Spring has sprung and Easter is just around the corner on Sunday, April 1. Whether you’re scouting for Easter eggs or looking to plan a champagne brunch, here’s a guide to Easter events in Newport Beach.

Photo Credit: Fashion Island

Meet-and-Greet with the Easter Bunny at Fashion Island

If you’ve got kids in tow, surprise them with a visit to someone that’s cute and cuddly, and may just make all their spring dreams come true. The Easter Bunny has found a temporary home on the Atrium Lawn in Fashion Island. He’ll be working on his spring garden through March 31 and is available for photos from 10 am – 8 pm Monday through Friday, and 10 am – 7 pm on Saturday.

Hunt for Easter Eggs at Newport Dunes

No Easter is complete without an Easter egg hunt. Head on over to Newport Dunes on Saturday, March 31 from 9 – 11 am for the annual hunt. This year, there will be over 6,000 eggs filled with candy, toys and cash prizes. Find the lucky egg and you’ll be taking home a brand-new bicycle! There will also be a chance to take a photo with the Easter Bunny after the hunt.

Enjoy the Sunrise and an Easter Service at Newport Dunes

Pastor Tim Lukei from the Mariners Church will be hosting the annual Sunrise Easter Service at Newport Dunes. The service is from 7 – 8 am on Easter Sunday (April 1) at Pavilion E along the water.

Family-friendly Easter Brunch at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach

If you didn’t have time for egg hunts and the Easter Bunny before Sunday, then take the whole family to Easter Brunch at the Fashion Island Hotel. From 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, there will be egg decorating, face painting, and live entertainment. The Easter Bunny will be making an appearance and available for photos! Plus, there will be an Easter egg hunt out on the front lawn. After all of the fun, tuck into an Easter feast including a menu full of kid favorites and made-to-order crepes.

Ticket prices for brunch and activities are $80 per adult and $20 for children ages 5-12 (children 4 and under are free).

Oceanfront Brunching at the Beachcomber

Spend your Easter morning wiggling your toes in the sand, then walk on up to the Beachcomber at Crystal Cove for oceanfront brunching. The Beachcomber is located in the Historic District of Crystal Cove State Park, home to one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in Orange County. Start off with their famous beignets, then choose an entree from their special Easter brunch menu. Options include Lobster Mac & Cheese, Surf and Turf, and Dulce de Leche Pancakes.

Easter Brunch will be served from 7 am to 4 pm. Adults are $39.95 (which includes bottomless champagne and mimosas) and children are $14.95.

Bayside Dining at the Lighthouse Bayview Cafe

If you prefer a view of the bay over the beach but don’t want to give up the beignets, reserve your table at the Lighthouse Bayview Café. The cinnamon sugar beignets, topped with cream cheese vanilla drizzle, are on the special Easter brunch menu. Innovative entrée options include carrot bread pancakes with mascarpone sauce and jumbo lump crab tacos. Or, opt for something more traditional, like the Easter honey ham or herb crusted lamb chops. Try the signature brunch drink, a mason jar size serving of a bloody mary called Buddy’s bloody after Newport Beach’s longtime lifeguard Buddy Belshe.

All-aboard for an Easter Brunch Buffet Cruise

Enjoy Easter brunch on board a Hornblower yacht. Ships set sail for a two-hour cruise around Newport harbor at 10 am, 11 am, and 2:30 pm. A $75 ticket includes unlimited glasses of bubbly and a decadent buffet. There will also be live entertainment and a visit by the Easter Bunny! More info here.

Build-Your-Own-Brunch at Oak Grill on Easter Sunday

For those that want the variety of a buffet but the made-to-order of a typical restaurant, visit the Oak Grill on Easter Sunday. This restaurant is adding Build-Your-Own stations to their spacious Fireside patio so you can create your very favorite omelet, pancake, or poke bowl. If you’re craving savory, stop by the Chef’s Carving Corner or the salad bar. For those with a sweet tooth, there will be a long list of sweets beyond the breakfast fare, including strawberry lemonade cake and Oreo cheesecake. Bottomless mimosas are included while bloody marys are margaritas are available at an additional charge.

Easter Brunch will be served from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Adults are $90 and children ages 5-12 are $25 (kids 4 and under are free).

For a full list of restaurants offering a special Easter Sunday menu, see the Dine Newport Beach website.

Written by: Kelly Barcus