Opened in 1995 and later expanded, the Irvine Spectrum Center is the largest shopping and entertainment destination in Irvine – a newer and larger sibling to Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Between its Moroccan-inspired arches, orange/blue accent colors, and mix of younger-skewing stores, the Spectrum Center generally targets a younger (teen/family) and more diverse crowd than Fashion Island. Over 150 businesses include retail mainstays such as Apple, Barnes & Noble, Nike, and Nordstrom’s, a Vinfast car showroom, plus boutiques such as Heat and Princess Polly, occasionally generating huge lines for special events and promotions.
Entertainment options abound around the palm trees, including an Improv comedy club, Regal Cinemas (with 4DX, IMAX, and VIP screens), Dave & Busters, and Odyssey VR, plus a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and holiday season ice skating rink near the first Hello Kitty Cafe in the United States. Second locations of popular OC restaurants including Habana and Little Sister are paired with chain restaurants ranging from The Alley, Bacio di Latte and The Cheesecake Factory to Fogo de Chao, Le Shrimp Noodle Bar, and Silverlake Ramen. Parking is free in lots and parking garages, though lots are notoriously challenging at peak hours on weekends.
