1. Irvine Spectrum Center
670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; 949-790-4871; irvinespectrumcenter.com
It’s difficult to pin down all the activity going on at any given time at Irvine Spectrum Center, but we’ll try.
Attractions include the Giant Wheel, Carousel and the Spectrum Climber — which is a three-dimensional climbing sculpture standing 18 feet tall, 49 feet wide and with 75 platforms. The Climber is located near Target and offers children adventure while challenging them to problem-solve, think spatially and have fun.
The Escape Game now also offers a new kind of experience at the center with a live 60-minute adventure. Guests can choose from various themes, including exploring space, escaping prison, taking part in a heist and more options. You and your team will have 60 minutes to uncover clues, crack codes, solve puzzles and complete your mission. The Escape Game can offer families, friends, couples and business employees something a little different to bond over.
Meanwhile, Odyssey VR offers virtual and augmented reality rides, games, races, music and parties. Guests can explore the mysteries of the metaverse with VR Holodeck Game Stations. VR Theme Park Ride Stations are geared to roller coaster and horror fans. There’s a VR Fast & Furious Race Station, E-Sports Alienware Stations and Music DJ Station, too.
Of course those are just some entertainment highlights. Don’t forget there’s plenty of dining and shopping to be done. Oh yeah, and there’s also a movie theater.
— Jessica Peralta
2. South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 800-782-8888; southcoastplaza.com
The Segerstrom family opened South Coast Plaza in 1967 on land the family farmed for 125 years. South Coast Plaza opens an average more than 25 new stores per year. Most of its designer boutiques are Orange County exclusives and many are California or West Coast exclusives.
Located on land donated by the Segerstrom family, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts — which includes the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, South Coast Repertory theater company and the Orange County Museum of Art — adds to South Coast Plaza’s cultural allure.
A visit to South Coast Plaza can also include immersive experiences, including exclusive brand installations and exhibitions. Recent and upcoming examples include pop-up installations from Bulgari, Gentle Monster and Maison Margiela, as well as collaborative events and installations with nonprofits such as American Ballet Theater, the Bowers Museum and City of Hope.
3. Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-721-2000; fashionisland.com
Fashion Island offers a retail experience that epitomizes the Newport Beach lifestyle with a curated set of designer boutiques and purveyors of luxury goods. There’s an array of dining options, from Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Blaze Pizza and Five Guys to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Great Maple and Hana Grill.
There are also special events to look out for, including Trivia Night and a Live Music Series at The Lot including country rock, jazz, classic rock and blues. Events change, so check the website for the most recent listings.
The Lot is a social hub for elevated cuisine, craft coffee, pastries, spirits and wines. With a movie theater onsite at Fashion Island, there’s also an in-theater dining menu, including fresh salads, hearth oven-baked flatbreads, sandwiches and shareable plates. There’s also popcorn flavors of chili, caramel and butter, along with traditional candy and snacks.