Orange Co. Xmas breakfast/brunch
 

After dropping someone off at John Wayne Airport, I wll looking for someplace open for breakfast or brunch on Christmas morning (around 10:30 to 11:00 am, preferably around San Clemente or Dana Point. Any suggestions?

I would steer clear of San Clemente, as there really isn't too much there. (Used to live there) If your heart is set on that particular area, I would look at Dana Point. Concentrate around the harbor area. You can Google Dana Point Harbor Restaurants and get an idea of what is there, some chains, some individual places, but mostly casual. If anything is open on Christmas Day, plan on it being busy.

There is a restaurant with a great view of Dana Point Harbor, called Cannons (there is a web site) and is located on Street of the Green Lantern. They do serve a Sunday Brunch that is pretty good, but I'm not sure if they will be open on Christmas Day. You would need to call. And again, I'm sure it will be busy!

If you are looking for a more formal and pricier option, there is always the Ritz Carlton just up the road from the Dana Point. At almost $100 per adult, it might be a bit prohibitive to some, but I'm sure the food and views are great. Plus, it's supposed to be in the 80s here on Christmas Day, so a day at the beach is definitely not going to be uncomfortable! In fact, you will probably have lots of company!

Nearby hotels are the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel and the St. Regis Monarch Beach.

The restaurant on the pier at San Clemente has a great weekend brunch and you can eat outdoors over the water if the weather is good. Call the Fisherman Restaurant in San Clemente for details

I would definitely call some restaurants ahead of time since most places are closed on Christmas Day. As others have mentioned, restaurants in the hotels are probably your best bet.