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World War I Firing Walls
Cercle solaire du Kiischpelt
Kiischpelt’s Solar Circle
Front of the monument from the ground
Niederwald Monument
Names on the bartop.
The Dive
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The Dive
Cacio e pepe lasagna combines two classics.
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Spaghetto taratatà is named for the sound of rattling sabers.
Giano Restaurant
The gnocchi here get blanketed in a sugo with braised oxtail.
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The Curious History of New England’s Hermit Tourism
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This Kansas Town Advertised the World’s Largest Well. It Wasn’t.
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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

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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.
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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.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Irvine, California

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Places Visited

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Visit a place in Irvine.

Recent Irvine Activity

  • mistiann13

    has been to Peter the Anteater Statue

    8 days ago
  • Pillsworth

    has been to Orange Balloon

    7 days ago
  • gabrielschulhof

    wants to go to Orange Balloon

    6 days ago
  • shaan

    has been to Orange Balloon

    3 days ago
  • lisafarnitano

    wants to go to Peter the Anteater Statue

    1 day ago

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