- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Irvine
Irvine's foundation is its 1960s master plan, which built the city in "villages" around UCI. Each village has unique street tree species, a subtle design choice. This organized urbanism, a blend of nature and Modernism, is one of the best reasons to visit Irvine.
A third of Irvine is open space, with miles of trails for hiking. The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is a top birding spot. The Great Park Balloon offers incredible views. A key tip for any Irvine travel guide: the sanctuary's marshes are a functional, man-made water purification system.
The city's food reflects its global community. Diamond Jamboree is a hub for authentic Asian eats like boba and Korean BBQ. This culinary scene is one of the top attractions in Irvine. A local tip: try the sea salt coffee at 85°C Bakery Cafe, a cult favorite.
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- IrvineUnited States
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, moderate crowds
- Jul-Aughot, peak tourist season
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #Sunscreen
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #BeachTowel
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days with beach and nearby attractions
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #IrvineSpectrumCenter
- #GreatPark
- #UCIArboretum
- #TustinLegacy
- #BowersMuseum
- #TanakaFarms
- Visit the Great Park balloon
- Explore the UCI Arboretum
- Shop at Irvine Spectrum Center
- Enjoy fresh produce at Tanaka Farms
- Hike at Mason Regional Park
Things to do in Irvine
Discover
Start exploring Irvine at the San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, a coastal freshwater marsh. See California Impressionist art at the UCI Museum for CA Art and enjoy the outdoors at William R. Mason Regional Park's expansive lake.
Experience
Hike or bike over 50,000 acres of preserved natural habitats. Ride the Great Park Balloon for panoramic views, shop at the Irvine Spectrum Center, or browse local produce at the city's weekend farmers markets.
Great Park Balloon
Helium balloon ride offering 360-degree views of the city.
San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
Coastal freshwater marsh with trails for bird watching.
Irvine Spectrum Center
Outdoor shopping complex with a Giant Wheel and events.
William R. Mason Regional Park
Large urban park with a 9-acre lake, trails, and fields.
UCI Institute and Museum for CA Art
Museum showcasing California Impressionist period artwork.
Irvine Barclay Theatre
Intimate venue for music, dance, and theater performances.
Tanaka Farms
Working farm offering produce stands and seasonal tours.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA), just minutes from the city. The route from Irvine airport to city center is quick via taxi or shuttle. For regional travel, the train to Irvine Station connects you via Amtrak and Metrolink. Plan a trip to Irvine with ease.
Getting Around
Car rental in Irvine is the most practical option. For public transport in Irvine, the OCTA bus network covers the area. The iShuttle bus connects the Tustin Metrolink station to major business hubs. The city's vast network of bike paths is another way to get around.
Local Essentials
Valuable Irvine travel tips for first-timers: driving in Irvine is managed by a street grid system with synchronized traffic signals. Parking is generally ample but may be paid at commercial centers. Credit cards are widely accepted, so minimal cash is needed.
Where to Stay in Irvine
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Irvine's diverse palate, a top spot for authentic food Irvine. Taste savory Dim Sum and the iconic Double-Double burger. The local culture favors bustling weekend brunches, a perfect time to eat with family and friends.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Irvine, try North Italia's modern Italian vibe, reserve ahead. Taste whiskey at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations' moody bar, go neat. Join the hectic queue at 85 Degrees Bakery Cafe, grab tongs.
North Italia
Modern Italian cuisine in a chic, bustling setting.
Javier's
Upscale Mexican food with a lively, high-end ambiance.
Agora Churrascaria
Brazilian steakhouse offering all-you-can-eat meats.
In-N-Out Burger
Iconic California chain with a simple, popular menu.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Irvine's diverse heritage. The Irvine Global Village Festival celebrates international traditions, while the Mid-Autumn Festival includes mooncake tastings and lantern displays. Must-see Nowruz festivities welcome the Persian New Year.
Enjoy
Discover Irvine's contemporary scene with live music and art. Enjoy things to do from summer concerts at the Great Park and jazz performances in the Palm Court to juried art shows like the Studio Arts Festival.
Irvine Global Village Festival
October festival with global food, music, and art.
Mid-Autumn Festival
September event with mooncakes and lantern displays.
Nowruz Festival (Persian New Year)
March celebration with live music and Persian food.
Studio Arts Festival
June juried art show with local artist works for sale.
Summer Concerts in the Park
Free outdoor concerts with various music genres in summer.
Irvine Greek Festival
June event with Greek food, music, and folk dancing.
Symphony in the Cities
Free summer outdoor concert by the Pacific Symphony.
A Very Calm and Clean City
Irvine is such a clean and orderly city. Everything feels so new and well-kept, which was really relaxing. The streets are wide, and it's super easy to get around. A very peaceful place for a trip with lots of nice public spaces.
Perfect for a Family Getaway
Such a great spot for a family trip. So many parks and green spaces for the kids to run around. We loved seeing the big orange Great Park Balloon, it's a cool landmark. It just felt safe and easy everywhere we went.
Awesome Shopping and Entertainment
Irvine has amazing shopping! The Irvine Spectrum Center is huge, with so many stores and places to eat. The giant wheel looks great at night. We spent a lot of time there just walking around and enjoying ourselves.
Great Access to Nature
The amount of accessible nature here is great. We went for a walk on the trails around Turtle Rock and the views were fantastic. It's nice to be so close to the city but still feel like you can get away into the hills.
A Pleasant Place for Work
Was here for a conference and found it to be a very pleasant city. It's quiet, which is nice after a long day of meetings. The area around the UC Irvine campus has some decent coffee shops and places to unwind.
So Many Good Food Choices
The food options are incredible, especially the Asian food. We found so many good spots. The boba tea we had near Diamond Jamboree was delicious. It's a great city for anyone who loves to eat and try new things.