As a resident of Marina Del Rey, CA since 2015, my husband and I love the area as there's so much to do within walking or biking distance. By car, things are obviously even closer. From dining at waterfront restaurants, to shopping, to bike trails, and water activities, Marina Del Rey is a great vacation area. Here are my favorite outdoor activities from a local's perspective.
Marina Del Rey, CA Travel Guide
Outdoor Activities
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| Reminiscing about the times I’d take Corona to Burton Chace Park |
Burton Chace Park
This is my favorite park in the area as it’s sentimental to me. I used to walk my dog, Corona here and we’d listen to seals barking on the dock, enjoy the ocean breeze, watch boats pass by, and there are multiple picnic tables in the area. I once set up a hammock at the park and it was so relaxing.
Know Before You Go: Parking can be limited, especially on weekends.
Paddle Boarding at Mother's Beach
There are a number of paddle boarding rental companies at Mother’s Beach and I’ve always used Paddle Method. Instructor Tim can teach you the basics before renting a paddle board.
Pro Tip: The earlier you set out to paddle board the better as it tends to get windy closer to noon, which makes paddling a bit tough.
Aside from paddle boarding, there’s also YogAqua where you can take a yoga class on paddle boards. I was too scared to try it.
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| You can use your cell phone enclosed in a waterproof case to take photos while paddle boarding. It comes with a lanyard. |
Bike Trail to Dockweiler Beach
I love taking my bike from Marina Del Rey, CA passing through Fisherman’s Village for some nachos at the lighthouse, and then continuing my journey through Dockweiler Beach towards Manhattan Beach. Beware that some bicyclists go fast so try to stay out of their way.
Bike to Venice Beach
From Marina Del Rey, CA you can easily bike to Venice Beach and take advantage of the bike path. As of June 2024, Mayor Karen Bass has done a good job of cleaning out the homeless encampment tents along the bike path.
Via Marina Point
Another great location in Marina Del Rey, CA is Via Marina Point jetty area. I used to walk my beloved pup Corona here as well. We’d enjoy the walking path but note, dogs aren’t allowed on the sand (although I’ve always seen multiple dogs enjoying the beach).
Know Before You Go: Parking here is limited as well so it’s best to visit during the week.
Enjoy a Brunch Cruise
You can enjoy a 2-hour bottomless Champagne brunch cruise, which sets sail from Fisherman’s Village. We booked through City Cruises. Watch my recap video below and enjoy the full recap here.
Boating Activities from Fisherman’s Village
There are multiple companies that you can leverage if you want to get on the water. Check out a great resource from Viator offering a variety of tours.
Know Before You Go: If you’re prone to getting sea sick like me, Dramamine really helps! I got sea sick while whale watching and decided to give Dramamine a try on my second boating attempt. It knocked out those nauseating side effects from the rocking off the boat.
Enjoy live music at Fisherman’s Village
A favorite activity for my husband and I is to visit Fisherman’s Village to check out live music on the weekends. The last time we were there, a band was playing cover songs and they were dressed like movie characters.
The full event calendar is available at this link.
$1 Water Bus
During the summer months, you can ride the water bus for just $1 and it has multiple stops around the marina.
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Marina Del Rey, CA Fun Facts
Largest Man-Made Small Craft Harbor: Marina del Rey is home to the largest man-made small craft harbor in North America. The marina can accommodate about 5,300 boats.
Marina's Namesake: The name "Marina del Rey" translates to "Harbor of the King" in Spanish, fitting for its prominent harbor facilities.
Creation and Development: The harbor was officially dedicated on April 10, 1965. It was created as a small craft harbor and the project cost around $36.25 million.
Historical Significance: Before the marina was developed, the area was a salt marsh frequented by duck hunters and fishermen. The transformation into a marina was part of a major redevelopment project in the 1950s and 1960s.
Cultural Hub: Marina del Rey has been used as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows. Its scenic backdrop makes it a popular spot for the entertainment industry.
Waterfront Activities: The area offers a plethora of waterfront activities, including boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The marina's waters are a central attraction for both locals and tourists.
Burton W. Chace Park: This 10-acre park is a central community space offering picnic areas, guest docks, and a venue for summer concerts and other events. It's named after Burton W. Chace, a former member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors who was instrumental in the marina's development.
Annual Events: Marina del Rey hosts several annual events, including the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, which features boats decorated with holiday lights and decorations.
Bike Path: The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as "The Strand," runs through Marina del Rey. This 22-mile bike path stretches from Pacific Palisades to Torrance, providing stunning coastal views along the way.
Proximity to Los Angeles: Located just 4 miles south of Santa Monica and 15 minutes from LAX, Marina del Rey offers a peaceful harbor atmosphere while being close to the bustling city life of Los Angeles.
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Hope you enjoyed this post and it inspired some outdoor ideas in Marina Del Rey, CA.
Trip Resources
If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!
Booking.com - Anytime we need a rental car, we use this site to find deals.
Expedia.com - I like to use this site to explore upcoming cruises that I'd like to take. I also refer to it to compare hotel prices, flights, and car rentals.
GetYourGuide.com - Book things to do, attractions, tours and discover new food.
VRBO.com - When we’re not staying in an AIRBNB, we’re in a VRBO rental. We use this option when we want to enjoy a full house with individual bedrooms, a kitchen, backyard and other amenities.
TripAdvisor.com - Anytime I want reputable reviews, tips, and overall advice about a vacation area, I leverage this site.
Viator.com - Looking for cool tours in your vacation area? This site has a number of options.
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Hey, I'm Christy Scronce, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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