Discover the Irvine Attractions & More
Experience the Top Attractions of Irvine - 150 Attractions Listed Below
Experience the Wonders of the Irvine Spectrum Center
Welcome to the heart of Irvine’s entertainment and shopping scene—the Irvine Spectrum Center. This is more than a shopping mall, it is a gathering place for both locals and visitors. Here, you can enjoy a giant Ferris wheel, outdoor ice rink, and a myriad of shops and restaurants fulfilling every taste and preference. How about we meet up for a day of shopping, followed by a movie at one of the best theaters in town?
Explore Natural Beauty at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
Irvine is a lot more than urban entertainment. It offers serene escapes into nature. The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful haven where you can walk along trails wondering through more than 300 acres of wetlands. This spot is perfect for bird watchers or anyone looking to relax amidst natural beauty. Be sure to bring your binoculars and enjoy a quiet morning observing the wildlife.
Take a Cultural Tour of the Irvine Historical Museum
For those interested in the history of Irvine, a visit to the Irvine Historical Museum is essential. Located in the historic Ranch House, the museum provides insights into the agricultural past and how this community evolved into the city it is today. It is an eye-opening experience connecting us with Irvine’s roots. Join me on a guided tour to uncover the stories of our city’s origins.
Orange County Great Park is the site of ever-changing activities and events bringing our community together. From farmers markets to art exhibitions and outdoor concerts, there is always something happening here. It’s a place where families and friends gather to enjoy sports, arts, and tasty local food. Why not plan to attend the next event with me?
Irvine & Surrounding Area Attractions Tours
This list will constantly be update over time. The following items of interest are not listed in order of importance.
1. Irvine Spectrum Center: Outdoor shopping and entertainment complex featuring a giant Ferris wheel.
2. Orange County Great Park: Sprawling park with sports fields, gardens, and the Great Park Balloon.
3. Tanaka Farms: Working farm offering seasonal tours and U-pick activities.
4. Pretend City Children’s Museum: Interactive museum designed as a miniature city for kids.
5. University of California, Irvine (UCI): Prestigious university with beautiful campus grounds.
6. Bommer Canyon: Historic landmark with many hiking trails and scenic views.
7. San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary: Peaceful refuge for birdwatching and nature walks.
8. Irvine Barclay Theatre: Venue for concerts, plays, and dance performances.
9. William R. Mason Regional Park: Large park with lakes and picnic areas for the entire family.
10. Irvine Historical Museum: Showcases the city’s history and heritage.
11. Boomers! Irvine: Amusement park with mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games.
12. Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial: Memorial for U.S. military service members.
13. Quail Hill Trailhead: Gateway to hiking trails in the Irvine Open Space Preserve.
14. Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch: Fall attraction with a pumpkin patch and corn maze.
15. Aldrich Park: Scenic park at the heart of University of California, Irvine UCI.
16. Wild Rivers Waterpark: Ideal attraction for the family, with a waterpark with slides and wave pools.
17. The Irvine Museum Collection: Art museum focused on California Impressionism.
18. Irvine Fine Arts Center: Community arts center with exhibitions and classes.
19. Adventure Playground: Creative play space with a treehouse and sensory garden.
20. Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art: Significant California art collection.
21. Irvine Lanes: Popular bowling alley with cosmic bowling.
22. Marconi Automotive Museum: Collection if filled with rare and classic cars.
23. Heritage Park: Community park with sports facilities and a lake.
24. Irvine Central Bark: Spacious dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs.
25. Peters Canyon Regional Park: Offers hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
26. Irvine Farmers Market: The market has excellent fresh produce and local products.
27. Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena: Ice skating and hockey facility.
28. Jeffrey Open Space Trail: Scenic trail for quiet walking, jogging, and biking.
29. Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course: Public golf course with a beautiful setting highlighting the area.
30. Katie Wheeler Library: Far above a normal library, this public library is in a historic mansion.
31. Culver Adventure Playground: Playground with a great selection of interactive play structures.
32. Irvine Regional Park Railroad: Miniature train rides through Irvine Regional Park.
33. Oak Creek Golf Club: Premier golf course with well-maintained greens and fairways.
34. Irvine Civic Center: City’s administrative center with bold and impressive architecture.
35. Art Adventures Studio: Art classes and workshops for all ages and all levels of skill.
36. Pretend City Birthday Parties: Venue for themed children’s birthday parties.
37. Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery: Local winery with tours and tastings.
38. Irvine Adventure Playground: Unique playground for creative play.
39. The Market Place: Large shopping center with many retail stores and dining options.
40. Irvine Ranch Historic Park: Historic site preserving Irvine’s ranching heritage, the beginning of Irvine.
41. Pavilion Park: Community park with playgrounds and picnic areas.
42. Northwood Community Park: Park with sports fields and playgrounds.
43. Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge: Park with sports courts and a lake.
44. Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park: Honors U.S. Marines.
45. Westpark Plaza: Shopping and dining destination.
46. Stonegate Community Park: Park with sports fields and playgrounds.
47. Portola Springs Community Park: Sports courts and scenic views.
48. Orchard Hills Shopping Center: Retail center with shops and eateries.
49. Los Olivos Marketplace: Modern shopping center with dining and retail.
50. Crossroads Shopping Center: Retail stores and dining options.
51. Tustin Marketplace: Large complex shared with Tustin, featuring numerous stores.
52. Irvine Open Space Preserve: Network of protected areas for hiking and wildlife viewing.
53. El Toro Memorial Park: Historic cemetery and park.
54. Windrow Community Park: Park with sports fields and picnic areas.
55. Woodbury Community Park: Community park with event spaces.
56. Santa Ana River Trail: Long-distance trail for walking, biking, and horseback riding.
57. Las Lomas Community Park: Park with sports fields and playgrounds.
58. Shady Canyon Golf Club: Exclusive golf club with stunning views.
59. Great Park Sports Complex: Premier sports facility with various fields.
60. Irvine Global Village Festival: Annual event celebrating cultural variety.
61. The Village at Irvine Spectrum: Residential community near Irvine Spectrum Center.
62. Sierra Vista Middle School Track: Popular spot for jogging and walking.
63. Greentree Community Park: Park with sports courts and picnic areas.
64. Turtle Rock Nature Center: Nature exhibits and educational programs.
65. Woodbridge Village Center: Shopping center with retail stores and a movie theater.
66. San Remo Park: Community park with playgrounds and picnic areas.
67. Sycamore Park: Park with sports fields and a community center.
68. Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center: Hosts performances and cultural events.
69. Bill Barber Community Park: Large park with sports facilities and picnic areas.
70. Northwood Gratitude Memorial: Honors U.S. military service members.
71. Irvine Spectrum Climbing Center: Indoor climbing and bouldering facilities.
72. CenterStone Plaza: Shopping center with various retail and dining options.
73. Discovery Park: Park with sports fields and walking trails.
74. Irvine Tennis Club: Tennis courts and programs for all skill levels.
75. Deerfield Community Park: Neighborhood park with sports fields and picnic areas.
76. Woodbury Town Center: Retail center with shops and services.
77. Quail Hill Community Park: Park with sports facilities and walking trails.
78. Northwood Town Center: Shopping center with retail stores and dining options.
79. Heritage Plaza: Shopping and dining destination.
80. Irvine Arts Center: Art classes, workshops, and exhibitions.
81. Lower Peters Canyon Trail: Trail for hiking and biking.
82. Irvine Regional Library: Library with books, programs, and community events.
83. Vista Verde Park: Community park with playgrounds and picnic areas.
84. College Park: Park with sports fields and a community center.
85. Sycamore Canyon Park: Park with hiking trails and scenic views.
86. Great Park Carousel: Family-friendly carousel ride.
87. Rancho Senior Center: Programs and activities for seniors.
88. University Community Park: Park with sports facilities and picnic areas.
89. South Coast Chinese Cultural Center: Cultural center with events and classes.
90. Irvine Spectrum Giant Wheel: Iconic Ferris wheel at the Irvine Spectrum Center.
91. Irvine Unified School District Performing Arts Center: Venue for student performances.
92. Woodbridge Community Park: Park with sports fields and playgrounds.
93. Brywood Park: Community park with sports courts and picnic areas.
94. Turtle Rock Community Park: Park with hiking trails and scenic views.
95. Oak Creek Community Park: Park with sports facilities and playgrounds.
96. University Hills Park: Park with sports courts and picnic areas.
97. Westwood Park: Community park with playgrounds and picnic areas.
98. Northwood Pointe Park: Park with sports fields and walking trails.
99. Alderwood Park: Small community park with playgrounds and picnic areas.
100. Beacon Park: Park with sports facilities and community event spaces.
Irvine's Area Most Popular 50 Attractions Outside the City
1. Disneyland Resort: World-famous theme park in Anaheim.
2. Knott’s Berry Farm: Popular amusement park in Buena Park.
3. Newport Beach: Beautiful coastal city known for its beaches and harbor.
4. Balboa Island: Charming island with shops, restaurants, and waterfront views.
5. South Coast Plaza: Large shopping center in Costa Mesa.
6. Crystal Cove State Park: Scenic coastal park with beaches and hiking trails.
7. Fashion Island: Upscale shopping center in Newport Beach.
8. Huntington Beach Pier: Iconic pier in Huntington Beach, great for fishing and sightseeing.
9. Laguna Beach: Artistic coastal city with stunning beaches and galleries.
10. Aquarium of the Pacific: Large aquarium in Long Beach showcasing marine life.
11. Orange County Museum of Art: Contemporary art museum in Costa Mesa.
12. Long Beach Waterfront: This area is filled with attractions like the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village.
13. Dana Point Harbor: Picturesque harbor with boating, shopping, and dining.
14. Mission San Juan Capistrano: Historic mission in San Juan Capistrano.
15. Bowers Museum: Museum in Santa Ana with diverse cultural exhibits.
16. Anaheim Packing District: Historic food hall and marketplace in Anaheim.
17. Segerstrom Center for the Arts: Performing arts center in Costa Mesa.
18. Santa Ana Zoo: Zoo with a focus on Central and South American animals.
19. Fullerton Arboretum: Botanical garden on the California State University, Fullerton campus.
20. Discovery Cube Orange County: Interactive science museum in Santa Ana.
21. Pacific Marine Mammal Center: Rehabilitation center for marine mammals in Laguna Beach.
22. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum: Museum in Yorba Linda dedicated to the 37th U.S. president.
23. Huntington Central Park: Large urban park in Huntington Beach.
24. Angel Stadium: Home stadium of the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim.
25. Whale Watching in Newport Beach: Excursions to see whales and dolphins off the coast.
26. Medieval Times: Dinner theater featuring jousting and medieval entertainment in Buena Park.
27. Laguna Art Museum: Museum in Laguna Beach showcasing California art.
28. Orange Circle Antique Mall: Antique shopping in the historic Orange Circle.
29. Lyon Air Museum: Aviation museum in Santa Ana with vintage aircraft and vehicles.
30. The Outlets at Orange: Outlet shopping mall in Orange.
31. Ralph B. Clark Regional Park: Park in Buena Park with fishing, hiking, and a small museum.
32. Tide Pools at Little Corona del Mar: Natural tide pools in Corona del Mar.
33. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park: Park with coastal canyons and scenic hiking trails.
34. Old Towne Orange: Historic district with antique shops and restaurants.
35. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve: Wetlands sanctuary for birdwatching and hiking.
36. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: Coastal estuary in Huntington Beach with walking trails.
37. Irvine Regional Park: Park in Orange with a zoo, train rides, and paddle boats.
38. The LAB Anti-Mall: Eclectic shopping center in Costa Mesa.
39. OC Fair & Event Center: Venue in Costa Mesa hosting the annual Orange County Fair and various events.
40. Pirate’s Dinner Adventure: Themed dinner show in Buena Park.
41. Newport Beach Back Bay: Scenic area for kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.
42. Corona del Mar State Beach: Popular beach in Newport Beach.
43. Peter’s Canyon Regional Park: Park in Orange with hiking and equestrian trails.
44. Orange County Fairgrounds Farmers Market: Weekly farmers market in Costa Mesa.
45. The Camp: Alternative shopping center in Costa Mesa with unique shops and eateries.
46. Muckenthaler Cultural Center: Cultural center in Fullerton offering art exhibits and performances.
47. Sherman Library & Gardens: Horticultural retreat in Corona del Mar with gardens and a library.
48. Huntington Dog Beach: Dog-friendly beach in Huntington Beach.
49. Fullerton Museum Center: Museum in Fullerton with a wide selection of exhibits and cultural programs.
50. Irvine Barclay Theatre: Performing arts venue on the UCI campus hosting various shows and events.
Explore Best Attractions - Tours - Events in Irvine
The list of things to do and see is almost limitless in and around Irvine. As with our website motto, “we only list the best” therefore, some places may not appear on this page. However, if you know of some location which you feel should be included on this page we would enjoy hearing from.
Get Inspired at the Irvine Museum Collection
Art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike will find something to admire at the Irvine Museum Collection at the University of California, Irvine. This museum specializes in the preservation and display of California Impressionism, or “Plein-Air” paintings, showcasing breathtaking landscapes capturing California’s extraordinary natural beauty. Let’s plan a visit to explore these inspiring works together. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the artistic heritage of our state.
Expand Your Horizons at the Irvine Barclay Theatre
For those who appreciate performing arts, the Irvine Barclay Theatre offers a wide range of performances ranging from dance and music to theater and comedy shows. This venue is known for its intimate setting, which allows you to connect deeply with the performances. How about you catch a show there soon? It could be a perfect evening out, filled with culture and entertainment.
Learn and Play at Pretend City Children's Museum
For families with young children, Pretend City Children’s Museum is an educational wonderland designed to inspire young minds. This interactive children’s museum encourages learning through play with its city-theme exhibits, including a post office, grocery store, and a farmer’s market. It’s educational, fun, and a great way for kids to learn about the world. Shall we take our little ones for a day of fun and learning?
Discover Innovation at the Beall Center for Art + Technology
The Beall Center for Art + Technology at UC Irvine is a center of creativity and innovation, blending media, sciences, and digital technologies to push the boundaries of art. The exhibitions here are visually stunning. They make you think and wonder about the role of technology in art and culture. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art and new media. Explore this unique space and see what the future of art looks like.
Visit the Irvine Museum Collection
If you love art, you’ve got to check out the Irvine Museum Collection at the University of California, Irvine. They have an amazing array of paintings showing off California’s incredible landscapes. It’s all about celebrating the beauty of California. How about you plan a trip there next weekend? It’s a great way to enjoy some quiet time together and soak in some inspiring art.
Catch a Show at Irvine Barclay Theatre
Are you up for some live entertainment? The Irvine Barclay Theatre has some fantastic performances coming up. They host everything from dance and concerts to plays and stand-up comedy. It’s a cozy place, perfect for a night out. Pick a show and make it a date night. It’ll be fun and a nice break from the usual routine.
Have Fun Learning at Pretend City Children's Museum
If you have kids, or if you just want to feel like a kid again, you should definitely visit Pretend City Children’s Museum. It’s designed like a mini-city where kids can explore different professions through play.
They can send mail at the post office, shop at the grocery store, or help out at the construction site. It sounds like a blast, doesn’t it? Take the family for a fun and educational day out.
Celebrate and Participate in Irvine's Community Events
Irvine really shows its true colors at the Irvine Global Village Festival. This is the place where cultures come together in a celebration of cultures with food, music, and art from around the world. It’s like a mini-world tour right in our backyard. You should definitely not miss this. Plan to spend the day there, try some amazing dishes, and enjoy performances from different cultures. It’s a great way to learn and have fun at the same time.
Get Active at the Irvine Sports Complex
And for those who love staying active, the Irvine Sports Complex offers events and leagues throughout the year for sports like soccer, baseball, and more. Whether you want to join a team, watch a game, or just have a fun day out with the family, there’s always something happening here. Check out their schedule and maybe catch a game or join a fun run. It’s a great way to stay active and connect with others in our community.