South Coast Plaza: What to Expect (2024)

Orange County has many shopping malls, but the granddaddy of them all is South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA.

South Coast Plaza is vast with a focus on luxury retailers. If you’re into designer fashion, this is the place to be.

In this post, we’ll share some highlights of South Coast Plaza.

Fun Facts about South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza is the 4th largest shopping mall in the United States and the largest in California
It boasts the highest concentration of luxury fashion stores
It was first opened in 1967
South Coast Plaza is a festive place to be during the holiday season—the entire mall is decorated and they have multiple Christmas tree displays, including a massive one in Jewel Court

South Coast Plaza’s interior is thoughtfully designed with tile, marble, and lighting enhancements. It is unmistakably upscale with many shoppers sporting attire from their favorite designer brands.

The Bridge of Gardens

The Bridge of Gardens is an outdoor structure that takes you across Bear Street to Crystal Court (another wing of the mall).

Crystal Court

Crystal Court, aka the west wing, is located on the west side of the mall and is typically not as busy—you won’t find as many high-end retailers on this side of the mall. Instead, there are furniture stores like Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, CB2, and West Elm. There are also several dining options here including Terrace by Mix Mix.