I was so fortunate to grow up in the amazing Orange County, “The OC” California. Orange County has evolved so much since I moved there from LA when I was just 6 years old, but so many elements of nostalgia are forever preserved in my favorite spots growing up. Here are my favorite spots in Orange County, California!
Costa Mesa: The Camp, The Lab, and South Coast Plaza
The Lab Anti-mall is the perfect quaint spot to get away from busy plazas and fast fashion. It’s complete with Buffalo Exchange, a curated second-hand clothing store, plenty of relaxed seating, and of course, Goodtown Doughnuts. Goodtown features vegan donuts which in my opinion have the best light flakey texture of any vegan donut that I’ve tried.
The Camp is The Lab’s sister spot across the street, both of which I sought many days of solitary solace back in the stressful pre-med days. Blackmarket Bakery has the best funky pink and black skull aesthetic with freshly-baked bread. I would frequent Native Foods which no longer exists there, however the newly-opened Folks pizza is a great replacement. The Camp also features clothing boutiques and even a hidden brewery out back.
I remember back when South Coast Plaza was just a regular mall! We even attended one of those cheesy mall concerts there one time. It’s now definitely the upscale shopping destination of Orange County. I love its Asian flare with a Uniqlo and Marugame Udon right across from it.
Shreya discovered Veg’d vegetarian/vegan fast food in Costa Mesa and I fell in love! The concept is definitely a unique one.
Irvine: Irvine Spectrum, Culver Plaza, Bommer Canyon
Culver Plaza nearby my house holds a special place in my heart, being walking distance enough to visit “off campus” when I was in high school. Next to the Trader Joe’s they now have the yummy Omomo Boba and Wanderlust Creamery with their unique flavors nearby. RIP to my all-time OG favorite spot in Irvine with their spicy tofu and chow mein, Wheel of Life :'(.
I remember when Irvine Spectrum was a much more basic outdoor shopping strip with a limited number of shops, street artists, and a cool glow-in-the-dark store. Once again so much has changed – for the better! I spent countless afternoons here on my own perusing the shops. It has become elevated like never before with spots I could have never imagined like Beyond Yoga and a Bite Lip Lab.
Bommer Canyon is our family’s go-to trail nearby that features rolling hills and Irvine’s best desert-forest landscape combo.
City of Orange: Downtown Orange
Downtown Orange is another quaint area that feature more vintage and antique shops than I’ve seen in other parts of OC. There is even a nice Urth Caffe there.
Tustin: Old Town Tustin and The District
The District was another one of my go-to alone-time places, albeit it has not evolved nearly as much as the others. The Yellow Chilli is probably one of the most unique attractions, and it used to feature a mini food hall. Otherwise it’s really just a cozy combination of basic spots including an AMC movie theater, In-n-out, Whole Foods, TJ Maxx, Ulta, and Target.
Old Town Tustin is another hidden gem amidst the OC life. It’s a quaint area with a limited selection of boutiques and restaurants that is quite charming. One of my favorite vegan restaurants, Freesoulcaffe, resides here.
Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, and Laguna Beach
South of Long Beach and then Huntington Beach comes Newport Beach. Fashion Island in Newport Beach is another upscale outdoor mall destination that is beautiful and worth visiting. Newport Beach is also home to the fun Balboa Island.
Corona del Mar is another beach town worth visiting. Along the beachside streets is Avila’s El ranchito amidst other shops and restaurants. Laguna Beach is also a beautiful town. Walking on S Coat Highway, you will find the upscale and modern Mexican spot South of Nick’s.
Along all these beach cities there is plenty of natural beauty to explore. Crystal Cove in Newport Beach is a great go-to beach visiting area. Balboa Park. You can even take a trip off the coast to Catalina Island!
These were my favorite spots in Orange County, California. Check out my other California favorites!
