South Coast Plaza in Los Angeles

South Coast Plaza is a modern shopping hub in the heart of Orange County, attracting those seeking upscale boutiques, designer labels, and award-winning cuisine. With one of the greatest concentrations of high-fashion retailers, rivaling the trendsetting neighborhoods of Bond Street, London and Fifth Avenue, New York, you are bound to leave with a celebrity-worthy wardrobe.

With a cascading multitier fountain as its centerpiece, the 3-floor shopping mall is designed in a wonky H-shape, with 2 parking neighborhoods and a V.I.P. concierge service. Department stores are positioned around the perimeter, while boutique shops are grouped by product. High-end jewelers call Jewel Court home, while Carousel Court is where you go for hip, big-name apparel options.

Excellent restaurants (and The Hall Global Eatery) are dotted between boutiques. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or a new wardrobe, South Coast Plaza’s unparalleled selection and customer service will have you feeling like an LA fashionista.

South Coast Plaza in Los Angeles - one of the highlights of 10 Best Shopping Malls in Los Angeles (Read all about Los Angeles here)

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What are the highlights of South Coast Plaza?

A highlight of South Coast Plaza is its extensive shopping opportunities. The stained-glass dome of Jewel Court is one of the mall’s main attractions. Looking for an engagement ring or sparkling gift? Check out the glass cabinets of stores like BVLGARI, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels. If you need a high-fashion wardrobe upgrade, drop by trendsetting retailers Max Mara, Chanel, or Alexander McQueen.

Head to Piaget and Rolex to find a lifelong timepiece for the watch lover in your family. Don’t leave without exploring the department stores of Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s – their South Coast Plaza locations are among the trendiest in the country.

Take a break from shopping and let your kids ride a carousel in Carousel Court while you grab a glass of champagne from The Hall Global Eatery. Or, head up to the V.I.P. Access Suite to store your packages and relax in a private oasis.

Where to eat in South Coast Plaza?

The fine dining at South Coast Plaza is exceptional and rivals its shopping reputation. With over 30 eateries, ranging from contemporary Taiwanese to modern American, upscale Italian and classic steakhouses, you need a whole month to taste your way around. Explore your Asian-inspired palette at dumpling darling Din Tai Fung or Vietnamese-fusion bistro AnQi.

Meat lovers can look no further than Capital Grille and Seasons 52 – a local happy hour favorite as well. Sample Middle East-inspired grub at Mezzet Mediterranean Cuisine, or park yourself at Ortica’s bar for cheesy, wood-fired pizzas.

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Good to know about South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza is conveniently off 3 major thoroughfares, including I-405, and nearby John Wayne International Airport. Parking is extensive and free, with structures on the northern and southern ends of the mall. There are also 3 conveniently located valet parking neighborhoods.

After a full day of shopping, head across the strip to the world-renowned Segerstrom Center for Arts for an evening of cabaret performances and concerts. If you’re in Los Angeles for the whole week, explore some of the region's main attractions such as Disneyland or the pristine beaches of Orange County. The concierge at the plaza can help handle tickets for any activities you partake in.

photo by Nandaro (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

Location: 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

Open: Daily from 11 am to 7 pm

Phone: +1 800-782-8888

Ryan Thomas McNutt | Contributing Writer

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