From brunches and buffets to Easter egg hunts and cruises, see our list of 18 places to celebrate Easter in Orange County.
By Laura Okey
Kaleidoscope 7th Annual Easter Garden Party
April 15. Join Kaleidoscope for a fun-filled day of Easter festivities. Bring your baskets and cameras for an Easter egg hunt followed by a photo opp with the Easter bunny. Kids can enjoy activities such as cookie decorating (with purchase) from Donna B’s Bakery, kid’s spring-themed face painting and an Easter petting zoo with bunnies, baby goats, chicks and ducklings. Noon-2:30 p.m. Free. Kaleidoscope, 27741 Crown Valley Parkway, Mission Viejo. gokaleidoscope.com
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
April 16. Spend your Easter with bunnies, a live jazz trio, roaming balloon artists and a fabulous brunch. The Put Your Eggs Into One Basket brunch will feature gourmet dining options. Starters include carrot-ginger soup with lemon crème fraiche and carrot top gremolata; local halibut ceviche with crispy tostadas; and crab cakes hot off the griddle. Savor main entrees like honey and tangerine glazed Easter ham with cherry onion marmalade and cedar plank roasted salmon with saffron and an herb aioli. Sweets include a chocolate fountain surrounded by treats for dipping, a gelato bar, cake pops and more. Indulge with unlimited champagne, coffee, tea and sodas for adults. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Adults $87, Children ages 6-12 $28, Children 5 and under free. 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, 714.845.4659. hyatt.com
Mastro’s Ocean Club
April 16. Delight in decadent brunch favorites during an elevated, oceanfront Easter dining experience. The upscale brunch will feature a buffet menu that includes a cascading waterfall of shellfish, carving stations, omelets stations, Belgian waffles and other breakfast and lunch favorites. Newport Beach 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Adults $95 (includes complimentary mimosa or glass of champagne); children 6-12 $25; 5 and under free. 8112 East Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.376.6990. mastrosrestaurants.com
Back Bay Bistro
April 13-16. Celebrate Easter all weekend with an Easter egg hunt of epic proportions, Easter Sunday brunch and the new addition of the Global Genes Denim Dash 5k EGGstravaganza. On Saturday, head to the shores of the Newport Dunes where six thousand eggs filled with goodies, including cash prizes and even a token for new bicycle, will be hidden for the children. The Easter Bunny will lead the hunt at 9 a.m. and take family photos afterwards. Easter Sunday, begin with a 7 a.m. Sunrise Easter Service at Pavilion E, followed by a gourmet Easter brunch at Back Bay Bistro with the Easter Bunny (9 a.m.-2 p.m.). Brunch will feature signature breakfast dishes and multiple food stations including seafood, pasta, omelet, carving and more. New to this years lineup of events, the Global Genes’ Denim Dash 5k EGGstravaganza will kick off the weekend on Thursday (5-7 p.m.). The fundraiser will feature an Easter egg hunt along the one-mile waterside path through the resort, a visit from the Easter bunny, music, crafts and great prizes. Brunch $79 adults (includes bottomless champagne and mimosas); $38 children 12 and under. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.1144. newportdunes.com
21 Oceanfront All-Night Hoppy Hour
April 16. What better way to conclude Easter celebrations than with all-night Hoppy Hour. 21 Oceanfront will offer $8 well drinks and select wines and $6 beers, along with food specials, from 4 p.m. to closing. Menu highlights include a marinated filet skewer with mushrooms, peppers and onions ($10), blackened salmon tacos with chipotle aioli and mango salsa ($9), French onion gratinee ($6) and much more. 4 p.m.-close. 21 Oceanfront, 2100 West Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com
Easter Brunch by the Beach
April 16. Celebrate Easter Sunday with a decadent brunch prepared by Paséa Hotel & Spa executive chef Kevin Meyer. Sip bottomless mimosas (The build-your-own mimosa bar will feature a variety of organic juices) while enjoying ocean views and live entertainment. There will be lawn games for children, including an Easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Egg hunts 11 a.m., 1 p.m. Adults $85, children $30. 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 866.478.9702. meritagecollection.com/paseahotel
Easter Picnic in The Backyard
April 16. Join Hotel Irvine for an Easter extravaganza in the backyard. Enjoy an over the top chef-crafted buffet with brunch favorites like smoked salmon eggs Benedict, prime rib, huevos rancheros and of course, a build-your-own mimosa bar with fresh-squeezed juices. Festivities include an Easter egg hunt, a photo booth, a special Easter Bunny appearance and more. 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. seatings. $65 Adults, $15 children ages five through 12. Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. hotelirvine.com
Outlets at San Clemente
April 15. Gather the whole family (pets welcome, too) and celebrate Easter Weekend by the sea. The free family-friendly event will feature wild animal shows, face painting, balloon artists, crafts, and of course, photos with the Easter Bunny. Noon-3 p.m. Free. 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. outletsatsanclemente.com
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
April 16. Start Easter sweetly with Beachcomber’s signature beignets followed by items like Easter egg salad with grilled blackened salmon, organic hard boiled egg, avocado, roasted beets, parmesan cheese and more; or cinnamon pancakes with ham and eggs. Regardless of your entree selection, each meal comes with premier seating just steps from the sandy beach. Enjoy ocean-front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults $38.95; children $14.95. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, 949.376.6900. thebeachcombercafe.com
Fleming’s Prix-Fixe Brunch
April 16. Enjoy a leisurely Easter brunch at Fleming’s. Start with a featured cocktail, the bacon and blue cheese Bloody Mary or the passion fruit Sonoma sparkler, followed by an exclusive three-course prix-fixe menu with choices for each course. Menu highlights include lobster bisque, eggs Benedict with filet Mignon or crab cake, cinnamon apple brioche French toast with orange Chantilly cream and much more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Adults $47.95, children ages 12 and under $18.95. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 455 Newport Center Drive, Fashion Island, 949.720.9633. flemingssteakhouse.com
Easter Brunch at Oak Grill
April 16. Make your rounds this Easter Sunday with live-action stations filled with traditional brunch favorites like build-your-own omelettes and a pancake bar, an On The Water oyster, shrimp and ceviche offering, farmer’s market salads, roasted vegetables, artisan cheeses and charcuterie, as well as chef’s carving corner with filet of beef, herb-roasted chicken, slow-roasted leg of lamb, Lake Superior white fish and whole baked salmon. Desserts include an interactive strawberry shortcake ice cream sandwich station and Easter-inspired angel food and pineapple upside down cakes. And of course, bottomless mimosas will top off the morning. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Adults $90, includes bottomless mimosas; children ages 5-12 $25. Island Hotel Newport Beach, Oak Grill, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
Hornblower Easter Sunday Brunch
April 16. Hop on board a Hornblower yacht for an Easter brunch or supper cruise with the entire family. The lavish brunch or dinner will feature traditional favorites, along with free-flowing champagne, live entertainment, sweet treats and a special visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Boarding 30 minutes prior. 10 a.m.-noon, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2:30-4:30 p.m., 3:30-6 p.m. $68.95-$86.95 adults, $41.37-$52.17 children ages four through 12. 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Suite #101, Newport Beach, 949.631.2469. hornblower.com
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe
April 16. Enjoy Easter on the waterfront this holiday weekend at Lighthouse Bayview Cafe. Exclusively available on Sunday, enjoy a filet mignon Benedict with sauteed spinach and tarragon hollandaise; and rosemary roasted prime rib with a loaded baked potato, green beans and au jus. Marina Park, 1600 West Balboa Blvd., 949.933.1001. lighthousenb.com
Champagne Brunch Buffet and Celebration
April 16. Indulge in a champagne brunch buffet this Easter and entertainment featuring activities for the whole family. Have your cameras ready for an Easter egg hunt and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Enjoy face painting and coloring for the children and live entertainment for the adults. Call for brunch reservations. Easter egg hunt 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Adults $89, children ages 6-12 $40. Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7516. lagunacliffs.com
Social Costa Mesa Easter Brunch
April 16. Get egg-cited about brunch this Easter with Social’s Sunday spread and cocktail specials. Indulge on brunch items like a fried chicken sandwich with bacon, housemade pickles, American cheese, andouille gravy and fried egg on a buttermilk biscuit; the Social Benedict with pulled pork, buttermilk biscuit, slow eggs and creole mustard hollandaise and more. Among many cocktail options available, try the ’96 Bronco made with Ketel One, Cointreau, grapefruit-vanilla, egg white and cream; or the Top of the Morning with Jameson, Meletti Amaro, cold brew coffee and chocolate bitters. Reservations encouraged. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Social Costa Mesa, 512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.2425. socialcostamesa.com
Del Frisco’s Grille Easter Brunch
April 16. Aside from delectable brunch fare, like red velvet Belgian Waffles and truffle-chive deviled eggs, sip on Del Frisco’s Peepin’ Cold Brew cocktail this Easter. The festive libation is made with vanilla vodka, cold brew coffee and Monin salted caramel syrup, completed with an Easter Peep sugary marshmallow garnish. As an exclusive Easter brunch offer, enjoy a slow roasted prime rib special. 772 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.341.0376. delfriscosgrille.com
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
April 16. Celebrate Easter Sunday at Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen with a two-course brunch meal and most importantly, bottomless mimosas. The special includes a two-course menu for $24, with the option to add bottomless mimosas for $10. Entrees offered include huevos rancheros, served with two farm fresh eggs layered on top of corn tortillas and black beans topped with guajillo chili and tomatillo sauces. Brunch special $24-$34. 110 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.240.1055. chachaslatinkitchen.com
Easter at Old Vine Café
April 16. Indulge on brunch specials at Old Vine Cafe this Easter. Exclusively available on Easter, menu items include rabbit mole (braised rabbit, two eggs, pasilla and cashew mole and fresh-baked corn bread) and caramel apple French toast (freshly baked and garnished with a caramel and chocolate swirl). 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 2937 Bristol St., Suite A-102, Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411. oldvinecafe.com
