Things To Do in Irvine

Whether you are new to Irvine or have been a resident for years, below are some of our favorite things to do in and around our community.

Quail Hill Trail

Irvine’s Hiking Trails
Jeffrey Open Space Trail:  This trail is perfect for walking, running, and biking. Meet up with the local run club Run OC at 6pm every Wednesday. More info here. 

Quail Hill Trailhead: This 2-mile loop is located just off Sand Canyon. More info here. 

Bosque Trail (Great Park): This trail runs through majority of the Great Park. More info here. 

Peter’s Canyon Regional Park: Just over the Irvine border, this park is a great spot for those who enjoy longer hikes. Park for free on the side of the park near Peter’s Canyon Elementary School. More info here.

Oliver’s Trattoria

Irvine’s Diverse Restaurants
Whether you’re looking for a nice dinner out with the family, a hang-out for Happy Hour after work with friends, or some quick take-out, Irvine is home to a number of terrific restaurants.

Below are a few of my favorites. Be sure to check out local food reviews (Smith’s Picks) each week on Instagram here. 

Oliver’s Trattoria (Italian)

All That Korean BBQ

Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen

Aria Kitchen (Mediterranean/Mexican Fusion)

Izakaya Osen (Sushi)

Postino (Italian/Wine Bar) 

Storytime at the library

Library Events for Kids
Irvine’s 3 Libraries (Heritage Park, University Park, Katie Wheeler) have a number of free kid-friendly events every week. Visit the OC Public Libraries website for the latest schedule of events.

Irvine’s Sports Facilities
Irvine offers facilities for pickleball, tennis, basketball, soccer, golf  & more!

A full list of Irvine’s athletic facilities can be found here. 

Some other favorites:
Ride the train at the Irvine Park Railroad

Visit Tanaka Farms

Shop & Dine at the Irvine Spectrum

Catch a movie at one of Irvine’s movie theaters (Irvine Spectrum, University Center, Woodbridge, The District, Tustin Marketplace) 

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Joel Smith

Joel Smith is a homegrown Irvine athlete and Concordia University graduate who excelled in soccer and now coaches at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. He is also on staff with Irvine Community News & Views, writing his own weekly column "Smith's Picks" which is a favorite among our readers. Joel covers community interest stories in Irvine as well as local arts & entertainment.

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