Originally opened in 1967 with 70 stores, Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza today has around four times as many – between 250 to 280 boutiques and restaurants – spread across two primary buildings and nearby outparcels. The main complex, anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom connects via The Bridge of Gardens to a smaller second building with Apple, Crate & Barrel, H&M, Nike, and Pottery Barn inside. Significant boutiques include Audemars Piguet, Gucci, Hermès, Liuli, Louis Vuitton, Patek Philippe, and Tiffany, with a Polestar car showroom and a Porsche Design store centrally located.
From a kids’ carousel to toy, candy, clothing, and balloon vendors, South Coast Plaza goes out of its way to offer something for every family member. Its restaurants are also noteworthy, including Orange County’s first Din Tai Fung, the first U.S. Paradise Dynasty, unique spaces including Churriño and Terrace by Mix Mix, and locations of Claim Jumper, Mian, Moulin, PhoHolic, and others. Parking is free and abundant, though sometimes a little challenging during peak shopping periods such as the Christmas season.
