Marina Park and Lighthouse
A vibrant waterfront destination featuring a nautical playground and a jazz cafe, famous for its 'La La Land' filming location and bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Marina Park and Lighthouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront destination featuring a nautical playground and a jazz cafe, famous for its 'La La Land' filming location and bay views.
"Experience cinematic vibes and stunning bay views at this beloved coastal spot."
🚗 Parking Patience is Key
Arrive early or be prepared for paid lots. Street parking can be tough!
🎶 Catch Live Jazz
The Lighthouse Cafe often features live jazz, especially in the evenings. Check their schedule!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Lighthouse Slide
Marina Park Playground
A nautical-themed playground featuring a thrilling lighthouse-shaped slide that kids (and adults!) adore.
Lighthouse Cafe Ambiance
Adjacent to Marina Park
Enjoy waterfront dining with stunning bay views, live jazz, and a menu that's perfect for brunch or a casual meal.
Waveless Beach Access
Marina Park Beach
A calm, protected beach ideal for families with young children to play and splash safely.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Embrace the La La Land Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience is Key
Arrive early or be prepared for paid lots. Street parking can be tough!
🎶 Catch Live Jazz
The Lighthouse Cafe often features live jazz, especially in the evenings. Check their schedule! +1
🏖️ Kid-Friendly Beach
Marina Park's beach is protected and waveless, perfect for little ones. 
☕ Beignets are a Must
Don't miss the delicious beignets at the Lighthouse Cafe for brunch!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience is Key
Arrive early or be prepared for paid lots. Street parking can be tough!
🎶 Catch Live Jazz
The Lighthouse Cafe often features live jazz, especially in the evenings. Check their schedule! +1
🏖️ Kid-Friendly Beach
Marina Park's beach is protected and waveless, perfect for little ones.
☕ Beignets are a Must
Don't miss the delicious beignets at the Lighthouse Cafe for brunch!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Dining
The Lighthouse Cafe welcomes dogs on their patio, making it great for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning bay views and the lively atmosphere at the Lighthouse Cafe, especially with its 'La La Land' connection and live jazz music. Families love Marina Park's playground and calm beach. However, some find the food average for the price and note occasional service inconsistencies or inconvenient restroom facilities.
"Food was average, the view is relaxing but it took almost an hour to get out 2 entrees. People who sat same time as us got their food and paid and left and we didn’t get our food yet. The server didn’t even do anything and just said they went from lunch to dinner. She didn’t offer anything to fix it just acted rushed and brought the check. Good was average. Not worth the price at all 1 iced tea, a grilled artichoke and 2 entrees were about $100."
Eric Ghahermanian
"We stopped in for breakfast on our way to the airport. It was dead and the weather was overcast. I bet this place and view are amazing when it’s clear out. We sat outside in an area for great views. The service was spectacular. Both our waiter and the host were very attentive and friendly. You have to pay for parking as it’s at a marina. Another reviewer mentioned the restrooms being at the front of the marina. I thought they were pretty clean and didn’t have an issue walking just a bit further. Now the food-good portions. The clam chowder was amazing. It was the star of the meal. It was peppery and just delightful. Best I’ve ever had. The avocado toast was ok. It lacked some real flavor. The salad it came with was mellow and fresh. The chorizo Benedict was good. It had good flavor and the chorizo wasn’t oily. Eggs were perfectly poached. The potatoes they came with were good as well."
Trish Wright
"We recently had the absolute joy of hosting our wedding dinner at this wonderful restaurant, and I honestly don’t think words can fully capture how special the entire experience was – but I’ll try.
From the very beginning, communication was seamless and reassuring. David was truly exceptional throughout the planning process. Every email, every question, every last-minute detail was handled with such care and professionalism. He made us feel completely at ease and genuinely excited leading up to the big day. His responsiveness and attention to detail were invaluable, and it felt like he was just as invested in our day as we were.
On the day of the event, Andrew stepped in as our point person, and we could not have asked for a more organized, calming, and thoughtful presence. He orchestrated the evening with grace and precision, ensuring everything flowed effortlessly — from our arrival to the final toast. It’s rare to find someone who can manage logistics so smoothly while also making you feel personally cared for, but Andrew did just that.
And of course, we must mention Dave and Xochi, who delivered outstanding service with such warmth and genuine hospitality. They were absolutely amazing — attentive without being intrusive, always present when needed, and full of positive energy that truly added to the atmosphere. You could feel that they weren’t just doing a job, they were helping create memories, and that means so much.
Every dish was perfect, every glass was full, and every guest left with a smile. But more than that, we left with the feeling that our wedding dinner wasn’t just an event on a calendar — it was treated with heart.
To David, Andrew, Dave, Xochi, and the entire team: thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You gave us a night we will treasure forever.
Thanks ☺️"
dalia alqaseer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Marina Park is located at 1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA. You can drive there, but be aware that parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Paid parking lots are available, and some street parking might be found further away.
While direct public transport to the park itself might be limited, you can explore Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus routes that serve the Newport Beach area. Check their website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
To minimize parking stress, aim to visit on a weekday morning. If visiting on a weekend, arrive as early as possible. Consider ride-sharing services if you prefer not to deal with parking at all.
Yes, restrooms are available at Marina Park. However, some reviews mention they are shared with the public marina facilities and might require a short walk.
Marina Park generally offers accessible pathways and facilities. The playground area and beach access should be navigable, but it's always a good idea to check with park management for specific accessibility details if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Marina Park itself is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. You can enjoy the playground, beach, and grounds for free.
Yes, parking at Marina Park typically involves a fee. Be prepared to pay for parking in the designated lots.
Marina Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. The Lighthouse Cafe has its own operating hours, which you can check on their website.
The Lighthouse Cafe accepts reservations, especially for larger groups or special events. It's recommended to call ahead or check their website for reservation policies, particularly if you plan to visit during peak hours or for a specific event.
The 'lighthouse' at Marina Park is primarily a playground structure and does not have a separate entry fee. Access to the playground is free as part of the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Marina Park offers a nautical-themed playground with a famous lighthouse slide, sandy play areas, a calm bay beach, outdoor fitness circuits, and basketball courts. It's a great spot for families and outdoor recreation.
Yes, the beach at Marina Park is known for its calm, waveless bay waters, making it an excellent and safe spot for swimming, especially for children.
The vibe is relaxed and coastal. Marina Park is family-friendly with active play areas, while the Lighthouse Cafe offers a chill waterfront dining experience with live jazz music, evoking a 'La La Land' feel.
Dogs are generally allowed in Marina Park on a leash, but they are typically not permitted on the sandy beach area. The Lighthouse Cafe, however, is dog-friendly on its patio.
The Lighthouse Cafe was a filming location for the movie 'La La Land.' Visitors can experience the atmosphere and sometimes even hear live jazz music reminiscent of the film's iconic scenes. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Lighthouse Cafe offers eclectic American eats, with popular items including brunch dishes like beignets and chorizo Benedict, as well as clam chowder and fish tacos.
While specific menus can change, the cafe offers a variety of American dishes. It's best to check their current menu online or inquire with the staff about vegetarian or vegan options.
Many visitors rave about the clam chowder, calling it the 'best ever.' The beignets are also a highly recommended brunch item.
Dining at Lighthouse Cafe can be on the pricier side, with entrees and drinks potentially costing around $100 for two people.
Yes, the Lighthouse Cafe features a deck and outdoor seating areas with bay vistas, offering a pleasant dining experience with great views.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lighthouse slide at Marina Park, the waterfront views from the Lighthouse Cafe, and the picturesque bay with boats. The cafe's exterior also makes for a charming shot.
The waterfront location offers beautiful views, and while not directly facing the ocean sunset, the bay views can be quite scenic during golden hour. The Lighthouse Cafe's deck provides a great vantage point.
Yes, you can take photos inside and around the Lighthouse Cafe. It's a popular spot for capturing the ambiance, especially with the live music and 'La La Land' connection. +1
Morning light can be lovely for the playground and beach areas, offering softer light and fewer crowds. Late afternoon can also be beautiful with the golden hour glow.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check with the park or cafe management for any specific permits or guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The adjacent waveless beach is perfect for little ones to safely splash and play. +1 Pack snacks and enjoy the dedicated play areas. The Lighthouse Cafe nearby offers a convenient spot for a bite, and it's even dog-friendly on the patio if you have a furry family member. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and make parking easier.
The park offers restrooms and is a fantastic spot for a full day of fun, from active play to relaxing by the water.❤️ Couples & Date Nights
+1 The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, ideal for conversation and enjoying each other's company. Combine your dinner with a stroll around Marina Park, especially during the golden hour for beautiful views. While the park is family-oriented, the cafe's evening atmosphere can be quite charming for couples. Remember to check the cafe's music schedule in advance to enhance your date night experience.
🎵 Jazz & 'La La Land' Enthusiasts
Plan your visit around their music schedule to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Enjoy the eclectic American menu and the stunning bay views while listening to soulful tunes. It's a chance to step into a scene from your favorite musical.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'La La Land' Connection at Lighthouse Cafe
The cafe frequently hosts live jazz bands, adding to the authentic ambiance. Some performers, like Jacques Lesure, were even involved in the movie's soundtrack.
When visiting, be sure to check the cafe's schedule for live music performances to fully capture the 'La La Land' magic. It's a unique opportunity to relive movie moments and enjoy a vibrant musical atmosphere.
Family Fun at Marina Park
+1 Kids can spend hours climbing, sliding, and exploring the various play structures. The park also boasts sandy play zones, making it a classic beach playground experience. Adjacent to the playground is a calm, waveless beach on the bay. This protected water is perfect for little ones to splash and play safely without the worry of strong ocean waves.
+1 Parents appreciate the peace of mind this offers. The park also includes amenities like restrooms and ample parking (though it can get busy), making a day trip convenient. Beyond the playground and beach, Marina Park offers outdoor fitness circuits and basketball courts, providing activities for all ages. It’s a well-rounded destination for a family day out, combining active play with relaxing beach time.
Dining with a View: Lighthouse Cafe Experience
+1 The ambiance is further enhanced by the frequent live jazz music, creating a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere. While the view is a major draw, the food aims to complement the scenery. Popular choices include their highly-praised clam chowder, delicious beignets for brunch, and flavorful fish tacos.
It's worth noting that the cafe shares public restrooms with the marina, which can be a minor inconvenience for some diners.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit