Five elevated alfresco spots for a meal with a view in Newport Beach

THE DECK AT CRYSTAL COVE HISTORIC DISTRICT

Perched directly above the sand alongside the check-in office for the historic cottages, this elevated timber deck offers some of the most enviable oceanfront seating on the coast. Built-in benches and traditional wooden picnic tables look out across the surf, making it the premier open-air spot to unwrap a breakfast sandwich or coffee while watching the tide come in.

PROMENADE COURTYARD AT CRYSTAL COVE SHOPPING CENTER

For a morning bite paired with sweeping Pacific views, discover the ocean-facing promenade near Trader Joe’s. The courtyard blends shaded cafe tables, umbrellas and classic wooden Adirondack chairs, giving you a front-row seat to catch the coastal breeze while enjoying artisanal pastries, gourmet deli picks or craft coffee.

SEITZ PARK AT FASHION ISLAND

Located along Fashion Island’s ocean-facing edge near Macy’s, this manicured refuge provides a quiet reprieve from the retail hum. Named for former Irvine Company architect Roger Seitz, the park is framed by olive trees with benches and lounge seating — an ideal perch for a relaxed morning coffee or a light bite picked up from nearby Sessions West Coast Deli or Whole Foods Market.

COASTAL PEAK PARK AT PACIFIC RIDGE

Sitting at the highest elevation of Ridge Park Road, Coastal Peak Park serves as the scenic gateway to the Irvine Ranch Open Space and Laguna Coast Wilderness. Shaded pavilions equipped with picnic tables and barbecue grills command views of the surrounding canyons and coastline, offering a rewarding picnic setup, whether you’ve just finished a trail run or simply driven up to catch the sunset.

MORO BEACH AT CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

Part of the historic Irvine Ranch, this scenic day-use area features 16 covered picnic tables, plus 58 more for campers at the nearby reserved campsites. For hikers, additional tables sit along the bluffs and a few miles up the rugged trails at the primitive Moro Trail Campgrounds. Overlooking protected coastline, the area is a breathtaking spot to picnic amid native plants in a restored coastal habitat.