Things to Do in Irvine California

At Orange County Great Park, a unique bucket-list experience awaits: soar above the earth in its iconic orange balloon and enjoy breathtaking views 400 feet up! Take a tour and appreciate jaw-dropping sights that only can be experienced from above.

IMCA encompasses two collections, both chronicling California art: the Irvine Museum Collection and Buck Collection.

Shopping

Irvine is an exciting city that boasts something for every interest, from outdoor enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike. Offering everything from adrenaline rushes to nostalgic childhood experiences, Irvine provides something fun for all types of visitors.

Irvine provides its visitors with some truly unforgettable shopping experiences, from the gorgeous Irvine Spectrum Center and Great Wheel. The former features 130 shops, restaurants and pubs – even an adorable Hello Kitty Cafe! – while the latter provides unparalleled views of Irvine landscape from above.

Wine lovers will delight in taking day trips from Irvine that show both well-known and lesser-known vineyards of Orange County’s vineyard country. These tours provide a memorable way to take in both its breathtaking natural landscape and culture while learning more about this rich area’s rich heritage.

Irvine offers several expert hiking guides who will give you a captivating tour of local nature and wildlife, creating an intimate experience of it all. Hiking tours offer an ideal way to get active while taking advantage of beautiful outdoor spaces; making this activity great fun for families with kids of all ages.

Interested in exploring Irvine’s history? Visit the Irvine Museum and its two California Impressionist art collections! Additionally, this Museum also regularly hosts fixed exhibits as well as traveling exhibits to provide something new.

University of California students are well known for their athletic prowess. There are 18 sports teams at UC that range from women’s and men’s basketball, baseball and soccer – be sure to attend an Anteaters game if in town!

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a ride in the Great Park Balloon for an exhilarating adventure – it allows passengers to soar 400 feet in the air on clear days – offering breathtaking views that extend for miles!

Hiking

Irvine is known for its beautiful hiking trails and stunning outdoor destinations, making it one of the premier spots in Southern California to experience nature. No matter if you are new to hiking or an experienced adventurer – everyone will find something they enjoy here! Additionally, Irvine boasts numerous recreational activities such as golfing, tennis, fishing, swimming and horseback riding for added entertainment!

Irvine Lake is an idyllic lake where visitors can spend an enjoyable fishing excursion with family or friends. Open from 7 AM to 4 PM from Fridays through Sundays, its waters feature bass, catfish, bluegills and more to catch. Popular among both residents and visitors alike, Irvine Lake remains one of the must-do activities when visiting Irvine California.

Orange County Great Park boasts an array of hiking trails, with the Quail Loop Trail serving as an easy yet moderately strenuous hike that provides views of wildflowers, rolling hills and endless nature. Meanwhile, Bommer Canyon Trail provides another option with scenic beauty and agricultural history as it winds its way past ancient oak and sycamore groves as well as old barns and corrals from Irvine Ranch Cattle Camp.

Are you searching for an activity to captivate and entertain your little ones? Visit Pretend City Children’s Museum – home to a kid-sized cafe, post office and construction site! This non-profit museum provides an engaging and immersive experience, encouraging them to create their own world within this exciting interactive experience.

Orange County Great Park also features other exciting family activities, such as its vintage carousel and the Great Park Balloon; both offer unforgettable experiences that your whole family will remember fondly for years. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance!

Dining

Irvine offers an impressive variety of cuisines and atmospheres when dining out. This city is renowned for staying abreast of culinary trends, creating unforgettable dining experiences in every visit – from fast casual and family friendly options to fine dining, you are certain to find something sure to satisfy even the pickiest palates!

No matter the occasion – romantic dinner for two, family outing or anything in between – Irvine offers something suitable. There are many fantastic eateries dotted throughout its streets but some places really stand out.

Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar is a contemporary dining venue offering seasonal cuisine made with ingredients at their peak. In addition, they host weekly social hours featuring signature cocktails; Zero Proof Un-cocktails are great choices if you prefer alcohol-free cocktails!

At the University of California, Irvine you can catch sporting events or concerts featuring their students – better known as Anteaters since 1965 when they adopted this insectivorous animal as their mascot – so check what events are scheduled when in town and go support your favorite team! With 18 sports teams to choose from and 18 unique sporting teams representing them on campus – there’s sure to be something exciting going on during your visit!

Orange County Great Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s delight, boasting facilities spanning 1,300 acres of what was once a Marine Corps air station. No trip here would be complete without experiencing its vintage carousel ride and visiting the Great Park Gallery – two experiences you simply must experience to fully appreciate this destination!

If you’re traveling with children, Tanaka Farm will make an ideal stop. Not only can visitors admire the breathtaking views from here, but also learn about organic farming while picking up some fresh produce at their market stall. A great opportunity for all involved to get outdoors while learning where food comes from!

If you’re feeling energetic, head on over to Irvine Spectrum Center for shopping and a ride on their Giant Wheel – plus don’t miss their Improv Comedy Club which features top comedians.

Entertainment

Irvine boasts an abundance of top-class attractions that appeal to travelers of all types. Outdoor enthusiasts, food enthusiasts and history enthusiasts will all find something in Irvine.

Orange County Great Park is one of Irvine’s top attractions, opening in 2017 and offering visitors numerous activities such as riding a train, flying kites, learning about wildlife or touring the OC Zoo.

Orange County Great Park hosts many festivals throughout the year; check their events calendar to see what’s taking place during your stay. Sports enthusiasts should make time for a game at University of California (known as Anteaters due to their mascot).

One great way to spend an afternoon in Irvine is exploring San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary’s coastal freshwater wetlands, home to numerous birds of different species and offering miles of walking trails for visitors to enjoy stunning scenery while getting some fresh air and taking in breathtaking sights.

Escape Room Irvine provides an engaging and challenging activity to bring friends and family together for fun, providing an engaging team-oriented experience that requires working as part of a collective to complete tasks set before them. These games can accommodate individuals of all ages while giving you a great way to build connections among members of your group.

Visit Irvine Spectrum Center for shopping and nightlife fun. It offers breathtaking views from its huge Ferris wheel. Dave & Buster’s has plenty of games and drinks for players of all skill levels while Hello Kitty Grand Cafe caters to sweet tooths with sweet drinks and cookies as well. For comedy fans there is also Irvine Improv which regularly books big name comedians.