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COSTA MESA COSTA MESA is magical by night, above right; al fresco dining makes everyone's day, above. DINE, » SHOP,IN A TAKE SHOW! Costa Mesa Conference & Visitor Bureau travelcostamesa.com 12 8 2013 travel guide to c al ifo r n i a GREAT VACATIONS , no matter where they occur, involve three essential ingredients—superb shopping, dining and entertainment. Costa Mesa, known as the City of the Arts,™ offers this desirable trio in spades, with endless options for every taste. For the diehard shopper, South Coast Plaza is a destination unto itself. It's so luxurious it boasts a concierge, VIP suite, valet parking and a variety of great hotels within easy walking distance (though you may need to board their complimentary hotel shuttle after accumulating your purchases). More than 250 shops vie for attention in a dazzling display of the latest fashions, furnishings and every lifestyle accoutrement you could desire. Armani's there, along with Prada, Gucci and, for the literary cognoscenti, Assouline. A carousel entertains the kiddies and a year-round calendar of special events keeps nonshoppers entertained. When hunger strikes, dining choices range from McDonald's to Mastro's Steakhouse, and both Charlie Palmer and Wolfgang Puck have established a following within the center. Beyond by maribeth mellin the center, the city's ethnic populace is reflected in abundant Italian, Japanese and Mexican restaurants. Not all that glitters involves commerce. Costa Mesa is home to a vibrant arts scene as well. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, with its magnificent Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall designed by Cesar Pelli, is a world-class performing arts facility featuring Broadway shows, top dance troupes and concerts by artists such as the legendary Tony Bennett. Noguchi Garden, more formally called Isamu Noguchi's California Scenario, was commissioned by the Segerstrom family (the developers of South Coast Plaza) as a 1.6-acre sculpture oasis. Nearby, South Coast Repertory is a professional resident theater recognized for producing new works by emerging playwrights. Should outdoor entertainment be on your itinerary, Costa Mesa borders two of Southern California's most iconic beach communities. To the north, Huntington Beach rightfully claims the name Surf City USA. To the south, Newport Beach is both funky and stylish—just the place to show off your new SoCal wardrobe. CA COSTA MESA CONFERENCE & VISITOR BUREAU Fine dining, shopping and arts