"Irvine" Top 5 Page for this destination Irvine by Lizchiq

Irvine Travel Guide: 99 reviews and 229 photos

Love it or Leave it...

Sometimes Irvine receives mixed reviews.

Irvine is a wonderful place in which to live, but it is definitely not a "destination" city. If I were an outsider, I would probably not spend my valuable and limited "vacation days." Most services are available within the city limits, but the city lacks a diversity of feel, because it has been a master-planned community since its inception. It has distinct residential and commercial zoning. Many of the restaurants, shops and hotels are in chains. If you are looking for more boutiques, charming cafes and more intimate hotels, try Laguna Beach, Newport Beach or San Clemente.

For the majority of its residents, Irvine allows them a high standard of living. It's clean and safe (in fact, it was voted the safest city in the United States in 2005), has great public schools and there is much less traffic here than LA obviously, as well as some other areas of Orange County.

In exchange for the high standard of living and safe "community" feeling, some diversity is sacrificed. This is the case in many cities with a safer feeling. Love it or leave it!

Intro Updated Apr 6, 2007
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Reviews (6)

See a movie in 3D Things to Do (2)

Go see a movie in 3D at the IMAX in Irvine! It's definitely the only 3D movie theater in Southern California. Some of... more travel advice

Huge Entertainment Center Shopping (2)

This is a very large outdoor entertainment complex. There is a movie theatre with 21 screens, as well as a few... more travel advice

Huge portions! Restaurants (1)

Claim Jumper is a chain of restaurants that has pretty good food, and very large portions! It's great to come here with... more travel advice

Great Beauty Supply Store Shopping (2)

This is an upscale beauty supply with many hair products/tools, nail lines (Essie, OPI, etc) and makeup lines including... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Beer by the "yard"

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Comments (2)

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cachaseiro Jan 21, 2008 at 10:54 PM

nice and useful tips :O)
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irishgalmtl Apr 14, 2007 at 10:26 PM

Hello there Liz, You are very welcome for your b-day wishes. We as well have an IMAX here at the Olda Port Of Montreal.. Great tips...Donna :)