Irvine, California, is a pretty fantastic place. It's the hometown of Will Ferrell, the place where Yogurtland got its start, and the Safest City in America. Aside from these accolades, Irvine is also filled with quite a few hidden treasures. Once you explore all it has to offer, however, you will agree that this beautiful city is anything but boring!
1. Hang out at the Irvine Spectrum.
What would a list about Irvine be without mentioning the Spectrum? This outdoor mall is admittedly quite a basic destination, but it's a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. Window-shop in its many stores, grab a bite at a trendy eatery, or watch a film at the huge IMAX theater!
2. Explore the abandoned ranch at Bommer Canyon.
A remnant of Irvine's cattle ranching days, Bommer Canyon is a lovely nature preserve nestled in the hills near Turtle Rock. Its many trails are perfect for hiking, running, and mountain biking. And for those addicted to their wedding Pinterest boards, its former "Cattle Camp" can be booked for special events with a rustic vibe!
3. Try the self-serve boba at Class 302.
The Internet collectively lost it when Irvine's newest Taiwanese cafe, Class 302, introduced its self-serve boba station. In a city already known for its excellent boba, this innovation is truly a game changer. Just choose your drink, then add boba, pudding, and jelly to your heart's desire!
4. Take a walking tour through Old Towne Irvine.
Did you know that Irvine was founded way back in 1889? The Irvine Historical Society offers tours through Old Towne Irvine, making for a fun and unique outing. If tours aren't your thing, simply enjoy some burgers at Knollwood's restaurant and admire the area's charming historic buildings, many of which are still fully functional stores.
5. Watch the sunset from Suicide Hill.
OK, so it's actually called "Turtle Rock Viewpoint Trail." Regardless, a short and vigorous hike will transport you to a magnificent view. Gazing out over all of Orange County really puts life in perspective, especially if you bring a picnic and somebody you love. Come in time for the sunset, and make sure to get down the hill before it's too dark!
6. Indulge your chocolate dreams at the Chocxo Factory.
Did you know that Irvine has its very own chocolate factory? Chocxo is a company that imports its cacao beans directly from farms around the world, then produces delectable treats in its Irvine-based factory. You can visit its headquarters, take a factory tour, and leave with enough samples to create a sugar coma.
7. Ride the Orange hot-air balloon at the Great Park.
Anyone from Orange County has certainly spotted this distinctive orange balloon from a distance. But did you know you can actually ride the balloon on weekends? Adults (ages 19+) pay $10, and the Family & Friends pass gets you five rides for only $40. It's a truly unique experience that provides a fantastic view and a fun memory!
8. Find fresh delights at the Irvine Farmer's Market.
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Mariners Church parking lot transforms into a bustling farmers' market! The Orange County Farmers' Bureau and a variety of local vendors come together to sell fresh produce and handcrafted goods. It's one of the biggest and best in the area, and there are always unexpected delights to be found.
9. Learn to dance at Atomic Ballroom.
Located near the airport, Atomic Ballroom is Orange County's best-loved venue for social dancing of all kinds! Its talented instructors offer a variety of private and group lessons, along with different social dances every evening. From swing and salsa to tango and blues, there are many ways to meet new friends and dance the night away.
10. Catch a low-cost movie at the Dollar Theater.
Formerly known as the Starplex Cinemas, this tiny theater in Woodbridge is the best place to see old-ish movies -- the ones that are just out of normal theaters, but aren't yet released to DVD. Ticket prices range from $2 to $4 depending on the day and time you come, and its facilities are quite nice for the price you pay.
Irvine may not be a metropolitan center, but it's absolutely brimming with hidden gems and fun outings. So the next time you find yourself planning a date, showing a friend around town, or just looking for an adventure, use this list to discover the greatest parts of our city!
