Irvine Regional Park Railroad: A Playful Date Day Adventure

Ever feel like you just need a day to play, unplug, and soak up the sun? Our latest date day was all about letting our inner kids out at Irvine Regional Park, complete with a classic train ride! Jeremy (who rarely plans our dates ) took the reins on this one, and while we joked it felt like a “playdate,” it turned out to be a blast. Here’s our honest review, plus everything you need to plan your own playful adventure.

To watch our full experience, click here.

Why We Recommend It

  • So Much to Do: Beyond the classic train ride, Irvine Regional Park is packed with fun—from paddle boating on the lake, to visiting the Orange County Zoo, to renting bikes and exploring the trails. There’s truly something for every kind of couple.

  • Nostalgic Fun: Bringing out your silly side together is seriously underrated, relive your childhood with pony rides, bike rentals, and more.

  • Scenic, Relaxed Setting: The park is filled with shady picnic areas under ancient oaks and sycamores, peaceful walking paths, and a beautiful lake, perfect for unwinding.

  • Flexible for Every Mood: Whether you want to be active, chill with a picnic, or try something new like horseback riding, you can design your own adventure.

  • For All Couples: Outdoor lovers, animal fans, and anyone who wants to mix up their usual date routine will find plenty to enjoy.

What to Know Before You Go

📍 Location: Irvine Regional Park, Orange, CA

🔸 Parking: $5 per car to enter the park (cash/card accepted at the gate)

🔸 Ticket Price: Varies per activity

  • $7 per person for the train ride (about 15 minutes, scenic loop)

🔸 Operating Hours:

  • Monday–Friday: 10am–4pm

  • Saturday–Sunday: 10am–6pm

🔸 Reservations: No reservations needed for the train; just walk up and buy your tickets.

🔸 What to Bring:

  • Sunscreen, hats, and water for sunny days

  • Snacks or a picnic (tables and grassy areas available)

  • Comfortable walking shoes

💡Pro Tips

  • Arrive early on weekends; the park can get busy by noon.

  • The train is open-air, so bring a jacket if it’s chilly.

  • If you’re not into crowds, weekdays are much quieter.

  • There are lots of shady trees, perfect for a nap or a laid-back date picnic.

  • Bring cash/credit for parking and tickets (they take both).

Our Experience

Okay, let’s be real, I wasn’t sure what to expect when Jeremy suggested a park date with a train ride. It’s not his usual style, but I was totally here for the surprise! As soon as we pulled into Irvine Regional Park, we could feel the laid-back weekend vibes. The $5 parking fee was a breeze, and there was plenty of space.

We kicked things off with the Irvine Park Railroad. The ride is a relaxing 15-minute loop through the park’s prettiest spots, and we found ourselves laughing, pointing out ducks and squirrels, and generally acting like big kids.

After the train, we decided to keep the fun going and rented a paddle boat. Gliding across the lake was both peaceful and hilarious (steering is trickier than it looks!). We spotted families picnicking, couples on bikes, and even caught a glimpse of the small Orange County Zoo nearby.

If you’re looking for more to do, there’s an option to rent bikes or surreys to explore the winding park trails, or even say hi to the animals at the zoo. It’s the perfect place for a picnic, so relaxing!

Honestly, the best part? Just being outside, away from screens, and not taking ourselves too seriously. We even joked that this was our “playdate” and honestly, every couple deserves one of those now and then!