Celebrating 50 years in business is a rare accomplishment, yet this OC destination has changed with the times (like not calling it a word that rhymes with maul). High-end retailers are aplenty, but there’s a definite mix of affordable and trendy brands. Kidlets know the good stuff is consolidated to street level toward the carousel, but creative types will head across the street for an extensive home-goods selection. And South Coast Plaza’s restaurants remain as forward-thinking as when the Segerstroms did nothing but farm lima beans.
3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 435-2000; www.southcoastplaza.com.
Readers’ Choice: South Coast Plaza
