Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey is one of my favorite communities in SoCal. A small-town vibe with beach city amenities, it’s the best of both worlds. Here’s my round up of where to go and what to do in MdR.

Marina Beach The beach at Marina del Rey, also known as ‘Mother’s Beach’, is one of the more family-friendly SoCal beaches. Brand new picnic shelters were debuted at the beach’s recent grand reopening, which are designated and covered areas where you can bring your own food and set up your very own picnic. If picnics aren’t your thing, there are several restaurants and food trucks nearby. Kids and parents alike can play in the sand and splash around in the water, and enjoy a number of beach activities.

Fisherman’s Village The largest man-made small boat harbor is a replica of a small New England seaport and fishing town. This is one of my personal favorite places to spend an afternoon. The boardwalk is right along the marina, which provides beautiful views of the boats in harbor. The buildings are painted in bright colors and there are benches everywhere so you can sit back and enjoy the view. Take a leisurely stroll, visit the small boutiques selling local goods, and grab a meal or drink at one of several restaurants/bars with marina views.

Marina Here is a sample of the water activities you can partake in at MdR – chartering a yacht, stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing, cruising, kayaking, doing paddle board yoga, whale and dolphin watching, jet skiing, and more. If you’re not a fan of being on the water, you can also go cycling right along the marina. Or, just enjoy the view and people-watch. With so many activities to choose from, each visit will be a new adventure and there’s something for everyone to participate in. 

What’s your favorite thing to do on the water?