CONTENT FOR BUSINESS
ArrivalGuides logo
Irvine, California

United States

Irvine, California

Provided byDestination Irvine
PDF Guide

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

HomeNorth AmericaUnited StatesIrvine, California
Irvine, CaliforniaGuide was updated:
Irvine — Orange County’s meticulously planned center — has held the title of "America’s Safest Big City" since 2005. Beyond safety, it delivers quintessential Southern California experiences: upscale shopping, diverse dining, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly attractions. While neighboring Los Angeles pulses with urban energy, Irvine embodies OC’s suburban charm — think wide boulevards, outdoor malls, and easy beach access. Minutes from legendary surf spots and major attractions, it offers a polished alternative to LA’s bustle.

Do & See

Irvine offers endless outdoor recreation opportunities with miles of hiking and biking trails, family-friendly activities, diverse dining, golf and shopping.
Orange County Great Park

Orange County Great Park

Orange County Great Park is a lush, public-facing reincarnation of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro that blends the site’s military history with modern attractions. You can enjoy the Great Park Balloon Ride for panoramic aerial views, the weekly Farmers’ Market with local produce and live music, and a sprawling Sports Complex with everything for soccer, baseball, tennis, and more. Families will love the Great Park Carousel and Kids Rock & Play Area, while history enthusiasts can explore the Walkable Historical Timeline. The park also includes Hangar 224, a renovated WWII hangar for events, the Palm Court Arts Complex with outdoor performances, and the Farm + Food Lab for hands-on gardening. With classes, programs, and seasonal activities, the park offers something for everyone.

Do & SeeRead more →
Irvine Regional Park

Irvine Regional Park

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.

Do & SeeRead more →
Orange County Zoo

Orange County Zoo

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.

Do & SeeRead more →
Beall Center for Art + Technology

Beall Center for Art + Technology

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.

Do & SeeRead more →
View all Do & See →