Irvine City Guide

Strong Asian food scene with Korean, Chinese, and Japanese options. Diverse international and fusion food is easy to find. Vegetarian and vegan options are common. Late-night food is mostly near colleges.

Nightlife is low-key, with casual bars and breweries mainly. It’s quieter than nearby Newport Beach or Santa Ana.

Growing coffee scene with chains and some specialty cafes. Fewer third-wave shops than big cities.

Tipping is expected in restaurants and taxis, usually 15-20%. Other services like delivery and haircuts also expect 15-20% or a few dollars.

SIM cards can be bought at AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile stores. ID is usually needed for post-paid plans. Pre-paid options require less registration. eSIM depends on carrier and phone.

City is very clean with good waste management and recycling.

24/7 pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens exist. Minimarts are common. Night clinics are limited, but urgent care often open late. Food after hours mostly near colleges.

International products are easy to find. Main supermarkets: Ralphs, Albertsons, Pavilions, Whole Foods. Asian markets like H Mart and 99 Ranch Market are popular. Most are open 7 AM - 10 PM daily. Bargaining is not common.

Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common at banks, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Some out-of-network ATMs charge fees.

Irvine Unified School District schools are highly rated. Instruction is mainly in English. International schools are few. Admissions vary by grade.

Community exists but small compared to big cities. Some meetups and remote-work groups online. Limited co-living options.

Many parks and wildlife areas with shaded paths and spots for running and walking.

Safe, extensive running trails through parks and green spaces. Running groups and county races available.

Multiple gym chains offer various classes and equipment.

Tennis courts are widespread in parks and clubs. Hard courts are common. Coaching and club memberships available.

Padel is rare but starting to grow.

Many yoga studios offer classes with drop-in and memberships. English-speaking instructors are common.

Various dojos offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo. Competitions and English-speaking instructors available.

Closest skiing is in San Bernardino Mountains, 1.5-2 hours away. Season runs November to April with rentals and runs for all levels.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing popular at Newport Harbor. Rentals and tours are available. Windsurfing is less common.

Surf at Newport or Laguna Beach nearby. Water temps vary 55-70°F. Fall and winter bring bigger waves; summer has smaller waves for beginners. Surf schools and rentals are easy to find.

Diving and snorkeling available at Laguna Beach and Catalina Island. Good marine life and visibility. Rentals and certification centers exist. Best times are summer and fall.

Hoag Hospital Irvine and Kaiser Permanente provide high-quality care with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens have common medications.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Many parks have playgrounds. Children’s museums and farms are good outings. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Generally safe and accepting. Legal protections exist. Nearby cities have larger pride events.

Pet-friendly with many parks and vets. Some pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants.