Things to Do in Irvine, CA - Irvine Attractions
Things to Do in Irvine
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See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
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On the Waterfromper adult$36- fromper adult$46
Adventure Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$201
Fun & Gamesfromper adult$10
Catamaran Cruisesfrom$64per adult$51- fromper adult$99
Full-day Toursfromper adult$96- fromper adult$92
On the Waterfromper adult$59
Romantic Toursfromper adult$100
Other Top Attractions around Irvine
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- NawafLos Angeles, CA2 contributionsThis shopping center is decently large with quite an assortment of shops and restaurants to pick from nothing fancy at all. If you are looking for place good for kids and adults this one is for you.Written October 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SalvatoreSouthern California, CA1 contributionIf you’re in Orange County, Tanaka Farms is one of those places to check out. Their market stand is always available to purchase goods throughout the year. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the seasons, their festivals are always fun and a pleasant experience form the staff. One of the best places to visit in Irvine, CA.Written February 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lady GigglemugMonrovia, CA2,550 contributionsThis place is a MUST for birders - especially during migration seasons. The website boasts over 200 species of birds at any given time - and I definitely think they’re right. I saw over 40 species and 10 lifers in less than 3 hours (early-mid May)!! Birder’s paradise!!
There are about 12 miles of trails around numerous ponds - a lot of trees and habitat for wildlife surrounding the ponds as well. But the actual trails themselves have scarce shade so I recommend sun protection. The trails are virtually all flat and are well maintained, gravel trails. They aren’t paved and can be uneven but I’d definitely say they’re handicap accessible with the right equipment and a companion.
Aside from birds, I saw squirrels, bunnies, tons of fish and turtles, wildflowers, native bees, all sorts of other insects, and I heard a rattle snake (but luckily didn’t see it lol)!
For birders - during spring migration 2023 I saw an Ash-throated Flycatcher and had a fantastic chance encounter with a Greater Roadrunner. I saw literally hundreds of Caspian Terns and Black Skimmers on ponds 1 and 2, as well as Least Terns, Canada Geese, and Clark’s AND Western Grebes! There were also numerous Ruddy Ducks and Black-necked Stilts on Pond C.
The sanctuary is over 300 acres of freshwater coastal wetland habitat - IRWD did a beautiful job restoring the habitat and maintaining what didn’t need restoring. It was created as a very successful experiment natural water treatment - the urban runoff is filtered through the ponds and cleaned before hitting Newport Bay! I wish more cities would do this! These waterways are so important to the migrating birds. Win win!!
Before you hit the trails, you’ll walk through their educational complex - full of interesting information signs, native gardens, little museums and education buildings - and there’s a whole house for the local Audubon society with an excellent gift shop and even a library! They also do seasonal birding walks and other events and educational talks.
PRO TIP: The Audubon building has a bird species list for the month so be sure to check off all the species you saw on your walk!! And they also post “unusual wildlife sightings” on their board as well - and on my visit it had a warning about rattlesnake sightings and their location so that is super helpful!
There are large, very well kept bathrooms at the entrance with drinking fountains and a large outdoor covered area with lots of picnic tables and even a couple of grills! They also have some portapotties scattered around the trails but the one I encountered was pretty dirty lol.
This is definitely a wonderful place for a day outdoors - you’d never know you’re in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of busy Irvine. That being said - you can definitely still hear the traffic and the nearby John Wayne airport at times in certain parts of the sanctuary.
There are two parking lots - the main one is paved and the “overflow” right across the street is gravel. I visited in a Wednesday and Saturday. Early in the mornings before 830am, both lots were practically empty. On Saturday when I was leaving around 11am both lots were completely packed so on weekends you’ll need to get there early.Written May 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - OCtraveler2018Orange County, CA28 contributionsThe museum is on the ground floor of an office building in Irvine, but don't let that deter you, the exhibit was very nice and parking is validated. It is one of the few 'cultural' opportunities in this area and we enjoyed visiting.Written March 3, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- amykaya89 contributionsMy toddler LOVED this place, went nuts! He's super into pretend play and Pretend City indeed gives many opportunities for it. It's almost funny how this entire museum is sponsored by different entities, and it's like a giant advertisement in some ways. There's a Trader Joe's, a UPS Store, a house sponsored by a family, a Marugame Udon, fire station, car fix up place, a sand pit, a water play area, a library, art station, and more. We spent almost 4 hours here and can't wait to come back! Thought tickets were pretty pricey at $20 per person over 1 years old, and parking is kind of annoying because while it's plentiful it's pretty far.Written April 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- davis110Newport Beach, CA3 contributionsFabulous community. It is all about you and your needs. Music is wonderful. Women's Bible Study is amazingWritten August 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LodiWineBobOceanside, CA530 contributionsWent with my grandson, stayed for 7 hours, the best attraction for us was the Go Carts. Think we raced at least 7 times. Played mini golf on both courses that were surprisingly challenging and packed in the evening. Rode most rides. Did not do the water bumper cars because it was cold and we didn’t want to get wet or the laser tag ( we forgot).
Arcade games were fun but a little dated. Usual toys to get from ticket redemption. Kids like that. Food and beverages on site but seemed pretty expensive to me, but then everything in the LA area seems more expensive.
Staff we encountered were very nice and helpful. Good attention to bathroom cleaning which we appreciated, Probably first job for many teen aged employees, and they seemed well trained.
Property is a bit dated but discounted pricing makes it competitive with other venues, check online for deals.
Will go again in two weeks with granddaughter.Written January 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Discover59498981529Huntington Beach, CA5 contributionsWe attended the Ray Charles tribute. Even though we've been residents of Orange County for decades we've never been to an event at this theater. It was a wonderful experience. Great acoustics for music, an intimate setting and easy access.Written April 13, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- OCMarkIrvine, United States22 contributionsLove this place. Local, peaceful with varied wildlife. Bathrooms and sinks available...great place for a picnic or a bike ride. Fee for car parkingWritten October 9, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KodoDrummerBuenos Aires, Argentina65,243 contributionsThis is a very good playground for kids. They especially liked playing with the giant Lego blocks, play structures, slides, climbing obstacles, sand pit, mud section, jungle gym, and other things. I don’t know if the large chess set belongs here. I don’t see it fitting in with the other kid's activities. Bring extra set clothes for your kids. They are likely to get dirty.Written August 2, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Roxane GIrvine, CA4 contributionsThis memorial started very simply by a Northwood Elementary parent who had a kindergartner at the school. After a few years of work and help from the community, it is the well honored memorial we see today. Many thanks to this parent and all who helped it become the wonderful place we visit today.Written August 28, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PushBanNew Delhi, India214 contributionsAn expensive ride but you can see beautiful views of Irvine from top. goes around 3 times. Kids enjoyed a lot. must do activity.Written April 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Irvine
- The best outdoor activities in Irvine according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
- William R Mason Regional Park
- Orange County Great Park
- Bommer Canyon Trails
- Turtle Rock Community Park
- The most popular things to do in Irvine with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Tanaka Farms
- Irvine Spectrum Center
- Pretend City Children's Museum
- Exodus Escape Room
- Puzzle Workshop Escape Room