Top 15 Fun Things to Do in Irvine CA: (RANKED by a Local)
NOTE: Due to Covid-19, some places may be closed or not advisable to visit. Please do your research. This has been a PSA from the 9 to 5 Travel Guy.
Irvine has been my home for the past 8 years. As much as I love it, it is easy to get bored from it. Irvine, California, after all, is the suburb of suburbs, voted safest city (of its size) in America for 14 years in a row.
However, that is not to say Irvine is devoid of fun. Over the past 8 years, I have come to appreciate all the nuances of this Orange County suburb. I have discovered many places that I recommend others to check out.
So I came up with a personal list: the top 15 fun things to do in Irvine and ranked them for your curiosity, amusement, boredom, Tinder date ideas, family weekend planning, etc.
I read other articles online with the most predictable spots at #1 (I’m talking to you: Irvine Spectrum) and I just KNOW they are not written by an Irvine local. They are written by someone who looked up Irvine on Yelp, for maybe 5 minutes, max.
My ranked list, on the other hand, is better, more personal, and has been 8 years in the making. I hope you enjoy it.
Well, speak of the devil.
If you’ve lived in Irvine like me, you’ve had this conversation before:
“What should we do?”
“Great question. Yeah… I am beyond bored, let’s do something.”
“Hmm, Irvine Spectrum?”
“Again? Okay.”
The Irvine Spectrum Center, more simply referred to as “Irvine Spectrum,” is undoubtedly the go-to spot of Irvine.
For those unfamiliar, the Irvine Spectrum is an outdoor shopping mall on the East edge of Irvine. It has over 100 shops/stores, a diverse array of dining options, a 21-screen movie theater, an Improv club, a Dave N’ Busters, a Ferris Wheel, and most importantly, a Target! Sprinkled throughout, are fountains (aka Poke Stops) and string lights that create an aesthetic and current vibe.
Irvine Spectrum is the quintessential Irvine destination to meet and catch up with friends, walk around, watch a movie, or dine. I am nearly certain every Irvine or OC kid and teen and adult has very keen memories here, myself included.
In the summer before university, there was a meet up at the Irvine Spectrum with other Irvine kids who got accepted at the same college as me. Out of probably the 100+ Irvine kids starting at this college in the fall (Irvine kids are very academically-driven), only 5 showed up, including myself. As fate would have it, I met one of my best friends, Sarah, here!
I remember we all went to the Apple store and, in 2012-stereotypical-fashion, took LOTS of pictures on an iPad, with all, like, 9 filters. Ah, the days of gray-scale, distorted faces, and 3×3 photo squares. Yes, we were absolutely THOSE teenagers, but I am positive we had more fun than people thought we were annoying.
As for the ranking, I put the Irvine Spectrum at #15 on my things to do in Irvine list because it’s an obvious choice. It also can get easily crowded and, in a way, it is overrated. But, if you are new to to the area, I highly recommend checking it out and spending a few hours here. It offers more than your average mall.
#14 Irvine Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge
I bet there are some Irvine people reading this right now (actually maybe not because no one reads this blog lolll) thinking, “wait were is this, I have never seen this.”
Well, as the name suggests, this bridge is on Irvine Boulevard, at the intersection of Ridge Valley. Many people haven’t seen it because it’s only lit at night and it’s tucked away in the northeast corner of Irvine. A hidden gem one could say.
The Irvine Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge illuminates the walkway with vibrant colors, changing every few seconds. I remember first noticing this bridge on a drive, and saying to myself “what the heck is that! When did that get there?”
My boyfriend and I made it a pit-stop on one of our first date nights. We posed for the insta took some photos and walked across, enjoying the colors all by ourselves. Afterwards, we made our way to a nearby park. There are several nearby, including Hidden Park, Voyager Park, Village Park, and Lomas Valley Park. There really isn’t much to see, but a night stroll is always pleasant in my book.
#13 Bike around William R Mason Regional Park
Get ready because this is one of three-ish biking spots that I have on this Things to do in Irvine list. I have a thing for biking in Irvine, but more on that later…
William R Mason Regional Park is pleasant. There’s a nice lake in the center, geese and duck roaming about, plenty of benches, and grassy spots for picnics. It’s a great place to take a break after biking and enjoy the simple scenery.
I have another story to share. Sorry not sorry! Mason Park was actually where we had our prom group pictures taken! And if I had one word to describe prom, it’d be “messy.” If I had multiple words to describe prom, it’d be “a sh*t show.”
First off, the park was waaaay in the opposite direction from the prom venue, so our party bus (with two stripper poles, boners, and millions of teenage germs) took us on a major detour. Second, we arrived 2 hours late to prom, with only an hour left to dance after pictures. Third, while I went with my best friends, I didn’t know half the people in my group!
I remember standing there awkwardly in front of the lake with my best friends directly to the left and right of me and these other people who apparently went to my high school. The park was nice though!
And in all seriousness, prom as much as it was chaotic, it was certainly memorable, and therefore, special.
#12 Hike the Bommer Canyon Trail
Similar to Mason Park, I’d describe Bommer Canyon as pleasant. The trail is 4.6 miles, labeled as easy to moderate, with an elevation gain of 810 feet. I highly recommend using the All Trails app to access the trail map for Bommer Canyon. This is one of two hikes on this Things to Do in Irvine list.
It can be easily reduced in length by just turning around sooner. It can also be increased in length by adding either the Turtle Ridge Trail or West Fork Trail.
The Bommer Canyon Trail is not the most incredibly scenic trail. There are other nearby hikes that are more “pretty,” including OC favorites at Peters Canyon, Crystal Cove State Park, and Whiting Ranch. However, these trails are technically outside of Irvine, unlike Bommer Canyon.
I hiked this with my friend Sarah and had a grand time. We always do.
#11 Eat Asian Food at Diamond Jamboree
Technically it’s called the “Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center,” but I didn’t know that until I googled it 2 minutes ago. It’s called Diamond Jamboree as far as I am concerned! Okay I need to calm down, this is really a non-issue…
This is a common entry on Things to Do in Irvine lists, but with good reason.
There are a couple of Asian-dominated plazas in Irvine (i.e. the intersections of Walnut/Jeffrey and Culver/5 fwy), but Diamond Jamboree is definitely the most iconic of the bunch. Diamond Jamboree is an Asian foodie heaven with a revolving sushi bar at Kura, hot pot at Haidilao, Taiwanese beef noodle soup at Chef Hung’s, Korean tofu soup at BCD Tofu house, pho at Pho Saigon, ramen at Ajisen Ramen, and of course, your staple 85 Degrees Bakery.
As you can see, there is a diverse array of Asian cuisine options and I didn’t even list half of them. It is a great place for gathering with family, hanging out with friends, or going on a date — I’ve done all three of those. A warning though — parking will be hectic.
#10 Walk around UCI and Watch a Movie at UTC's Regal Edwards
So number 10 is actually 2 separate activities, but they can be easily combined. Reserve a movie time and explore UCI before or after the showing.
UCI (University of California, Irvine) is one of the 9 UC campuses in California (justice for UCSF because it’s not included). I did not attend UCI, but I have some family and friends who did and loved their college experience.
I am definitely no expert when it comes to their campus, but I have walked around it a couple of times, and I think it is absolutely lovely! Similar to Irvine itself, the campus is super clean, green, and modern. The majority of campus is a big circle, and at the center of it, a circular Aldrich Park.
I recommend walking around Inner Ring Road (which is the circumference of Aldrich Park) or Ring Road (for a better look at the buildings and architecture). Here’s an interactive map of UCI.
Surprise, I’ve also had a date here. Can you see a trend with this list? Haha.
Just north from UCI, across Campus drive is the University Town Center, more commonly referred to as UTC by anteaters. Frequented by UCI students and locals, I’ve been to UTC countless times to get boba at Cha for Tea (their hot almond milk tea at 80% sweetness is chefs kiss), Korean-inspired food at California Gogi, and late night, cheap-ish sushi at Del Sushi.
There is a Regal Edwards movie theater at UTC with 6 screens and was recently remodeled with recliner seats. What is cool about this theater is they regularly play indie, art-house, and foreign films, along with new block busters. My boyfriend and I watched Academy Award-winning Italian-set film Call Me by Your Name back in 2017. It only played at select theaters including right here at UCI.
#9 Swim at the Woodbury Community Pool
So this is bit of a weird recommendation because this is a private, neighborhood community pool… This is certainly not any other Things to Do in Irvine lists. However, in the off-chance you know someone who lives in the Woodbury community, then they can invite you as a guest. That’s how I’ve come here before.
Why is this even a recommendation? Well, this is the best, most luxurious community pool I have ever been to! There are two very big pools. One is a rectangular pool for swimming laps. The second is an oddly shaped pool that reminds me of one you’d find at a water park. And of course, there is a jacuzzi.
This place honestly feels like you are at a 3 or 4 star resort. I went here one time where the entire community held a luau themed party and I was flabbergasted at what was happening around me. To my left, Hawaiian shaved ice machines. In front of me, shirtless Hawaiian men in front of the pool doing fire tricks with sticks. To my right, Mai Tais served by women in leis and coconuts for bras?!
It was a trip, let me tell you, but very on brand for Irvine, CA: rich and ridiculous.
#8 View the Sunset at Turtle Rock
Turtle Rock is a neighborhood in Irvine. In the middle of it, lies is the Turtle Rock Trail that leads to the Turtle Rock Viewpoint, a great spot to view the sunset. It’s not a Cathedral Rock or Mori Point type of sunset, but it is the best sunset in Irvine!
I recommend getting to the viewpoint in one of two ways.
The first, start at Chapparal Park and follow the 1.6 mile out-and-back Turtle Rock Trail, using the map on All Trails. There are a lot of side trails, which can make things confusing, so the All Trails map will come in handy.
The second way is much quicker, but requires some navigational skills. Park your car at Turtle Rock that is close to the Turtle Rock Viewpoint and has an accessible side trail to the Turtle Rock Trail. Use Google maps. If that sounds too confusing, just take the first way.
#7 Great Park Farmer's Market
There is a Farmer’s Market at the Orange County Great Park that is open every Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Entry into the market is at Lot 2, the northwest corner of Corsair and Bosque.
The market is drive thru only until further notice due to the pandemic, with packaged goods such as kettle corn and jerky at the beginning, and fresh produce at the end.
While not a typical thing to get at a Farmer’s Market, I got an acai bowl once and it was sew good.
#6 Walk Around Woodbridge Lakes
At #6 are the Woodbridge Lakes. This is not a commonly seen recommendation on Things to Do in Irvine lists.
Walking around Woodbridge Lakes is always a treat. There are two — a North and South Lake, separated by Barranca Ave and Alton Parkway. These large man-made lakes sit idly in the middle of the Woodbridge neighborhood. Walking around one of them will take you about 30 minutes.
Please note that the cement path around the lakes do not fully circumnavigate the perimeter. In certain sections, the trail leads into the residential area. I wish they had a path that went fully around the lake.
The lakes are relaxing, and at the same time, a go-to spot for people to incorporate some physical activity into their day. People go fishing, biking, and jogging. As you can imagine, Sarah and I have biked here many times.
If you make this an outing, you can add the Woodbridge Village Center afterwards for a place to eat. There is a Ruby’s Diner, Pizza Press, Yogurtland, and (another) Cha for Tea. The plaza was remodeled a few years ago: they added a weird-looking playground and an outdoor seating area that overlooks North Lake from across the street. I’ve done some light studying here.
#4 Bike Along the San Diego Creek and Peters Canyon
Okay, these top 4 are truly my top 4 Things to Do in Irvine. We are at the good stuff folks.
And yes, it is another biking spot.
While probably easier to understand with a map, let me try to explain the geography of these bike routes. Peters Canyon generally runs north to south, while San Diego Creek generally runs east to west. San Diego Creek eventually converges with Peters Canyon and the waterway (still called San Diego Creek) makes its way south until it reaches the ocean at Newport Beach.
You can bike this in one of two ways. Either start at Peters Canyon or San Diego Creek. Your end destination definitely does not have to be the beach. I mean, that’s quite far haha. You’re probably looking at 15-20 miles depending on where you start. I’ve never done it. I usually just bike to where my heart desires and turn around there.
For Peters Canyon, I’d start at Irvine Blvd heading south. The waterway will be to your right. To be honest, I am not sure what the water source is. Snow melt, reservoir water, sewage? I have no clue.
As you can see in the pic below, there is some overgrowth among the murky waters. The biking trail is on the left side. One of my favorite things is when the path dips below the bridges for cars. Of course, the downward slopes are when you pedal the fastest to feel your stomach drop and build enough momentum to ascend the uphill.
For San Diego Creek, I’d start at Sand Canyon or Jeffrey heading westward. In the pic below, though, we are biking eastward, but that’s because we were heading back. I just love biking here because this is land you don’t see when you are driving, as it is hidden away in between neighborhoods.
If you do go all the way to the ocean, you will first come across the Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area, which is technically Newport Beach and not Irvine. This is as far as I’ve gotten because the hills got too steep for my normal ole bike (or maybe it was just my lack of strength and endurance). But yeah, you can definitely do it and you can explore Newport Bay or Balboa Island.
#3 Ride a Helium Air Balloon
This is the most unique thing to do in Irvine. The Great Park Balloon is located at the Orange County Great Park, the same location where the Farmer’s Market takes place.
According to the park’s website, it is one of the largest tethered helium air balloons and the first of its kind in the U.S. Using helium (instead of hot air?), the balloon is environmentally safe as it does not pollute the air. It has a volume of 210,000 cubic feet, can carry 30 passengers, and weighs nearly a ton.
I went with my boyfriend at night. It was very romantic and we only shared the 360 degree views at 400 ft high with one other couple. Not going to lie, it was slightly terrifying, but the nerves eventually dissipated. If my memory serves me right, we were able to see the Disneyland fireworks from 15 miles away. Another successful date night!
The balloon is open either during the day or night, Thursday to Sunday.
Thursday and Friday: 10:30am-3pm; 7-10pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am-3pm; 7-10pm
I’ve only been at night, but I would like to go during the daytime to see clearer panoramic views of the Greater OC area.
For ticket prices and reservations, please check out the Great Park website. They have all the important details to ride this attraction.
#2 Go on a Boba Marathon / Adventure
Irvine has plenty of Asian food. And where there is Asian food, there is boba.
A simple search on Yelp yields over 30+ boba places in Irvine! Ultimately, this means you have your work cut out for you. You’re welcome. That’s 30 things to do in Irvine!
A great way to find different places in Irvine is through drinking its boba. I have actually gone on a boba biking adventure with Sarah. We hit up three different spots and logged 14 miles on our bikes. An iconic day that was.
I am going to list some of my favorite places in Irvine below. Please do not come at me in the comments, because this is not a definitive list nor have I tried every place in Irvine. But if you have a recommendation, please sound off in the comments below!
Best Boba in Irvine:
#5: Class 302
#4: Bambu
#3 Ding Tea
#2: Cha for Tea
#1: Tan Cha
#1 Walnut Trail Bikeway
We’re finally here: the #1 fun thing to do in Irvine is to go biking along the Walnut Trail Bikeway!
As I have said at the beginning of this blog post, this is a personal list. And this place holds special meaning to me.
I didn’t grow up in Irvine. I grew up in a city what some call as “ghetto.” My house had bars on all its windows and my grandparents never let me out of the house. I never once played outside in the front yard. Neighbors have gotten shot and killed, just blocks away from me.
Irvine is a stark contrast to my upbringing. Irvine, to me, is the embodiment of those Disney Channel movies featuring kids living in their safe suburban world, biking around the neighborhood with their friends, without a care or threat in the world.
The Walnut Trail represents a piece of what young Keanu saw on his TV screen.
In a way, it feels nostalgic, even though I never experienced it as a child. Riding my bike through the path, winding its way in between tall cell towers, with green grass all around me, houses to my left, and trail tracks to my right — it never gets old.
I am no way ashamed or ungrateful for the childhood I had, because on the contrary, I am extremely grateful for my upbringing. But I cannot deny that biking in a suburb like Irvine, where I am virtually free from danger, feels incredibly liberating.
It really is such a privilege.
There’s a particular spot on this bikeway that is truly my favorite place in Irvine. It’s where the overpass road (Yale Avenue) crosses the Walnut Trail. With speed, you sprint under the bridge, heading westward, allowing the natural momentum to propel you up the incoming slope, as you gaze up at the imposing cell tower right in front of you. THIS. SPOT. GETS. ME. EVERY. TIME. Utterly euphoric. Tears. Actual tears. That, my readers, is my ultimate, prime, absolute #1 favorite thing to do in Irvine.
The Verdict: Is Irvine a Fun Place?
I hope this list gave you inspiration or ideas for places and things to do in Irvine, whether you are a local or visiting from out of town.
And wow. That was certainly a trip down memory lane. Much nostalgia.
This is only my 4th blog post, and I feel like in order to make this fun for me, I have to add some personal touches. I hope my short stories about each place isn’t too distracting, but rather engaging. I am trying to find a balance between providing important information and adding a personal flare.
Is Irvine a fun place? Yes, if you are looking in the right places. And honestly, when you are not looking in the right places too. The Walnut Trail and San Diego Creek are places I didn’t discover until I randomly found them while biking. So go out and explore Irvine — there is more to it, than the Irvine Spectrum you think.
‘Til the next adventure,
Keanu (aka 9 to 5 Travel Guy)