South Coast Plaza

This monster is the third largest mall in the US, and it's not shy when it comes to talking about its size. There are nearly 300 stores here in all, and chains dominate, of course, but whatever you want, the mall probably stocks it somewhere, whether in one of the five department stores (from Sears to Saks Fifth Avenue), the vast array of fashion retailers, or in one of innumerable specialist stores that sell everything from jewelery to sneakers. The shops here are known for throwing special events, sales and contests, so check the website before you go to see what's happening.