Looking for things to do in Orange County? Visit Irvine and check out the amazing shopping centers the city has to offer. Irvine Company has three beautiful outdoor malls in the area that not only provide a convenient and varied shopping experience but also include tons of restaurants and attractions. They are Irvine Spectrum, Fashion Island and the Market Place. Always improving, the city of Irvine is an amazing place to call home.
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Irvine Spectrum – Walking around the 164 shops available in this outdoor center, you’re sure to work up an appetite, so it’s a good thing there is a huge selection of Irvine spectrum restaurants to choose from. The center is currently going through a major $200 million overhaul to bring in new niche shops and eateries. The shopping center has a traditional food court with favorites such as Chipotle and Panda Express and great fine dining options like Javier’s Cantina & Bar offering fresh, original Mexican style cuisine.
So much more than a mall, Irvine Spectrum is full of fun activities and things to do for everyone. Kids can enjoy the newly remodeled play area in the mall, interactive water fountain, kiddie train, carousel ride and of course a trip on the iconic Giant Wheel. The Giant Wheel was custom designed and hand crafted in Italy and stands 108 feet tall giving you an amazing view of the city. Irvine Spectrum also hosts a holiday Ice Rink is available November through February.
Don’t worry, the Spectrum has plenty of adult fun opportunities as well. Check out Dave & Busters for drinks and adult games, stop by Yard House for some cold brews or head to the Irvine Improv located inside Irvine Spectrum. The Irvine Improv comedy club features national headlining comedians plus a full-service bar and food. Grab dinner or just dessert while you laugh the night away with your friends.
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Fashion Island – Technically this hi-end outdoor mall is in Newport but it’s an Irvine Company property and just minutes outside of Irvine. A fun perk about Fashion Island, you can shop with your dog in almost any store in the center. This dog friendly shopping center is a great place to show off your pup or admire the adorable dogs that are out and about. Most pet owners come with their dogs to Muttropolis, a dog owner’s ultimate specialty store. Not only do they carry every leash, toy and treat your pup could desire they also host events like Big Breed Meetups, birthday parties and more.
Of course the best thing about Fashion Island is its location. Do some shopping and then head down to the beach, it’s only a 5 min drive away! Kick your shoes off after a trip around the mall and go down to the beach so you can wiggle your toes in the sand to relax. Fashion Island is also right next door to some of the best Newport Beach hotels like the Island Hotel, Newport Beach and Pelican Hill resort.
Market Place – With more than 120 stores, services, restaurants, cafes and theaters spanning 165 acres along Jamboree Road, it’s hard to decide where to start. Straddling the cities of Irvine and Tustin, this shopping and entertainment hub will become you’re go-to center if you move to Irvine. Shop for electronics, furniture, apparel, sporting goods, discounts and more available to you and your family. A few of the best discount shopping stores in the mall include Ross, T.J. Maxx, Loehmann’s and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse. The Market Place even has 2 theaters making movie going more convenient than ever.
Great shopping, restaurants and attractions is what Irvine is all about. Check out our Irvine community page to find out more about this amazing city and see if it’s the right place for you and your family to. If you have any questions, give our agents over at the First Team Real Estate Irvine office a call, they’re the experts! You can also connect with the office on Facebook.
