Irvine offers plenty of attractions and fun things to do and see. Explore the outdoor venues, visit the museums and historic sites to learn about Irvine, relax and take a leisurely walk in the parks, learn and create art at the art center, take in the natural beauty at the Arboretum. The city has plenty of wonderful activities and annual events to enjoy. There is something for everyone here!
Enjoy Bird’s Eye View at Orange County Great Park!
Image By Ganeshk (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
Orange County Great Park offers panoramic view of Southern California from 400 feet above the ground abroad the Great Park Balloon. Outdoor lovers of all inclinations will love this spot as there is always something happening at this park, from the rotating art gallery to children’s gardening workshop and great park farmers market. It offers wide variety of activities for kids and adults alike. Kids can climb over the rocks, ride the carousel and see the faux cave at the rock playground. To know the Orange County Great park history, there is a walkable history timeline. Other attractions of the park include Farm Food Lab, Palm Court Arts Complex and North Lawn Recreation Area.
Address: C Street, Irvine, CA 92618, United States
Phone: 1 949-724-6247
Opening hours: Thursday & Friday: 10:00am-10:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am-9:00pm (hours vary depending on the park amenities)
Go arty at Irvine Museum!
Map data: Google, DigitalGlobe
Irvine Museum is the only museum in Orange County that features rotating exhibits of California Impressionist art. Check out the beautiful paintings of California landscapes by some well-known artists. Artists featured include Joan Irvine, Emil Kosa Jr., Franz A. Bischoff, Phil Dike, Alson Skinner Clark, and many more. Experience California through the eyes of artists!
Address: 18881 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92612, United States
Phone: 1 949-476-0294
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Relive Irvine history at Irvine Historical Museum!
Situated in the San Joaquin Ranch House, the Irvine Historical Museum features the history of Irvine. Learn how the city started, how people lived in the area and explore the history of the area through displays, stories and crafts. It is one of the oldest standing structures within the limits of Irvine Ranch. The museum showcases the rich and unique heritage of Irvine Ranch, which was once the largest private ranch in the US. Also, there is a wide array of photo collection and a research library featuring local historic information.
Address: 5 San Joaquin, Irvine, CA 92612, United States
Phone: 1 949-786-4112
Opening hours: Tuesday and Sunday: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Learning and Fun for Kids at Pretend City Children’s Museum!
Image By Ermalfaro (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a small pretend city with seventeen interactive exhibits and activities that help kids to gain experience, discover their potential, learn science, reading and math skills, and build their own adventures and future. It has a police station, cafe, an amphitheatre, library, farm, post office, health center, and other interactive areas. Kids here learn through role playing, hands-on learning exhibits and educational programs. Kids play grown-up by role-playing- going to work, collecting money from an ATM, doctor visits, create art at art studio, and grocery buying.
Address: 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618, United States
Phone: 1 949-428-3900
Opening hours: Monday: 10:00am-1:00pm; Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Explore Nature at UC Irvine Arboretum!
Image Daderot at en.wikipedia [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons
The UC Irvine Arboretum features an extensive collection of South African plants and plants in the South California area, particularly Irvine. It houses South African Bulb Garden where flowers blossom throughout the year. The plant species here are Oak woodland, Baja California, Aloe gardens, the California Channel Islands, grasslands, inland desert and Mojave Desert. A unique flora is on display!
Address: Campus Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660, United States
Phone: 1 949-824-5833
Pay respect to war Heroes at the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial!
The Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial is the only memorial in the nation to honor all of the American service members who lost their lives in wars of Iraq and Afghanistan. Public ceremonies take place on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Stop by and pay homage to the war heroes!
Address: 4531 Bryan Avenue, Irvine, CA 92620, United States
Phone: 949-724-6728
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-9:00pm; Saturday: 9:00am-10:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Walk around the San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary!
Image By David Eppstein (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary is a 300-acres freshwater marsh with wildlife, an arboretum and birdhouses. It has over 200 species of birds and 12 miles of trails for birdwatchers, hikers, joggers and walkers. Enjoy the beauty of nature, smell flowering plants, do some bird watching, spot wildlife while enjoying the trails in beautiful environs. A fave spot of birdwatchers! Do bring your binoculars.
Address: 5 Riparian View, Irvine, CA 92612, United States
Phone: 1 949-453-5300
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Outdoor fun at Irvine Regional Park and Irvine Park Railroad!
Image By Cbeekman (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Irvine Regional Park features horseback riding, biking and walking trails, picnic areas, pony rides for kids, train rides, softball fields, volleyball courts, paddleboats, snack bar, and a variety of flora and fauna. The Irvine Park Railroad is a 12-minute train ride through scenic Irvine Regional Park. Take a leisurely walk along the trail, ride horses, experience the natural beauty, take the kids to the swings, wander about and go birding, and indulge in outdoor activities.
Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869, United States
Phone: 1 714-973-6835
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Explore the agricultural history of Orange County at Irvine Ranch Historic Park!
Map data: Google, DigitalGlobe
The Irvine Ranch Historic Park is the site of the headquarters of Original Irvine Ranch. It has numerous original buildings and structures, including the James Irvine II home, residential buildings and several barns. It features the agricultural history of the Irvine area and Orange County. Explore the history and outdoors among the wonderful flora.
Address: 13042 Old Myford Rd, Irvine, CA 92602, United States
Phone: 1 949-923-3748
Catch a musical show at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre!
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Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre features musical acts and festivals by well-known artists. It is an outdoor concert venue with stadium seating arrangement featuring a great line-up of musical events and festivals. It is one of the Orange County’s largest amphitheatres.
Address: 8808 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618, United States
Phone: 1 949-855-8095
Best Tourist Spots in Irvine Map Guide
