In the day and age of online shopping it is harder for the traditional brick and mortar malls to…read moresurvive. I see the effort that the company is making to draw more shoppers to visit the mall. They have been doing lots of improvements on the property and new tenants into the space. I've visited several new shops in the mall. Going to Round1 and Chagee to speak of a few new locations. They also hosted several community events to bring more traffic to the space.

There aren't many indoor malls in the OC area so I decided to check out The Shops. The mall is…read morehidden away from view from the Main Street but parking is relatively easy to find. The mall reminds me of the malls from the 80s except a lot more run down. It was fairly empty for a Saturday which is when I would expect to see the most people. A lot of nostalgic stores were there including a Spencers. There was a decent selection of stores from high end to normal. Majority of stores were on the normal side. The food court was a good size with a large selection. It is large and spacious with plenty of room to go mall walking on those really hot days!

Very beautiful, peaceful! Surrounded by Lake Mission Viejo! Mountains, and gorgeous homes. They…read morehave several stores, a gym and an Italian restaurant just to name a few. I will vvusut aguan soon andd check oUt more places a few more stores and will share my experience. S stay tuned!

LOVE this location!!! The property is beautiful and clean. It's also well maintained! Cute shops…read moreand restaurants in this charming center! Excellent service and selection of small businesses! In my opinion, this spot is definitely a hidden gem in Mission Viejo! Price ranges vary. If you love and greatly support small businesses, check this center out! Ample supply of parking! Highly recommended!!!

The Patio at Mission Viejo is part of the larger Village Plaza Shopping Center and sits on its…read morewestern edge facing Marguerite Parkway. It features central trellis-covered patios around which sit several restaurants, a bank, and small retail and service businesses. There are open air tables to enjoy take-out or outdoor dining. We enjoy coming here with our dog and eating al fresco at the Italian restaurant, Delizie.

Located within the Kaleidoscope Center, this place has so much potential. I came here with friends…read moreon a Saturday evening, and this area had a lively atmosphere happening. The selection of little shops, some were open and some were closed, are so cute. The shops that were open, looked inviting and friendly. The prices on items were somewhat reasonable. During the day, depending upon which day, this place can seem dead or bleak. I don't know how some businesses survive here. Overall, I enjoyed my experience. As much as I want to love the Kaleidoscope, I really liked Union Market, and I would return to this spot, just for the adorable small businesses located inside. The Kaleidoscope, itself, is really run down and disappointing. Please read my separate review on my opinion of Kaleidoscope. If you ever consider going here, most definitely head to Union Market. Enjoy!!!

I was really surprised to come to Union Market around 6pm and see how empty it was. It was…read moredisappointing to see there were only 2 restaurants open, and one of them you had to ring a bell for the people to even greet you. This space is huge and really cool with a lot of artwork on the walls. There's great potential, but I think malls are a dying breed since covid. This spot has a couple really cool retail stores, including candle making and events with crafts. They also have a good sized bar, hangout areas, foosball, corn hole and more! They even have live music! It was just so sad to see how empty it was and how many businesses have shut down. I'm thinking this space is probably used more for private events.

I may have only been to Irvine Spectrum Center maybe twice or thrice, but no more than that. For…read moreall times, I still have not seen the giant ferris wheel. The magnitude of this shopping, dining, and entertainment center is beyond compare from what I've heard. It offers over 170+ specialty stores, major department stores, well-known restaurants, and entertainment venues. That's gigantic! The premier outside shopping venue is anchored by Nordstrom and Target sharing space with so many more top brands, boutiques, and unique shops. Just to name a handful... Anthropologie, Apple, Bacio de Latte, Barnes & Noble, Build-A-Bear, Cotton On / Cotton On Body, Din Tai Fung, Fabletics, FOGO de CHAO, Georgia's, H&M, lululemon athletica, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, MINISO, Nike, Sephora, Silverlake Ramen, SomiSomi, The Melt, Urban Outfitters, Vuori, Yard House I was recently here for dinner at Yard House. Parking was a challenge for sure. Come early to make it easier for you. Anyway, I'm coming back to spend one full day exploring this place in the near future. Ferris wheel and I shall meet once! Join me in the fun and food.

I think this is a nicer shopping area than most others. It has a decent blend of popular/big-chain…read morestores, smaller stores, restaurants, and other things (like a movie theatre, carousel, and jungle gym). We went into a few stores to look around and enjoyed our time here. They basically have something for whatever you're in the mood for. It definitely is a very crowded place. There's a reason why they have soo many parking lots/areas. I'm glad we were able to come at a less busy time, but I'm sure weekend are extremely crazy. I liked the mall enough where I would come back.

What a fun and gorgeous addition to SJC! We visited on a busy Saturday and parking is a challenge…read morebut we were able to find a spot after circling around for a bit. Love the open air feel and selection of shops, restaurants and bars. The huge lawn in the middle of the center is a gathering place for families and kids along with groups of all kinds. Lots of tables and chairs available for hanging out or bringing food purchased at the food hall which has some delicious selections. I love how this area seamlessly connects to the Los Rios Historic District and the train depot. You could hop on the train, take it to SJC and spend a couple of hours wandering around both, shopping, getting a meal and grabbing a few drinks. A perfect place for families, couples and friends to spend time together in the beautiful weather.

River Street Marketplace is a development and shopping area located in San Juan Capistrano. There…read moreis ample parking ($2/hour) but you can also take the train as the Metrolink station is right there. It reminds me of the SoCo plaza in Costa Mesa but it has a pretty common vibe where there are indoor shops, outdoor seating, play areas, and restaurants. This place in particular also has some old school charms like the River Street Ranch (a petting zoo) with modern boutique shops and a food hall. It's a place to hang out when it's nice outside and it's packed with people.

Had a fun time at Kaleidoscope! Church is on Sundays so there's a lot of traffic. There's a…read moretheater, restaurants like Indian & Shabu Shabu, Color Me Mine, and there's excellent coffee!! The girl helping us at Color Me Mine was thorough and answered every possible question I might have. She was kind and never pressured us to leave! My friend and I had many choices of ceramics to choose from! There's dishes like mugs, dishes, flower vases, piggy banks, and much more. The more practical the ceramic the more value and cost. It was a beautiful sunny day with our little matcha coffee and some paint. I recommend a visit!

Goodness... I literally wish that I could give this four or five stars. The Kaleidoscope has been…read morehere a long time. It has so much potential to bring so much to the community of Mission Viejo. Management of this property is absolutely horrible. It could be so beautiful and hip, instead it's becoming a ghost town. Nothing ever lasts in this plaza. What's consistently been here has been the movie theaters and the Burke Williams spa. Everything else comes and goes. They can't even fix the escalator which has been broken for many years. The escalator steps are steep, so they're not simple stairs to go up or down if you have mobility issues. There is an elevator behind the spa if needed. I don't know why I never take them. I think I just forget that they're even there. Parking is available at street and underground level. I love going upstairs and really, that's where they could really bring in the money. There are strung lights making it so pretty and there is a fire pit right outside the theater. It really is nice. The union market would be a money maker and I love the concept of multiple food vendors, drinks, desserts, shops, etc. all in one place. Even bring in live music. There are other places with the exact concept and they bring in so much patrons. They're usually poppin' especially Thursday through the weekend. Some of the businesses still there as of May 2026 by memory. You'll need to check their online directory for the rest. 1)Burke Williams - street level inside the parking area 2)Regal Theaters - upstairs 3)Panini Kabob Grill - street level in front of the building 4)Color Me Mine - upstairs 5)Sal's Pizzeria - upstairs 6)Hana Korean BQ - upstairs 7)Mariner's Church - street level 8)Union Market - upstairs Overall I would still support businesses at The Kaleidoscope. I just wish the property management company would do a better job with the place and bring in more small business owners. I would totally be there more often if the right shops opened up.

A very calm and quieter outlet in the most southern part of the O.C. It's an outdoor outlet, with…read moreabout 100 or so shops. It's a great place to take a nice walk, while doing your shopping. Of all the stores I visited, the customer service was very chill or beachy, where no one really bothers you or try to sell you anything. Visitors and shops all seem pretty friendly. There's multiple parking lots in the area. You can also take the trolly to the outlets, if you're traveling by train. Only takes about 25 minutes if it's not too busy, or a full trolley ride. I didn't see much food choices here. but a few coffee shops. There's a noodle place that I saw that looked interesting. Maybe at my next visit.

The shops aren't too busy which is nice (expect for cars and coffee Sunday mornings from 8am-11am…read moreit's packed). The bathrooms are VERY nice and even have a lounge area! The trolly is sometimes delayed so don't relay too heavily on the timing estimate of 15-25 minutes but it's still worth waiting for if you want to head to the beach! I recommend parking in the back of the outlets for the parking is normally empty!

This center can get insane... Especially near Target…read more There is a lot going on here.... A florist, Target, Baskin Robbins, Massage Envy, Jenny Craig, Stater Brothers - with a credit union ATM inside, dry cleaner, mailboxes etc, Peppinos, gas station, bank, and so much more. Just pack some patience if its after the early morning hours, as driving through here can get a little chaotic and parking can get a bit nuts.

The Aliso Viejo Park Plaza is located @ the AV Town Center in a small courtyard area. The plaza is…read moresituated between the Stadium Brewing Co & Buffalo Wild Wings, just across from the Edwards Stadium 20 & IMAX theater. Note: Directly across from the AV Park Plaza is short term, 15 minute parking spots; great for picking up to-go orders or quick drop-ins to the local shops. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/aliso-viejo-park-plaza-aliso-viejo?select=YUD2bTZrhg-w0wFkytef3A On occasion, I'll take HAPA Boy to the town center which also has a PetSmart just around the corner, next door to the Barnes & Noble. AV Park Plaza Rules - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/aliso-viejo-park-plaza-aliso-viejo?select=19z2dYItWrZeskhrLg572A A few other shops near the AV Park Plaza: Philly's Best Cheesesteak Urban Plates (Just opened; June 26, 2017) Fatburger Mobtown Pizza Opah Restaurant & Bar Pep Boys T J Maxx Staples Superstore Ralphs Grocery Co The plaza sits adjacent to Grand Park that has a small outdoor amphitheater. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/aliso-viejo-park-plaza-aliso-viejo?select=1lszsWddNjJ1JUtkScXClA The AV Park Plaza is a nice place to sit, relax, and enjoy the fountain from one of the benches lining its perimeter. There is also landscape seating made up of concrete and artificial turf that also runs along the outside of the area; palm trees provide plenty of shade cover. On any occasion, you're likely to see kids playing hear the fountain, people taking a break from their day, and guests enjoying the outdoor seating of the Stadium Brewing Co. (Happy Hour; 3pm - 6pm) It's a great place to sit, relax, and or simply enjoy a bite to eat. Photo - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/aliso-viejo-park-plaza-aliso-viejo?select=M70cvAhyripP-2QagokP1w - Big Aloha! Food: n/a Ambiance: 4+ Service: 4 Value: 4