4 Best Brunch Spots at the Beach : Orange County

We already know it’s the most important meal of the day, but Breakfast served with a side of an ocean view isn’t just good for your body, it’s good for your soul. Here are what we consider to be the 4 best brunch spots at the beach in Orange County where you can grab some delicious food close to, if not on, the beach.

4 best brunch spots at the beach orange county

Ellie’s Table at North Beach

Tucked away behind the historic Casino San Clemente, this charming little breakfast spot offers some of the best French pastries around.  A nice selection of flaky, buttery croissants, as well as “Palm Sandwiches” and pre-made salads (I highly recommend the Asian Kale salad, the Chicken Tarragon salad and the Agave Fruit salad) are some of the delicious fare offered at this quaint spot.  A popular place with tourists and locals, parking is scarce and metered, so come prepared with quarters. Located just across the street from the North Beach trail, you can walk off your Creme Brulee filled Kouing Aman with a stroll along the ocean.

4 best brunch spots at the beach orange county

4 best brunch spots at the beach orange county

Plums Cafe – Costa Mesa

It’s not glamorous, tucked back in the corner of a pretty nondescript strip mall along PCH, but don’t judge a book by it’s cover.  This delicious breakfast spot ALWAYS has a wait… and a long one at that. The build out in this non-descript strip mall location is almost as pretty as the food. Try the famous Dutch Baby pancake with lemon and powdered sugar, or my favorite…the Santa Fe Eggs Benedict.  The chipotle-cilantro hollandaise is to die for!

4 best brunch spots at the beach orange county

4 best brunch spots at the beach orange county

4 best brunch spots at the beach orange county

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove

Good food and on the beach?  That combination means dining here for breakfast takes some planning and some patience, but it is well worth the extra effort.  Nestled amongst the cozy beach cottages on the sands of Crystal Cove State Park, The Beachcomber is a traveler’s and local’s favorite breakfast spot.  Favorites like Coconut Macadamia Pancakes and Crab Cake Benedict are extra tasty and add to the “breakfast on the beach” experience. Book ahead…and I mean WAY ahead on Open Table if you want to avoid a wait.  Prime brunch times on weekends are often completely booked up weeks in advance, especially during the height of the tourist season.

beachcomber brunch oc

beachcomber

Raya at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

If you’re looking for something a little fancier, maybe for a Mother’s Day brunch or birthday celebration, Raya is a favorite.  With floor to ceiling windows, and a location that has you hanging over the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean the view is incredible…and so is the food.  This is the Ritz Carlton, after all. Try the Carnitas Huevos Rancheros. Be sure to enjoy stroll down to the beach after breakfast. Salt Creek Beach and park are a gorgeous place to spend the afternoon.

best brunch at the beach in oc

Looking for other places to stay, things to do and restaurants to visit while staying in Southern California?  Check out some of our other most popular travel posts:

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Be sure to check out my other travel posts for more great ideas and adventures!  I’d love to have you join me on social media where I share more of our family travels, design ideas and fun every day! You can find me here…

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Happy Travels!

tammy

Tammy

Creative Director at Pink Peppermint Design
Tammy Mitchell is the founder and creative director of lifestyle blog pinkpeppermintdesign.com. Along with being a homeschooling mom of two kiddos, she is also an in-demand prop and event stylist, photographer, interior and graphic designer. On Pink Peppermint Design, she shares creative DIY projects, easy entertaining and gift ideas, inspiring interiors and events. She lives in Southern California, with her husband and two children.

Brunch at the beach

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