Few cities in California are as inviting as Irvine. One of America’s safest cities has excellent schools and an impressive variety of green spaces. There’s less traffic than other California cities, too. Irvine has also been named one of America’s Best-Run Cities. Plus, we’re in the Top 10 for Happiest Young Professionals in the U.S. In short, Irvine, CA, is attractive, inviting, and supremely liveable.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
If you’re moving to Irvine, CA, you likely want to discover what’s here in terms of entertainment and attractions. If so, we’ve got the goods for you below. Here are the most exciting and fun things to do in Irvine, CA! It’s all here, from thrilling attractions to serene spots and pretty parks. If discovering the best things to do in Irvine, CA, is your goal today, read on!
MOVING TIP: Speaking of moving here, StorAmerica offers clean, safe, and secure storage units in Irvine. Many folks moving to Irvine reserve a storage unit online before they arrive, so it's ready and waiting when their movers deliver their household goods.
Things to Do With Kids in Irvine: Buccaneer Cove
Irvine, CA, see’s nearly 300 days of sunshine every year, which many folks find incredible. On the weekends and when school’s out, taking the kids to Buccaneer Cove is a perfect idea! With five levels of play areas and over 1,000 feet of water slides, it’s a blast! There are slides for children of every age level to reduce bumps and bruises. Trained professionals watch over everything so parents can sit back and relax. That makes Buccaneer Cove one of the most exciting things to do in Irvine, CA, with kids!
See Some Stunning Nature: Irvine Botanical Gardens
If you are a fan of beautiful green spaces, the Botanical Gardens at UCI are a must-see. It’s stunningly beautiful with thousands of plant species, including rare South African plants. The 12.5-acre gardens are on the main UCI campus. They are free to enter. We recommend it for first dates or a romantic afternoon getaway.
For the Movie Buffs: Irvine International Film Festival
Are you a cinema fan who looks forward to the latest film releases? If so, don’t miss the Irvine International Film Festival! One of the biggest film festivals in the United States, many of the films shown here compete for an Academy Award. Some of the top names in Hollywood show up every year, also, which is excellent for stargazing. As with most film festivals, you’ll see many unreleased pictures. (No spoilers, though, please! Thank you!) Many folks feel the Irvine International Film Festival is one of the most exciting things to do in Irvine, CA.
Convenient Storage Units Near Irvine, CA
Things to Do With Kids in Irvine: Tanaka Farm
There are a few things better than fresh California produce. One thing, however, is to visit the farm where it’s grown! That’s what you can do at Tanaka Farms! They offer horse-drawn wagon ride tours of the farm daily, although reservations are required. They also have walk-up produce stand open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The fresh vegetables and fruits on sale change throughout the season, giving you a great excuse to go back regularly. You can also pick your crops and, at Christmas, they host a phenomenal Festival of Lights.
For the Car Lovers: The Marconi Automotive Museum
Have you ever wanted to see the 1989 Batmobile or the car from the TV show Knight Rider? How about Ferrari and Lamborghini race cars? If so, drive your family’s jalopy over to the Marconi Automotive Museum! There you will find a stunning collection of cars worth more than $30 million! That includes the 1996 Ferrari Formula One driven by famed driver Michael Schumacher. If you’re genuinely into automobiles, the museum is breathtaking. They also host corporate events, with the profits going towards Foundation for Kids, a fantastic children’s charity.
For the Music Lovers: Meadows Amphitheatre
Seeing and hearing live music under the California stars is always a thrill. The largest Amphitheater in Orange County, Irvine Meadows, is also its best. During Michael Jackson’s 1988 Bad tour, he sold out the place three times! Other famous acts have been here, including Ozzy Osbourne and Offspring. You can bring in food and bottled water, but no backpacks.
PARKING TIP: There's a shopping center across the street from the amphitheater. Behind that, several public roads offer free parking. However, don't park in the shopping center itself, or the police might tow your car.
Outdoor Things to Do: Irvine Reginal Park
Spanning nearly 500 acres, Irvine Park opened way back in 1897! It was the first regional park in Orange County and today is one of the best in the state. The park offers several miles of paved walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and softball fields. There’s also a lake with BBQ pits and picnic tables for family get-togethers. The park offers pony rides all year long (although not on Mondays) if fresh air and sunshine with the family are your things!
Enjoy Laughs at a Comedy Show: Irvine Improv
Seeing a live comedy show is one of the most fun things to do in Irvine, CA, it’s true. Taking it to another level is the Irvine Improv, where some of the biggest names in comedy got their start. With seating for 500, this is a big comedy club and has state-of-the-art sound and lighting to boot. There are various performers throughout the year, making the Irvine Improve a local favorite you’ll visit often.
Irvine, CA, Is a Beautiful, Safe, and Inviting City!
There’s no denying that Irvine is one of California’s friendliest, safest, and most attractive cities. Today, we just touched on the best things to see and do in Irvine. Once you live here, you’ll find there’s much more to see and enjoy.
Questions about renting storage units in Irvine? StorAmerica Storage offers a convenient chat feature to answer many of those questions. You can also visit the local StorAmerica Storage self-storage center nearest you. The onsite manager will be happy to assist you in any way they can. That includes helping you choose the Irvine, CA, storage unit that fits your needs (and your stuff) best. Until then, we wish you an enjoyable and exciting time in Irvine! Welcome home!
1 thought on “Fun Things to Do in Irvine, CA”