Shopping Guide to The OC

It’s more than just beautiful beaches, sparkling ocean views, and million dollar homes, Orange County offers an array of shopping centers. From luxury shopping at South Coast Plaza to unique boutiques at the OC Mix Mart, Orange County’s swank and stylish surroundings deliver a shopping oasis. Here are the best shopping destinations in the OC.

Anaheim Packing District

Located in the heart of Downtown Anaheim is a new, up-and-coming section from the creative minds behind Costa Mesa’s the Camp and the Lab. The area surrounding City Hall is making use of the historic Packard Building where the hit LA-based Umami Burger has opened as well as the Anaheim Citrus Packing House, which will be home to several food purveyors.  Along Center Street Promenade, check out Look Boutique for chic clothing or sunshine state inspired men’s clothing shop GOOD.

Anaheim GardenWalk

Conveniently located next to Disneyland is an outdoor promenade of shopping, dining and entertainment. Shop at a variety of stores like White House | Black Market, Harley-Davidson, Lush or O’Neill . Find entertainment at Bowlmor Lanes, UltraStar Cinemas, or visit Heat Ultra Lounge.

Balboa Island

With one of the most expensive real estate markets in North America, this small island in the middle of Newport Harbor is home to approximately 70 quaint boutiques, eateries, and coffee houses. After a day of exploring the area, be sure to have a frozen treat from the famous Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop.

Balboa Peninsula

Accessible by car or by ferry from Balboa Island, this three-mile-long stretch of sandy beaches has stores scattered up and down the beach. From beachwear to gift shops to art galleries, this is the perfect place to meander up and down the boardwalk while browsing the charming boutiques, restaurants and gift shops along the waterfront. Check out No Rest for Bridget for chic women’s clothing.

Bella Terra

This outdoor shopping center is beautifully landscaped with fountains and plenty of patio seating in a coastal-casual style. Stores include Barnes & Noble, Diane’s Beachwear and No Rest for Bridget.

The CAMP

“Go-green” enthusiasts will find refuge at The CAMP, the green gathering spot offers a hippie-chic-desert design and includes eco-department store SEED People’s Market, Patagonia and Active Ride Shop. On the last Tuesday of every month from 6-9pm is the SoBeCa “South on Bristol Entertainment, Culture and Arts” ARTwalk.

Corona del Mar Plaza

Located just off Coast Highway is this Mediterranean-style shopping center with shops, restaurants, gourmet markets and more. Stores include Tommy Bahama, Sur la Table and Savory Spice Shop. On a warm day, locals flock here to grab an ice cream cone from Sprinkles Ice Cream. Just be prepared for a long line.

Corona del Mar Village

This seaside community winding along Coast Highway is filled with quaint specialty stores, fabulous restaurants and tree-lined streets with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Newport Harbor. Favorites include Holly Sharp for chic women’s clothing and for home décor check out Bliss Home and Design. An afternoon stroll through this charming town will not disappoint.

Crystal Cove Shopping Center

Exclusive designer boutiques with views of the Pacific Ocean amid this Mediterranean-inspired center reflect the gorgeous coastal community it serves. From beauty salons like Bellagio Spa & Salon to women’s designer clothing at Piajeh, this is the perfect destination for a relaxed, outdoor shopping experience with plenty of sidewalk and courtyard seating.

The District at Tustin Legacy

One-million square-foot, open-air shopping center featuring outdoor fireplaces, fountains, giant video walls and a performance stage amid landscaped grounds. Stores include Tilly’s, DSW as well as Whole Foods, Target and Loews.

Fashion Island

With the sun perpetually shining in The OC, its no wonder that one of the best shopping scenes is located in a beautiful, sun-soaked outdoor setting. With beautifully landscaped grounds, fountains, ocean views and even a koi pond, its no wonder that Fashion Island is Newport Beach’s premiere shopping destination. There’s even a complimentary trolley service throughout the center and parking areas. Major department stores include Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. Famous celebrity shopping store Los Angeles’ Kitson recently opened its doors here as well.

Irvine Spectrum Center

Home to one of the largest movie theaters on the west coast, the Irvine Spectrum or simply “The Spectrum” is a giant outdoor shopping complex with large-name department stores including Nordstrom and Macy’s. While the higher-end designer stores are absent, The Spectrum is the ideal place to bring the whole family for a fun day of shopping.  The kids will especially love the giant Ferris wheel, carousel and kiddie train. It isn’t difficult to miss this center, especially at night when a white obelisk featuring the word “spectrum” is vertically projected onto it.

The LAB

Once a night vision goggle factory, the LAB, which stands for “Little American Business” is the OC’s renowned urban youth “anti-mall.” With a mix of boutique shops, one-of-a-kind eateries and artistic happenings, the relaxed outdoor setting delivers. Check out newly-added men’s store Klein Epstein & Parker and Southern California based bookstore As Issued or explore the carefully crafted jewelry and accessories at The Shangri-La.

Mariner’s Mile

Cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway is composed of a variety of stores, automotive dealers, restaurants and marine-related businesses. It is home to the iconic, waterfront boutique A’maree’s, a family-run business since the early 1970s.  For a mix of unique boutiques and cool 60’s retro vibe, The Cove on PCH delivers a hip shopping experience.

The Market Place

With over 165 acres of shops, restaurants and entertainment, this outdoor shopping complex straddles Irvine on one side and Tustin on the other. The center offers White House | Black Market, Dick’s Sporting Goods, a movie theater and many casual dining options.

Metro Pointe

Showcasing classic California/Italian architecture, this open-air shopping center features a festively decorated pedestrian concourse joins traditional retail with an upscale entertainment center offering a marketplace atmosphere, colorful kiosks, and al fresco dining focused around a picturesque fountain. In addition to a 12-theater cinema, retail stores include Best Buy, Nordstrom Rack and Marshalls. Metro Pointe has live music and entertainment every Friday and Saturday from 6:30-9:30pm and Sunday during the summer months from 6-9pm.

The OC Mix

This upscale, hipster center is home to locally owned boutiques and specialty food stores set amid California-desert grounds, fire pits and fountains which create a relaxed atmosphere. Home to locally owned boutiques and specialty shops like jewelry stores, an insane oyster bar and a full service cheese shop. On Saturdays from 9am-2pm, there is a farmers market as well as several food trucks that gather in the parking lot.

The Old Pottery Place

Among the most historically significant sites in Laguna Beach, the Old Pottery Place is home to a collection of distinctive shops, specialty food stores, restaurants and more. Blue Eyed Girl is the hot spot for women’s fashion while Jack Thomas at Home is the go-to for unique, clever home-style décor.

The Shops at Mission Viejo

This indoor shopping center has 150 stores and restaurants including Apple, Z Gallerie and lululemon as well as large department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy’s.

South Coast Plaza

Known as Southern California’s premiere shopping destination, South Coast Plaza is an internationally recognized shopper’s paradise with an unrivaled collection of over 250 boutiques and award-winning restaurants.  Not only is it the largest shopping center on the west coast, but it is also home to some of the most luxurious stores in the world including Harry Winston, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Chloé.

The Strand

Just one block from the Huntington Beach pier is a two-block row of stores and restaurants providing a perfect spot for fun and relaxation. Be sure to check out retailers like Rip Curl and Love Lola Boutique.