Orchard Hills is near Irvine Ranch, so it is expected that Gabrieleño farmers and Hunter-gatherers likely farmed acorns, mesquite, Prickly-Pear Cactus, chia seeds, wild cherry, white sage, among other fruits.

During this period, the state was limited to trading outposts, villages, forts, and most notably, the Spanish missions in California, which were erected by Junipero Serra.

The mission closest to Orchard Hills is San Juan Capistrano, which was founded in 1776.

[3] One of the implications of the Mexican–American War was the Bear Flag Revolt, which disrupted native activity in the area near Orchard Hills.

In addition, Orchard Hills has the highest percent of children out of the neighborhoods of Irvine.