Marina del Rey Day Trip Things To Do

Situated between Venice Beach to the north and south of Playa del Rey near the mouth of Ballona Creek, Marina del Rey is an outdoor hub of activity surrounded by high-rise condos, hotels, apartments, shops, and restaurants.

The marina is one of the largest artificial small-boat harbors in the U.S., with nearly 20 marinas and over 5,000 boats. Marina del Rey sits at the center of the 22-mile South Bay Coastal Bicycle Trail, which stretches from Malibu to Torrance Beach.

Travelers can rent a bike at one of the many locations around the area by the hour, and if you head north a mile or so, you’ll hit the always exciting Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach and pier just another mile to the north.

Fisherman’s Village Marina del Rey

One of the main attractions in Fisherman’s Village is a nicely replicated old-school fishing village with authentic southern California charm. The Village features a lighthouse, a vast Liberty rescue bell, expensive restaurants, shops, cafes, and plenty of on-the-water activities, including quick one-hour harbor and whale-watching tours and trips to Catalina Island.

Fisherman’s Village is also a great place to take a leisurely walk and soak in the good life of Marina del Rey. Not only can you stroll, window shop, or get an ice cream cone, but you can also view one of California’s most spectacular sunsets from one of the many sidewalks, restaurants, and watering holes.

Mother’s Beach

Directly across from Fisherman’s Village on Marina del Rey beach. It is also known as Mother’s Beach since the marina protects it from the ocean, sheltering it from the surf. This peaceful 12-acre lagoon is easy to walk from most of Marina’s hotels.

Playa del Rey Beach

If you want something more laid back, head south, and in less than a mile, you’ll be on some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches of peaceful and quiet Playa del Rey. Pack a picnic, plenty of water, and sunscreen, and enjoy the day reading a book or soaking in some of the warm Californian rays of sunshine.

Ballona Wetlands

Next to Playa Del Rey is the Ballona Wetlands, a combination of tidal channels, salt marsh, coastal dunes, and freshwater marshes at the mouth of the Los Angeles River. However, two habitats remain today: the Ballona Lagoon and the Del Rey Lagoon. Friends of the Ballona Wetlands

Ballona Fresh Water Marsh

The marsh is an essential haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the freshwater marsh any day, walking along a path where you can see egrets, herons, and other birds. Guided tours of the freshwater marshes are offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

Burton W Chace Park

Another great place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon is Burton W Chace Park. With calming water views, the park is not as windy and loud or as salty as the beach. A big roofed area with picnic tables and a few BBQ grills are around the site—many places for little children to run unhindered. The view is excellent; you can sit for hours watching the boats move in and out of the marina.

Marina del Rey Visitors Center

The center is located at 4701 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey and has maps and brochures on activities and things to do. Website. Plenty of live entertainment on the weekends, with local musicians and artisans providing another reason to visit the marina.

Getting to Marina Del Rey is easy.

From I-405, take California 90 West to Lincoln Blvd. Turn left on Lincoln, then right onto Mindanao Way. You can exit I-405 onto Washington Blvd. West and turn left onto Via Marina.

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