Whether you’re a local, a new student at UCI, or a visitor here for business or pleasure, our curated list of the top 15 things to do in Irvine will guide you through local favorites and hidden gems to ensure that you experience the best of Orange County’s 3rd largest city.

1. Explore the Great Park

With so much to do for people of all ages, it would almost be easier to share what you can’t do in the Irvine Great Park, an expansive 1,300-acre park built on the site of a former Marine Corps Air Station. The park is iconic for it Great Park Balloon, which soars 400 feet into the air for panaramic views of the area, and historic carousel (both free). They are also known to hold a series of excellent events, including outdoor summer concerts, cultural festivals, and more (which are usually free to enter as well!).

For active fun, guests can visit the numerous sports fields or Great Park Ice rink, fly down water slides at Wild Rivers Water Park, or enjoy any of their numerous playgrounds (like the Kids Rock Playground) and walking trails. For a more leisurely experience, explore their Certified Farmers Market on Sundays, check out the latest exhibition at the Palm Court Arts Complex, or take part in a hands-on gardening workshop at the Farm + Food Lab. You could also visit their new weekend eatery, The Layover, which offers free games and inflatable slides, so parents can relax while the kids play!

Only have a day and overwhelmed by the possibilities? We recommend starting at the Visitors Center (where you can purchase most tickets, rentals, and even snacks) and going from there.

2. Visit the Irvine Spectrum Center

Shop, dine, and be entertained at the Irvine Spectrum Center! Like the Great Park, it’s difficult to keep a description of Irvine Spectrum short and sweet as this outdoor mall not only features a wide range of stores, from high-end boutiques to popular retail chains, but also several unique shops and experiences. Get a reservation at The Bow Room at the Hello Kitty Cafe for Afternoon Tea or evening Cocktail service, catch a high profile comedian’s show at the Irvine Improv, or take a ride on the iconic Giant Wheel!

You can also make it a more low-budget family fun day at the Irvine Spectrum. The Center includes the three-dimensional Spectrum Climber, which is essentially a free and wildly unique jungle gym for kids. You can also grab some seats to enjoy free movies under the stars on the lawn or check out other seasonal fun.

3. Hike, Bike, or Ride Through Bommer Canyon

For those looking for something a little more active, Bommer Canyon offers a serene escape with its extensive trail system through ancient oak and sycamore groves and rough rock outcrops. A National Natural Landmark (and California’s first Natural Landmark!), Bommer Canyon’s trails are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, though the most popular trail is the Bommer Canyon Trail, a moderate 5.5 mile out and back hike through the preserve. Guided tours and educational programs are available for those interested in learning more.

5. Take a Walk Around William R. Mason Regional Park

Orange County is home to some of the best and most unique regional parks in the country, and William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine is no exception. Spanning over 300 acres, Mason Regional Park features a gorgeous lake, extensive biking and hiking trails, and three well-equipped playgrounds. It’s divided into a developed area, with recreational areas like sand volleyball courts and picnic areas, and a 123-acre wilderness area offering a natural retreat with native vegetation and trails.

The park also hosts an impressive outdoor amphitheatre, and if you’re visiting during the summer, you might just catch live music during the OC Summer Concert Series or a movie under the stars at during the Sunset Cinema Series!

6. Savor International Cuisine at Diamond Jamboree

Experience a world of flavors at Diamond Jamboree Plaza! While there are a great number of incredible places to eat in Irvine, few compare to the wealth of delicious East and Southeast Asian cuisine options here. Get Japanese curry at Coco Ichibanya, one of only a few USA locations of the number one curry chain in Japan, try out dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, a sushi-go-round experience at Kura Revoliving Sushi Bar, hot pot from Haidilao, and more. When you’re done, you can grab dessert with a delicious Taiwanese boba and pastry from 85ºC Bakery Café or soft serve ice cream on a taiyaki cone at SomiSomi.

7. Let the Kids Learn, Play, and Explore at Pretend City Children’s Museum

Pretend City Children’s Museum is an incredible interactive children’s museum that let’s your kids’ imagination run wild! The museum is quite literally a pretend city where kids can role-play different careers, learn about city planning, and engage in various hands-on activities designed to stimulate creativity and learning. It features miniature buildings like a doctor’s office, dentist office, fire station, and even a miniature UPS Store and Traders Joes! It also includes a Wilderness Park, fishing hole, garden and more.

The Museum also frequently hosts fun educational events that are often included with the price of admission. Check out their calendar to see them all and plan ahead.

8. Rejuvenate at ISPA (Irvine Spa)

Irvine Spa (or ISPA) is an wonderfully unique Korean sauna and spa experience as Southern California’s first ever Jjim-Jil Bang spa. For $35, you get transported to what feels like an old Korean village, with specialized rooms made with imported clay and bricks from Korea that look like buildings, each of which targets specific health concerns, including their Fire Room, Red Clay Room, Salt Room, Forest Room, and Ice Room. For an additional price, you can also enjoy a massage, acupuncture, or other upgraded experience.

Guests can also enjoy delicious Korean cuisine at the spa’s restaurant or enjoy fruit covered yogurt treat or a boba, smoothie, tea, coffee or other yummy beverage from their cafe. Guests with children are also welcome to let them enjoy the special kids play room while you relax!

9. Enjoy the Season’s Best at Tanaka Farms

Tanaka Farms is a family-run farm that offers seasonal tours, U-pick experiences, and a market featuring fresh produce and other seasonal goods. Visitors can enjoy strawberry picking in the spring, pumpkin patches in the fall, and a market featuring fresh produces year-round. Also depending on the season, you can enjoy a range of fun events they host, from special farm-to-table cookouts to harvest festivals and their Hikari Festival of Lights. However, no matter what time of year you visit, you can enjoy farm tours, wagon rides, educational workshops, visit barnyard friends, and more.

10. Stroll Through the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary

Into bird watching or just want to enjoy the beauty of nature? Explore the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary! This 300-acre preserve is home to over 320 species of birds, including Great Blue Herons, Egrets, and American White Pelicans, especially during migration seasons. For those looking for a more active experience, the sanctuary features over 12 miles of trails that wind around scenic ponds, streams, and lush foliage. Otherwise, guests can enjoy the Butterfly and Pollinators Gardens or the Audubon House, open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, to learn more about the local plants and wildlife.

11. Bring the Kids to Adventure Playground

Adventure Playground in Irvine’s University Community Park is 1.7 acre park that lets kids’ imaginations run wild and curiosities take over. The main play structure looks like a mini castle that overlooks the rest of the park, which include other fun play areas that include giant Lego block forts, Tonka trucks in a large dirt area, and a sensory garden, which has a spiraling path lined with colorful murals and citrus trees that you’re allowed to pick from when the fruit is ripe. The park also include a bamboo forest, art wall, sand area, cement slides, and a water play area with hand pump well. Parents should prepare for your kids to get messy, so we recommend bringing extra clothes and towels just in case!

12. Hike Turtle Rock

The Turtle Rock Trail in Irvine is a moderately challenging 1.6 mile out-and-back hike that is super popular among hikers, dog walkers, and trail runners due to its accessibility and natural beauty. The hike can be a bit steep, but the views at the end are worth it! From the trail’s summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Orange County, including Irvine homes, the Santa Ana Mountains, and—on clear days—even Catalina Island off in the distance. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash.

13. Shop at Woodbridge Plaza

Woodbridge Plaza is a charming outdoor shopping center featuring a variety of local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The center hosts events like Family Fun Nights and Maker Markets on weekends, but we especially love it for an leisurely Sunday morning spot–think getting a breakfast sandwich at Sessions West Coast Deli, enjoying some mimosas, and then walking it all off with a stroll around North Lake.

14. Sip Craft Beer at Hangar 24

Hangar 24 Brewery offers a great selection of craft beers brewed on-site at a beautiful outdoor space nestled between buildings at Intersect Irvine. This hidden gem features trivia every thursday and live music and events pretty much daily, all of which you enjoy while relaxing, socializing, and sipping on a flight of their latest creations on their expansive outdoor patio. As one of only two breweries located in Irvine, it’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy some local flavor. Check out their complete calendar of entertainment on their website here.

15. Catch a Show at Irvine Barclay Theatre

Irvine Barclay Theatre is a premier performing arts venue in Irvine, known for their intimate atmosphere and incredible acoustics. They host a range of performances, including ballet, music concerts, Shakespeare plays, and even student productions. It’s a great place to catch live performances from famous artists as well as support local community and student groups. Additionally, the theatre offers screenings for National Theatre Live, so you can watch high-quality productions of the best West End productions without ever having to leave Orange County!

Do you know of a hidden gem or a must-do activity in Irvine? Comment below!