North Lake — Attraction in Irvine

North Lake Park – Irvine, CA This one’s a trip. It’s technically a private lake, but most locals treat it like public space—until you remember it’s not. Two lakes, a couple of private beaches, and the kind of HOA-controlled tranquility that feels like it was plucked out of a 90s family drama. Maybe even late '80s. It's clean, well-kept, and oddly nostalgic for Irvine, which rarely leans retro. The area’s changed. Used to hit this spot years ago—back then, more homogeneous. Now it's more mixed: Chinese, Middle Eastern, high schoolers ripping through, retirees walking tiny dogs, everyone coexisting in this perfectly paved loop. The associations still let the public in (kind of), but don’t get it twisted—you're on private property. So forget your First Amendment rights if you're trying to shoot portraits or zip through on a scooter. There's a little island, some geese, plenty of dog stations, and the path's smooth for a jog or casual stroll. But it gets boring quick. No trails, no dirt, no surprises. You’re locked into the loop, and after a few days, it all starts to blur. Still, if you live nearby and need a polite, HOA-approved breath of fresh air—it gets the job done. Just don’t expect nature...

Our Go-To spot for after dinner evening walks. This would have been a total 5 star if it wasn’t for the bird poop all over and lack of cleanliness on the paved walking track. Outside of that- pretty gorgeous artificial lake with plenty sitting areas across mile+ loop. It has cool over-bridge and sand park with swing sets, Slides etc Water is clean for most part except for few corners. Beautiful trees, landscaping, and a variety of wildlife including geese, rabbits, turtles, and ducks along the trail. Overall a great scenic trail that makes for a nice walk, run, jog or biking! Dog friendly.

Accessibility wise there are two designated spaces in the small paved parking lot off of Stone Creek South at the north end of the trail. Both of them are van-accessible with a striped access aisle. There is also paved street-side parking along Stone Creek South.

The trail surface is paved (with railings at the bridge), smooth, and typically at least...

Love going to North Lake. Very nice trail all around the lake. Gets a little bit away from the lake where Yale meets the loop till the tennis courts but otherwise continuous. You'll always see ducks and geese and cute dogs around. Sometimes even see turtles basking in the sun at the east end close to Barranca Parkway. There's a pedestrian bridge over Barranca to take you to the Woodbridge shopping complex. Another bridge across the lake connects the tennis courts to the beach club. The latter has sandy volleyball courts and both have decent sized parking lots. Lots of benches all around to sit down and take in the views, and on a clear day, you can see the mountains in the backdrop to the north. Great trail for running and...