Marina del Rey is an iconic beach town located in Southern California, where it’s sunny year-round, with crystal blue waters, and a very active harbor area. Marina del Rey has become a favorite destination for vacationers because it’s wedged between two very popular spots, but costs slightly less.
The marina itself is a picturesque spot with dozens of boats and yachts docked in the calm harbor. Even if you’re only staying in Marina Del Rey while you visit Los Angeles or Santa Monica, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the area’s few attractions.
Are you planning your trip to Marina del Rey?
If you’re traveling to Marina del Rey, ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks to help you plan!
Where to Stay in Marina del Rey:
- Marina del Rey Hotel (4-star hotel with a marina, a terrace, and a garden)
- Residence Inn by Marriott Marina del Rey (3-star hotel near Venice Beach, free breakfast)
Best Tours and Experiences in Marina del Rey:
- Premier Brunch Cruise from Marina del Rey (great breakfast and gorgeous views)
- 2-Hour Kayak or Paddleboard with Sea Lions in Marina del Rey
Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk while admiring the breathtaking views or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the harbor. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from if you’re looking for an afternoon bite or evening drinks.
This list has 16 things to do in Marina Del Rey, CA. There are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water here, but there are also a few land-lover activities as well.
Our Recommended Marina del Rey Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marina del Rey Hotel
✔️ Marina views
✔️ Private balconies
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
Marina del Rey Tours
- 2-Hour Kayak or Paddleboard with Sea Lions in Marina del Rey
- Small Group Electric Bicycle Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach
- Los Angeles Premier Brunch Cruise from Marina del Rey
Awesome Things to Do in Marina Del Rey, CA
Did you know that Marina Del Rey is the largest man-made craft harbor in North America? That’s not the only thing that makes this place fascinating! If you’re a fan of beautiful views, great weather, and fun things to do, then Marina Del Rey is the place for you!
1. Visit Marina Beach
Whether you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles or want to experience a laid-back beach town with a vibrant community and culture—Marina Beach is a great place for that!
It’s one of the favorite spots in Marina del Rey because it’s kid-friendly and has picnic areas and volleyball courts. It’s a man-made beach, so there are no waves, which makes it perfect for swimming.
Whether you’re looking for a place to play some sports, or just want to relax and read a book on the sand, Marina Beach is a good place to go to spend a sunny afternoon with your family and friends.
Beach Etiquette & Tips
To make the most of your time at the beach and ensure that you and your family have a wonderful time, without any snags along the way, we recommend following these easy tips:
- Lifeguards are staffed year-round at the permanent lifeguard stations in San Diego. They are there from 9am to dusk. However, avoid being too reliant on lifeguards. Always watch your kids and be aware of the tide.
- When going to a beach with your family, always watch out for signs that indicate if the area is meant for swimming or surfing.
- Glass containers are not allowed on the beach and dogs are not allowed between 9 am and 4 pm from Nov 1 through March 31, 9 am and 6 pm from April 1 through Oct 31.
- Keep your kids close and bring your own beach gear to save some time and avoid hassle.
2. North Jetty & Marina Peninsula
The North Jetty & Marina Peninsula is a narrow promenade of Marina’s main channel where you’ll find spectacular views. You can even see planes taking off from LAX across the way.
The best way to enjoy this area is to walk along the paved walkway and stop along the way to sit on the benches and watch the flights and water traffic. Fishing is allowed from the jetty as well, with a California fishing license.
It can be quite difficult to find parking, but there are some metered street spots and a parking lot (Lot 13) nearby. If you’re lucky you may see a whale, seal or dolphins in the area.
3. Stroll Through Fisherman’s Village
Fisherman’s Village is a cute, but small tourist attraction in Marina del Rey, along the harbor. This is where you’ll find many water activities and boat launches. It’s worth an hour or so to stroll around the area and peek into stores, grab some food or an ice cream, and then set sail on a charter.
Fisherman’s Village also has boat rentals and fishing trips. You can rent a boat from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals. They have power boats, sailboats, electric boats, paddleboards, jet skis, and kayaks. We’ve rented a Duffy Electric boat for a couple of hours ($300) and motored around the harbor with some friends. It’s always a good time.
4. Shop at the Farmer’s Market
The Farmer’s Market in Marina Del Rey takes place on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. While it’s more of a local’s market, for your weekly shop of fresh vegetables and other accoutrement, it can be a fun thing to do for visitors as well. You can find everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers, bread, and other baked goods.
There are also food trucks so you can grab something to eat while you walk around. You can find the farmer’s market at parking lot #11 on Panay Way.
5. Venice Canals
The Venice Canals are artificial wetland canals inspired by the canals of Venice, Italy. It’s actually pretty cool to see them. It’s not at all what you might expect to find on those back streets, but there they are!
The canals are on the National Register of Historic Places, and the neighborhood is a National Historic District. It was revitalized in 1993 and the canals were redredged. Today they are lined with all types of houses, from small cottages to high-end mega houses.
Be sure to go on a boat ride on the waterways or stroll along the bridges and sidewalks. It doesn’t cost anything to walk around the canals, which are residential waterways, but it can be difficult to find parking.
You can rent a boat from Venice Pals for an hour or two and float through the waterways on your own ($100 per boat), or get a guided tour.
Venice Beach is definitely worth visiting. We suggest starting with some of these 15 fun things to do in Venice Beach.
6. Shop and Dine at Waterside
If you’re looking for a place to shop, dine, and play in Marina Del Rey, look no further than Waterside. This open-air mall has upscale stores, restaurants, and a gorgeous view of the marina.
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, you can find everything from trendy boutiques to high-end retailers. There’s an Athleta, White House Black Market, Sephora, Everything But Water, and many others.
For food, you’ll find a California Pizza Kitchen, a Shake Shack, Mendocino Farms, and a Pink Berry, among many others. It’s possible to have sushi, pizza, seafood, healthy salads, and pretty much anything else you’re craving.
7. Go Parasailing
Experience one of the most exciting watersport activities in Marina Del Rey! If you love the thrill of the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, parasailing is a must-do.
The best part about parasailing is that it’s an activity for everyone—you don’t have to swim or be able to walk long distances to do it. Even children older than 6 can participate.
For me, the best part about parasailing is the view and you definitely won’t be disappointed by the views of Venice Beach and Malibu. It’s an unforgettable experience. The best place to do it is at Marina del Rey Parasailing at 13717 Fiji Way. You can choose between a 500-foot or 800-foot ride. It’s $105 and $115 respectively.
8. Bike Along the Coast
If you’ve got a bike, you can ride along the coast of Marina del Rey. This is a great way to see some of the best sights without having to stop to find parking. You can ride all around the marina.
The views are breathtaking, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while taking in an incredible view. You can also stop at any of the restaurants along the way if you want to grab a bite to eat or just sit down for a while and enjoy the weather.
You can rent bikes hourly or daily, or bring your own. If you’re staying in a local hotel, they should also have bikes available for you.
Jump onto the Marvin Braude Bike Path near the Fisherman’s Village. It is a 22 mile paved bike path that runs along the shoreline. This coastal path is one of Los Angeles’ most popular bike paths.
9. UCLA Marina Aquatic Center
This waterfront recreation facility is a great place to go swimming, kayaking, and surfing. It has six aquatic facilities to enjoy! You can also take classes and learn how to sail if that interests you!
This aquatic center offers classes, camps, and activities for kids of all ages. It’s also a great place to take a walk with your family or friends. Enjoy the weather while you’re at it!
The center has several docks and piers where visitors can rent boats or take advantage of their rental fleet of sailboats and motorboats.
10. Firestone Walker Brewing Company – The Propagator
If you’re looking for a great selection of beers, look no further than Firestone Walker Brewing Company – The Propagator.
The Propagator is a vast, expansive industrial space with a large bar and plenty of seating. The Venice taproom has a gastropub feel and is attached to the Propagator brewhouse.
It has an outdoor patio for a chill night drink. You can have your choice of traditional or cask-conditioned ales. Don’t forget to order one of their limited Venice-only beers and their Barrelworks series!
They also serve great food which has locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new for everyone!
11. Shrimp Soup at Killer Shrimp
If you’re looking for a fun day out in Marina Del Rey, CA, make sure to stop by Killer Shrimp.
This popular seafood restaurant is known for its shrimp soup and has been featured on different food websites multiple times.
In addition to their famous soup, they also offer a great selection of fresh fish and other seafood dishes. Their menu includes shrimp tacos and lobster rolls. They also have more traditional seafood entrees like fried cod or grilled salmon.
If you’ve never been, don’t forget to try their clam chowder or linguini too!
Another thing that sets the place apart is its specialty drinks. There are many options, including classic martinis, margaritas, and daiquiris. You’ll want to try one of those while you’re there!
12. Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach is the place to be for a fun day in Marina Del Rey!
It’s home to a diverse mix of people and has something for everyone. You can explore miles of boardwalk with your family and friends.
Enjoy walking along the beach, soaking up some sun, and people-watching. There are also plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants along the way if you need a break from your adventure!
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit for any tourist who wants to explore the diverse, vibrant art scene of Los Angeles.
13. Luxury Hornblower Cruises
Enjoy a three-hour dinner cruise on a luxury yacht as you sail along the coast and watch the sunset over the Santa Monica Mountains.
Cruise around the city while you enjoy your meal! You can choose from the top chef’s menus, and the boat will take you to some of the best spots in Marina Del Rey. It’s a fantastic way to view the city from a different angle.
It’s a great option for date night, but it’s also perfect for groups of friends who want to do something fun together.
14. Attend a Concert or Community Activity
Marina Del Rey is a beautiful little community with an active and bustling nightlife.
One of the best ways to spend your time in Marina Del Rey is by attending a concert at one of the nearby venues. Whether you’re looking for an intimate acoustic set or a high-energy dance party, there’s something for every type of music lover in this spot.
Make time to visit the Farmer’s market held at parking lot #11 on Saturday’s from 9-2. Join a free beginner’s drawing and painting class on Wednesday’s from 5-6 pm.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s room for you at Salsa or Zumba classes! There are different types of dance parties to choose from. You can go to a salsa or Zumba class and then head to the nearest bar for drinks afterward. If you prefer an evening of hip-hop dancing with a group of friends, you may drop by your favorite nightclub.
Enjoy food trucks, craft beer and wine, and live music on the beach! You can even catch some live local acts! You can see almost any kind of music, from rock to punk, country, and even classical. From singer-songwriters to hip-hop groups, this community has a lot to offer!
You can check the local government’s website for the concert venue you’re interested in to see what’s coming up soon!
15. Burton Chace Park
Burton Chace Park is a picturesque public park located right alongside the waterfront of the marina. It spans over 10 acres and offers stunning views of the harbor and the boats that are docked there.
The park features a wide range of amenities, including a large grassy area, picnic tables, barbeque pits, and a playground for kids. There are also several walking paths that are perfect for taking a leisurely stroll while enjoying the breathtaking views.
Additionally, Burton Chace Park is a popular spot for outdoor events and concerts, with an open-air amphitheater that can accommodate up to 2,000 people. With its beautiful scenery and ample amenities, Burton Chace Park is a great destination for both locals and tourists alike.
You can watch the Marina Lights from this park around the holidays. It features a light show that involves over 100,000 lights. These lights are synced to music broadcasted through the speakers. This magical event includes live music, food trucks, and a fireworks display. The event runs all month long in December every year, so you may want to include this in planning for the holiday season.
16. Boat Parade
There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by attending the Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. This annual event is a must-see for locals and visitors alike, as it features over 100 boats decked out in holiday decorations, accompanied by live music and entertainment.
It’s a great way to take in some of the most beautiful views of Los Angeles while enjoying some merry music and caroling from local choirs along the shoreline. Don’t forget to include this magical event in your holiday plans this year!
Travel Planning Guide
🚙💨 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around in California, no matter where you’re visiting. Public transportation can only get your so far, even in big cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🛌 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites, but you can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the our California Packing List or Disneyland Packing List to get all the info on packing.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to California?
For finding cheap California flights from around the world, I recommend Skyscanner. I’ve also had pretty good luck with Kayak.com.
In a Nutshell
We can’t wait to show you how beautiful this seaside community is!
With so many fun things to do in Marina Del Rey, CA, it can be hard to choose where to start. Luckily, we’ve made this list for you! Make the most out of your visit by saving this list as your guide throughout your Marina Del Rey trip!
Like this article? Save it on Pinterest so you can find it again.
FOLLOW US on Pinterest and Facebook for more California travel inspiration and tips!
Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.