The Best Shopping in Orange County
Stores located in London-Paris-New York-Costa Mesa? That’s right South Coast Plaza located in Costa Mesa, Orange County, CA hosts some of the best shopping in the world. Valet parking is available at five different locations where your Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini or your car of choice will enjoy sitting next to one of the aforementioned luxury vehicles.
As if valet parking at a shopping mall weren’t enough to set South Coast Plaza apart the from your typical mall, once you enter expect to find well staffed Gucci, Pucci and Versace boutiques. Other high-end retailers of note include La Perla for lingerie, Max Mara for the perfect flattering cut of fine fabric, Hermés for everything from scarves to saddles, and of coarse, Tiffany’s.
For more than just the weekend tryst through the land of luxury there are several retailers geared towards the California casual look. Some of my favorites including Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Nine West and Macy’s. Inviting home stores to peruse include The Z Gallery, Crate and Barrel and Williams Sonoma.
In the over 280 stores you will be able to find almost anything at South Coast Plaza, including a great lunch. I highly recommend Lawry’s Carvery for a slow-roasted hand-carved sandwich that will keep you going though the 2.8 million square-foot mall. Wolfgang Puck’s Cafe will satisfy a craving for a gourmet, yet casual sit-down lunch. Crossing “The Bridge” is well worth the extra walk to sit on the outdoor patio of the Champagne French Bakery Cafe for fresh-baked French pastries, espresso or mimosa.
The little tykes are not left out in this fashion mecca where you will find a full-sized carousel, The Discovery Channel store, Baby Gap, the Rainforest Café and a McDonalds for those with discriminating tastes.
If you get lost, which I have, one of the several concierge service desks will aid you in finding any additional services you may need, (including currency exchange just in case you plan to flee the country after maxing out your last credit card).
For some more California dreaming, don’t forget to check out the Porsche store where you can purchase some matching sunglasses to wear while driving home that valet-parked beauty.
For information about available services and a complete list of stores:
