Marina del Rey Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Marina del Rey with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Marina del Rey

Located in the Westside of Los Angeles County, Marina del Rey is a picturesque coastal city that boasts of its manmade marina, scenic beaches, and outdoor recreational activities. With its laid-back atmosphere, it is a popular destination for visitors who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

List of Places to Visit in Marina del Rey

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Burton W. Chace Park: This park is perfect for a picnic, strolling, or just admiring the view of the marina. It has a small amphitheater and a lighthouse that visitors can explore.
  • Fisherman’s Village: Fisherman’s Village is a tribute to the history of the marina, with its architecture reminiscent of a New England fishing village. It has a lot of restaurants, cafes, and shops that offer a variety of goods and services.
  • Venice Beach Boardwalk: Not exactly a museum or a historical place, but the boardwalk is an institution in Venice Beach. It is a gathering place for street performers, vendors, skateboarders, and tourists. It is a popular attraction that embodies the diversity and eccentricity of California.

Natural Attractions of Marina del Rey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mother’s Beach: This beach is a family-friendly haven with calm water, playground equipment, and a grassy area for picnicking. It is popular for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
  • Ballona Creek Bike Path: This bike path runs from Culver City to Playa del Rey and offers stunning views of the Ballona Wetlands, wildlife, and the ocean. It is a great way to explore the area on a bike or on foot.
  • Marina Beach: Also known as “Mother’s Beach,” this is a secluded beach with clean white sand and calm water that is perfect for swimming and playing. It also offers a stunning view of the marina.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Marina del Rey

  • Ballona Creek Bike Path: As mentioned above, this bike path is a great way to explore the area on a bike or on foot. It is about 8.8 miles long and offers stunning views of the Ballona Wetlands, wildlife, and the ocean.
  • Marina del Rey to Manhattan Beach: This is a 7.5-mile bike path that runs parallel to the beach and offers breathtaking views of the ocean. It is mostly flat, which makes it an easy ride for all skill levels.
  • Marina del Rey to Santa Monica: This bike path is 22 miles long and will take you along the coast of California. It is one of the best ways to see the ocean, Santa Monica Pier, and the famous Venice Beach.

Best Things to Do in Marina del Rey: Activities and Tours

  • Marina del Rey Sportfishing: Marina del Rey Sportfishing offers half-day and full-day fishing trips for individuals or groups. They provide all of the equipment and bait you need, so all you need to do is show up and fish.
  • Hornblower Cruises: Hornblower Cruises offers public and private cruises that allow you to explore the Marina del Rey harbor or the Santa Monica Bay. They provide a variety of dining and entertainment options, such as brunch cruises, sunset dinner cruises, and whale watching cruises.
  • Marina Paddle: Marina Paddle is a stand-up paddleboard and kayak rental company that allows you to explore the marina, harbor, and nearby beaches at your own pace. They provide all of the equipment and safety instructions you need.

Week-Long Itinerary for Marina del Rey

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Burton W. Chace Park
Day 2 Go fishing with Marina del Rey Sportfishing
Day 3 Take a hornblower cruise and dine on the water
Day 4 Visit Fisherman’s Village and shop for souvenirs
Day 5 Go hiking on the Ballona Creek Bike Path
Day 6 Rent a kayak and explore the marina
Day 7 Spend a day at Mother’s Beach

Food and Drink Scene of Marina del Rey

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster roll: You can find this classic New England dish at The Lobster, a seafood restaurant that overlooks the marina.
  • Sushi: Marina del Rey has a lot of sushi restaurants that offer fresh and delicious sushi. The popular ones are SALT, Killer Shrimp, and Sugarfish.
  • Fish and chips: You can find this British classic dish at Tony P’s Dockside Grill and Ale House.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: There are a few wineries that are located near Marina del Rey, such as Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio and Cielo Wineyard.
  • Craft beer: There are several breweries in the area that offer craft beers, such as Venice Duck Brewery and The Dudes’ Brewing Company.

Where to Stay in Marina del Rey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Jamaica Bay Inn: A boutique hotel that is located on the waterfront and offers a restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor pool.
  • Marriott Marina del Rey: A luxury hotel that is located in the heart of the marina and offers a restaurant, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
  • Samesun Venice Beach: A budget-friendly hostel that is located in Venice Beach and offers dormitory rooms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Marina del Rey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sailboat models: You can find sailboat models in Fisherman’s Village that make excellent souvenirs or gifts.
  • Nautical-themed items: Marina del Rey is a marina, so you can find a lot of nautical-themed items in the local shops, such as t-shirts, hats, and accessories.
  • Wine: There are a few wineries that are located near Marina del Rey, such as Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio and Cielo Wineyard. You can bring home a bottle of wine as a souvenir or a gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Marina del Rey

  • Beach culture: Marina del Rey is a beach town, so people are laid back and casual. It is common to see people wearing flip flops and shorts even in nice restaurants.
  • Water sports: Water sports are a big part of Marina del Rey’s culture. It is common to see people paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing in the marina.
  • Boat culture: Marina del Rey is a marina, so boats are an essential part of the local culture. It is a common sight to see people launching their boats in the marina and cruising around.

Best Time to Visit Marina del Rey

The best time to visit Marina del Rey is from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny. The temperature ranges from the mid-60s to mid-70s. However, it can get crowded during this time, so plan accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Marina del Rey

Do:

  • Do try the water sports activities that the area offers.
  • Do bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Do take a hornblower cruise or rent a sailboat to experience the area by water.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash on the beach or in the marina.
  • Don’t feed the seagulls or other wildlife, as it is not good for their health or the environment.
  • Don’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach or in the marina.

Safety and Health

Safety in Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey is a relatively safe area. However, it is always wise to take precautionary measures and be aware of your surroundings. Take care of your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Marina del Rey

There are no specific health concerns in Marina del Rey. However, it is always a good idea to apply sunscreen, stay hydrated, and wear a hat during hot weather.

Getting to Marina del Rey: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Marina del Rey

  • Los Angeles International Airport: This is the closest airport to Marina del Rey, which is located about four miles away. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or rideshare service to get to your hotel.
  • Bob Hope Airport: This airport is located about 24 miles away from Marina del Rey. You can take a taxi, shuttle, or rideshare service to get to your hotel.

Bus Stations Near Marina del Rey

  • Marina Del Rey Bus Stop: This bus stop is serviced by the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. You can take the bus to get to other parts of the Los Angeles area.

Other Options

  • Taxi/Rideshare: Marina del Rey is serviced by cab companies and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
  • Bike/Scooter Rental: There are several bike and scooter rental companies in Marina del Rey that allow you to explore the area at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Marina del Rey

  • Biking: You can rent a bike and explore the area on the Ballona Creek Bike Path or on the streets.
  • Walking: Marina del Rey is a relatively small area that is easy to navigate on foot.
  • Rideshare: You can take a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to get around Marina del Rey and other parts of Los Angeles.
  • Public transportation: The Santa Monica Big Blue Bus services Marina del Rey and other parts of the Los Angeles area.

Where to Go Next from Marina del Rey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Santa Monica: Santa Monica is located just north of Marina del Rey and offers more beaches, shopping, and dining options.
  • Venice Beach: Venice Beach is located just south of Marina del Rey and offers a boardwalk with street performers, skateboarders, vendors, and restaurants.
  • Malibu: Malibu is located about 25 miles from Marina del Rey and offers beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and celebrity sightings.

Conclusion

Marina del Rey is a beautiful coastal city that offers a lot of outdoor recreational activities, sightseeing, and dining options. From exploring the marina to biking on the Ballona Creek Bike Path, there is something for everyone in Marina del Rey. Plan your visit today and experience the laid-back atmosphere of this charming California town.

Aerial view of the marina, the world's largest man-made small craft harbor Aerial view of the marina, the world's largest man-made small craft harbor