Irvine CA - What to do

[RAitch]

So, lets assume that I'm going to be in Irvine for a few days on business at the end of November. Let's also assume Bre is coming with me.

What cool things would you recommend to do/see for a few evenings during the week... and then a day trip on a Saturday?


It looks like there are quite a few things to do around the area (within a few hours drive) so I'm sure there are a lot of ideas.

I was also interested in driving the 1, but it's at least 7 hours to get up there to see Dante... perhaps a shorter trip?

Anyway, lets here from the Californians. What's up in SoCal?

[Radtech1]

What type of things are you interested in doing?

I live in the Peoples Republik of Irvine (so named for the high level of mandated conformity), and assuming a day off, I would be happy to show you around - or at least give you some ideas for something to do/see.

Are you interested in the Disnyland kind of stuff, shopping malls (there are a number of high end ones nearby - the Fasion Island being one), beach walks (laguna is very pretty), so cal dining (recommend the Gypsy Den for lunch, and the Cottage in Laguna for breakfast), the desert (lots), let me know.

Rad

[PetKal]

Bring along all of your Canon gear that needs fixing, calibration, cleaning or just inspection. That's a unique opportunity to have the job on them done right.

[RAitch]

So shopping Island is a perfect example... from what we've heard, it's just crazy and a woman's dream. Personally, I couldn't give a crap about it except for taking a picture or two... I know if we're in CA, we'll be there though... I think Bre's already salivating.

So, personally, I'm thinking about really nice places... places to take pictures of... places that my wife and I could enjoy a nice short walk.

We're leaving "the kid" behind, so Disneyland isn't on the books. I'm sure that'll be 5 years down the road somewhere.

We're not really "big eaters" and don't really like specialty food... so dining isn't a priority... not to say we wouldn't appreciate some recommendations on that either though.

It looks like (if the project is approved) I'd be in training on a Wed-Fri... and we'd try to fly in on early Tuesday... and fly out as late as possible on Sunday.
So, during the week, we're looking for safe, and nice places to go and see... without worrying about being mugged (if possible) LOL.


Petkal: The idea totally crossed my mind... given that there would be a 24 hour guarantee turnaround for non CPS. The way things work for me, they'd still have it lost inside while I'm trying to board my plane.
Personally, I was thinking about sending my gear there next time anyway. Mississauga sure seems to like to replace stuff... but I question their ability to actually fix things right.

[Seefutlung]

SoCal Photo Opps:
1. Hollywood (Hollyweird) - 1 hour from Irvine
2. Disneyland - 20 minutes from Irvine
3. Pacific Ocean:
A) Body surfing - The Wedge at Newport Beach - 20 minutes
B) Surf Boarding - Huntington Beach or Trestles - 40 minutes (both)
C) Para Surfing - San Pedro - 1 hour
D) Cliffs - Laguna Beach - 20 minutes / Palos Verdes 1hr 20 minutes /
Malibu 1hr 45 minutes
E) Sand - Newport Beach 20 minutes / Huntington Beach-Seal Beach 40 minutes /
Santa Monica Beach 1 hr 30 minutes
Museums - The Getty - 1hr 30 minutes, The Getty Villa - 1 hour 40 minutes,
Norton Simon - 1 hour, MOCA - 1 hour
Concert Halls - Disney Concert Hall - 1 hour, Hollywood Bowl - 1hr 10 minutes
Local Mountains - 1 hr 20 minutes
Local Deserts - 1 hr 30 minutes to Palm Springs, Anza-Borrega Sand Dunes - 3 hrs
Most Beautiful Spot on Earth - Yosemite - 8-10 hours
Most Beaufiful Road in the World - Highway 1 - 8-10 hour drive from Irvine to San Francisco.
Oldest living organism on Earth - Bristlecone Pines- 10-12 hour drive
Largest living plant - Sequois- 6-8 hour drive
Largest living animal- Blue Whale- 1hr 30 minute boat ride west of Catalina
Sports: Lakers basketball at the Staples Center - 1 hr, Galaxy Soccer at Home Depot Center - 1hr, Ducks hockey at the Anaheim Pond - 20 minutes, Kings hockey at Staples - 1 hr
Shopping: Rodeo Drive (most expensive street in the world) - 1hr 20 minutes, Irvine Spectrum 10 minutes, Fashion Island 10 minutes, Beverly Center - 1 hr 20 minutes

All time approx., your time will vary.

Gary

[thomascanty]

Originally Posted by Seefutlung

Oldest living organism on Earth - Bristlecone Pines- 10-12 hour drive

Pretty good list. Just one minor nitpick. The Bristlecones are the oldest living trees, but not organisms. http://www.extremescience.com/OldestLivingThing.htm

[3Honu]

RAitch,

What do you like to photograph? Let's start there.

[coreypolis]

go to Oakley's head quarters, one foothill drive. Its an amzing building, even if you don't like Oakley.

stop by the canon service center and have your camera cleaned for free on the spot

[Postnmypix]

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles (about an hour +/- from Irvine - depends a LOT on travel times/days) should be open by the time you come down - see link below. It's been under renovation for the last several years. I think It is also near a shopping/sightseeing area known as Hollywood and Highlands.

http://www.griffithobs.org/

http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/

Laguna Beach is also realllly close to Irvine. A lot of nice window shopping, good eats and photo opportunities!

http://www.lagunabeachinfo.org/

Hope you have a good time while you are down!!! ~Lisa~

[Radtech1]

Originally Posted by Postnmypix

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles (about an hour +/- from Irvine - depends a LOT on travel times/days) should be open by the time you come down - see link below. It's been under renovation for the last several years. I think It is also near a shopping/sightseeing area known as Hollywood and Highlands.

http://www.griffithobs.org/

FYI, Griffith needs reservations now.

Rad

[Radtech1]

So as you can see, there is a lot to do. Depends on what you want to get out of the trip.

I mean, c'mon - this is California - We have a wrench for every nut!

Rad

[3Honu]

The Oakley building is an interesting option. It is definitely different. I wouldn't set time aside to see it but maybe you can drive by on your lunch break. It is also within a 10 minute drive from Canon. But again, it depends on what you prefer to shoot.

[Seefutlung]

There is also:
sky diving - Perris - 1hr 30 minutes
Hot Air Ballooning - San Diego 1hr 30 minutes
San Diego- Harbor - 1 hr 30 minutes
San Diego Zoo - 1 hr 30 minutes
LA/Long Beach Harbor 1 hour
San Diego Wild Animal Park 1hr 30 minutes
Sea World - 1 hour 30 minutes
Knotts Berry Farm - 30 minutes
Deep Sea Fishing- Newport Harbor - 20 minutes

[yonni]

SD Zoo and Sea World are seconded here. They are 1st class attractions and not to be missed. I think you can get a pass for both at a slight discount. I'll be at Wild Animal Park next weekend and let you know about that one.

[RAitch]

Wholly crap Gary!! Dude, thanks for the list. I'm going to have to check that out in more detail. Looks like a bunch of great ideas.

OCPickle, if you check out my web site... I guess you'd see a lot of landscapes. That's been my point of focus as of late, but that doesn't mean that's all I'm after. But being in a "strange land" landscapes and cityscapes would probably be what I'd see.

coreypolis, the Irvine Canon center crossed my mind, believe me. I might check it out. Do they really clean your gear while you wait??

Postnmypix (Lisa): the beaches sound like a great idea, and being so close, we'll probably get there.

Rad: I know. Cal seems like a land of opportunity... man that sounded cheezy

Seefutlung: thanks for another list... I'm so glad you guys are pitching ideas... helps us out in the planning.
Since we'll only have one day, I think we'd rather try to do a lot of little things... or a walking tour with a bunch of sights or something.

We already went to the Detroit zoo (yay) and Sea World in Florida this year. I don't think we'd want to be pinned up in an attraction all day... it'll just seem like we're in another city. I'd rather see the sights of SoCal.

Something like touring Newport... or walking down some boardwalks... watching some surfing (need a longer lens - bummer).
I know my wife will like to do some shopping... and browsing... but I'm after something we both can enjoy and take photos of along the way. Something to give her new A2 some exercise.

I'm sure we'll just look out and be blown away.. sounds like an amazing place. Anyway, on top of the "sight seeing tour" recommendations... some local tips would help too.... like cheap public transportation, areas to stay away from... that kind of thing.

Thanks for all the effort so far... I'll check into all of this in more detail later when the movie marathon is over.