South Coast Plaza: Arts, Entertainment and Dining in a California Cultural Hub

The largest shopping center on the West Coast of the U.S. is situated next to incredible art and cultural experiences. The nearby Segerstrom Center for the Arts boasts multiple indoor and outdoor stages. Tony award-winning theater productions, classical and contemporary musical guests, orchestras, operas and film festivals are just a few of the stunning spectacles you’ll find on the center’s slate of year-round offerings. For a taste of the silver screen, catch the latest movies at the Regal Edwards Metro Point, located just across the street from South Coast Plaza. When it’s time to get outdoors, hit the links at a number of area golf courses, and enjoy fun in the sun at Pacific Ocean beaches a short drive away.

Want to elevate your shopping trip? Explore all the fine art experiences South Coast Plaza and the surrounding area have to offer to create a truly special and memorable trip. Don’t miss a visit to the Orange County Museum of Art, where over 4,500 contemporary works are on display in a stunning building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne. The museum’s permanent collection prominently features many California artists who have created exclusive art pieces you’ll only find here. Other galleries feature traveling collections, meaning that every trip to the museum is different. Deepen your enjoyment by taking advantage of guided tour programs and kid-friendly activities, including an on-site movie theater showing both new films and cinematic classics. Stop and explore Isamu Noguchi’s California Scenario, a peaceful sculpture garden depicting features of California’s unique geography using plants and building materials native to the Golden State. You’ll savor up-close looks at California Scenario and 13 other fascinating public art installations along the Costa Mesa Sculpture Tour, a self-guided trail that takes you around the grounds of South Coast Plaza.

South Coast Plaza stands out as a unique culinary destination with over 30 distinct eateries, from casual dining to critically acclaimed entrees. Reserve a table for lunch or dinner at Michelin-starred Knife Pleat to enjoy elegant French dishes created by chef Tony Esnault. Knife Pleat’s luxurious location in the penthouse of South Coast Plaza makes for a sumptuous dining experience you won’t soon forget. Authentic Spanish cuisine is the star of bold eatery VACA, the creation of Chef Amar Santana, who you may recognize from successful appearances on the television shows Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars. Delight your palate with modern tapas, impeccable seafood paellas and innovative twists on Spanish cocktails. Weekend brunch is a California tradition that’s just as fun as it is tasty, and several South Coast Plaza establishments offer special selections on Saturday and Sunday. One great option, TERRACE by Mix Mix, offers groundbreaking French-Filipino fusion cuisine; it’s located in the heart of the shopping center, so you can get right back to retail therapy after enjoying a great meal.

Getting to South Coast Plaza is easy: Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are both within close proximity of Costa Mesa and offer many international flights. The complex is located just off Interstate 405 with access to public transit.