Irvine Spectrum Center

IRVINE, Calif. -- What's to love about the Irvine Spectrum Center you might ask.

Actually, quite a lot.

For those who have never been, here are some surprising facts on this beautiful shopping mall:

The center is visited by more than 15 million people each year.

The Irvine Spectrum Center takes much of it's inspiration from the Alhambra, the 13th century citadel close to the city of Granada in Spain. There is a definite European essence to the architecture that you can find here.

There's a hand and a key hiding here, something you might not expect to see. Look for them at the arch high above the Gibraltar Court. They are said to bring good luck.

There are 350 palm trees at the Irvine Spectrum Center, adding to that Mediterranean feel.

The Irvine Spectrum Center boasts a Ferris wheel that stands 108 feet tall. It was made in Italy and, as you can imagine, it is beautifully ornate.

There's also a European Carousel that has exquisitely crafted horses and animals.

And as well as animals, you'll see pictures of matadors and Spanish senoras all around.

The Irvine Spectrum Center is so popular it has actually been voted no. 2 out of 7 attractions on TripAdvisor.

One of the most popular parts of the Center is the IMAX theater. With 6,400 seats and 21 screens, the IMAX theater is actually eight stories high. Now that's the way to see some BIG Hollywood blockbusters!

See slideshow of Irvine Spectrum Center pictures here

The number one comedy club in the United States is also here - it's the Improv Comedy Club, with not a bad seat in the house.

And as if all that were not enough, there are actually 130 shops to enjoy.

If you are at the Irvine Spectrum Center in November, be sure to Test Drive A Cadillac.

And later from November 26 - December 31, 2010 check out the Gift Cards are Getting Wild Returns!

The Spectrum Center is one a kind. Don't miss it on any trip to Irvine.

Re travel: San Francisco residents can make their way to John Wayne International Airport. Flights are available from SFO International Airport in San Francisco. Deals can be had online at www.kayak.com

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