Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
All the United States California Irvine

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Irvine

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Irvine, California

Updated March 7, 2023

Email
Attractions
Food & Drink
Map
Leaderboards
Hotel Deals

Unusual Attractions in Irvine

The Orange Balloon at the Orange County Great Park at night.

Irvine, California

Orange Balloon

One of the largest helium balloons in the U.S. is a 112-foot ginormous orange.
The place where it all started.

Irvine, California

The Original Taco Bell Building

Someone really, really wanted to save this fast-food icon from demolition.
Peter the Anteater

Irvine, California

Peter the Anteater Statue

This bronze statue commemorates the strange and beloved mascot of UC Irvine—the only university to be represented by a giant anteater.
Are we missing something unusual?
Add it!
Permanently Closed
Tustin Blimp Hangar.

Tustin, California

Tustin Blimp Hangar #2

This enormous World War II relic is one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
1 mile from Irvine
Water Use, a “creek” that runs through the park

Costa Mesa, California

California Scenario

A small sculpture garden that provides a microcosmic representation of California.
3 miles from Irvine
Little Tree Church

Tustin, California

Little Tree Church

A very tiny church, bisected by a now-dead oak tree and marooned in the middle of a shopping center parking lot.
3 miles from Irvine

Newport Beach, California

Fashion Island Wind Chimes

These were the largest wind chimes in the world when artist Tom Van Sant created them for a California mall in 1967.
5 miles from Irvine

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Irvine

The place where it all started.

Irvine, California

The Original Taco Bell Building

Someone really, really wanted to save this fast-food icon from demolition.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Irvine, California

Irvine Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. alebrun
    2
  2. rosalbre
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Irvine.

Places Edited

  1. joeypesto
    2
  2. ventriloquist
    2
  3. SEANETTA
    1
  4. raymondwinn1941
    1
  5. MissInformation
    1
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. ianrpate
    3
  2. kevbot
    3
  3. pkmoose732
    3
  4. alebrun
    3
  5. DBlock1001
    3
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Irvine.

Recent Irvine Activity

  • Qbeing

    wants to go to The Original Taco Bell Building

  • kmayers

    has been to Peter the Anteater Statue

  • moonlitshadow77

    wants to go to The Original Taco Bell Building

  • SpecialtySoup

    has been to Orange Balloon

  • charlottersmith96

    wants to go to The Original Taco Bell Building

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.

Learn More

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.