be sure to check out the Festival of Children for even more entertainment options.
Food
In the next few weeks, we’ll do a deeper dive into SCP’s food scene. For today, I’ll briefly highlight a few special options that will bring your luxury trip to another level.
- Petrossian at Tiffany’s – While Tiffany’s has locations all over the world, the SCP location is the only one with a restaurant that offers a 5-star quality caviar experience.
- Knife Pleat – Knife Pleat is a Michelin-star crowned restaurant located up in the Annex of South Coast Plaza, making it a peaceful escape from a busy day at the mall.
- Hana re – A Michelin star sushi restaurant, Hana Re is a cornerstone of South Coast Plaza’s dining world.
- Moulin – Indulge in a taste of Paris at Moulin. Located on the terrace, this French cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, pastry, or brunch.
Shops
Of course, the main reason people visit South Coast Plaza is to shop. With luxury designer brands and more, SCP is often the place for major brands to launch their USA-based brick & mortar store. I won’t go into too much depth on stores you should visit, but if you are going, you can consider exploring:
- Please Do Not Enter – Please Do Not Enter feels more like a museum than a store. With a curated selection of items from all over the world, it’s a fun place to stop in and see what’s new. Little heads up, though – you will find some more provocative items (some implied nudity, for instance) that some may find uncomfortable (something to keep in mind if you are traveling with young kids). Read more here.
- Uniqlo – While South Coast Plaza has a reputation for its designer stores, it also has more affordable international shopping options like Uniqlo (where you can pick up the currently viral shoulder bag).
- Gentle Monster – The famous eye glasses brand (which notably did a collaboration with BLACKPINK’s Jennie in the past) recently opened up a store in South Coast Plaza. Swing by to see what all the hype is about!
See what else is new to South Coast Plaza here.
When to Visit
With 20+ million guests, South Coast Plaza can get crowded – especially during the Winter holiday and Summer seasons. If you have flexibility with your days, I suggest visiting on a Weekday or Sunday as Friday/Saturday get packed.
However, if you’re willing to brave the crowds, the Center hosts several events throughout peak season that are fun to check out. Winter decorations are especially beautiful! You can also swing by during the Lunar Festival to grab some (more expensive) mooncakes and check out some local performers.
Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza stands out as a premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. With its extensive range of luxury stores, diverse dining options, and family-friendly entertainment, the plaza caters to a wide range of visitors. Its accessibility features, translation services, and special amenities enhance the overall experience for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re seeking a luxury trip or family-friendly adventure, South Coast Plaza offers something unique for you. Let me know what your trip to South Coast Plaza was like!
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