Things To Do
Irvine Spectrum Center
About a 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk from Marriott Irvine Spectrum. Irvine Spectrum Center is an outdoor mall with shopping, dining, and entertainment for all ages. There are SO many great restaurants here, but some popular choices are Din Tai Fung (make a reservation 1 or 2 weeks in advance), Javier's Restaurant (upscale Mexican eatery & bar), Manaao (Thai food), and Habana (Cuban & Latin cuisine). Our favorite dessert spots are Bacio di Latte (phenomenal gelato), Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, Somisomi (soft serve & taiyaki), and The Alley (boba). As for entertainment, do an escape room at The Escape Game, hit Dave & Buster's arcade, or of course shop!
Newport Beach
About 25 minutes from Marriott Irvine Spectrum. Newport Beach is a coastal city in California known for its boat-filled harbor, expansive beaches, and nightlife on the peninsula. Some of our recommendations would be to rent a duffy boat to cruise around the Newport Harbor with your friends and family (always bring drinks and snacks!), grab a table at Mutt Lynch's to watch sports and drink brews, obviously bask at the beach and stop at Handel's Homemade Ice Cream Newport Beach, or hit the bars for a fun night out (Stag Bar, The Blue Beet, Helmsman Ale House). For families with children, the Balboa Fun Zone is an old-school amusement park with a Ferris wheel and ocean views.
Laguna Beach
About 20 minutes from Marriott Irvine Spectrum. Laguna Beach is a coastal city in California known for its scenic beaches & coves, unique boutiques, independent restaurants, and a vibrant art scene. "Main Beach" offers a mix of sandy beach and walkable streets for dining and shopping. Our favorites are The Taco Stand (fast casual Mexican restaurant), South of Nick's Laguna Beach (upscale Mexican restaurant), Truly Pizza Laguna Beach (award winning - ranked 4th by 50 Top Pizza USA 2026), and Gelato Paradiso (warning: so delicious that the line can be long).
River Street Marketplace
About 20 minutes from Marriott Irvine Spectrum. River Street Marketplace is a newer family-friendly outdoor hangout spot. It has dining and shopping - we love McConnell's Fine Ice Creams and Tecovas. With shared communal tables for outdoor dining, River Street Marketplace features farm-inspired architecture and a California native landscape palette that pays homage to the history of the site and surrounding area of San Juan Capistrano.
Oso Creek Golf Course
About 15 minutes from Marriott Irvine Spectrum. This is our venue! Book a tee time (up to 8 days in advance) at Oso Creek Golf Course.