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Holiday shopping season officially begins this week with what retailers call Black Friday. Like it or not, you’ll be spending part of the next 32 days in a mall, so why not Orange County, where the parking lots are vast and the recreational options plenty?

Heads can’t help but spin when confronted with the high-end designer boutiques here (3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa). If your shopping objective is strictly luxury goods, stick to the Jewel Court area, home to classics such as Chanel ([714] 754-7455) and Hermes ([714] 437-1725) as well as recent additions such as Marni ([714] 380-3155) and Versace ([714] 380-3237). If time is of the essence, head to the sleek, new Bloomingdale’s ([714] 824-4600). The department store stocks items from most of the designers found in the Jewel Court.

One can’t imagine a food court within a stone’s throw of Armani, so dining options fall between cafes and restaurants (however, Del Taco and McDonald’s are available). For finer palates, there’s the chic interior and French cuisine at Marche Moderne ([714] 434-7900), which serves moules frites and foie gras for business lunches and mother-daughter brunches. Families with younger children may opt for the Amazon-themed chain Rainforest Cafe ([714] 424-9200), where you can eat chicken fingers amid fake thunder.

South Coast Plaza

DESIGNERS WITHIN REACH

FRENCH FRIED

CULTURE . . . IN A MALL?

Across the Bridge of Gardens is the Orange Lounge ([949] 759-1122, Ext. 272), the Orange County Museum of Art’s space devoted to video, computer and other new media-based art. A video installation by Joseph Grigely is up until Jan. 6, while a laptop lounge lets you view the current online exhibitions. The dose of culture might help the extravagant splurges go down much easier.

The Lab/The Camp

HIPSTER HAVEN

As the self-proclaimed “anti-mall,” the Lab (2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa) bears a closer resemblance to a commune (it was formerly a night-vision goggle factory). Hipsters flock to its stores for urban street wear and funky accessories. After perusing the limited-edition sneakers at Blends ([714] 241-0666) and the arty T-shirts from Japanese-based boutique Great Laundry ([714] 751-8700), grab a cup of organic joe at bohemian hangout Gypsy Den, below ([714] 549-7012). Round out your visit with a trip through the ARTery, an exhibit space made of converted shipping containers dedicated to showcasing local artists.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

If the Lab is the progressive, rebel child, then the Camp (2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa) across the street is its eco-friendly, health-conscious sibling. The wooden walkways lined with tranquil ponds and rock gardens offer an escape from suburban sprawl, as does a class at Bikram Yoga ([714] 429- 7900). Vegans might grab a bite at gourmet cafe Native Foods ([714] 751-2151) or shop at Humanitaire ([714] 708-3386), a boutique selling animal-friendly, sweatshop-free clothing and accessories. Mountaineers can gear up at outdoor outfitter Adventure 16 ([714] 427-0410), while water lovers dive into Liburdi’s Scuba Center ([714] 662-7230).

Irvine Spectrum

FUN OFF THE 405

This dining and shopping oasis (71 Fortune Drive, Irvine) is surrounded by office buildings and not much else. The usual crop of mall shops fills its maze-like corridors, but the Spectrum really shines in its recreation options. Kids and couples can test their threshold for vertigo on the Giant Wheel, above, and the Carousel. The fun continues at Dave & Buster’s ([949] 727-0555), the arcade palace where Skee-Ball can be played with a beer in hand. If you’re looking for more adult fare, catch a show at Improv Comedy Club ([949] 854-5455).

CHAIN OF FOOD

Though the restaurant selection consists mostly of chains, some offer specials to lure ambivalent diners. The Fish Market ([949] 727-3474) hosts monthly classes on how to cook -- what else? -- seafood. Still have room for more? Feast on Maki-Maki’s ([949] 341-9000) weekend all-you-can-eat sushi and seafood buffet. Once you’re stuffed, end the night at Fox Sports Grill ([949] 753-1369), which transforms into an ultra-lounge on Fridays.

-- Enid.Portuguez@latimes.com