When it comes to retail therapy, Orange County is arguably one of the meccas.

There are several major shopping malls within only miles of each other and each one presents its own unique shopping experience.

If you find yourself needing to get your shopping on, or just want to walk through and enjoy the sights and sounds (and maybe grab some coffee or a snack) you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. 

We’re here to present some of the best shopping centers in Orange County, and what makes them stand apart.

Let’s dive in.

THE BEST SHOPPING MALLS IN ORANGE COUNTY

1. Fashion Island

401 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 721-2000

Fashion Island is one of the more premier and well-known shopping destinations in Orange County, and in the world frankly. 

With a lineup of world-class department stores, top of the line restaurants, and a location close to the beach, this shopping mall is more of an experience than a destination.

Some of the most popular and widely-known shops and restaurants within Fashion Island include:

Neiman Marcus

Anthropologie & Co

St. John

Vineyard Vines

Whole Foods Market

Le Pain Quotidien

Be sure to also check out the various events and promotions going on throughout Fashion Island.

2. Irvine Spectrum Center

670 Spectrum Center Dr.

Irvine, CA 92618

(949) 790-4871

The Irvine Spectrum is a recently renovated 1.2 million sq ft outdoor shopping mall, filled with over 130 stores and restaurants.

With a selection of major clothing shops, popular restaurants, and entertainment, The Spectrum is a perfect place to go shop or hang out with friends and family.

One of the coolest things about The Spectrum is that they have a giant Ferris wheel that anybody can ride. They also have a kid-friendly play area equipped with a climbing sculpture called the Luckey Climber, as well as a specific area made just for your dogs.

During the holidays, they set up a giant ice rink and offer their guests a place to skate!

Some of the more popular and widely-known shops and restaurants within The Irvine Spectrum include:

H&M

Anthropologie & Co

Urban Outfitters

Target

Nordstrom

Cheesecake Factory

Dave & Busters

3. The District at Tustin Legacy

2437 Park Ave

Tustin, CA 92782

(714) 259-9090

The District is an outdoor shopping mall that provides great shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

With a 2007 opening, this shopping center is one of the more recently opened ones in Southern California.

Alongside many shops to choose from to get your shopping fix and restaurants to satisfy your hunger, The District also has the Union Market, essentially an industrial-looking mini-mall within the shopping mall itself which is complete with more restaurants, a bar, an ice cream shop, and cool little boutiques,

Some of the popular shopping, entertainment and food choices at The District include:

Fashion Camp

Milano Shoes

RA Sushi

ULTA Beauty

Whole Foods Market

Tilly’s

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches

Bowlmor Lanes

With a Costco, Target, and Lowe’s within the vicinity, you’ll be in shopping heaven when enjoying your time at The District.

4. South Coast Plaza

3333 Bristol St

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(800) 782-8888

South Coast Plaza is one of the more premier and established shopping centers in Orange County. Built-in 1967, this mall started out small but throughout the years has built itself up to one of the go-to destinations for entertainment, dining, and seemingly endless shopping.

This shopping destination brings in over 20 million visitors a year, all occupying and shopping within their massive selection of 270 stores.

South Coast Plaza is also famous for setting up and showcasing its humongous, 96 ft Christmas Tree around the holidays, and Santa Claus even makes an appearance for a short time in December. 

Some of the popular stores to shop at and restaurants to eat at include:

Apple Store

Balenciaga

Din Tai Fung

Saks Fifth Avenue

Crate & Barrel Homestore

Make sure to wear your walking shoes when spending a day at South Coast Plaza, because two stories of amazing shopping, entertainment, and fun will have you working extra hard.

5. The Outlets at Orange

20 City Blvd W

Orange, CA 92868

(714) 769-4001

The Outlets of Orange, formally known as The Block of Orange, is an open-air shopping mall with nearly 1 million square feet of shopping space and over 115 stores to get your retail therapy on.

This giant outdoor mall brings in millions of people every year to shop, watch movies on their massive AMC 30 Megaplex with IMAX, eat at some delicious food establishments, go bowling, and just walk around and have a great time.

Some of their popular shopping spots and restaurants include:

Adidas Outlet Store

Banana Republic Factory Store

Calvin Klein

Hot Topic

Lindt Chocolate

Saddle Ranch Chop House

Don’t forget to visit the Krispy Kreme right on the outskirts of The Outlets after you’re finished shopping to enjoy some world-famous donuts!

Staying in Orange County and looking for some great shopping destinations around the area? The Hotel ATRIUM is conveniently located directly across the street from John Wayne Airport and close to every major destination and event in the OC, and of course the hottest shopping malls around! If you’re looking for even more things to do around Orange County during your stay, check out our attractions page. Book your Orange County stay with Hotel Atrium today!