Know All About Irvine, California

Irvine is a multicultural city with headquarters of more than 100 companies, and several beautiful historical and cultural attractions, world-class shopping, diverse dining, biking and hiking trails, and plenty of natural spaces. It is one of the most family-friendly places in America. 

About 2000 years ago, the Gabrielino Indians lived in the area of what is now known as Irvine. The city consists of many villages. In 1769, a Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola settled in the area and with him came the missions, forts and herds of cattle. In 1831, after Mexican independence from Spain, Mexican government got the control of the lands and ranchos were given to Mexican citizens with grants. Later, Irvine Ranch was formed by three Spanish/Mexican grants- Rancho San Joaquin, Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, and Rancho Lomas de Santiago.

Later these ranches were sold to Irvine, Flint and Bixby families. James Irvine in 1878 formed the Irvine Ranch, extending from Pacific Ocean to Santa Ana River. Then, Irvine family transferred their base from ranching to agriculture. In the late 1800s, the Irvine Company was incorporated, as a result the town expanded slowly around agriculture, which is a preserved area today, just off Interstate-5 called as “Old Town Irvine”. Soon, Irvine became one of the fastest growing cities in California. Irvine was officially incorporated as a city in 1971. Today, Irvine is the safest, planned urban and business-friendly community in the US. 

Irvine is a blend of urban fun and suburban charm, and has plenty of important locations from parks to museums and art galleries to performances and plays to outdoor adventures and sporting events, and much more. 

  

Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre: Catch the popular musical acts and festivals at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre. Experience this magnificent venue that boasts wonderful views of Irvine.

 

Orange County Great Park: Enjoy the aerial views of the city from 400 feet up on helium balloon tied to the ground at Orange County Great Park.  This park has something for everyone, from children’s gardening workshop to farmers market. 

Orange County Zoo: Check out the Southwestern US animals and plants at the Orange County Zoo . 

Irvine Museum: Marvel at the beautiful renditions of life in California at the Irvine Museum. 

Irvine Historical Museum: Irvine Historical Museum   features the rich and unique heritage of Irvine Ranch

Pretend City Children’s Museum: Pretend City Children's Museum is a mini-sized pretend city where kids can play grown-ups. 

UC Irvine Arboretum: The UC Irvine Arboretum  features an extensive collection of South African plants and plants in the South California area, particularly Irvine.

Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial: Pay respect to war Heroes who lost their lives in wars of Iraq and Afghanistan at the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial. 

San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary: The San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary is a 300-acres freshwater marsh with wildlife, an arboretum and birdhouses

Irvine Regional Park: Irvine Regional Park features horseback riding, biking and walking trails, picnic areas, pony rides for kids, train rides, softball fields, volleyball courts, paddleboats, snack bar, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Time Zone Abbrv.: PST stands for Pacific Standard Time and PDT is abbreviated for Pacific Daylight Time

UTC – GMT Offset: Irvine is GMT/UTC - 8hours during Standard Time and GMT/UTC - 7hours during Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time Usage: Irvine uses Daylight Saving Time.

Country Code: -plus-1

Irvine Area Code: 949

Irvine is a warm and family-friendly city. Also, it is regarded as one of the “Americas Safest Big City” by FBI. With scenic beauty, well-developed education system and businesses, it is a perfect place to live, play and work. People here are friendly and welcoming.  It is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Southern California with a vast array of performing art theaters, museums, events and festivals, traditional cuisines, and much more.

Irvine has a warm weather all year long. However the best time to visit Irvine is spring and fall with lesser crowds, reasonable hotel and flight rates, and pleasant weather. 

The city hosts myriad of events and festivals year-round, ranging from arts and crafts to cultural, food, music and dance festivals and events. 

Irvine International Film Festival  (January)

Irvine Regional Park's Easter Eggstravaganza (March)

Irvine Korean Festival  (May)

Irvine Studio Arts Festival (June)

Tanaka Farms Watermelon Tours (July)

Irvine Global Village Festival (September)

Style Week OC (October)

Holiday Ice Rink (November)