California’s coastline offers more than just stunning beaches – it’s home to some incredible dining experiences where ocean views complement delicious meals. Imagine savoring fresh seafood while waves crash just feet away, or enjoying a sunset cocktail with your toes practically in the sand. These beachfront restaurants combine the Golden State’s natural beauty with culinary excellence, creating unforgettable dining experiences where the scenery is just as impressive as what’s on your plate.
1. The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove, Newport Coast
Nestled in the historic Crystal Cove State Park, The Beachcomber occupies a restored beach cottage from the 1920s. The vintage charm creates an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
Breakfast here is legendary – especially the banana pancakes – but lunch and dinner menus shine with fresh seafood options. Don’t miss their famous Beachcomber Mai Tai!
Every evening at sunset, they blow a conch shell and raise a martini toast, making dining here feel like a celebration. Reservations are essential, particularly for those coveted patio tables where you’ll dine just steps from the shoreline.
2. The Cliff Restaurant, Laguna Beach
Perched dramatically on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, The Cliff Restaurant offers panoramic ocean views that stretch for miles. Glass walls ensure every table enjoys the spectacular scenery of Laguna’s coastline.
Seafood dominates the menu, with the calamari and crab cakes earning particular praise from regulars. Their weekend brunch attracts locals who come for both the food and the vibe.
Street performers and artists often set up nearby, adding to the quintessential Laguna Beach experience. For the best experience, time your visit for sunset when the ocean reflects golden light and dolphins frequently make appearances offshore.
3. Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, Santa Barbara
Morning fog rolling across the sand creates a magical setting at this beloved Santa Barbara institution. The Boathouse sits directly on Hendry’s Beach, a local favorite spot where dogs play in the surf and morning walkers greet the day.
Famous for their Bloody Mary bar during weekend brunch, this spot also serves outstanding seafood throughout the day. The cioppino bursts with local catch, while the crab cake benedict has a devoted following.
Between courses, take a barefoot stroll along the shoreline – the restaurant’s casual atmosphere encourages such beach breaks. Many locals consider this the perfect spot to bring out-of-town guests for a true Santa Barbara experience.
4. Pacific Coast Grill, Cardiff
The waves practically crash beneath your table at Pacific Coast Grill, where dining on the lower deck during high tide makes you feel like you’re floating on the ocean. This two-story restaurant maximizes its beachfront location with floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple outdoor spaces.
Seafood dominates the menu, with creative sushi rolls and local fish tacos stealing the show. Their lobster-stuffed avocado has developed something of a cult following among San Diego foodies.
Surfers provide constant entertainment as they catch waves directly in front of the restaurant. The relaxed vibe makes this spot perfect for long, leisurely meals where conversation flows as easily as the ocean breeze.
5. The Strand House, Manhattan Beach
Sophisticated yet relaxed, The Strand House embodies the upscale beach vibe of Manhattan Beach. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase sweeping views from Palos Verdes to Malibu, with the iconic pier directly in front.
Chef-driven seasonal menus feature California cuisine with global influences. The seafood tower makes a dramatic presentation, while wood-fired pizzas satisfy more casual cravings. Their craft cocktail program deserves special mention – try the Strand Mule with house-made ginger beer.
Celebrity sightings aren’t uncommon here, as many athletes and entertainment figures call Manhattan Beach home. Sunday brunch draws a lively crowd, especially when beach volleyball tournaments happen on the sand below.
6. Georges at the Cove, La Jolla
Three distinct dining experiences await at Georges, but Ocean Terrace – the rooftop level – offers the most spectacular views. From this vantage point, the La Jolla coastline unfolds before you, with sea lions visible on the rocks below.
The California modern menu changes seasonally, though the fish tacos remain a constant favorite. Chef Trey Foshee sources ingredients from local farms and fishermen, creating dishes that showcase the region’s bounty.
Watch for the green flash at sunset – this natural phenomenon is sometimes visible from the terrace on clear evenings. Even without this rare sight, the combination of masterful cuisine and breathtaking views makes Georges a must-visit destination.
7. The Waterfront Venice, Venice
A beloved local hangout since 1995, The Waterfront Venice captures the eclectic spirit of this famous beach neighborhood. The recently renovated space features a sprawling patio where the people-watching rivals the ocean views.
The menu strikes a perfect balance between beach shack casual and California fresh. Their fish tacos and burgers satisfy hungry surfers, while seasonal vegetable dishes and poke bowls cater to the health-conscious Venice crowd.
Weekends bring a festive atmosphere with live music and flowing margaritas. The restaurant sits right on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, placing you front-row for the parade of characters that make this area so uniquely entertaining.
8. Miramar Beach Restaurant, Half Moon Bay
Historic charm meets breathtaking scenery at this Half Moon Bay institution, housed in a building that once served as a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Black and white photos on the walls tell stories of its colorful past, including visits from silent film stars.
The menu celebrates Northern California’s bounty with an emphasis on local seafood. Dungeness crab appears in multiple dishes when in season, while the cioppino showcases the day’s freshest catch.
Fog frequently rolls in across the water, creating a moody, romantic atmosphere unlike sunnier SoCal establishments. Even on misty days, the dramatic coastal views and sound of waves crashing just beyond the windows create an enchanting dining experience.
9. Rusty Pelican, Newport Beach
Sailboats glide by just outside the windows of this Newport Beach classic, where the harbor views offer a different kind of waterfront experience. The nautical-themed interior features polished wood and brass details that complement the maritime setting.
Seafood dominates the menu, with Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab legs as perennial favorites. Their early evening sunset menu offers excellent value, drawing locals who appreciate both the views and the value.
The restaurant sits on the Balboa Peninsula, providing panoramic views of Newport Harbor’s boat traffic. After dinner, stroll along the harbor front where luxury yachts dock alongside historic cottages, creating a quintessential Orange County experience.
10. Captain Jack’s, Sunset Beach
Old-school charm defines Captain Jack’s, a Sunset Beach institution where the kitschy nautical decor hasn’t changed much since the 1970s – and locals wouldn’t have it any other way. This unpretentious spot sits just steps from the sand, offering glimpses of ocean between the beach houses.
Famous for their “Surf & Turf” combinations, Captain Jack’s serves generous portions that satisfy hearty appetites. Their legendary crab legs come with plastic bibs and specialized tools for cracking – you’ll need them!
Live piano music fills the bar area most evenings, creating a convivial atmosphere where regulars greet each other by name. This hidden gem provides an authentic experience of old California beach town dining.
11. Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Marina Del Rey
Tucked inside the Jamaica Bay Inn, Beachside Restaurant offers a tropical oasis on Marina Del Rey’s Mother’s Beach. Palm trees sway above the fire pit-dotted patio, creating a resort-like atmosphere just minutes from Los Angeles.
The menu blends California cuisine with Caribbean influences – try the jerk-spiced mahi-mahi or coconut shrimp. Weekend brunch attracts a stylish crowd who come for the bottomless mimosas and stayed for the beach views.
Mother’s Beach provides a calm swimming area with no waves, making this a family-friendly spot where kids often play in the sand while parents dine. The marina location offers a different waterfront experience – watching kayakers and paddleboarders rather than surfers.
12. The Hangout Restaurant & Beach Bar, Seal Beach
Small-town charm abounds at The Hangout, where locals gather at the wood-paneled bar to catch up on neighborhood news. Situated near the Seal Beach Pier, this casual spot embodies the laid-back vibe of this quaint beach community.
Comfort food dominates the menu, with breakfast served all day – the chorizo breakfast burrito has a devoted following. Seafood options include fish and chips made with beer batter and locally caught fish when available.
The outdoor patio puts you steps from the beach volleyball courts where competitive games provide free entertainment. After your meal, walk to the end of the historic wooden pier for panoramic coastline views stretching from Long Beach to Huntington Beach.
13. Sandy’s Beach Shack, Huntington Beach
Surfboards decorate the walls at Sandy’s Beach Shack, where the vibe is as casual as the flip-flops most patrons wear. Located steps from Huntington Beach’s famous pier, this spot embraces its surf culture roots.
The menu features beach favorites with creative twists – try the ahi poke nachos or the lobster mac and cheese. Their signature cocktails come in Instagram-worthy presentations, often garnished with tropical fruits and tiny umbrellas.
From the patio, watch surfers tackle the waves that made Huntington Beach famous as “Surf City, USA.” The restaurant hosts occasional live music, adding to the festive atmosphere that makes this spot particularly popular with the younger crowd.
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