Anything stimulating in OC CA for a San Francisco local? Professionally or Socially?

I'm from San Francisco and for the moment, trapped in Orange County (particularly Irvine,) because of family and this last month was the essence of *BOREDOM.* Are there any communities, areas or anything at all that isn't a suburban strip mall anywhere in the whole county? I've found a *few* places in Costa Mesa and Fullerton but was only exposed to very little. If anyone can suggest something more unique, it would be great!