Pop the Bubbly! Here Are 6 Places to Ring in 2023 in Orange County

Celebrate the New Year in Style at OC’s Finest Restaurants, Discos and Waterfront Bars

New year, new things to do! Switch up your standard New Year’s Eve plans for a night out in Orange County. With waterfront rooftops, booze cruises and award-winning restaurants, there is no better place to ring in 2023. Whether you’re looking to boogie the night away or sit down to an eloquent dinner that you didn’t have to slave away for, Orange County has something to do for every mood. End the holiday season in style with one of these fabulous ways to welcome in the new year. Cheers!

For a Coastal, Casual Celebration
Dinner at Shorebird

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Credit: Branen Fitzgerald (@branen)

nye in orange county - Shorebird — Credit: AdCollaborative (@adcollaborative)

@localemag What’s you reason to visit Shorebird? 🍸 🎥 @spicyhabibti | OC & LA Eats #localemagazine #shorebird #ocdatenights #ocdining #ocfoodievlog #locale ♬ Changes, Pts. 1 & 2 – Neal Francis

Not every year calls for an elaborate night out, but 2022 is worthy of closing out in style with a fine-dining experience at Shorebird in Newport Beach. Lively music will fill the air and party favors await, so make a reservation for a waterfront table where you can watch the boats glide by. They will have a fresh menu with dishes like A5 Wagyu Meatballs, Shrimp Bisque and sticky ribs—and don’t forget the champagne! There’s no dress code, but it’s NYE, so the more glitz, the better!

Location: Newport Beach

If Your Favorite Holiday Is NYE
20th Annual Yacht Party

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Cruise into 2023 at Newport’s 20th Annual Yacht Party! Step aboard The Ambassador and be greeted with a glass of bubbly before exploring the three-level yacht’s outdoor decks, lavish lounges and lively dance floor. The DJ will be spinning hip-hop, ‘80s, dance and top 40 hits! Dance away on this four-hour cruise through Newport Harbor, which includes an open bar and tacos galore. Or go premium to pick from passed appetizers and a carving station. Tickets start at $169 and sell out quickly, so grab yourself one to hop aboard!

Location: Newport Beach

For Those Looking for a Good Time on the Coast
New Year’s Eve Party at the Treehouse Lounge at Paséa Hotel & Spa

Credit: Paséa Hotel & Spa

Watch the ball drop from a tree top! The Treehouse Lounge at Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach is notorious for its high-spirited (both in vibes and drinks!) New Year’s Eve party. A general admission ticket for $225 grants access into the lounge with an open bar and late-night bites. Think mini beef wellingtons, bloody mary shrimp cocktails and salted caramel cheesecake shooters! Grab a snack then hit the DJ’s dance floor and ring in 2023 with a champagne toast! Reserved seating is available at cabanas, fire pits and king’s tables.

Local Insight: Don’t miss the after party at Tanner’s late-night buffet downstairs, where from 12:30-2 a.m., nosh on classics like breakfast burritos and chicken tenders! Tickets are $40 and do not need to be purchased in advance.

Location: Huntington Beach

Keep It Cozy and Classy
Ysidora

Credit: Ysidora

Credit: Inn at the Mission

Photography Provided By: Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano

Photography Provided By: Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano

nye orange county — Photography Provided By: Inn at the Mission

Combine past, present and future by ringing in the new year in Orange County’s oldest and most historic town. The elegant charm of Ysidora at the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is attributed to its Spanish architecture, olive trees and timeless parlor. New Year’s Eve dinner will be served from 5-10 p.m., and the bar will stay open until the clock strikes midnight! The San Juan G&T with Empress gin, elderflower tonic, grapefruit and rosemary is the perfect new year’s elixir. Grilled octopus and patatas bravas are locals’ favorites.

Location: San Juan Capistrano

For City Lovers
Studio 54 NYE Party at Balboa Bay Resort

Credit: Balboa Bay Resort

New York City is a New Year’s Eve bucket list item, but we could do without the cold and the crowds. Luckily, Balboa Bay Resort is bringing New York nightlife to Newport at their Studio 54 NYE Party! From 9 p.m.-1 a.m., the bayside lounge transforms into a disco night club with charismatic ‘70s and ‘80s grooves by The Funky Hippeez, so bring the boogie! When the clock strikes midnight, toast with sparkling wine and light bites. Cocktail attire is required, and tickets are $243.75.

Location: Newport Beach

For a Low-Key Staycay
Hike and Stay at Inn at Playa del Rey

We’re calling it now: 2023 is all about rest and rejuvenation. Start the new year with a mini staycation at the Inn at Playa del Rey. Just one hour up the coast, you can cozy up in a charming suite that opens up to the ocean. Plan a hike along Bluffs Creek Trail and enjoy the chef’s daily delight for breakfast. The Inn is always the perfect place to recover on New Year’s Day after a rowdy night out on the town!

Local Insight: Enjoy a complimentary wine and cheese hour every afternoon as a guest at the Inn at Playa del Rey.

Location: Playa del Rey

Emily Miller

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Lover of the beach, food and fitness, Emily enjoys exploring all sunny Southern California has to offer! She has a passion for sharing about her favorite local gems and began writing for Locale in 2022. On the weekends, find her creating recipes for her food blog or out in Laguna!