1. Irvine Spectrum Center
670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; 949-790-4871; irvinespectrumcenter.com
It’s difficult to pinpoint all the current activity going on at the Irvine Spectrum Center, but we’ll try.
Attractions include the Giant Wheel, Merry-go-round and Spectrum Climber, a three-dimensional climbing sculpture that is 18 feet tall, 49 feet wide and has 75 platforms. The climbers are located near targets and provide adventure for kids while stimulating problem solving, spatial thinking and having fun.
Escape Games also offers a new type of experience at the center – 60-minute live adventures. Guests can choose from a variety of themes, including space exploration, escaping a prison or taking part in a heist. You and your team have 60 minutes to find clues, crack codes, solve puzzles and complete the mission. Escape Games offers a unique bonding experience for families, friends, couples and business staff.
Meanwhile, Odyssey VR offers virtual and augmented reality rides, games, races, music and parties. Guests can explore the mysteries of the Metaverse at the VR Holodeck Gaming Station. The VR Theme Park Ride Station is for rollercoaster and horror fans. There is also a VR Fast & Furious Racing Station, an Esports Alienware Station and a Music DJ Station.
Of course, these are just some of the entertainment highlights, and don’t forget there’s plenty of dining and shopping to choose from, too. Oh, and there are movie theaters, too.
Jessica Peralta
2. South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa; 800-782-8888; southcoastplaza.com
The Segerstrom family opened South Coast Plaza in 1967 on land that had been a farm for 125 years. South Coast Plaza averages more than 25 new stores each year, with most of its designer boutiques exclusive to Orange County, and many exclusive to California or the West Coast.
Located on land donated by the Segerstrom family, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is home to the Rene and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, South Coast Repertory Theatre and the Orange County Museum of Art, adding to the cultural appeal of South Coast Plaza.
Visitors to South Coast Plaza will also enjoy immersive experiences including exclusive brand installations and exhibitions. Recent and upcoming examples include pop-up installations from Bvlgari, Gentle Monster and Maison Margiela, as well as collaborative events and installations with non-profit organizations such as American Ballet Theatre, Bowers Museum and City of Hope.
3. Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-721-2000; fashionisland.com
Fashion Island offers a shopping experience that embodies the Newport Beach lifestyle with a carefully curated selection of designer boutiques and luxury stores, and a variety of dining options ranging 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 featured special events, such as trivia nights and a live music series in The Lot featuring country rock, jazz, classic rock, blues, etc. Events change so check the website for the most up-to-date listings.
The Lot is a social hub serving fine cuisine, craft coffee, pastries, spirits and wine. Fashion Island also houses a movie theater and offers an in-theater food menu with fresh salads, oven-baked flatbreads, sandwiches and shareable plates. Popcorn flavors like chili, caramel and butter are also available, along with traditional candies and snacks.
