Irvine California Orange County Photos and Information   Ranked in Top Ten U.S. Cities for Most Intelligent Citizens   Irvine --The city of Irvine was formerly known as Irvine Ranch under a Spanish land grant. This planned community is named after a family that came into prominence for their highly desired ranches and meadows which the Irvine family developed as growth overtook Orange County during the 20th century. Today, the city which runs along both sides of the San Diego 405 Freeway, includes a world class university with a performing arts center, Irvine Meadows Amphitheater and Wild Rivers Waterpark. With Orange County's John Wayne/ Santa Ana Airport directly across the street from the city limit and cities of Newport Beach and Tustin nearby, many Irvine residents enjoy living near their jobs, either at the University of California Irvine, or at offices surrounding the airport.    As a tourist draw, you can consider an Irvine beach vacation as offering a beach fairly close by (about 10-15 minutes to Newport Beach beaches, and though there is no actual beach on site, do think of it as affordable option ideal for those flying into Orange County Airports. Many of Irvine's hotels are directly across the street from the airport. It is one of the nicest airport cities, lacking much of the industrial look and more of the business appeal in well kept buildings and office parks mixed with restaurants and nightlife.   The newest draw to the city is the enlarged Irvine Spectrum entertainment area pictured. California's 27th largest city has no beaches though its next door neighbor, Newport Beach, offers islands, harbors, a peninsula and scenic beaches with two piers. Minus a beach, Irvine offers many activities in a large recreational center, an amusement park with skateboarding and miniature golf, plus several golf courses.    Located next door to Irvine are South Coast Plaza, the Performing Arts Center, the Newport Beach wetlands and an ecological reserve, Fashion Island which is an Irvine Company-managed property and the Santa Ana 5 Freeway which runs directly into the heart of Los Angeles and into San Diego, as well.    The Irvine Spectrum Center has 37 entertainment venues, shops and a 21-screen Edwards Theatre and a 6 1/2 story Imax 3-D theatre. The Spanish motif inspired by 13th century architecture is carried in fountains, archways and light fixtures which all reflect a unique design seldom seen in the United States. Dave and Buster's offers upscale American dining and adult entertainment with world class pocket billiards and hundreds of interactive games under one roof.  Another restaurant, Sing Sing, features live entertainment with dueling pianists. It's guaranteed your senses will be awakened with a visit to the colorful Spectrum.   IRVINE HOTELS -  Atrium Hotel at Orange County Airport      Candlewood Suites      Courtyard by Marriott Irvine      Crowne Plaza Irvine Hotel      Doubletree Irvine Spectrum      Embassy Suites Hotel Irvine      Hilton Airport      Homestead Irvine Spectrum      Hyatt Regency Irvine      La Quinta Inn       Marriott Irvine      Oakwood at The Charter      Residence Inn Irvine Airport      Residence Inn by Marriott Spectrum