When you want the perfect combination of spa relaxation, ocean views, and a California seaside town, set your sights on Marina del Rey. Just minutes from LAX and Venice Beach, Marina del Rey is the perfect beach for anyone with a Goldilocks mindset: not too small, not too big, not too crowded, not too quiet.
The marina that gives this place its name is the largest small artisanal port in the world, a title that includes many qualifications but is nonetheless impressive. More than 5,000 ships dock there. Around the marina there are pleasant hotels and restaurants facing the sea, some with terraces overlooking the marina.
Why should you go? Will you like Marina del Rey?
Bordered by Venice Beach, Playa del Rey, and West Los Angeles, Marina del Rey is the smallest of the Santa Monica Bay beach towns, at just over 1.5 square miles. It’s not obvious when you’re driving on Highway One, but if you take the time to turn off the main street, you’ll see that it’s a nice little place, especially for those who like water.
Six things to do in Marina del Rey
Most of the things to do around Marina del Rey focus on the water and the marina. Whether you want to be active or more relaxed, there is something for couples, individuals, and families alike:
- Boating: Rent a rowboat, sailboat, speedboat, electric boat, or kayak at Marina Rentals Fisherman’s Village. Their rentals include the very cute Duffy electric boats, which are easy to drive little boats and a fun way to pass the time, with a shady canopy, music hookup, and a dining table perfect for a picnic on the water.
- Fishing: Marina Del Rey sport fishing boats depart daily from Pier 52, 13501 Fiji Way. Common catches include halibut, yellowtail, calico bass, sand bass, barracuda, and white bass.
- Ballona Wetlands – Local ecologists fought hard to preserve the only surviving tidal wetlands in the Los Angeles area, and now take visitors on guided tours to see the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.
- Sunset Cruise: Hornblower Cruises offers sunset sails in summer. The Tiki Mermaid also goes on night cruises on weekends.
- Ride a Gondola – Gondolas D’Amore gondoliers will take you on a slow, romantic excursion through the marina. Specially prepared appetizers, chocolates, fresh roses, and a bucket full of ice are standard – all you have to bring is your candy and your favorite beverage.
- With Kids: Mother’s Beach is a 12-acre water park facing a tranquil lagoon, staffed by Los Angeles County lifeguards. It has no surf and is a nice place for a family outing. You can rent bikes and skates nearby for the summer or any time of year at Fisherman’s Village.
Annual events you should know in Marina del Rey
There’s always something to do in a seaside town like Marina del Rey, but Burton W. Chace Park, a local beachfront park, fills with visitors from all over for harvest days and haunted nights. Both events take place in late October. If you’re planning your trip to the area around Halloween, you can certainly look forward to a packed beach town.
Where to stay in Marina del Rey
As you plan your trip, wait two hours to noon to see Marina Del Rey, or combine your trip with other nearby spots for a city beach getaway. If you want to soak up a little more sun, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach are close by, making it easy to adjust to your weekend. If you plan to stay the night, you will find everything from luxurious hotels to more affordable options.
Check prices and read guest reviews for Marina del Rey hotels on Tripadvisor.
How to get to Marina del Rey
From I-405, take California 90 West to Lincoln Blvd. Turn left on Lincoln, then right on Mindanao Way. You can also exit I-405 toward Washington Blvd. West and turn left onto Via Marina.
Parking can be a bit difficult around the marina during peak hours, but once you find a spot, you can stay there – on summer weekends, holidays, and concert nights the Marina Del Rey WaterBus serves to all the popular spots around the marina. Any of the hotels around the marina have hours.
