By The Water
In Marina del Rey, everything is "by the water." If you're in the mood for a little serene strolling, head for the waterfront walkways. For greater exertion, the 26-mile beachfront bike/skate/jog/walk path is an unbelievably picturesque venue. The city's three beautifully landscaped parks are ideal for picnicking, further strolling, or just restful interludes. And waterfront Fisherman's Village is a delightful spot for shopping, dining, and more.
Nearly every activity offered inland is available by the water in Marina del Rey.
Fisherman’s Village
Fisherman’s Village is a replica of a New England seaport and fishing town. Stroll along the harbor front to enjoy views of the Marina. Dine outside at waterfront restaurants and cafes, rent a boat, enjoy weekend cruises, and shop for souvenirs. Free weekend afternoon concerts. 13755 Fiji Way.
Burton W. Chace Park
This beautiful 10-acre park is one of the crown jewels of Marina del Rey, jutting out into the Marina’s main channel. Offering what may be the best vista point in the area, this is a great spot for walking, picnicking, and gazing out at the deep blue water, boats and marina. 13650 Mindanao Way.
Bike and Skate Rentals
Spend an hour or two riding along the flat, well-marked coastal bike trails through Marina del Rey. If you have more time, pack a picnic and head south to tranquil Playa del Rey Beach or north to world famous Venice Beach and Santa Monica. The trail is over 20 miles long. Bike and skate rentals are available at Fisherman’s Village and on weekends near Mother’s Beach.
Marina Beach/Mother’s Beach
Looking for sand and sun? This non-ocean facing sandy beach at the corner of Admiralty Way and Via Marina offers 12 acres of public swimming. Staffed by lifeguards, the beach has no surf and is a pleasant spot for families with small children. This sunny spot features picnic shelters and restaurants. A specially built ramp accommodates wheelchairs, and beach wheelchairs are available. 4101 Admiralty Way.
North Jetty Promenade, Aubrey E. Austin Jr. Park and Marina Peninsula
Visit this narrow slip for spectacular views of the Marina’s main channel and passing boats. A few park benches, overlooks, sunny fishing spots, and metered parking. The adjacent upscale neighborhood offers a crushed gravel path parallel to the Grand Canal, a nesting area for local birds, and you can cross over the foot bridge to the beachfront, returning along the paved oceanfront walk. From Admiralty Way, turn left onto Via Marina, then travel for about a mile until you reach the channel. 4752 Via Marina.
Venice Canals
100 years ago tobacco magnate Abbot Kinney tried to create a community fashioned after Venice, Italy. He created a network of charming canals, narrow pedestrian wooden bridges and lushly landscaped footpaths spreading out over eight square blocks, which still exists today within the cozy residential neighborhood. Glimpse the canals and fascinating home by walking over the narrow pedestrian bridges. From Admiralty Way, turn right on Via Marina, cross over Washington Boulevard (Via Marina then becomes Ocean). Walk two blocks, and turn left onto the canal area.
Waterfront Walk
Stroll the harborfront to soak in the gentle warm breezes and million-dollar yachts of the marina. Guided by nautically themed circular discs spinning the warm ocean breezes, visitors enjoy walking along this wide paved promenade throughout the community. It’s also a popular path for joggers in the early morning.
South Jetty Promenade
From Fisherman’s Village, follow the bike trail south. Search in the wetlands on the left where statuesque great blue heron often roost. Walk towards the Ballona Creek channel, and study the collegiate rowing team ‘graffiti’ found along the channel sides, home to many Olympic rowing team hopefuls. Turn right at the channel and head west along the jetty towards the breakwater for great views of the main channel. A pedestrian bridge heads south to Playa del Rey Beach.
Venice Pier & End of Washington Boulevard
The “End of Washington Boulevard” actually begins at foot of the venerable Venice Pier, where you can walk all the way to its end for great views of the Venice Beach shoreline, surfers and fishermen. The little district offers fine restaurants, cafes, bars, coffee houses, bike rentals and great people watching. One Washington Boulevard.
Venice Beach and Ocean Front Walk
At Venice Beach and Ocean Front Walk, fun in the sun and free entertainment are available non-stop with sidewalk vendors, street performers, shops and beachfront cafes. Home to world famous Muscle Beach, it’s most active on weekends.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard District
Eclectic, urban and stylish, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the center of Venice’s creative community. This walkable neighborhood adjacent to Marina del Rey is packed with chic cafes, wine bars and restaurants, unique boutiques and art galleries. 1500 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, between Washington and Venice Boulevards.
Famous Waterfront Weekend Brunches
Marina del Rey restaurants are famous for weekend waterfront brunches. Many restaurants offer special Saturday and Sunday fixed price brunch buffets or special brunch menus. Great for families, celebrations, kids and those with big appetites. Ask for a copy of the Marina del Rey Restaurant Guide.
Free Concerts at Fisherman’s Village
Top quality local musicians perform salsa, jazz, blues and more every weekend afternoon in the courtyard in front of the Lighthouse in Fisherman’s Village, weather permitting. Validated parking with purchase.
Ballona Wetlands
200 acres of salt and freshwater marsh are being restored in this magnificent tribute to nature at Marina’s del Rey’s southern edge. A few self-guided trails are available for strollers, but organized tours are much more interesting and educational. Check the Events section of this website for schedules.
Birdwatching
A wide variety of birdlife flourishes in Marina del Rey, including egrets, great blue heron, least terns and black crowned night herons. They can be spotted throughout the marina, in parks, fields, flood basins, and even in the populated areas. If you want a guide to help you, join an upcoming birdwatching experience. Check the Events section of this website for schedules.
Fishing
Individuals can fish throughout the community, at both the north and south jetties (licenses required), as well as Venice Pier and Burton Chace Park, which do not require licenses. License and bait are easy to buy; bring your own fishing gear.
Golf
A 15-hole public golf course and driving range is open daily year-round, and offers inexpensive green and cart fees. The course is lighted and rental club sets are available. 6900 W. Manchester Avenue. 310-649-9168
Hang Gliding
Spend an afternoon soaring on from Dockweiler State Beach, a beautiful beach near the airport. After a short orientation by professionals, you’ll strap into a modern hang glider and fly away. During your first lesson, you’ll receive as many as 10 flights. Windsports Soaring Center 818-367-2430.
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