A Second Gucci Boutique, New South Coast Plaza Stores, and Stylist’s Tips

South Coast Day Trip
Catch a ride on the carousel, dine at elegant cafés and restaurants, and shop for the finest in Holiday presents and glamorous attire.

Holiday celebrations mean sharing activities with family and friends, as well as shopping for those same individuals— even ones who are hard to please. For an unparalleled selection of luxury goods and everyday staples, visit Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza.

Do stay hydrated and keep your strength up by fortifying yourself with beverages, small bites and well-rounded meals at the mall’s numerous  eateries. Choose from among more than 250 stores and restaurants, including anchors Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

When you arrive, check with one of the four South Coast Plaza concierge stations to quickly locate stores and restaurants you’d like to visit, or determine where events are being held. The shopping center often adds seasonal presentations or pop-up shops to accompany its regular offerings. Concierges can make restaurant reservations, provide complimentary package check, and offer currency exchange and language translation services. You can also rent a stroller or wheelchair. Ask if you are eligible for any special offers during your visit.

During December, culinary temptations include the prix-fixe lunch at Knife Pleat, a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant. The $45 threecourse “Menu du Jour” at Knife Pleat served Tuesday to Friday includes a delectable French-inspired dessert from pastry chef Germain Biotteau. Knife Pleat also offers its popular holiday afternoon tea Dec. 3, 10 and 17, along with assorted truffl tasting dinners and other delicious events. Be sure to make reservationsin advance, as these tend to sell out quickly. If you need a quick pick-me-up during your shopping stroll, consider chocolate bark or truffle from Läderach Chocolatier Suisse, or perhaps a croissant or apricot tart from Moulin.

South Coast Plaza’s location near the new Orange County Museum of Art and Segerstrom Center for the Arts makes it a natural for a post-museum tour lunch or pre-theater dinner or drinks. Restaurants walking distance from the venues include Water Grill, Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge, Costa Contemporary Kitchen, and Vaca, helmed by “Top Chef ” alum Amar Santana. Tapas, charcuterie, paellas and steaks give showgoers lots of options.

If you’re looking to take longer trips, Gucci recently opened a new ephemeral store dedicated to Gucci Valigeria, its world of travel. The travel collection complements the existing Gucci boutique in South Coast Plaza. Open through Spring 2023, it offer luggage, carry-ons, travel bags, and other accessories from the Gucci Savoy collection, featured in the recently unveiled Gucci Valigeria campaign starring actor Ryan Gosling.

Besides enjoying spectacular shops and inviting eateries, SCP visitors can indulge in a musical carousel ride. South Coast Plaza has two carousels. The original in Carousel Court made its debut at the 1967 shopping center opening. Its classic carousel horses take some holiday time off during the year, making room for bunnies dressed in bright jackets during spring, while Santa’s reindeer leap on the carousel every November. A second carousel, featuring horses named after characters in the King Arthur legend, opened in 1990 in the Crate & Barrel/Macy’s Home Store wing. Parents who accompany a child shorter than the required height of 43 inches are charged only for the child’s ride. However, parents who really want to ride their own reindeer, horse or bunny must purchase their own $2 admission.

Valet parking $10; (714) 384-0452. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. southcoastplaza.com

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