South Coast Plaza
A premier luxury shopping destination on the West Coast, featuring high-end boutiques, department stores, and diverse dining options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
South Coast Plaza
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier luxury shopping destination on the West Coast, featuring high-end boutiques, department stores, and diverse dining options.
"The most beautiful plaza/mall I've ever seen, offering everything you need in one place."
🚗 Parking Tips
Weekends can be hectic. Arrive early or use valet for a smoother experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the shops!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Luxury Brand Extravaganza
Explore a dazzling array of high-end designer boutiques, from Gucci to Chanel, offering the latest in fashion and accessories.
Collage Culinary Experience
Discover a vibrant food hall with diverse eateries, perfect for satisfying any craving, from Asian delights to sweet treats.
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Art & Culture Immersion
Visit the adjacent Orange County Museum of Art and the serene Noguchi Garden for a dose of culture before or after shopping.
Seasonal Spectacles
Experience the mall's festive decorations during holidays, especially the impressive Christmas tree, creating a magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Luxury Landscape
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Weekends can be hectic. Arrive early or use valet for a smoother experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the shops!
📱 Mall Directory App
Use the mall's app to easily locate stores and plan your route.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From quick bites to fine dining, explore the many culinary choices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Weekends can be hectic. Arrive early or use valet for a smoother experience.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the shops!
📱 Mall Directory App
Use the mall's app to easily locate stores and plan your route.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From quick bites to fine dining, explore the many culinary choices.
🛡️ Safety First
The mall is well-lit and has security, making it feel safe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
South Coast Plaza is widely praised for its cleanliness, safety, and extensive selection of luxury brands, making it a comfortable and impressive shopping destination. Visitors appreciate the diverse dining options and the overall upscale atmosphere. However, some find parking challenging on weekends and the high-end focus may not appeal to everyone.
"South Coast Plaza is a clean bright well lit mall that feels extremely comfortable and safe. These stores are high-end luxury stores upper brand name establishments. The mall is anchored by Bloomingdale’s Nordstrom‘s and Macy’s. The amount of luxury brands are eye watering for the discerning buyer
I will be honest, I go there weekly to get a good walk in because I feel safe there. The air is cool and there’s plenty of security keeping everybody safe. I’ve actually come to know several other couples walking around the mall there too. It’s easy to get some steps in With all the stores and their offerings to look at.
So check out the photos and you can see they have everything for everyone from jewelry to top clothing brands to even a Porsche store. You can even buy lucid electric cars there and it’s not uncommon to see Lamborghini to Aston Martin cars out on display.
For my wife, she loves Gucci to Zaborski stores. For me, it’s Breitling and TAGHeuer watches and the Porsche store, and find me the kids love Pop mart to the Lego store
I have posted as many pictures as I could of the different stores there so you can view them and see if there’s any store there that interests you. Good luck."
Daryl Yokochi
"Phantastic, georgeous!
I visited South Coast Plaza as a Teenager the last time: 39 years ago.
Didn’t remember much.
I think it’s the most beautiful plaza/mall I’ve ever seen.
Mainly recommended for well situated people.
Ladies: leave your husbands somewhere else and go and explore together with your friends."
Enikő Balázs
"Always clean with an excellent selection of haute horology and fashion houses. Dining options are diverse and high quality. Parking can be a bit of a mess on the weekends so just go around opening time on the weekdays or use their valet to get your shopping in."
Makai Yee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
South Coast Plaza is located in Costa Mesa, California. It's easily accessible by car via major freeways like the 405 and 73. Public transportation options include local bus routes. For those staying nearby, The Westin South Coast Plaza is conveniently located adjacent to the mall. +1
Yes, South Coast Plaza offers ample parking, including multi-level garages and surface lots. However, parking can be challenging on busy weekends and during holidays. Valet parking is also available for a fee.
Yes, hotels like The Westin South Coast Plaza are within walking distance, making it convenient for guests to access the mall's amenities.
Driving is the most common method. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available. Local bus services connect various parts of Costa Mesa to the mall.
South Coast Plaza is located in Orange County, about an hour's drive from Los Angeles, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, South Coast Plaza is a shopping mall and does not require tickets for general entry. You can freely explore the common areas and window shop.
South Coast Plaza typically operates from 10 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and 11 AM to 7 PM on Sundays. However, hours can vary by season and for specific holidays, so it's always best to check their official website.
General entry to the mall is free. However, individual stores, restaurants, and any special events or exhibitions held within the mall may have their own admission fees or costs.
Generally, only service animals are permitted inside South Coast Plaza. It's advisable to confirm the mall's specific pet policy before your visit.
Yes, South Coast Plaza is designed to be accessible, with features like elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores
South Coast Plaza boasts an extensive collection of stores, ranging from luxury designer brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Dior to popular mainstream retailers such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's. You can find fashion, jewelry, accessories, home goods, and more. +2
Luxury brands are a major draw at South Coast Plaza. You'll find them concentrated in various wings of the mall, including stores like Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and many others. +1
Yes, beyond the major luxury and department stores, South Coast Plaza features unique boutiques and specialty shops. Keep an eye out for brands like Gentle Monster, Reformation, and JD Sports, which have recently opened locations. +1
Absolutely. South Coast Plaza offers a wide selection of men's fashion retailers, including high-end brands and popular stores catering to various styles and budgets.
South Coast Plaza has numerous jewelry stores, from high-end luxury jewelers like David Yurman and Mikimoto to more accessible options. You can find them throughout the mall.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
South Coast Plaza offers a diverse culinary scene, from upscale restaurants like Mastro's Steakhouse to casual eateries and a vibrant food hall called Collage Culinary Experience. You can find everything from Peruvian-Chinese to Japanese and American cuisine. +1
Yes, for a date night, consider restaurants like Mastro's Steakhouse for a classic steakhouse experience or The Vox Kitchen for unique Peruvian-Chinese fusion.
Collage Culinary Experience is a two-story food hall within South Coast Plaza featuring nine unique eateries. It offers a wide variety of food concepts, including noodles, dumplings, fried chicken, mochi donuts, Korean comfort food, and craft cocktails.
Definitely. Beyond the food hall, you'll find numerous casual dining spots and quick-service restaurants throughout the mall, catering to shoppers looking for a fast and convenient meal.
Yes, you can find various coffee shops and dessert spots within South Coast Plaza and its surrounding areas. MoonGoat Coffee, a popular local cafe, has a location nearby.
📸 📸 Photography & Experiences
South Coast Plaza offers visually appealing architecture, seasonal decorations (especially during holidays), and the chance to photograph luxury storefronts. The Noguchi Garden nearby also provides artistic backdrops. +1
South Coast Plaza often hosts events, from fashion shows to art installations like Canstruction OC. They also have special holiday displays and promotions throughout the year. +2
Yes, South Coast Plaza can be a great destination for a day trip, offering a full day of shopping, dining, and even cultural experiences with the nearby museum.
The atmosphere at South Coast Plaza is generally described as clean, bright, comfortable, and safe, with a sophisticated and upscale feel due to its high-end retailers.
While primarily known for fashion and luxury goods, you might find unique items in specialty stores or department store gift sections. For more traditional souvenirs, exploring nearby areas might be more fruitful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a break from shopping, consider visiting the nearby Orange County Museum of Art or simply enjoying the mall's spacious and clean environment for a leisurely walk. The mall also hosts seasonal events and decorations, like the impressive Christmas tree, which can be a delight for younger visitors.
+1💰 Budget-Conscious Shoppers
+1Look for sales and promotions at anchor stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's, which often carry a wider range of brands and price points. Exploring the mall's architecture and enjoying the ambiance can also be a fulfilling experience without spending a fortune.
couples
For a romantic meal, consider upscale dining options like Mastro's Steakhouse or enjoy the diverse culinary offerings at the Collage Culinary Experience. The luxurious ambiance provides a perfect backdrop for a special outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Luxury Shopping Experience
+2Beyond the flagship designer stores, South Coast Plaza also features anchor department stores such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's, which offer a wider range of brands and price points. This blend ensures that while luxury is paramount, there are options for various shoppers. The presence of stores like Porsche and Lucid also highlights the mall's unique offerings, extending beyond traditional retail.
For those interested in specific luxury items, South Coast Plaza is a prime location for haute horology (high-end watches) with stores like Breitling and TAG Heuer, as well as fine jewelry from brands like David Yurman and Mikimoto. The sheer volume and quality of luxury retail make it a must-visit for serious shoppers.
Culinary Delights at South Coast Plaza
+1Beyond the food hall, the mall and its immediate surroundings host a variety of restaurants catering to different occasions and preferences. For a sophisticated dining experience, Mastro's Steakhouse is a popular choice, while The Vox Kitchen offers an intriguing fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine. Casual diners can enjoy options like TK Burgers or explore the Japanese offerings at the Mitsuwa Food Court.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite between shopping sprees or a leisurely meal, South Coast Plaza provides a comprehensive range of dining options. The variety ensures that visitors can easily find delicious food to complement their shopping excursions.
Beyond Shopping: Art, Culture, and Events
The mall itself often becomes a canvas for creativity and community engagement. Events like Canstruction OC showcase impressive structures made from canned goods, raising awareness for local food banks. Throughout the year, South Coast Plaza hosts various events, from fashion shows and product launches to seasonal celebrations, adding a dynamic layer to the visitor experience.
These cultural and event-based attractions offer visitors a well-rounded experience, proving that South Coast Plaza is more than just a place to shop; it's a vibrant hub for entertainment and community engagement.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit