Things to do in Irvine

Activities, attractions and tours

A river with houses on both sides, a bridge, and a clear blue sky.
A coastal town with a beach, rocky shoreline, and residential buildings.
A cityscape with modern high-rise buildings, a curved highway, and residential areas with traditional architecture.
A beach with clear turquoise water and a sandy shore.
A cityscape with a prominent highway, modern buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Things to do

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

HK$237
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

HK$784
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing
Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff

Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff

HK$460
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff
Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island

HK$369
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island
Relaxing Sunset Cruise in Newport Beach

Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach

HK$196
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Relaxing Sunset/Evening Cruise in Newport Beach
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

HK$708
per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
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What to do in Irvine

Stay near popular Irvine attractions

A large Ferris wheel with a star-shaped center, surrounded by palm trees under a blue sky with clouds.

Irvine Spectrum Center

9.0/10 (2,273 reviews)
This Spanish-inspired outdoor complex offers 150+ shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in a lively atmosphere. Stroll past illuminated fountains before catching a show at the Irvine Improv comedy club.
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Where to stay in Irvine

Find the best Irvine areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A large Ferris wheel with lights at night, surrounded by palm trees and a building with a sign.
Photo by Paco Garzón
Open Photo by Paco Garzón

Irvine Spectrum

If you're spending some time in Irvine Spectrum, Irvine Spectrum Center and Regal Irvine Spectrum are top sights worth seeing.

A lake with houses along the shore and two geese on the grass.

Woodbridge

When in Woodbridge, you can plan a visit to Tanaka Farms and Oak Creek Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

An aerial view of a cityscape with wide roads, commercial buildings, and a distant mountain range.

Irvine Business Complex

If you're spending some time in Irvine Business Complex, Sonesta Irvine John Wayne Airport and Hangar 24 - Orange County are top sights worth seeing.

A large orange sphere on a circular platform surrounded by a park with multiple soccer fields.

Northwood

While Northwood may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like The Market Place and Irvine Spectrum Center.

A vintage U.S. Air Force plane with the tail number BC-538 and a classic black car.

Airport Area

If you're spending some time in Airport Area, Lyon Air Museum and Boomers are top sights worth seeing.

A modern atrium with a glass floor, wooden chairs, and a curved staircase.

Costa Mesa

A crowded beach with waves, palm trees, and houses in the background.

Newport Beach

A coastal city with a crowded beach, clear blue waters, and a hilly backdrop.

Laguna Beach

A large military aircraft on a tarmac with a city skyline in the background.

Santa Ana

Fog drifts in over the ocean at Crystal Cove state beach

Lake Forest

A dirt path leading through a hilly landscape with sparse vegetation and distant mountains.

Laguna Woods

A vineyard landscape with rolling hills, scattered trees, and a clear blue sky with clouds.

Silverado

Frequently asked questions

Is Irvine worth visiting?
Irvine has an interesting mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or traditional cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Irvine?
After you've visited major attractions like Crystal Cove State Park and Balboa Pier, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Irvine.
What is the top tourist attraction in Irvine?
Crystal Cove State Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Irvine and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Irvine?
You can easily tour leading sights like Segerstrom Centre for the Arts, Santa Ana Zoo and Lyon Air Museum with a three-day break in Irvine. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so linger longer and head to Anaheim.
Is Irvine a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Irvine, such as Boomers and Irvine Historical Museum, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 5 kilometres from central Irvine is Irvine Business Complex and East Irvine is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Irvine with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Irvine with kids.

What to do in Irvine for adults?
Bowers Museum and Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse are just two of the things to do in Irvine. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Irvine?
In Irvine, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Irvine.

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