The Top Summer Activities in and around Irvine, CA
The Top Summer Activities in and around Irvine, CA
Irvine is a great place to be any time of the year, but especially in summer. If you’re an avid fan of the outdoors, you’re in for a particular treat. There are dozens of trails, walks, and wilderness areas to enjoy. Tons of shops, markets, and performances also await those who will be in Irvine this summer. Don’t miss out on all the fun to be had this summer! Here are a few of the best activities going on in and around the Irvine area.
Summer Activities
Due to their nocturnal nature, bats are rarely seen by humans. These mysterious creatures live interesting lives hidden from most of us. Thanks to the Sea and Sage Audubon Society, guests of the summer bat walks will enjoy an up-close and personal look into the bats’ mysterious world. Rather than rely solely on the naked eye, tour guides will carry bat radar detectors that will help everyone observe the habits and movements of these misunderstood creatures.
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 10–12. The tour requires you to wear long pants and a long shirt to protect yourself from insects potentially carrying diseases. Buy your tickets in advance; there are plenty of people waiting to explore the hidden world of bats!
Monthly Nature Walk at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to reconnect with nature, but it’s hard to appreciate all that nature has to offer without a guide. That’s why Sea and Sage Audubon offers a free guided nature walk with extremely knowledgeable and friendly guides. With their expert knowledge and guidance, you’ll come to appreciate the diverse life present in the marsh.
On the first Saturday of each month, participants will meet in front of the Audubon house at 9 a.m. sharp. The walk is roughly half a mile, and participants will encounter six freshwater ponds as well as the Pollinator’s Garden. The tour concludes around 10:30 a.m. Be sure to make a reservation before attending; walk-ins aren’t allowed. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the nature around you in a whole new light.
Mountains to the Sea Trail and Bikeway
Starting in Weir Canyon and Ending in Newport Bay, this 22-mile trail is a favorite for those looking to explore their local area, enjoy nature, and stay in shape. This trail passes through five large Californian metropolitan areas while still providing breathtaking views of nature. For those in the Irvine area, the 6.6-mile portion of the Mountains to the Sea Trail that falls within city limits runs alongside San Diego Creek and the San Joaquin Marsh, offering some of the best views along the trail.
Whether you want to walk, jog, or bike, the Mountains to the Sea Trail and Bikeway is the perfect place to do it. There are plenty of access points along the trail, which is well marked and paved. During the hottest days of summer, morning and evening are still very pleasant along the trail!
Events
This event is a celebration of local makers of all sorts! Visitors will enjoy dozens of local vendors selling their homemade crafts, goods, and foods. Some of the popular products available at this year’s market include house plants, candles, jewelry, macrame, charcuterie boxes, chocolates, and more! There will be children’s crafting centers as well as live music. It’s going to be fun for the whole family.
Woodbridge Town Center will be hosting the Makers Mart on June 25–26, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets aren’t required, and entry is free. However, the event planners ask that you RSVP so the vendors have a rough estimate of how much product they should bring to the event. This is your chance to buy unique, handmade goods.
I know what you’re thinking: “I’m not vegan. Why would I go to a vegan festival?” How about to be introduced to some delicious healthy food or support local plant-based and sustainable businesses? If you’ve wondered about the plant-based lifestyle and whether it might be for you, consider stopping by the Laguna Hills Vegan Fest and sampling some great plant-based foods. You’ll find plenty of people around you who would be happy to share what they know about the vegan lifestyle.
The Laguna Hills Vegan Fest will take place July 9, 2022, at the Laguna Hills Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is free in the mall parking lot. Come enjoy over 60 different vendors this July!
Summer Harvest Festivals at Tanaka Farms
Want to see how your favorite fruits and vegetables are grown? Tanaka Farms does a great job of bringing farming to center stage at their summer harvest festivals. One of the most popular is the Melon Harvest Festival, which features Saticoy melon, pink honeydew, seedless watermelon, canary melon, and more, all available to sample at the farm.
The Melon Harvest Festival takes place when the melons are ripening, which is July through September. Farm tours cost $20 per person, but it’s only $5 to come to the farm, visit the market, and enjoy all the fun the farm has to offer. The harvest festivals only happen on weekends; don’t miss out on fresh fruit and farm fun!
Shows and Performances
Train at FivePoint Amphitheater
Train is one of the longest-performing bands around. Since their start in 1993, Train has been performing around the world. Their nearly 30-year career has endeared them to fans both young and old. If you’re lucky, you might just hear some crowd favorites such as “Drops of Jupiter,”
“Hey, Soul Sister,” and “Calling All Angels.”
The show starts at 6:30 p.m. on July 26, 2022, at the FivePoint Amphitheater in Irvine, CA, just a short drive from Anaheim, CA. Most tickets cost around $30, but VIP seats close to the stage cost around $210 and come with more than just great seats! If you’re a Train fan, you’ve got to see them perform live this summer!
The Art of Flamenco Dinner Show at Cafe Sevilla
Are you a fan of Spanish culture? Interested in learning more about it? Then you might like The Art of Flamenco Dinner Show at Cafe Sevilla. Every Saturday night at Cafe Sevilla, guests can enjoy a three-course traditional Spanish meal of paella, Sevilla, and a lemon tart while taking in a two-part Flamenco performance. The dancers are some of the best in the area, training and performing internationally. Patrons can also order from a wide range of drinks and other à la carte options.
The meal and performance cost $89.50 per person, not including tax and tip. This activity is for those 10 years of age and older. Doors open at 6 p.m., and seating is communal style, just like in Spain! Don’t miss this opportunity!
Enchanted Escape Magic & Cocktails
Do you remember the first time you saw a really talented magician as a child? Enchanted Escape Magic & Cocktails is here to recreate that feeling while making cocktails and mixed drinks. Some of the most impressive magicians from around the country have come together to offer the performance of a lifetime.
The groups are small, so you’ll get an up-close view of the sleight of hand and magical maneuvers. The cost is $40 per person, with a $25 minimum drink order. Because of the presence of alcohol, attendees must be 18 and older to attend. Don’t miss out on this magical performance!
This summer in Irvine, CA, is shaping up to be one worth remembering. If you’re looking for a place to live in the Irvine, CA, area while making lasting summer memories, check out Axis 2300 Apartments. We’ve got great amenities in a location that is conveniently surrounded by great restaurants and activities. Give us a call today to learn more or schedule a tour!
Come On In
DAILY
9 AM–6 PM
