Need a breezy, waterfront getaway just minutes from LA? Head to Marina del Rey! Tucked along the Los Angeles coast, Marina del Rey offers harbor views, coastal charm, and a laid-back vibe perfect for sailing, biking, or sipping cocktails by the water. Whether you're kayaking the marina, relaxing at the beach, or catching a coastal sunset, this SoCal spot delivers the ultimate oceanside escape.
Marina del Rey, CA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak or paddleboard in the marina – Rent gear from local outfitters and explore calm waters with sea lions, sailboats, and sunshine.
- For History Buffs: Walk the Venice Canals Historic District – Just minutes away, this hidden gem offers charming pedestrian bridges, water views, and LA history.
- For Shoppers: Explore nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard – Trendy boutiques, art galleries, and local brands make this Venice stretch a shopping favorite.
- For Couples: Take a sunset harbor cruise – Charter a sailboat or hop on a dinner cruise to soak in golden-hour views and sea breezes.
- For Families: Visit Burton Chace Park – Enjoy grassy picnic areas, walking paths, and views of passing yachts from this scenic waterfront green space.
Best Time to Visit Marina del Rey, CA
The best time to visit Marina del Rey is from April to October, when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. Summer brings beach vibes, harbor festivals, and stunning sunsets. Winters are mild, with fewer crowds and cozy oceanfront ambiance.
How to Get to Marina del Rey, CA
- By Car: Marina del Rey is just west of the 405 and 90 Freeways, about 20–30 minutes from Downtown LA (depending on traffic).
- By Plane: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is only 15–20 minutes away, making Marina del Rey easily accessible for travelers.
- By Bike: The Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail connects Marina del Rey to Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and beyond.
Where to Stay in Marina del Rey, CA
- Marina del Rey Hotel – Chic waterfront hotel with a pool deck, marina views, and the SALT restaurant and bar.
- Jamaica Bay Inn – Tapestry Collection by Hilton – Beachy resort vibes with comfortable rooms and a pool steps from Mother's Beach.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey – Luxury stay with a spa, waterfront dining, and upscale rooms with marina views.
Best Things to Do in Marina del Rey, CA
⮕ Swim, Paddle, and Relax at Family-Friendly Marina Beach
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Marina Beach, also known as Mother’s Beach by locals, is a man-made, family-friendly, kid-friendly beach in the town of Marina del Rey. The beach was developed as part of the town in 1957, and then officially dedicated later in 1965. Marina Beach offers a safer beach environment for children as there is no surf in the area for swimming. The sandy beach is about half of a mile in length and includes restrooms, showers, barbecue grilles, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. There is also a playground for kids, and several restaurants are a short walk away. Kayaking and windsurfing are also popular here.
4135 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
⮕ Picnic, Walk, and Enjoy Waterfront Views at Burton W. Chace Park
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The Burton W. Chace Park was established in 1972 in Marina del Rey and named after long-time Los Angeles County Supervisor and Father of the Marina, Burton W. Chace. The park is open daily to the public from 6:00am until 10:00pm and features view areas of the harbor, outdoor programs, picnic shelters, grills, picnic tables, multi-purpose room, and guest docks. It is also the site of several events throughout the year. Visitors can take a ride around the Marina aboard the water bus for a very small fee. Free summer concerts take place during the summer months.
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, Phone: 424-526-7910
⮕ Shop, Dine, and Stroll the Colorful Waterfront at Fisherman’s Village
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Fisherman's Village is a tourist attraction, anchorage for commercial boats, and a waterfront mall in Marina del Rey. It includes the largest man-made harbor for small boats in the world, and is built in a style similar to a fishing village in New England. Fisherman’s Village consists of five vividly painted wooden buildings, commercial boat docks, a water fountain, a lighthouse, and a waterfront promenade. Attractions in the area include souvenir shops, public harbor ferry, cafes, restaurants, bicycle and boat rentals, live music, fishing cruises, harbor cruises, and much more. The waterfront promenade at Fisherman’s Village provides panoramic harbor views.
13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
⮕ Soar Above the Coastline with Marina Del Rey Parasailing
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Marina Del Rey Parasailing specializes in offering the one of the easiest, and safest watersport activities available, which is parasailing. Guests can take in awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Monica Pier, and more from the sky. Parasailers are gently lifted in the air from the flight deck of the boat and up to their chosen altitude. Visitors can choose an altitude of either 500 feet or 800 feet during their ride. Flights with Marina del Rey are able to accommodate up to two or three people at one time. Observers are allowed if there is space.
13717 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, Phone: 310-306-2222
⮕ Learn to Sail or Cruise the Waves with Bluewater Sailing
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Bluewater Sailing
has been dedicated to international sailing adventures, skippered charters, bareboats, and sail education since the year 1978. The company provides live-aboard classes, sunset sailing, special events, skippered yacht charters, bareboats, island cruises, racing, seminars, private lessons, and corporate team building. Bluewater Sailing teaches people of all skill levels, from beginners up to world cruisers, offering some of the best instruction both in classroom and out on the water. They one of the country’s few facilities certified to teach the entire student range, along with national-level instructors. A variety of small group and private lessons are available, such as keelboat sailing.
13505 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, Phone: 310-823-5545
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Bike or Walk Along Scenic Paths by Ballona Creek
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It seems to be a general opinion of residents of Marina del Rey that the Ballona Creek path is perhaps one of the town’s nicest paths for cycling. Ballona Creek offers a breezy, scenic, and nice ride of a little over seven miles in length, beginning at National Boulevard and ending at the ocean. There are some interesting sights and small parks along the path as well.
There is some free parking on the streets near most entrances to the Ballona Creek path. Entrances to the bike path are locked if there is a threat of substantial rain.
⮕ If You Love Water Sports, Then Paddle or Sail at the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center
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The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center is the leading waterfront facility for recreation belonging to the university and only ten miles from the campus in the town of Marina del Rey. The center is home to windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, sailing, rowing, and kayaking classes. Open to both the local community and visitors, the Marina Aquatic Center offers equipment rentals, group programs, private and semi-private lessons, a fire put, amazing views of the sunset, barbecue grills, and more as well. No experience is needed for sit-on-top kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. The center is also home to several UCLA and community teams.
14001 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, Phone: 310-823-0048
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Spot Majestic Whales on a Marina del Rey Whale Watching Tour
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Marina del Rey Whale Watching is considered to be one of the best ocean wildlife viewing and whale watching tours in the Los Angeles area. Both local residents and visitors can climb aboard the “Big Whale” classic passenger vessel and enjoy the ride as the crew follow the seasonal gray whale migration during the winter, as well as have the chance to maybe see sea turtles, porpoises, sea lions, dolphins, giant mola mola, and minke whales throughout the year. Cruises with Marina del Rey Whale Watching depart from Dock 52 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
13442 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
⮕ Sail in Style and Explore the Open Water with Charters 2000
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Charters 2000
in the town of Marina del Rey in California is a sailing company offering private boat charters for visitors and locals alike. These private boat charter can accommodate up to twelve passengers for cruises. Guests are allowed to bring anything they would like aboard the boat to drink or eat during the cruise. All captains with Charters 2000 are licensed by the United States Coast Guard. The company boasts that their 54-foot Irwin sailboat is the most comfortable of any sailboat under sixty feet. The sailboat has three bathrooms, outdoor and indoor seating, music system, a kitchen, and swim ladder.
13701 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, Phone: 310-401-4175
Where to Eat in Marina del Rey, CA
- SALT Restaurant & Bar – Upscale coastal cuisine with harbor views and seasonal seafood favorites.
- Killer Shrimp – Local staple offering spicy shrimp, comfort food, and late-night waterfront vibes.
- Baja Cantina – Colorful spot with classic Mexican fare, margaritas, and a fun, beachy atmosphere.
If you are interested in local events:
- Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series (July–August) – Free outdoor concerts at Burton Chace Park, featuring classical and pop performances by the water.
- Holiday Boat Parade (December) – Decorated yachts cruise the harbor with lights, music, and holiday cheer.
- 4th of July Fireworks Show – Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular waterfront fireworks display over the marina.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Marina del Rey, California:
- Santa Monica (15 min) – Visit the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and stunning beach paths.
- Malibu (35–45 min) – Head north for scenic cliffs, surf spots, and upscale oceanfront restaurants.
- Downtown LA (30–45 min) – Explore museums, the Arts District, or dine at Grand Central Market.
- Culver City (20 min) – Discover a growing arts and foodie scene with galleries and trendy restaurants.
- Manhattan Beach (25 min) – Chill beach town with surfing, upscale shops, and a scenic pier.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Why is Marina del Rey famous?
- Marina del Rey is well known as the coastal playground of Los Angeles, offering a mix of water and land-based activities.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Marina del Rey?
- Outdoor enthusiasts will love the easy access to the ocean, making it a hub for nearly every water activity.
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Are there activities for those who prefer to stay on land?
- Yes! Those who prefer to stay on land can explore the many coastal trails, relax on breezy beaches, dine at delicious restaurants, and visit seaside parks.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for waterfront activities. |
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey – A luxury stay with stunning marina views. |
Walk along Burton Chace Park – Enjoy scenic waterfront trails and picnic spots. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and sunny, ideal for beach outings and water sports. |
Marina del Rey Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel with a waterfront pool. |
Go paddleboarding or kayaking – Rent equipment and explore the calm marina waters. |
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather with fewer tourists, great for dining and boat tours. |
Jamaica Bay Inn – A cozy, tropical-inspired retreat by the marina. |
Take a sunset cruise – Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from a chartered boat. |
Marina del Rey is a great day trip from LA just one hour by car.
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