Irvine Regional Park

This nearly 500-acre space has all the world-class amenities of a traditional park—playgrounds, picnic areas, paddleboats, pony rides—while being completely immersed in natural scenery.

Park Information

1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA

This park is open dailly between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. fall and winter, and between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m spring and summer. Parking is $3 Monday through Friday; $5 Saturday and Sunday.

OC Parks and other organizations host interpretive programs throughout the year, including tot walks, cardio hikes, and birdwatching excursions.

Visit Website
Park Map
Email
714-973-6835

495

acres of the Reserve's protected land

125

years of Irvine Regional Park were celebrated in 2022

easy-to-moderate trails

More about Irvine Regional Park

A backdrop of rolling hills surrounds Irvine Regional Park, where visitors of every age love to lean into leisure. The park was established in 1897, and many of the same heritage oak and sycamore trees continue to shade the area, which features ball fields, tons of tables and barbeques for gathering, concessions, and even a railroad station, where you can hop on a train ride through the grounds. There are six playgrounds to be explored, and the park is also home to the OC Zoo. Santiago Creek runs through the land, providing a sense of calm, and those who want to get out on the water can rent a paddleboat for a cruise around the small lake.

Because most of the park is surrounded by protected open space, there are plenty of opportunities for immersive nature experiences, too. Many birds and other wildlife species make their home in the surrounding groves and hills, and there are eight different trails for strolling, hiking, biking, and horse riding.

The Nature Center is another of the many activities this dynamic park offers; pay it a visit during its weekend hours (call ahead to make sure it’s open; hours depend on volunteer availability). It’s got interactive activities and plenty of historical exhibits, including a timeline of the park, the oldest regional park in California! It’s fun to see just how long this park has been a gathering place for the people of Orange County. It’s truly a wonderful place to celebrate being outdoors.

Choose your own adventure: Irvine Regional Park has got the nature. How do you want to enjoy it?

Get wild! But do it respectfully.

: Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Some areas of the NROC do not have cell service, so you may not be able to rely on your smartphone for routing or communication. It’s smart to have a warm layer, rain jacket, and headlamp in your pack, along with means to stay hydrated and fueled beyond what you expect you’ll need, especially in the more remote areas of the Reserve.
: Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises.
: Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind.
: You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs.
: Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening—the best thing to do is stay calm and be prepared. If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away—do not crouch or run. If you see a snake on the trail, stop and give it space—most bites happen when people try to move or handle snakes. Walk around from a safe distance.

Ticks are also a natural part of Orange County’s wildlands, especially in grassy or brushy areas. Stay on designated trails, wear long sleeves and pants, and do a tick check after your hike. A little awareness goes a long way!
: We’ve got hundreds of miles of established trails—staying on them ensures your safety and minimizes disruption of the incredible habitats you’re exploring.
: E-bikes are great for urban settings. And hugely destructive for natural spaces. To ensure our habitats’ survival, e-bikes are not permitted on the Reserve.
: We love dogs, but even leashed pets disrupt natural habitats. Help us keep the Reserve’s ecosystems in balance by either leaving your dog(s) at home or making sure you bring them to a dog-friendly area of the Reserve. Find out more about the parks that welcome pets here.
: Take a few deep breaths instead! This safeguards the health of other visitors, prevents waste and wildfires, and protects our plant and animal life from pollution.