Jessica Simpson celebrated her 27th birthday at a beach house Tuesday, but moved the gathering to her parents' home after the sand got too crowded – with photographers.

The party started at the Silver Spoon Beach Body house in Malibu, a private home that hosts celebrity events (Lindsay Lohan celebrated her 21st birthday there recently).

Simpson, in a white summer dress, lunched with five girlfriends and planned to throw an evening barbecue with more friends and family.

But word got out and soon the beach was swarming with paparazzi. "It was a private party and they wanted to keep it private," says a source close to Simpson.

So they moved the celebration to the home of her parents.

"She was there with all of her closest friends and family," says the source. "She had a great time. It was great night."

Simpson is preparing to film Major Movie Star in Shreveport, La., and this weekend she will be unveiling her swimwear line in Miami.