Facility Overview

Lot 81 is an expansive open-air university surface parking facility located on the southwestern edge of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) campus in Irvine, CA 92617. Positioned along the bustling California Avenue corridor adjacent to campus academic hubs and the UCI Research Park, this surface facility features a clear layout with standard perpendicular parking stalls, wide circulation aisles, and ADA-compliant accessibility. Because Lot 81 is an open-air surface lot without an overhead ceiling or parking deck restrictions, it provides virtually unlimited vertical clearance. This makes it exceptionally accommodating not only for compact commuters and passenger sedans, but also for full-size pickup trucks, SUVs, commercial service vans, and rooftop-accessorized vehicles that cannot fit into standard multi-level campus parking structures.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Lot 81 serves as a vital transit and vehicle staging point for students, university faculty, medical researchers, and corporate visitors. Key destinations within direct walking distance or a short campus shuttle ride include:

• UCI Academic & Research Core: Direct proximity to the Multipurpose Science and Technology Building (MSTB), the School of Medicine facilities, and the Social Sciences and Social Ecology quadrangles (5 to 10 minutes on foot).
• UCI Research Park: Situated immediately across California Avenue, home to international tech companies, medical device firms, and corporate research hubs (5 to 12 minutes on foot).
• Irvine Barclay Theatre & Student Center: Located just under a 15-minute walk or a brief ride on the Anteater Express shuttle, hosting performing arts, guest lectures, and student life events.
• University Town Center (UTC): An off-campus retail, dining, and entertainment destination featuring a cinema, casual eateries, and grocery amenities accessible within a 15-to-20-minute stroll.
• William R. Mason Regional Park: A 300-acre county park with lakes, walking trails, and picnic spaces located just a short drive north along Culver Drive.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via California Avenue, with secondary access linking smoothly toward West Peltason Drive and Bison Avenue. These arterials provide swift routes directly to the Highway 73 (San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor toll road), Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway), and Highway 55 (Costa Mesa Freeway). For public transit users, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus lines serve nearby stops along Campus Drive and California Avenue. Furthermore, UCI\'s dedicated campus shuttle system—the Anteater Express—operates regular loops nearby, connecting passengers effortlessly across campus districts, residence halls, and regional shopping plazas.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Easy maneuverability with no low-clearance vehicle overhangs or tight ramp turns.
• Digital & Mobile Payments: Permit purchases and hourly parking managed conveniently via the ParkMobile mobile app or automated on-site campus pay stations (Park-by-Plate).
• Designated Accessible Spaces: Marked ADA-accessible parking bays situated close to accessible pedestrian ramps and walking corridors.
• Illumination & Safety: Nighttime LED pole lighting, visible campus directional signage, and regular patrols by the UCI Police Department and Campus Safety officers.
• Shuttle Connectivity: Direct proximity to Anteater Express shuttle pick-up stops during academic quarters.

Ideal For

• UCI Students & Faculty: Everyday academic commuters attending lectures, office hours, and laboratory sessions on the western side of the campus.
• Corporate & Research Visitors: Professionals attending conferences, meetings, and partnerships at the UCI Research Park and specialized campus facilities.
• High-Profile & Oversized Vehicles: Drivers of tall pickup trucks, high-roof vans, or vehicles with bike/ski racks seeking hassle-free headroom.
• Campus Event Attendees: Convenient parking option for symposiums, department showcases, and weekend community gatherings.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking regulations on the UC Irvine campus are strictly enforced seven days a week. Drivers should register their license plate upon arrival using the ParkMobile app (Zone number indicated on lot signage) or purchase a daily permit from a campus kiosk before walking to their destination. During peak morning class transitions (between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays), stalls closest to the pedestrian paths fill up rapidly; arriving early or planning for a brief walk across the lot ensures a stress-free parking experience. If visiting for evening lectures or weekend events, always verify whether your permit tier is honored across alternative campus lots.