Irvine Spectrum Center

With 1.15 million square feet of retail space, Irvine Spectrum Center ranks among Southern California's most popular destinations for shopping and dining. It attracts some 15 million visitors annually. When it opened in 1995, it was one of the country's first shopping centers to be anchored primarily by dining and entertainment businesses. Featuring walkways and courtyards adorned by 350 palm trees and 500,000 pieces of ceramic tile, its architectural design was inspired by Alhambra, the 13th century citadel overlooking Granada, Spain.

Gathered here are more than 130 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. They include Nordstrom, Macy's, Target, and H&M, Forever 21, Anthropologie, bebe, and Loft, among others. There is a 6,400 seat, 21-screen cinema with IMAX movie capabilities. Meanwhile, live entertainment is provided at The Improv Comedy Club, rated as the number one comedy club in the United States. Also on the premises are carnival-type rides, such as an antique-themed carousel and the 108-foot Giant Wheel.

Irvine Spectrum Center is located at 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, California 92618-2929. Retail shopping hours are from 11am to 9pm on Monday through Thursday, 11am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11am to 8pm on Sundays. Restaurants and entertainment venues are open until 11pm on weekends.