Los Angeles On Your Own - Irvine

Pasadena

Santa Monica/West L.A.

Irvine/The O.C.

The 10 Top Things to do in Irvine/The O.C.

Irvine is in the center of the sprawl of many Orange County cities, thus making it easy for you to see its own attractions as well as to get to the surrounding communities.

1. Spend several hours in Laguna Beach. A very pleasant day can be had taking in the city's art galleries and bistros.


2. Exercise your shopping gene at an Orange County Temple of Commerce. South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island are the big two malls in the area, and can easily scratch your shopping itch.


3. Hang out on a beach. One of the great attractions of Southern California, and they're still free!


4. Enjoy a great meal. Your not starved for choice in the OC.


5. Take a walk around Balboa Island. You'll share the wide pedestrian walkway that boarders the bay with out-of-towners and laid-back locals alike.


6. Do the Disney thing. It's your choice: the original Disneyland or the California Adventure Park.


7. Savor a malt at Ruby's Diner on the Balboa Pier. The indulgence is only enhanced by the venue, at the end of the pier.


8. Pay a visit to the Laguna Art Museum. It's the center of the scene for the art colony in Laguna Beach.


9. Go antique shopping in Old Town Orange. It's a fun neighborhood, and the eclectic collection of buildings evokes the 1930s ambiance of what was then an agricultural town.


10. Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano. In mid-March, this mission is ground zero for the swallows returning from their vacation in Argentina..

Getting Around

Orientation

Spending a day or two in the Irvine/Newport Beach area of Orange County (the OC) can be a great way to relax before you head off on your cruise.

Airports You have two options: you can fly into Los Angeles International (LAX), rent a car and drive for about an hour down the 405 Freeway to Irvine, or you can fly directly to the John Wayne Orange County airport (SNA), rent a car and drive for 5 or 10 minutes to your hotel. Clearly SNA is more convenient.

Car Rental You'll really need to rent a car if you're planning to stay in the OC.

Freeways The 405 Freeway is the road that will take you up or down the coast. Off the 405, you'll find Highway 73, which wends its way south of the 405 and north of the ocean. It turns into a toll road about 3-4 miles south of the 405. Highway 55 takes you south from the 405 into Costa Mesa.

Getting to your Cruise Ship If you are taking a Carnival cruise, your ship will depart from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. All other cruise lines will depart from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro. Both of these terminals are within a 1 hour drive from the Irvine area (as long as it's not rush hour). Arrange with your car rental agency for turning in your car in either San Pedro or Long Beach.

Shopping

See our Map of Recommended Shopping Areas: Orange County for the locations of the shopping areas listed below.

Art Galleries

Laguna Beach is the OC's art center, and all along Pacific Coast Highway and on the side streets of the city you will find dozens of galleries and shops that are worth a look. Even if you're not serious about buying art, visiting Laguna Beach is worth the visit.

Malls

South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street, just north of the 405 Freeway at Bristol
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
South Coast Plaza is THE upscale shopping mall in Southern California. The mall is populated with over 280 shops, boutiques and department stores. Many ultra-luxury brands, which have very few boutiques nationwide, have chosen South Coast Plaza as one of their few (and for some brands, their only) American store locations. Tiffany's, Cartier, Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Hermes and Nordstrom report that their locations at South Coast Plaza have the highest sales of all their stores in the United States.
Open Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 6:30 pm

Fashion Island
601 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Fashion Island is home to the OC's outdoor upscale shopping experience. Fashion Island is located on top of a bluff that overlooks Newport Harbor, Balboa Island and the Pacific Ocean. With modern and innovative architecture, live vegetation and dazzling water features, you can find what you're looking for in one of the mall's over 200 shops, boutiques and department stores.
Open Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Irvine Spectrum
71 Fortune Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
The Irvine Spectrum Center is Orange County California's premier dining, shopping and entertainment destination. This is a youth-oriented mall that has a Ferris wheel and other attractions for the younger crowd.
Open Monday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Antique Shopping

Old Towne Orange on the Circle is a focal point in the redevelopment of the Old Towne Historic District. The district provides a feeling for life in Orange from 1888 to 1940, showcasing over 50 different architectural styles. Old Town Plaza is at the heart of the city's antique and historic center. The area is centered around Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street.

Restaurants

Recommended Restaurants

See our Map of Recommended Restaurants: Orange County for the locations of the restaurants listed below.

Irvine

Gulliver's
Steaks
Gulliver's serves great prime rib and steaks in a space redolent of an old English pub.
18482 Macarthur Blvd
Irvine
Open weekdays 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, and 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, weekends 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Tel: (949) 833-8411

Mustard Cafe
Deli
Since its founding in 2002, the Mustard Cafe has built a reputation among the locals for the best-tasting sandwiches and soups in Orange County.
5663 Alton Parkway
Irvine
Open Monday through Friday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tel: (949) 559-8080

Newport Beach

Crab Cooker
Seafood and shellfish
This is the kind of place you'd expect to see in Boston. Try the Manhattan clam chowder, albacore appetizer and the cheesy mashed potatoes
2200 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach
Open Sunday thru Thursday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (949) 673-0100

Roy's
Hawaiian
The local branch of Roy Yamaguchi's Honolulu-based chain of Hawaiian-fusion restaurants. Delicious fish dishes. Try the $30 prix-fixe menu that features a choice of a meat or fish entree and a dessert.
453 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach
Open Monday through Thursday and Sun 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Tel: (949) 640-7697

Ruby's Diner
Burgers
This retro 1940s-era diner, part of a local chain, sits at the end of the Balboa Pier. Good burgers and salads in an interesting location.
1 Balboa Pier
Newport Beach
Open Sunday to Thursday 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Tel: (949) 675-7829

The Cannery - Seafood of the Pacific
Seafood
Located in an 80 year old building that once served as a cannery, the Cannery serves fresh seafood in the main dining room, their patio or in their sushi bar upstairs. They also serve great steaks and salads.
3010 Lafayette Rd
Newport Beach
Open weekdays for lunch 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Saturday brunch 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Sunday brunch 11:00 am to 3:30 pm, dinner Monday through Wednesday 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Thursday 3:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 3:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Sunday 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Tel: (949) 566-0060

Blue Coral Seafood
Seafood
Upscale seafood in an aquatic-themed space. Great food and service. Try the Chilean sea bass en papillote or the Maine lobster en fuego.
451 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach
Open Sunday through Thursday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Tel: (949) 856-2583

The Rockin' Baja Lobster
Mexican
Baja Buckets are what people order here, filled with Lobster and quick-fried shrimp. Very lively atmosphere and its location on the Newport Pier make this place good for people watching. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard
2104 West Oceanfront
Newport Beach
Open Monday through Friday 11:30am to 10:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (949) 723-0606

Laguna Beach

Cottage Restaurant
Breakfast
Home-style cuisine served in a converted 1917 residence. The place has a warm, cozy atmosphere, and has a small patio in the backyard.
308 North Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach
Open Daily 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Tel: (949) 494-3023

Las Brisas
Mexican
Serves authentic cuisine of the Mexican Riviera, featuring fresh seafood, beef and chicken entrees The menu represents a collection of recipes discovered along the 3,000 miles of Mexico's west coast.
361 Cliff Dr.
Laguna Beach
Open Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 8:00 am to 11:00 pm; Sunday 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (949) 497-5434

Hotels

Expensive

Fairmont Newport Beach
Newport Beach
Discover a Newport Beach hotel with exceptional amenities, gracious service and an ideal location.
4500 MacArthur Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: (866) 840-8402

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel
Dana Point
Experience the timeless elegance of the AAA Five Diamond Laguna Niguel Ritz-Carlton hotel resort, situated along the Southern California coast in Dana Point.
1 Ritz Carlton Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629
Tel: (949) 240-2000

Island Hotel Newport Beach
Newport Beach
In the heart of Newport Beach, the Island Hotel is a AAA Five Diamond hotel that proudly serves discerning guests with exceptional service and impeccable attention to detail.
690 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: (949) 759-0808

The St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach
Dana Point
Experience Orange County's refined coastal retreat featuring an 18-hole golf course, award-winning Spa Gaucin and six ocean-view restaurants including celebrated chef Michael Mina's Stonehill Tavern.
One Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
Tel: (949) 234-3200

Balboa Bay Club & Resort
Newport Beach
Treat yourself to the premier choice of Newport Beach hotel resorts. Secluded in the heart of California's Riviera, the Balboa Bay Club & Resort boasts the distinction as the only waterfront Newport Beach resort in its class.
1221 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Tel: (949) 645-5000

Surf and Sand Resort
Laguna Beach
Surf and Sand Resort pampers its guests with luxury services, just inches from the beach in the beautiful seaside town of Laguna Beach. Each guest room and suite in the Surf & Sand Resort is a luxurious retreat. The resort's five buildings offer a wide variety of room types and locations, from penthouses high above the beach to rooms with private balconies just a few feet above the sand.
1555 S. Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Tel: (949) 497-4477

Mid-price

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Newport Beach
Enjoy all the amenities of a chic resort at this luxurious Newport Beach hotel. Situated on the Back Bay, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach provides each guest exceptional service and impeccable attention to detail.
1107 Jamboree Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: (949) 729-1234

Hyatt Regency Irvine
Irvine
Reward yourself with a stay at the luxurious AAA Four-Diamond Hyatt Regency Irvine. Discover the outstanding service and amenities that have made us the only Irvine hotel to earn this highly regarded honor, from impeccable attention to detail to impressive facilities for both our business and vacationing guests.
17900 Jamboree Road
Irvine, CA 92614
Tel: (949) 975-1234

Holiday Inn Express Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa
The Holiday Inn Express Costa Mesa is at the center of everything, just 1-1/2 miles from John Wayne Airport and adjacent to the world class South Coast Plaza and Orange County Performing Arts Center complex. Sun-kissed beaches, amusement parks, championship golf, sizzling entertainment and pro sports are just minutes away.
2070 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Tel: (949) 631-6000

Doubletree Guest Suites Doheny Beach
Dana Point
Ideal for Southern California vacations, the Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel at Doheny Beach is a top choice in Laguna Beach hotels.
34402 Pacific Coast Hwy
Dana Point, CA 92629
Tel: (949) 661-1100

Activities

Amusement Parks

Disneyland
700 W. Ball Road
Anaheim CA 92802
What else is there to say? It's Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth.
Open daily 8:00 am to midnight

Disney's California Adventure Park
700 W. Ball Road
Anaheim CA 92802
This theme park, adjacent to Disneyland, was designed to celebrate California in style. Fun rides and a festive atmosphere.
Open daily 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
What was once an actual berry farm is now 160 acres of world class rides, unique family shows and one of a kind attractions. Mrs. Knott's restaurant has a reputation for great fried chicken.
Open daily at 10; closing times vary by month and day

Orange County Beaches

Huntington Beach State Park is a long narrow beach that extends for about 4 miles south of the city of Huntington Beach. Good for swimming, sunbathing and beach volleyball.

Huntington Pier is the place serious surfers go to ride the waves. After all, Huntington Beach is the original Surf City USA.

Newport Beach is a long wide beach that extends on the south of the city of Newport Beach. Good for swimming, sunbathing and people watching.

Balboa Beach, located on the Balboa peninsula, is a good beach for swimming, sunbathing and people watching. Kids appreciate the Fun Zone amusement park adjacent to the beach.

Corona del Mar State Beach is a good swimming and sunbathing beach located south of the city of Corona del Mar.

Main Beach is a small and narrow beach at the center of the city of Laguna Beach. Good for swimming, sunbathing and people watching.

Aliso Beach is located on Pacific Coast Highway in South Laguna. Swimming, surfing, skin diving and paddle boarding are favorite activities here. You can also do some exploring of the tide pools.

Doheny State Beach, located in Dana Point, is a 62 acre park with overnight camping and day use facilities.

Mission

Mission San Juan Capistrano is Orange County's only mission established in the 18th century up and down the California coast. Built in 1776, this was the seventh of the 21 California coastal missions. The mix of old ruins and working buildings is home to small museum collections and various adobe rooms that are as quaint as they are interesting. The mission is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Located at: 31414 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
Tel: (949) 234-1300

Museums

Laguna Art Museum
From the turn of the century through the 1930s, Laguna Beach was home to one of the most significant artists' colony on the Pacific Coast. The Laguna Art Museum has not only been the focal point of this art colony but, instrumental in uncovering its history as well. Along with its counterpart, the Oakland Museum of California Art in northern California, it has been at the forefront of a trend among California museums to focus on regional art history. Open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
307 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The Museum is located on the south-west corner of the crossing of Pacific Coast Highway and Cliff Drive.
(949) 494-8971

Orange County Museum of Art
California art from 20th and 21st centuries.
Open Wednesday through Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Admission $8 to $10, under 12 free
850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach
Tel: (949) 759-1122

Walking Balboa Island

One activity that's free and entertaining at the same time is taking a walk around Balboa Island. You can park on a residential street, then head either north or south to find the pedestrian walkway that circles the island. You can also take the ferry (the pedestrian fare is about $1) across the harbor to the Fun Zone amusement area, Balboa Beach and the pier.