Perhaps Orange County thumbed its nose the slightest bit when it created South Coast Plaza, the biggest shopping center in the nation. What with over 24 million visitors a year, it's a worldwide attraction in itself. Brea Mall is nearly as large, if not quite so famous.

Fashion Island is a different kind of shopping extravaganza. It's outdoor rather than indoor, taking full advantage of its location on the coast. Two hundred shops sprawl out in the open air, along with a Venetian Carousel. If you like a more strictly themed shopping experience, check out Downtown Disney District. The World of Disney and its Disney wares may be the most notable store, but this is more than a strip of Houses of Mouse. The nightlife is great fun as well.

The Block at Orange is another open air "district" with great shops (and plenty of retail outlets), but plenty of other stuff to entertain you between store hopping. Check out the world's largest skate park and the themed restaurants.

Irvine Spectrum Center has shops aplenty . . . as well as a giant Ferris Wheel, one of the largest movie theaters in the United States, and a carousel. The Village at Orange is also outdoor and if its atmosphere is less exciting, it's immense.