Irvine Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, California, Irvine is a vibrant and thriving city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and technological innovation. Known for its meticulously planned urban landscape and abundance of green spaces, Irvine is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

One of the highlights of Irvine is its extensive network of parks and nature reserves, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Irvine Regional Park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, boasting scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and a serene lake where visitors can rent paddle boats. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, the San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary offers a tranquil retreat with its sprawling wetlands, abundant wildlife, and picturesque walking trails.

In addition to its natural beauty, Irvine is also home to a thriving cultural scene. The Irvine Museum showcases an impressive collection of California Impressionist art, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the region. For a taste of local culture, the Irvine Barclay Theatre hosts a diverse range of performances, including dance, theater, and music, featuring both local talent and internationally renowned artists.

Irvine's commitment to innovation and technology is evident in its numerous research institutions and tech companies. The University of California, Irvine is renowned for its cutting-edge research in fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Visitors can explore the campus and attend public lectures or exhibitions to get a glimpse of the groundbreaking work being done.

When it comes to dining, Irvine offers a plethora of options to satisfy every palate. From trendy farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisines, the city's culinary scene is as diverse as its population. The Diamond Jamboree Plaza is a popular destination for food lovers, featuring a wide array of Asian cuisines, while the Irvine Spectrum Center offers a mix of upscale dining options and casual eateries.

Alternative names: Population: 256.9 thous.Area: 66.45 mi²Elevation: 59 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 33°40'20"N, 117°49'8"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Irvine Top Attractions

Irvine Attractions - What to See and Explore

Irvine offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wild Rivers, Islamic Center of Irvine, Jeffrey Open Space, Blue Gum Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Park
Wild Rivers
Wild Rivers is a water park in Irvine, California, United States. It opened in July 1986 on the site of the former Lion Country Safari. Following the expiration of its lease with The Irvine Company, it closed on September 25, 2011.
Mosque • Northwood
Islamic Center of Irvine
The Islamic Center of Irvine is a mosque and Islamic community center founded by the local Muslim community in the city of Irvine, California on August 28, 2004.
Park • Woodbury
Jeffrey Open Space
Jeffrey Open Space and the Jeffrey Open Space Trail within it comprise a 96-acre area of parks and trails in Irvine, California.

Park • Northwood
Blue Gum Park
Blue Gum Park is located in the Northwood community in the city of Irvine in Orange County, California. The park is located near the I-5 freeway Jeffrey Road exit.
Temple • Sacred and religious sites
Pao Fa Temple
Pao Fa Temple is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries and Buddhist temples in the United States. It is located in Irvine, California. It mainly attracts Taiwanese American, Chinese American and Vietnamese American Buddhists, including many who are students at the University of California, Irvine.
Park • Hiking trail • Bike trail
William R. Mason Regional Park
William R. Mason Regional Park, or as it is more commonly referred to, Mason Park, is a park in southern Irvine, California. It is one of the largest parks in Irvine and is traversed by trails.
Church • Turtle Ridge
Mariners Church
Mariners Church is a non-denominational, Christian megachurch located in Irvine, California, situated in central Orange County. It is the 2nd largest church building in California, and as of 2016 was the 17th largest church in the United States by number of attendees.
Park • Northwood
Silkwood Park
Silkwood Park is located in the Northwood community in the city of Irvine in Orange County, California, USA. The park sits next to Westwood Basics Plus Elementary School and Sierra Vista Middle School.
Amphitheatre • Theater • Concerts and shows
Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre was an amphitheatre located in Irvine, California. The establishment was built in 1980 by Irvine Meadows Partnership and it opened in 1981. In 2016 the amphitheatre was closed and demolished.
33°40'34"N • 117°45'32"W
Irvine Blacksmith Shop
Irvine Blacksmith Shop, at 14952 Sand Canyon Ave. in Irvine, California, was built in 1915-16 by the Irvine Company. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Concerts and shows • Theater
New Swan Theater
The New Swan Theater is an outdoor, portable theater that is assembled and disassembled each summer as part of New Swan Shakespeare Festival, the annual Shakespeare festival at the University of California, Irvine. It is a reduced-size replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Park • Garden
UCI Arboretum
The University of California, Irvine Arboretum is a 12.5 acres botanical garden and arboretum, part of the University of California, Irvine in Irvine, California. It is located north of the main UCI campus, on Campus Drive in Irvine, near the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Upper Newport Bay.
Modernist architecture
Campus of the University of California
The campus of the University of California, Irvine is known for its concentric layout with academic and service buildings arrayed around a central park, and for its Brutalist architecture.
Children's museum • Entertainment • Museum
Pretend City Children's Museum
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a nonprofit children’s museum in Irvine, CA. The museum features 17 interactive exhibits designed as a small, interconnected city.
Universities and schools • Turtle Rock
Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine is a private Lutheran university in Irvine, California, United States. It was established in 1976 to provide a Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod college to serve the Pacific Southwest and provide training for pastors, religious education teachers, and Christian school administrators.
Universities and schools • Oak Creek
Irvine Valley College
Irvine Valley College is a public community college in Irvine, California. It is part of the California Community Colleges System.
Universities and schools
University of California
The University of California, Irvine School of Medicine is an LCME accredited medical school, co-located in Orange County's cities of Irvine on the University of California, Irvine campus and Orange at the UC Irvine Medical Center.
Memorial • Monuments and statues • Historical place
Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial
The Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial is a memorial in Irvine, California, to American troops who lost their lives in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Park • Northwood
Brywood Park
Brywood Park is located in the Northwood community in the city of Irvine in Orange County, California, United States. The park sits next to Brywood Elementary School on the corner of Bryan and Westwood.

Things to See and Do in Irvine by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Irvine.

Active

Bren Events Center
Irvine
Sport venueSport
William R. Mason Regional Park
Irvine
ParkHiking trailBike trail
Oak Creek Golf Club
Irvine
Outdoor activitiesGolfOak Creek
The Rinks Irvine Inline
Irvine
Ice skatingIce rinkWestpark
Crawford Hall
Irvine
Sport venueSport

Other categories

Park Universities and schools

Day trips

Irvine – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Irvine, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Rodeo Drive (Los Angeles), Griffith Park (Los Angeles), Mission San Juan Capistrano (San Juan Capistrano).

43 milesNW
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles
Rodeo Drive, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, epitomizes luxury, fashion, and exclusivity. This famed shopping district, spanning just three blocks within the 90210 zip code, is home to a constellation of high-end designer boutiques, jewelry stores...
42 milesNW
Park
Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Griffith Park, nestled in the eastern Santa Monica Mountain range, is the cherished green heart of Los Angeles and one of the largest urban parks in North America. Spanning over 4,300 acres, it offers Angelenos and visitors alike a sublime retreat from the urban...
15 milesSE
Reportedly haunted, Museum, History museum
Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Nestled in the heart of the charming city of San Juan Capistrano, California, lies the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. This venerable site, now a museum, stands as a testament to California's rich Spanish heritage and offers a captivating glimpse into the past...
43 milesNW
Dancing, Nightlife
Whisky a Go Go
The Whisky a Go Go is an iconic nightclub and music venue located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California. Since its opening in 1964, it has been a launching pad for countless music careers and a hotspot for rock and roll culture.
47 milesNW
Museum
J Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Nestled atop the hills of Los Angeles, the J. Paul Getty Museum, commonly known as the Getty, is a paragon of art and architecture. This remarkable museum offers a diverse collection of European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts...

Show all

Best Time To Visit Irvine

Learn when is the best time to travel to Irvine weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April, May, June, August and September.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in January, February and March.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Irvine?

The top attractions to visit in Irvine are:

What is the best time to visit Irvine?

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April, May, June, August and September. The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.