The City in Irvine, California

Irvine stands out in Southern California’s Orange County — a thoughtfully designed city where urban life meets protected nature. Home to the innovative University of California campus, Irvine isn’t just a vacation spot. It’s a hub for business, with over 100 corporate headquarters, and a diverse, family-friendly community. Recognized as America’s safest big city by the FBI since 2005, it’s also a short drive from top attractions like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Disneyland Park, and Knott’s Berry Farm. Sunny days and mild nights set the scene for world-class shopping, hiking, biking, and dining — all at the heart of Orange County. Irvine has more open space than any other city in Orange County—16,000 acres of it, with 113.24 miles of off-street bikeway trails and 286.42 lane miles of on-street bikeways to encourage bicycle use, plus trails for hiking and horseback riding. Most of this land belongs to the historic Irvine Ranch, a 50,000-acre area designated as a Natural Landmark by both the U.S. Department of the Interior and the State of California. Scientists consider it a global biodiversity hotspot, home to rare species like eagles, badgers, mountain lions, Tecate cypress trees, and unique birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Bommer and Shady Canyons feature ancient oak and sycamore groves, along with rugged rock formations. The Quail Hill Trailhead offers an easy two-mile loop on natural terrain. It’s the only dog-friendly trail in the Natural Landmarks area. Nearby, the San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary spans 300 acres of restored wetlands, with 12 miles of trails ideal for walking, birdwatching, and learning.