Beyond the Anteater: Your Ultimate Guide to Fun Near UC Irvine
So you're at the University of California, Irvine. First off, congrats! You're in a pretty amazing spot, not just for academics, but for, well, everything else. Orange County is your playground now, & honestly, there's a TON to do. Whether you're a freshman trying to figure out your weekends, a grad student needing a break from the lab, or just visiting, I've got you covered. Think of me as your in-the-know friend who's already done all the exploring.
Let's be real, the campus itself is great (shoutout to Aldrich Park for those sunny afternoon naps), but the real magic happens when you venture out. From stunning beaches to world-class shopping & some surprisingly cool cultural spots, you won't be bored. Here's the thing though, Orange County is sprawling. Having a car is a huge plus, but even if you don't, there are ways to get around. & when you do drive, parking can sometimes be a headache, especially in the popular spots. That's where a service like Prked comes in super handy. It’s a pretty cool app that lets you find & book parking in people's driveways or garages. It can be a lifesaver when you're heading to a crowded beach or a busy shopping center & don't want to spend ages circling for a spot.
But we'll get more into that later. For now, let's dive into all the awesome things waiting for you just a stone's throw from UCI.
Soaking Up the SoCal Sun: Beaches, Hikes & Outdoor Adventures
You're in Southern California, so let's start with the obvious: the great outdoors. & lucky for you, Irvine is smack in the middle of some of the best natural scenery around.
Beach Days on Repeat
You're literally minutes away from some of the most iconic beaches in the world. Each one has its own vibe, so you can pick your favorite or switch it up depending on your mood.
Newport Beach: This is probably the closest & most classic OC beach experience. You've got the Balboa Peninsula with its two piers, the Newport Beach Pier & the Balboa Pier. In between, there's the Balboa Fun Zone, a charmingly old-school amusement park with a Ferris wheel that gives you killer ocean views. The Wedge is famous for its massive waves, so it's fun to watch the surfers & bodysurfers, but maybe not the best spot for a casual swim. For a more relaxed day, head to Corona del Mar State Beach. It's a bit more sheltered & has fire pits, which are perfect for a bonfire with friends. Just a heads-up, parking can be a real pain, especially on a sunny weekend. This is a prime time to check out Prked & see if you can snag a driveway spot from a local homeowner. It's often cheaper & WAY less stressful than fighting for a spot in a packed lot.
Laguna Beach: If you're looking for something a bit more artsy & scenic, Laguna is your spot. It's a gorgeous 15-20 minute drive from campus & offers a different feel than Newport. Main Beach is right in the heart of downtown, with basketball courts & a boardwalk. But the real gems are the smaller coves & beaches like Crescent Bay, Shaw's Cove, & Table Rock. These are amazing for tide pooling & just enjoying the stunning coastline. Laguna is also a hiker's paradise, with trails in the hills that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific. We'll get to those in a bit.
Crystal Cove State Park: This place is a MUST-DO. It's like stepping back in time. You have beautiful, less-crowded beaches & some amazing tide pools. The historic district has these adorable 1930s-era beach cottages that you can even rent (if you book way in advance). The only downside is the parking fee, which can be a little steep. Carpooling with friends is a good way to split the cost.
Huntington Beach (Surf City USA): If you're into surfing or just want to experience that classic California surf culture, Huntington Beach is the place to be. It's a bit more of a drive, but worth it for the people-watching & the iconic pier.
Hiking Your Heart Out
Irvine is surrounded by green space & has an incredible network of trails. Whether you want a quick, easy stroll or a challenging all-day hike, you'll find it here.
Bommer Canyon: This is an Irvine classic & only about a ten-minute drive from campus. It offers a variety of trails that wind through groves of oak and sycamore trees. It's a great escape when you need a break from studying.
Quail Hill: This is another super accessible trail that's perfect for a quick hike or trail run. It's a relatively easy loop with some nice views of the Irvine area.
Crystal Cove State Park (El Moro Canyon): We already mentioned the beaches here, but the hiking is just as good, if not better. The El Moro Canyon Loop Trail is a local favorite. It's a good workout with some serious inclines, but the panoramic ocean views from the top are absolutely worth it.
Top of the World: Located in Alta Laguna Park, this trail lives up to its name. The views are just spectacular. You can see all of Laguna Beach & the coastline stretching for miles. It's a popular spot for sunset, so get there a bit early to find parking.
Mountains to Sea Trail: This is a more ambitious undertaking, but it's pretty epic. It's a 22-mile trail that, as the name suggests, runs from the mountains all the way to the sea, ending at Newport Back Bay. You can do it in sections, of course!
Irvine itself is also incredibly bike-friendly, with over 300 miles of on-street bike lanes & more than 60 miles of off-road paved trails. So, if you have a bike, you can explore a lot of these places without even needing a car.
Culture Vultures, Rejoice! Museums & Art Scene
You might not think of Irvine as a cultural hub, but you'd be pleasantly surprised. There's a growing art scene & some really interesting museums to check out.
UCI Langson Institute & Museum of California Art (IMCA): This is your very own campus museum, & it's pretty impressive. It has a fantastic collection of California art, especially from the Impressionist period. They have rotating exhibitions, so there's always something new to see. The best part? Admission is FREE, & they even offer 2-hour validated parking at their interim location. They are in an interim space right now, but a brand new, permanent museum is in the works for the campus.
University Art Gallery: Also on campus, this gallery showcases work from UCI's own talented students & faculty. It's a great place to see what your peers are creating.
Irvine Historical Museum: Want to learn a bit about the history of the area? This museum is housed in the oldest standing structure within the original Irvine Ranch. It's a small but fascinating look at the region's agricultural past.
Great Park Gallery: Located in the Orange County Great Park, this gallery is in a repurposed military building & features contemporary art from local & regional artists.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts: Okay, so this one's in Costa Mesa, but it's a short drive & well worth it. It's a world-class performing arts center that hosts Broadway shows, ballet, concerts, & more. Keep an eye out for student discounts!
Shop 'til You Drop (or at Least Until Your Student Loans Kick In)
Whether you're looking for high-end fashion, quirky boutiques, or just a place to grab a bite & hang out, the shopping scene near UCI is top-notch.
Irvine Spectrum Center: This is more than just a mall; it's an experience. It's a huge outdoor shopping center with a ton of stores, from Nordstrom & Target to smaller, trendier shops. There's a massive movie theater, the Irvine Improv for some laughs, & even a giant Ferris wheel. They also have a bunch of great restaurants, like the Hello Kitty Cafe, which is an experience in itself. In the winter, they even set up an ice rink. The Spectrum gets REALLY busy, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a bit of a crowd.
University Center (UTC): This is the shopping center right across the street from campus, so you'll probably get to know it well. It has all the essentials, like Trader Joe's & Target, plus a bunch of casual restaurants that are perfect for a quick bite between classes. Think Blaze Pizza, Chick-fil-A, & In-N-Out.
The District at Tustin Legacy: Just a short drive away, The District has a great mix of stores, restaurants, & entertainment. There's a Whole Foods, a bowling alley, & a movie theater.
South Coast Plaza: If you're into high fashion, this is your mecca. It's one of the most famous luxury shopping destinations in the country, with stores like Gucci, Prada, & Chanel. It's fun to just walk around & window shop, even if you can't afford anything.
Fashion Island: This is another beautiful outdoor mall in Newport Beach with a more upscale, coastal vibe. It has a great selection of stores, from department stores like Neiman Marcus to smaller boutiques. It's a lovely place to spend an afternoon, even if you're just grabbing a coffee & enjoying the ocean breeze.
Foodie Adventures: From Cheap Eats to Fancy Feasts
Let's talk about the food. Orange County has an INCREDIBLE food scene, with a huge variety of cuisines at every price point. You could eat at a different place every day & never run out of options.
Right Near Campus
You don't have to go far for a good meal. Besides the options at UTC, there are some other great spots within walking distance or a very short drive.
Diamond Jamboree: This plaza is a paradise for lovers of Asian food. You'll find everything from Korean BBQ & hot pot to boba & dessert shops. It's a popular hangout spot for students.
Campus Plaza: Right next to UTC, Campus Plaza has some more casual food options that are popular with students.
Worth the Drive
If you're willing to venture a little further, the culinary world is your oyster.
Costa Mesa: This city next to Irvine is a foodie hotspot. You'll find everything from trendy brunch spots to authentic ramen shops. The LAB Anti-Mall & The CAMP are two cool, eco-friendly shopping centers with some unique dining options.
Santa Ana: Downtown Santa Ana has a vibrant & growing food scene, with a focus on Latin American cuisine. 4th Street Market is a food hall with a bunch of different vendors to choose from.
Anaheim Packing District: This is a bit of a drive, but it's a really cool spot. It's a historic citrus packing plant that's been converted into a massive food hall with a huge variety of vendors. The atmosphere is lively & fun, & it's a great place to go with a group of friends.
Laguna Beach & Newport Beach: Both of these coastal cities have a ton of great restaurants, from casual beachside cafes to upscale dining with ocean views.
Nightlife & Entertainment: What to Do After Dark
Okay, let's be honest. Irvine isn't exactly known for its wild nightlife. It's a pretty quiet, family-oriented city. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to do after the sun goes down.
Anthill Pub & Grille: This is the on-campus pub, & it's a classic UCI experience. It's a great place to grab a beer with friends after a long week of classes. They have a good selection of craft beers & decent pub food.
Irvine Improv: Located at the Spectrum, this is a great place to catch a comedy show. They get some big-name comedians, as well as up-and-coming acts.
Bars & Breweries: While Irvine itself is a bit lacking in the bar department, nearby Costa Mesa has a much more lively scene. You'll find a bunch of craft breweries & cocktail bars there. Some students also head to Newport Beach for the bars on the peninsula.
Rooftop Bars: For a more upscale evening, there are a few rooftop bars in the area that offer great views & cocktails. Hive & Honey at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum is a popular choice.
K1 Speed: If you're looking for something a little more active, K1 Speed offers indoor go-kart racing. It's a fun group activity.
A Quick Word on Storage & Moving
This is a bit of a side note, but it's something a lot of students have to deal with. If you're moving into a dorm or apartment, or if you're going home for the summer, you might find yourself with more stuff than you have space for. Traditional storage units can be expensive & a hassle to get to. This is another area where a service like Prked can be a game-changer. You can find safe, affordable storage space in someone's garage, attic, or spare room. It's a much more convenient & often cheaper solution than a traditional storage facility.
So there you have it! A pretty comprehensive guide to all the fun things you can do near UCI. The key is to get out there & explore. Say yes to that spontaneous beach trip, try that new restaurant, & don't be afraid to venture a little further than you normally would. You're in an amazing place with so much to offer.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think, & if you have any other favorite spots, feel free to share them. Enjoy your time at UCI
