We may not have the celebrities per-square-mile as Los Angeles but we do attract a fair share of celebrity residents and visitors who prefer our coastal towns to that pesky “thirty mile zone.” Kobe Bryant raises his daughters in a palatial Newport Beach estate, Ryan Sheckler practices his kick-flips in his San Clemente backyard, and Michelle Pfeiffer owns a vacation home in Newport Harbor. The following destinations offer more celebrity sightings than a Hollywood movie premiere and don’t require a daytrip filled with traffic.
South Coast Plaza
Where else will you find numerous A-listers hobnobbing with the commoners other than the mammoth shopping center that is South Coast Plaza? Orange County’s premiere shopping destination includes Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Chanel with many more luxury retailers beckoning celebrities faster than their agents. Sandra Bullock, Kobe Bryant, and Kate Beckinsale are known to do their holiday shopping at “The Plaza” and fellow shoppers are likely to spot regulars Kristin Cavallari, Kim Kardashian and Paul Walker window shopping.
South Coast Plaza is located at 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, Calif., 800.782.8888
Ra Sushi
Looking to do sake-bombs next to Audrina Patridge or nibble edamame across from Jaime Pressly? Then look no further than Ra Sushi; Huntington Beach’s premiere hot spot for celebrities, sushi, and seriously good times. Celebs and locals enjoy the Happy Hour menu that offers $2 sake and discounted appetizers including their signature Pineapple Cream Wontons and Tuna Nigiri.
Ra Sushi is located at 155 5th St., Huntington Beach, Calif., 714.536.6390
Detroit Bar
The Detroit bar offers something most L.A. establishments cannot: anonymity. Celebs won’t find paparazzi waiting at the entrance or TMZ cameramen standing by the valet. What they will find is a mid-century fireside lounge, two pool tables, and “kick ass” jukebox, essential items for having a great time sans prying eyes. Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, and Shia Lebeouf all frequent the space to hear live indie-rock, shoot a game of pool and enjoy the libations.
Detroit Bar is located at 843 West 19th St., Costa Mesa, Calif.,949.642.0600
A Restaurant
Owned by Mark McGrath, and a who’s who of Orange County businessmen, you’ll never know whom you’re sitting next to at this Newport Beach landmark. The dark leather booths, hardwood walls and low lighting would make the Rat Pack feel at home and the drinks would make Ol’ Blue Eyes proud. Besides the traditional martini, regulars insist upon the Root Beer Vodka float, a signature must-have for every patron.
A Restaurant is located at 3334 West Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, Calif., 949.650.6505
Mosun
Sushi, and Sake, and clubbing, oh my! This trendy Laguna Beach restaurant and nightclub has been a celebrity hot spot since the late 90s and shows no sign of slowing down. The former cast of The Hills including Lauren Conrad, Brody Jenner, and Lo Bosworth are known to enjoy the Saturday night tunes and Toro. Mosun has long been a rendezvous spot for secret celebrity romances including Heather Locklear and David Spade and LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian.
Mosun is located at 680 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, Calif., 949.497.5646
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