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About Irvine
Massive, pristine, and consistently considered one of the safest cities in the nation, the city of Irvine represents the idyllic vision of a planned community for many people. With a total area encompassing nearly 70 square miles, the city of Irvine is far and away the largest city in Orange County, and within its sprawl lays a vast labyrinth of unique residential villages, meticulously kept open spaces, forward-thinking businesses, and enticing shopping and entertainment venues.
The genesis of the city of Irvine can be traced back to 1864, when a consortium led by James Irvine snapped up 50,000 acres of the old Rancho San Joaquin ranch from Jose Andres Sepulveda. In 1878, Irvine purchased his partners’ interest in the land, which by then had expanded to a whopping 110,000 acres. The Irvine Ranch was inherited by his son, James Jr., in 1893 after the senior Irvine passed, and he promptly incorporated the land into the Irvine Company and shifted some of the area’s focus from ranching to farming. By World War I, The Irvine Ranch garnered plenty of local interest for being a key producer of lima beans. The land’s first foray away from ranching and farming occurred during World War II, when The Irvine Company sold a section of its area to the military, who in turn built two Marine Corps air facilities on its newly claimed property. After the war ended, James Jr’s son, Myford Irvine, began to open portions of the Irvine Ranch for municipal development, and the seeds for modern day Irvine were planted. The opening of UC Irvine in 1965 kicked the land’s urban growth into high gear, and the city officially incorporated in 1971.
In the forty years that have passed since its entry into cityhood, Irvine has built a solid status as one of the most essential cities in Southern California. The city of Irvine encapsulates the terminals and runways of John Wayne Airport, the area’s second busiest airport. Its twin business districts, the Irvine Spectrum region and the Irvine Business Complex, are thriving professional regions filled with a slew of industry leading companies which supply jobs to thousands of people. At the same time, Irvine has cultivated a reputation for being a great place to play as well. The center of the city’s frolicking can be found at the Irvine Spectrum Center; spanning 1.15 million square feet, the popular venue is home to over 160 shops and restaurants, as well as the OC’s first IMAX Theater and the nationally acclaimed Irvine Improv comedy club. Just down the road from this shopper’s paradise resides Wild Rivers, a sprawling water park containing a host of fun attractions for people of all ages to enjoy as they cool off. Music aficionados can flock to Irvine’s world famous Verizon Wireless Amphitheater to catch some of the industry’s hottest live acts. And Irvine also supplies the home base for the OC Great Park, a constantly growing venue filled with a plethora of indoor and outdoor activites.
Entertainment in Irvine
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
Irvine Spectrum
One of the country's BEST shopping and entertainment centers. Irvine Spectrum Center has become a major destination for residents and visitors. Known for its quality entertainment, restaurants and Beautiful surroundings. Evenings, at the Spectrum have become a hot spot for nightlife and entertainment. It's easy to relax and enjoy the Irvine Spectrum with all that it offers; from dining, distinctive shopping and unique weekend performances. Whether you're looking to shop, play or eat the Irvine Spectrum provides fun for everyone.
Boomers
3405 Michelson Dr.
Irvine, Ca
Phone: (949) 559-8341
Go carts, Miniature golf, laser, rock wall
Verizon Wireless Ampitheater
8808 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine CA 92618
Box Office: (949)855-8095
Information: (949) 855-8096
Old Town Irvine
Old Town Irvine stands today as a testament to the rich agricultural past of what has become one of California's most heavily urban counties. Founded in 1887 as the distribution and storage center of the 125,000-acre Irvine ranch, Old Town Irvine was to develop over the years a bean and grain storage warehouse (1895) and granary (1947) known as the Irvine Bean and Grain Grower's Building, a blacksmith's shop (1916), a hotel (1913), a general store (1911), and an employees' bungalow (1915). All of these structures have been rehabilitated for commercial uses and their exteriors have been painstakingly maintained. Location: Sand Canyon Ave and Burt Rd, Irvine
Irvine Fine Arts Center
14321 Yale Ave.
Irvine, CA 92604
Phone: (949)724-6880
About: Since 1980, the Irvine Fine Arts Center has been the place to see, learn about, and create art. Our unique facility was designed by architects specifically for visual arts programming, and specialized studios were created for painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, culinary arts and more.
Irvine Improv
71 Fortune Drive #841
Irvine, Ca 92618
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Golf Courses in Irvine
Strawberry Farms Golf Club
11 Strawberry Farms Rd.
Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: (949) 551-1811
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Shopping in Irvine
Shop at the Irvine Spectrum
Irvine Spectrum Center is one of Southern California’s most popular shopping and dining destinations, visited by nearly 11 million people each year. The center features more than 120 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, including a 6,400 seat, 21-screen movie theater with Orange County’s only IMAX theater.
Spas in Irvine
Irvine's Premier Salon & Skin-Care
17655 Harvard Ave # A
Irvine, Ca
Phone:(949) 476-4434
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