Irvine Park has provided a safe, fun place for locals to spend a sunny SoCal weekend for over 120 years. It was established as the first public park in California in 1897, when James Irvine Jr. donated the original 160 acres of oak-dotted land to the county under the simple condition that the area remain as natural as possible.
Listed since 1983 on the National Registry of Historic Places, Irvine Park still offers the natural beauty and historic oak trees of its past, as well as some more modern additions. Within its 491 well-maintained acres, you can find an unmatched variety of amenities to keep the entire family happy.
Irvine Park Directions & Parking
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Phone: (714) 973-6835
Irvine Park Railroad is located inside of Irvine Regional Park at the far east end of Jamboree Road in the foothills of Orange. The nearest major cross streets are Chapman Avenue and Jamboree Road. 20 minutes east of Disneyland and 20 minutes north of John Wayne Airport.
From 91 FWY – Take 241 toll road south. Turn right onto Santiago Canyon Road. Turn right on Jamboree
Road. Turn right on Irvine Park Road. This is the entrance to Irvine Regional Park.
From 55 FWY – Exit Chapman Ave. (east). Turn left on Jamboree Road. Turn right on Irvine Park Road. This is the entrance to Irvine Regional Park.
From 5 FWY – Exit Jamboree Road and head north for approximately 6 miles. Turn right on Irvine Park Road.
This is the entrance to Irvine Regional Park.
Parking fees: $3 per vehicle entry Monday – Friday; $5 Saturday – Sunday; Higher for some holidays and events
Note: Parking for your reserved areas is not guaranteed.
When there is a higher numbers of visitors and picnicking parties on weekends, Irvine Regional Park can be closed to vehicle traffic due to reaching capacity. Closures typically take place between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Please plan your visit accordingly.
During holiday seasons and special event times, Santiago Canyon College located outside the entrance to the park has overflow parking on the weekends for a fee.
Sports & Recreation
No matter what sport you prefer, chances are Irvine Park has a place for you to play it. Four first-come, first-served softball fields are among the most popular offerings, as well as horseshoe pits. Volleyball poles in several areas are available for players who come prepared with their own net. Paddleboats can be rented from the Wheel Fun Rentals shack for a leisurely cruise.
The shack also offers bike rentals including cruisers, tandems, single surreys, and more for exploring paved and dirt biking trails throughout the park. Several mostly novice-friendly hiking trails provide beautiful views of the natural environment, which is home to some of the oldest live Oaks in Orange County. Shaded overlooks on the Horseshoe Trail offer serene vistas. To top it all off, a three mile equestrian trail lines the park for scenic, relaxed horseback riding, and guided tours and riding lessons from Country Trails, Inc. are available for less experienced riders.
Fishing
Irvine lake has two ponds available for fishing. Catfish, trout, bass, bluegill and carp can be found in the lake with the OC Parks regularly stocking the lake with catfish and trout.
See the OC Parks Fish Stocking Schedule & California Fish Stocking Schedules.
OC Parks periodically holds Kids’ Fishing Clinics (for ages 15 and under) and is designed to teach kids how to fish, while giving them an opportunity to catch a few rainbow trout from the pond. Instructors are on-site to demonstrate rigging, baiting, and casting techniques along with answering any questions the youngsters (or their parents) may have.
A valid California fishing license is required but no additional fees for fishing. All California Department of Fish and Wild Life rules apply.
Fishing Tips
- 2-4 lb test line and small hooks (16 – 18 treble hooks or #10 salmon egg hooks)
- Use Power bait (rainbow, chartreuse or green) or catfish dough
- Fish straight on the line or with a bobber
- Try also mini jigs, spinners, or wobblers
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OC Zoo/Irvine Regional Park Zoo
The wild ducks and peacocks roaming around the grounds aren’t the only animals you’ll find in Irvine Park. Tucked into a quiet corner of Irvine Park, the Orange County Zoo is small but full of activity. For the small admission price of $2 per person over the age of three, visitors can find a host of animals native to the Southwest roaming their clean, spacious enclosures. Residents include fan favorites such as a bald eagle, two mountain lions, and a black bear. The new large mammal enclosure, debuted in May 2022, features an additional adult mountain lion and her cubs, and an adult jaguar. And when the kids are tired of simply looking at the animals, take them over to the petting zoo, where they can feed sheep, pot-bellied pigs, goats, chickens, and more.
Entertainment
During the summer months, Irvine Park participates in the OC Parks Sunset Cinema Series. The popular annual program offers free movies over fourteen weekends in various parks across the county. Irvine Park also plays frequent host to the OC Parks Summer Concert Series, a ten-week lineup featuring live music from local bands. Both events offer free parking, a food truck gathering, and a beer and wine garden for adults.
Irvine Park is also a popular location for birthday parties and other gatherings. Open-use barbeques and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, and party pavilions and semi-private meadow areas can be reserved online or by phone for larger groups. If you forget charcoal, lighter fluid, or ice, never fear; they can be purchased from the snack bars at the train station and the boathouse.
Four playgrounds will keep kids busy, while the aforementioned snack bars offer a variety of standard fare such as hamburgers, nachos, chicken nuggets, and burritos for when they get hungry. When it’s time to escape the heat for a while, the Interpretive Center in the historic exhibit hall educates visitors on the heritage of the park.
Railroad
First-time visitors to Irvine Park will be delighted by the discovery of Irvine Park Railroad, a 1/3 scale sized train located just past the park’s entrance. Rides are $6 per person during non-holiday seasons and provide a breezy, scenic ride through the park for children and adults alike.
For certain holidays, the railroad is transformed into a truly immersive experience. As spring approaches, the park hops into life with the arrival of the Easter Bunny, hayrides, and a hugely popular Easter egg hunt. In the fall, the surrounding area becomes a full-fledged pumpkin patch, complete with a giant hay bale maze, gold panning, bounce houses, cookie decorating, a kid-friendly haunted house, and more. Winter is even more magical, as beautiful lights and festive decorations transform the area and visitors are given a chance to visit the North Pole. The Irvine Park Christmas Train passengers can meet both Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as compete in “ice fishing” and carnival games back in Santa’s Village.
Annual Events At Irvine Park
Irvine Park Events include:
- Easter Eggstravaganza
- Anniversary Celebration
- Fourth Grade California History Education Program
- Pumpkin Patch
- Christmas Train
Irvine Park also offers party pavilions, moon bounce rentals, a full-service snack bar, and more.
Farmer’s Market
Every Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. there is a Farmer’s Market. During this time admission to the park is free.
Irvine Park Tips
While the fees for certain activities are small and help to maintain the beauty of the park and the health of its animal residents, the prices do add up. Be ready to pay at least for parking, which costs $3 during the week and $5 on the weekends. A credit card will easily cover all of your other food and entertainment expenses except the pony rides, which take cash only; an ATM is available at the train station if needed.
Go to OC Parks often? Consider purchasing an OC Parks annual pass which after 10 plus weekend visits covers your cost with even steeper discounts for Distinguished Veterans, Seniors (60yrs+) and Disabled.
The farmers market here is one of the best-kept local secrets. Open from 9 AM to 1 PM on Tuesdays, there are not as many vendors as some other Orange County locations, but the variety of fresh, locally harvested foods available is above par. In addition, parking is free during the event. Just make sure to bring cash!
Irvine Park is certainly popular with families, but even more popular with another demographic: photographers. The natural landscapes make gorgeous backdrops for engagement photos, senior portraits, family reunion pictures, or simple selfies! Make sure you obtain a permit for any professional photography, which is permitted everywhere except the train station’s special event areas.
The park is dog friendly, but requires them to be on a 6-foot leash, and they are not allowed within special event areas at the train station.
There are grills at the park or you can bring your own.
Horse riding lessons, guided horseback trails are available at the park.
The Lakeside Snack Bar is located adjacent to the historic boathouse. A variety of hot and cold food is available, as well as, picnic supplies. Operating hours are seasonally variable.
Amenities
Amphitheater, Ball Fields, Barbeques, Bike Rentals, Bike Trails, Boarding Stables, Dogs Permitted on leashes, Equestrian Trails, Fishing, Food Concessions, Hiking Trails, Interpretive Programs Center, Paddle Boat Rentals, Picnic areas (tables, restrooms), Picnic shelters for reservation, Playgrounds, Pony Rides, Train Rides, Volleyball Courts, Weddings, Special Events, Horse Rentals, Horseshoe and Volleyball Set Rentals
Irvine Park History
Originally known as the Picnic Grounds and then Orange County Park, in 1929 it was officially renamed Irvine Park. Prior to James Irvine donating the land in 1897 the area was a popular vacation spot for local residents.
The lake and the boathouse was added between 1912 and 1914. The first train opened in the park in 1935.
Visit Enjoy OC for more regional parks in Orange County.
Any other questions? More specifics and contact information can be found at OC Parks and Irvine Park Railroad.
Irvine Park Map
Download the Irvine Regional Park Map PDF.
Shea Costales is an old-soul hippie with a passion for outdoor exploring. You can usually find her doing yoga in a local park, grubbing at the newest burger shack, or petting your dog.