Morning: Start your day at the Irvine Spectrum Center, a premier shopping and dining destination with over 130 stores and restaurants. Take a stroll through the palm-tree lined outdoor shopping center and grab a coffee at Starbucks or Peet's Coffee to start your day.
Afternoon: Visit the Giant Wheel, a 108-foot Ferris wheel with stunning views of Irvine and the surrounding area. Try your hand at the scavenger hunt to discover hidden gems throughout the mall and win a prize.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants at the Spectrum, such as CUCINA enoteca, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop. For a sweet treat, head to Creamistry for made-to-order liquid nitrogen ice cream.
Morning: Start your day at the Orange County Great Park, a 1,300-acre park with plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful views. Take a hot air balloon ride to get a unique perspective of the park and surrounding area.
Afternoon: Visit the Palm Court Arts Complex, a cultural center with art galleries, artist studios, and workshops. Take a guided tour of the Great Park Gallery to learn about Orange County's rich history and culture.
Evening: End your day at the Great Park Balloon, a tethered helium balloon that takes you 400 feet above the park. Enjoy the sunset and take in the breathtaking views of Irvine and the surrounding area.
For a side trip, head to Laguna Beach, a seaside resort city only 30 minutes away from Irvine. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and visit the Laguna Art Museum to explore California art and history.
To maximize your fun, consider renting a bike and exploring the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, a 3.5-mile trail that runs through the heart of Irvine.
Other local attractions to consider include the Irvine Museum Collection, a museum dedicated to California Impressionism, and the Marconi Automotive Museum, a museum featuring a collection of high-performance cars.