Top Things to Do in Irvine
Things to Do in Irvine
Popular things to do
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Irvine.
Top Attractions in Irvine
Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Universities & Schools
1
What travelers are saying
- Luv_ Rachmaninoff_No2Denver, CO24 contributionsWe were staying in Newport Beach and my teen found this amazing shopping mall. It’s the most beautiful outdoor shopping mall we’ve been to and has all our favorite shops & restaurants. It’s very easy to drive to (no scary highways) and we had no issues finding parking. The weather in Southern California was perfect during our visit in April and this was a beautiful place to shop, dine & walk around.Written 7 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lena KFullerton, CA402 contributionsOn my granddaughter’s day off from school (Indigenous People Observance), we went to the Tanaka Farm Pumpkin Patch in Irvine. Admission is $10 per person, more if one wishes to take a ride around the farm. The pumpkins abound, $1.39 @ pound to buy. The bottle of strawberry lemonade in an ice bucket near the checkout stand is well worth buying/drinking after galavanting through the fields.Written 12 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lady GigglemugMonrovia, CA2,433 contributionsThis place is a MUST for birders - especially during migration seasons. The website boasts over 200 species of birds at any given time - and I definitely think they’re right. I saw over 40 species and 10 lifers in less than 3 hours (early-mid May)!! Birder’s paradise!!
There are about 12 miles of trails around numerous ponds - a lot of trees and habitat for wildlife surrounding the ponds as well. But the actual trails themselves have scarce shade so I recommend sun protection. The trails are virtually all flat and are well maintained, gravel trails. They aren’t paved and can be uneven but I’d definitely say they’re handicap accessible with the right equipment and a companion.
Aside from birds, I saw squirrels, bunnies, tons of fish and turtles, wildflowers, native bees, all sorts of other insects, and I heard a rattle snake (but luckily didn’t see it lol)!
For birders - during spring migration 2023 I saw an Ash-throated Flycatcher and had a fantastic chance encounter with a Greater Roadrunner. I saw literally hundreds of Caspian Terns and Black Skimmers on ponds 1 and 2, as well as Least Terns, Canada Geese, and Clark’s AND Western Grebes! There were also numerous Ruddy Ducks and Black-necked Stilts on Pond C.
The sanctuary is over 300 acres of freshwater coastal wetland habitat - IRWD did a beautiful job restoring the habitat and maintaining what didn’t need restoring. It was created as a very successful experiment natural water treatment - the urban runoff is filtered through the ponds and cleaned before hitting Newport Bay! I wish more cities would do this! These waterways are so important to the migrating birds. Win win!!
Before you hit the trails, you’ll walk through their educational complex - full of interesting information signs, native gardens, little museums and education buildings - and there’s a whole house for the local Audubon society with an excellent gift shop and even a library! They also do seasonal birding walks and other events and educational talks.
PRO TIP: The Audubon building has a bird species list for the month so be sure to check off all the species you saw on your walk!! And they also post “unusual wildlife sightings” on their board as well - and on my visit it had a warning about rattlesnake sightings and their location so that is super helpful!
There are large, very well kept bathrooms at the entrance with drinking fountains and a large outdoor covered area with lots of picnic tables and even a couple of grills! They also have some portapotties scattered around the trails but the one I encountered was pretty dirty lol.
This is definitely a wonderful place for a day outdoors - you’d never know you’re in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of busy Irvine. That being said - you can definitely still hear the traffic and the nearby John Wayne airport at times in certain parts of the sanctuary.
There are two parking lots - the main one is paved and the “overflow” right across the street is gravel. I visited in a Wednesday and Saturday. Early in the mornings before 830am, both lots were practically empty. On Saturday when I was leaving around 11am both lots were completely packed so on weekends you’ll need to get there early.Written 17 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - OCtraveler2018Orange County, CA26 contributionsThe museum is on the ground floor of an office building in Irvine, but don't let that deter you, the exhibit was very nice and parking is validated. It is one of the few 'cultural' opportunities in this area and we enjoyed visiting.Written 3 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- megzfultzLos Angeles, CA1 contributionMy son is 18 months and I will be taking him back here all the time. We spent 3 hours there. He found 3 things that he focused on, but there were hundreds more. This will be an easy win for me to teach him all kinds of motor skills, montessori concepts etc for a long time.Written 24 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Discover59498981529Huntington Beach, CA5 contributionsWe attended the Ray Charles tribute. Even though we've been residents of Orange County for decades we've never been to an event at this theater. It was a wonderful experience. Great acoustics for music, an intimate setting and easy access.Written 13 April 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KodoDrummerBuenos Aires, Argentina64,765 contributionsThis is a very good playground for kids. They especially liked playing with the giant Lego blocks, play structures, slides, climbing obstacles, sand pit, mud section, jungle gym, and other things. I don’t know if the large chess set belongs here. I don’t see it fitting in with the other kid's activities. Bring extra set clothes for your kids. They are likely to get dirty.Written 2 August 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- OCMarkIrvine, United States22 contributionsLove this place. Local, peaceful with varied wildlife. Bathrooms and sinks available...great place for a picnic or a bike ride. Fee for car parkingWritten 9 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dana Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA1,266 contributionsMariners is loved by many, and has been called a mega church. Intentionally designed like a college campus and NOT look like a traditional church,Written 11 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Push BanNew Delhi, India213 contributionsAn expensive ride but you can see beautiful views of Irvine from top. goes around 3 times. Kids enjoyed a lot. must do activity.Written 5 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roxane GIrvine, CA4 contributionsThis memorial started very simply by a Northwood Elementary parent who had a kindergartner at the school. After a few years of work and help from the community, it is the well honored memorial we see today. Many thanks to this parent and all who helped it become the wonderful place we visit today.Written 28 August 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dana Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA1,266 contributionsUniversity of California Irvine is a great university, with almosyt zero social life. And, the roundabout design of streets and the campus simply confuse and defy logic. Makes person stay away from the area as confusing and often a traffic jam during school or events.Written 11 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VeganVacationOrlando, FL416 contributionsThere’s a great short hiking trail that starts at the park and leads up to the top of Turtle Rock. Great views from the top!Written 21 January 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 4stevemandySeal Beach, CA7,614 contributionsWe had fun playing mini golf! There are two courses, plus go-carts, some small rides, batting cages, bumper boats, a small water park and an arcade.Written 21 February 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- seetheWowIrvine, CA175 contributionsWe followed the directions on the map software and reached an unpaved patch of road that crossed a bike path. It led us to a small parking - maybe 15 cars or so. We were lucky to get an open spot. Then we did an easy hike that took us slightly uphill and then downhill to what appeared to be another parking. Could not see any place to view the ocean from. The place has grass and shrubs. They're working on making it a regular natural habitat. There were many small animals like chipmunks. Interesting variation of foliage. Nice uphill views. Lightly breezy - made it worth it.Written 30 May 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Irvine
- The best outdoor activities in Irvine according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
- William R Mason Regional Park
- Bommer Canyon Trails
- Orange County Great Park
- Turtle Rock Community Park
- The most popular things to do in Irvine with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Tanaka Farms
- Irvine Spectrum Center
- Pretend City Children's Museum
- Puzzle Workshop Escape Room
- San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Irvine Attractions Information
| Attractions | 98 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 3,385 |
| Attraction Photos | 1,894 |
| Local Time | Thursday 9:42 pm |