Touring * Beginner *

From Interstate 405 in Irvine, exit at Jamboree Road and proceed north a third of a mile to Main Street. Turn left and cross the San Diego Creek. The civic center is on the left, but you need to make a U-turn at the next light to get back to the main entrance. There is no curbside parking in the complex, so if the parking garage charges a fee during off-hours, park outside in a nearby business park and skate in.

The Irvine Civic Center displays an impressive set of matching high-rises in a circular setting. The buildings resemble nothing else as much as they do gigantic honeycombs. (Don't even try to imagine the size of the bees!) The attractive landscaping and well-trimmed shrubs make the civic center an inviting locale for a relaxed exploratory cruise or for working on skating techniques. The pavement of the roundabouts that lead up to each building is smooth, and the sidewalks are clean and flat. Make sure you visit the Irvine Civic Center when the activity level is lowest. It won't be at all fun during business hours, and besides, you would probably be chased away. From the grounds of the civic center, you have access to the San Diego Creek Trail just across the river on Main Street. Take the sidewalk across, where access paths dip down the underpass to join the trail. (See the next listing.)