Irvine, California

Irvine Regional Park is a sprawling destination packed with activities for all ages. You can rent bikes, ride horses, or hop into a paddleboat, enjoy pony rides for kids, explore the nature center, or relax at playgrounds and snack bars. Established in 1897 as California’s first regional park, it was originally named Orange County Park and spanned 160 acres — all a gift from its namesake, James Irvine. Today, it remains a beloved spot for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Located within Irvine Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo showcases animals and plants native to the Southwestern United States. Many of the animals here are rescues — injured, orphaned, or unable to survive in the wild. You’ll find black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, kit foxes, ocelots, beavers, great horned owls, porcupines, coyotes, and turkey vultures, among others. The zoo also features a barnyard with domestic goats, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, and more, making it a fun and educational stop for the whole family.

The Barclay Theatre offers a dynamic mix of performances, from comedy and drama to opera, ballet, and classical music. Many shows are national productions, while local performances often feature well-known actors and comedians. The 756-seat hall is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics, making it a must-visit for arts enthusiasts.

The Beall Center for Art + Technology, located at UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts, is a hub for experimental and media arts. Founded in 2000, it explores the intersection of art, science, and engineering through innovative exhibitions and public programs. Supported by the Beall Family Foundation, the center fosters interdisciplinary creativity, using digital technologies to redefine artistic expression. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for those interested in cutting-edge art and technology.

Strawberry Farms Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-71 course set amid canyons and wetlands, offering stunning views, rolling greens, and scenic hills. Designed by award-winning architect Jim Lipe and developed by former California Angel Doug DeCinces, the 6,700-yard course features a 35-acre reservoir and is surrounded by wildlife and natural vegetation. With its picturesque setting and challenging layout, Strawberry Farms delivers one of the finest golf experiences in Orange County.

The Mountains to Sea Trail offers a 22-mile journey that begins in the rugged, oak-filled Weir Canyon and winds south toward the coast. Passing through five cities and a stretch of unincorporated Orange County, the trail ensures a constantly changing landscape, from rolling hills to coastal vistas. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply exploring, this trail promises an exhilarating adventure through diverse scenery.

Pretend City Children’s Museum is an interactive space where kids can step into the roles of grown-ups, from shopping for groceries to visiting the doctor and even collecting their pay from an ATM. Designed to mimic a miniature world, the museum offers endless opportunities for imaginative play. It’s also a welcoming environment for children with disabilities, with events like Neurodivergent Family Night providing a fun, customized evening of educational play for families and caregivers.

The UC Irvine Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art (Langson IMCA) features a diverse collection of over 4,700 works, tracing California’s artistic journey from 19th-century Impressionism to contemporary art. Established in 2017, the museum celebrates the state’s natural landscapes, cultural history, and artistic evolution through pieces by renowned artists like Granville Redmond, Guy Rose, and William Wendt. Originally assembled by Joan Irvine Smith and Gerald Buck, the collection captures California’s unique light, tones, and environmental beauty. Through rotating exhibitions, Langson IMCA also delves into the social and cultural contexts of California art, offering a dynamic exploration of the state’s creative legacy.

While the city of Irvine itself is relatively young, the region’s modern history stretches back to 1878. That’s when James Irvine acquired 168 square miles of land for $150,000 (equivalent to $3.5 million today), creating the sprawling Irvine Ranch. Spanning 110,000 acres from the Santa Ana River to the Pacific Ocean, the ranch became the foundation for modern Irvine. History buffs can visit the Irvine Historical Museum, home to the oldest standing structure within the original ranch boundaries and the first wooden house built between Anaheim and San Diego. The Irvine Ranch Historic Park, site of the original ranch headquarters, features preserved structures like the home of James Irvine II, barns, and residential buildings. For a unique stay, the La Quinta Inn in Old Town Irvine offers a glimpse into the past. The hotel’s 101 rooms were once part of a lima bean and grain warehouse, with the original silos now serving as corridors and the tin shed, complete with its main lift, transformed into the breakfast area. It’s a fascinating blend of history and modern comfort.

The Giant Wheel dazzles with its LED interface, featuring 52,000 lights capable of displaying 16 million color combinations. Whether you’re at the top, taking in panoramic views of Orange County, or on the ground, captivated by the light show, the experience is unforgettable. Each ride includes three rotations, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date or a moment of serene enjoyment high above the ground.