Los Angeles is a city renowned for its diverse dining scene, and that includes some truly memorable buffet experiences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon on a yacht or a lively holiday celebration on the water, LA offers options that combine great views, tasty food, and a bit of entertainment.
We’re particularly fond of the Newport Beach Champagne and Brunch Buffet City Cruise for its elegant setting and unlimited bubbly, and the Marina Del Rey Christmas Day Cruise for its festive holiday spirit.
These tours stand out because they blend scenic maritime views with high-quality buffet dining, making them perfect for special occasions or just a unique way to enjoy the city’s coastline.
If you’re after a versatile brunch, a romantic dinner, or a holiday feast, this list covers some of the best buffet cruises around Los Angeles. Each offers a different vibe—from casual to festive—and all are great ways to combine sightseeing with a hearty meal.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just want a different dining experience, these cruises promise memorable moments on the water.
- Quick Overview
- 1. Newport Beach: Champagne and Brunch Buffet City Cruise
- 2. Marina Del Rey: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
- 3. Marina Del Rey: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
- 4. City Cruises Long Beach: Dinner Cruise with Buffet and DJ
- How to Choose Your Perfect LA Buffet Cruise
- Final Thoughts
Quick Overview
In this guide, we explore four top buffet experiences in Los Angeles, all of which take place on boats or ships that cruise through iconic harbors and seaside areas.
The list includes a luxurious Newport Beach brunch cruise with unlimited champagne, a festive Marina Del Rey holiday cruise featuring live entertainment, a Thanksgiving version with seasonal dishes, and a lively Long Beach dinner cruise complete with a DJ. Find detailed descriptions below to help you choose the perfect LA water-based buffet experience.
1. Newport Beach: Champagne and Brunch Buffet City Cruise
For around $141 per person, the Newport Beach Champagne and Brunch Buffet City Cruise offers a relaxing 2-hour cruise aboard a well-appointed yacht. The highlight here is the sumptuous brunch buffet, prepared from the freshest seasonal ingredients, served at your reserved table.
What makes this cruise special is the unlimited champagne and sparkling cider, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or just elevating your Sunday.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy magnificent harbor views, including landmarks like the Balboa Peninsula and Mariner’s Mile. The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed, making it a great choice for couples or groups looking to combine scenic sightseeing with fine food. The crew is attentive, ensuring your brunch experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Plus, the cruise’s 4.7-star rating based on 82 reviews indicates strong satisfaction—many mention the beautiful views and high-quality buffet.
Bottom Line: This cruise offers a refined, leisurely experience with excellent food and wine, ideal for celebrating or simply treating yourself to a scenic start to the day.
2. Marina Del Rey: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
At number 2, the Marina Del Rey Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise delivers holiday cheer with a 2 to 2.5-hour harbor cruise for about $101 per person. This cruise is perfect if you’re visiting LA during the Christmas season, and it offers chef-prepared buffet options for both brunch and dinner, with unlimited mimosas during brunch to keep the festive spirits high.
The cruise features live entertainment and festive décor, creating a warm holiday atmosphere. The scenic views of southern California’s beaches and marina serve as a stunning backdrop for your meal. The cruise’s 5-star rating, even from just one review, underscores its quality and holiday charm.
It’s suited for families, couples, or groups wanting a cheerful, well-organized way to enjoy holiday dining with a view.
Bottom Line: This cruise combines holiday traditions with a scenic cruise, making it a memorable way to celebrate Christmas in Los Angeles.
3. Marina Del Rey: Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
For $143 per person, the Marina Del Rey Thanksgiving Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers a 2.5-hour cruise packed with seasonal flavors. This tour stands out because of its focus on Thanksgiving classics, including turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, all served on a chef-prepared buffet.
What makes this experience memorable is the gorgeous view of the marina and beaches as you enjoy your meal. Guests can relax with mimosas, cocktails, beer, or wine from the onboard bar, adding to the celebratory feel. The festive décor and live entertainment enhance the holiday ambiance.
Though only one review exists, it praises the “incredible views of Southern California’s beaches and gorgeous harbor” alongside delicious food.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to combine a holiday meal with scenic cruising, this experience elevates Thanksgiving dinner to a special occasion on the water.
4. City Cruises Long Beach: Dinner Cruise with Buffet and DJ
The Long Beach Dinner Cruise offers a 2.5-hour voyage around Long Beach Harbor for $168 per person. While the review rating isn’t specified, it’s notable for its lively atmosphere—featuring a live DJ and creative cocktails—making it an excellent option for those looking to combine a meal with entertainment.
The cruise includes a delicious buffet served at a reserved table, with unlimited coffee, tea, and water to keep you refreshed. You’ll witness stunning views of the coastline, with sights like towering yachts, mansions, and playful sea lions visible along the route. Its casual yet upscale vibe makes it suitable for party-goers or anyone wanting a fun, music-filled evening on the water.
Bottom Line: This cruise is best for travelers who want an energetic, social experience with good food, great views, and dancing.
How to Choose Your Perfect LA Buffet Cruise
When deciding among these options, consider your priorities—are you after a romantic scenic cruise, a festive holiday event, or a lively night out? For a refined experience with champagne and scenic views, the Newport Beach cruise is hard to beat. If holiday cheer is what you seek, the Marina Del Rey Christmas or Thanksgiving cruises combine seasonal food with spectacular surroundings.
For a fun evening with music and dancing, the Long Beach dinner cruise offers a lively atmosphere with excellent harbor views.
Booking early is advisable, especially for holiday cruises, as they tend to fill up fast. Think about your budget, preferred atmosphere, and whether you want a daytime brunch or evening dinner when making your choice.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles offers a variety of buffet experiences that beautifully blend scenic cruising with good food. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the Champagne brunch cruise in Newport Beach sets a luxurious tone.
For holiday travelers, the Marina Del Rey Christmas or Thanksgiving cruises deliver festive fun and great views. And for those who love lively nights, the Long Beach dinner cruise with a DJ provides a spirited way to end your day.
No matter which you choose, booking early ensures you’ll secure a spot on these popular water-based dining experiences. Each offers a unique way to see California’s coast from the water while enjoying a hearty meal—an unforgettable combination for any traveler.