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.
Image By Branden Pinney (Own work) [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
History of Irvine
Irvine history is long and related much to ranching, education and agriculture!
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.
Important Locations in Irvine
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.
UC Irvine Arboretum: The
UC Irvine Arboretum features an extensive collection of South African plants and plants in the South California area, particularly Irvine.
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.
To know more about the important locations in Irvine, click here.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Irvine
Time Zone
Irvine, CA is located in the Pacific Time Zone.
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.
Phone Codes
Country Code: -plus-1
Irvine Area Code: 949
People and Culture of Irvine
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.
Best Time to Visit Irvine
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.
Important Locations in Irvine Map Guide