Located in the heart of Orange County, with two major freeways, rail service and its own airport, it's easy to get to all that Irvine has to offer. Minutes from world-renown shopping, championship golf courses, spectacular beaches, protected wilderness areas, award-winning restaurants, family-friendly theme parks, prominent arts and culture, and much more. Irvine's warm weather lets you enjoy many outdoor adventures, golfing, and ecclectic shopping. When you are ready to eat, you will find a wide variety of dining choices from casual to fine dining. Irvine is in the center of it all!
Having been designated as "the Safest Big City in America" for the fifth consecutive year, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, you'll enjoy hiking, biking or walking through the city with the greenest space in Orange County.
From luxury to affordable and family-friendly, Irvine offers a variety of lodging possibilities suitable for any budget.
When you are ready to eat, you will find a wide variety of dining choices from casual to fine dining. Irvine offers a variety of choices to suit any diner's appetite. Featuring American and international cuisine, restaurants are sure to please any palate. If casual dining is your pleasure Irvine offers a wide selection of restaurants, bistros and cafes. For that special night out, Irvine offers upscale fine dining, extensive wine lists, and incredible views to match the dining experience. Whether you have an affinity for great Persian fare, fine French cuisine, or mouth-watering Italian pasta, you will find them all in Irvine.
Recreation
It can be hard to tell where Irvine stops and the great outdoors begin. Despite it's location in the middle of Orange County, the area has an abundance of permanent protected open space and it's become a destination purely for its outdoor adventures.
Hiking and Biking
The Irvine Ranch Land Reserve comprises more than fifty thousand acres of permanent pristine wilderness that invites hikers, mountain bikers and campers year round.
Golf
Want a more civilized approach to the outdoors? Irvine also has numerous championship golf courses awaiting golfers of all levels.
Water Activities
Irvine is minutes away from beautiful beaches where you can swim, surf, water ski, charter boats, book a romantic gondola or experience an electric "Duffy" boat. You might even see California great whales, dolphins, orchids and other marine life either from the shore or by a boat charter. Irvine is also the home of the William Woollet Jr. Aquatics Center, used for Olympic trials and other swimming and diving competitions.
Parks
Our stunning wilderness parks and planned nature preserves take center stage for much of the nature-based activities found in Irvine. Hiking and biking are the most popular. Irvine has more green space than any city in Orange County.
Attractions
Irvine family fun includes some of the most thrilling and exciting venues in Orange County. From experiencing a new generation of state-of-the-art high-torque zero-emission Electric Pro Karts to water slides, kiddie-ride parks to miniature golf, and batting cages, an unforgettable day awaits your family in Irvine.
Adventure City
A world of excitement, entertainment, and education awaits guests at Adventure City. Rides that spin, twirl, and zoom, shows that captivate both the young and the young at heart, and a collection of small town buildings reminding us of simpler times, all blended together to create a city filled with fun!
Discovery Science Center
Discovery Science Center is Orange County's leading destination for hands-on science fun. Guests can explore more than 100 hands-on exhibits in themed areas:Discovery Stadium, Techno Arts, Air & Space, Perception, Dynamic Earth, Quake Zone, KidStation, Digital Lab and Dino Quest.
Your inner child will be very glad you stayed in Irvine. Get ready for some outrageous, adrenalin-popping, endorphin-rushing fun. Yes, it's time to visit Disneyland for a ride on Space Mountain and a handshake with Mickey. Experience Knott's Berry Farm's 30-story Supreme Scream roller coaster and Camp Snoopy. Prepare to get soaked on the Liquidator, a 7-story water slide at Wild Rivers Waterpark. And explore three parks in one at Disney's California Adventure - Golden State, Hollywood Pictures Backlot and Paradise Pier.
Disneyland
In 2009, Disneyland Resort becomes the celebration destination for birthdays, triumphs, reunions, true love and first visits. With new experiences, entertainment and ways to enhance any occasion, ask yourself,"What will you celebrate?"
Disney's California Adventure
Immerse yourself in a magical festival of shows, parades and attractions celebrating California's storied past and exciting future. From the gold rush to Hollywood's golden era to the timeless allure of the beach, discover the vast and diverse Golden State.
Wild Rivers
Wild Rivers Waterpark is Southern California's premier waterpark with over 40 water rides and attractions, two huge wavepools and special features for kids and adults. It's the perfect place to chill out after a long day in the California sun. If you dare, go to the top of Wild Rivers Mountain. Over seven stories high, its rushing rivers and sheer-drop slides offer daredevil excitement. Surf and splash in Thunder Cove, the only place in the country where you can catch the wildest waves in two side-by-side wavepools with fantastic surf from mild to wild. Relax on Explorers Island with a lazy inner tube float down a warm river, refreshing spas, and scaled down rides and wading pools for young adventurers.
Knott's Berry Farm
What was once an actual berry farm is now 160 acres of world class rides, unique family shows and one of a kind attractions. At America's favorite theme park, experience GhostRider the world's best wooden roller coaster, Supreme Scream, 30-stories up, 3 seconds down and the high-octane thrill of Xcelerator, rated the world's best launch coaster, sending riders 0-80 in 2.3 seconds. For a different type of thrill, stroll on over to Camp Snoopy, home to the beloved PEANUTS gang.
Other Area Attractions
Orange County Great Park
The former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro is being transformed into the Orange County Great Park, the first great metropolitan park of the 21st Century. The Great Park has direct freeway and rail access, making it easily accessible for more than 10 million Southern California residents.
Spanning more than 1,300 acres, the Great Park will be nearly twice the size of New York’s Central Park. The Great Park’s award-winning Master Plan features cutting edge environmental design features that will set a new standard for sustainable park design and urban planning.Orange County’s agricultural heritage will be preserved and the military history of the former air base will be honored. Sustainability, the wise and conservative use of energy, water, and other scarce resources, is central to the Park’s 21st Century design. Cutting-edge technologies will make the park sustainable, demonstrating eco-friendly design and construction techniques.
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Some of the world's best known musical acts regularly perform at this famous concert venue. Set against the green hills of Irvine, this beautiful outdoor amphitheater plays host to such well known artists as Jimmy Buffett, Bette Midler, Fleetwood Mac, and Sting and serves as the summer home of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra
For more information on any of the topics above or anything else that the Irvine, California area has to offer, be sure to
