Attractions and Places To See around Marina Del Rey - Top 20

Marina Del Rey offers several great options for families. Santa Monica Pier features an amusement park with rides and games that children will love. For a more relaxed beach day, head to Marina Beach, also known as Mother's Beach, which has no surf, making it safe for young swimmers. It also offers amenities like showers, restrooms, barbecue grills, and picnic tables. Additionally, Will Rogers State Beach is another family-friendly option with volleyball courts and picnic areas.

For scenic walks and bike rides, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail is an excellent choice, running along the Pacific Coast and connecting to various beaches. You can also enjoy the Waterfront Walk along the docks for views of boats and fresh air. Burton Chace Park offers panoramic marina views and is perfect for a stroll, while the Oxford Basin & Marina del Rey Wetland Park provides walking paths for birdwatching and observing native plants.

While Marina Del Rey is relatively modern, you can explore its history at the Marina Del Rey Historical Society. The Warehouse Restaurant, established in 1969, is a historical landmark known for its Polynesian theme and waterfront atmosphere. For cultural events, Burton Chace Park hosts year-round activities, including summer concerts and the Marina Drum Circle. The area also has a rich history as the world's largest man-made small-craft harbor, which you can learn more about at the Marina Del Rey Visitor Center.

Marina Del Rey is a hub for water activities. You can go kayaking or paddleboarding in the serene canals and calm waters, with rental shops readily available. Whale watching and marine life cruises are popular, especially during winter for gray whales, offering chances to spot dolphins and sea lions. Various harbor cruises, including scenic, sunset, and dinner options, provide breathtaking views of luxury yachts and waterfront homes. Fisherman's Village also offers harbor tours and boat rentals.

For easy walks and hikes, consider exploring the paths within Burton Chace Park or the Oxford Basin & Marina del Rey Wetland Park. The Ocean Front Walk also provides a lively pedestrian promenade for an easy stroll. For more dedicated routes, you can find several easy hiking options in the area, such as the Venice Beach loop or the Venice Canals loop. Discover more routes in the Easy hikes around Marina Del Rey guide.

Yes, several attractions in Marina Del Rey are wheelchair accessible. Will Rogers State Beach offers beach wheelchairs for visitors. The Beach Green - The Promenade and the Ocean Front Walk are also generally accessible with wide, paved paths. Many areas of Burton Chace Park and the Waterfront Walk are designed to be accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the marina views.

Marina Del Rey enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it suitable for outdoor activities most of the time. Summer is popular for beach activities, concerts, and general vibrancy. The winter months (December to April) are ideal for whale watching as gray whales migrate along the coast. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for cycling, walking, and water sports without the peak summer crowds.

Marina Del Rey is excellent for wildlife spotting, particularly marine life and birds. Sea lions are frequently seen lounging on the docks at Fisherman's Village and along Burton Chace Park. The Oxford Basin & Marina del Rey Wetland Park is a restored tidal salt marsh perfect for birdwatching, where you might spot snowy egrets and great blue herons. Whale watching tours offer opportunities to see gray whales, blue whales, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Yes, Marina Del Rey offers various shopping and dining experiences. Fisherman's Village features charming shops and restaurants with a waterfront promenade. The Villa Marina Marketplace & Waterside provides additional options for shopping, dining, and entertainment, including a movie theater. For a unique dining experience, The Warehouse Restaurant is a historical landmark with a Polynesian theme and live music, while the Del Rey Yacht Club offers dining with 180° views of the Marina.

If you're looking for quieter spots, consider the Oxford Basin & Marina del Rey Wetland Park for a peaceful walk and birdwatching away from the main tourist hubs. Aubrey E. Austin Jr. Park and North Jetty offers a tranquil waterfront park with mature trees and views of the main channel. While Will Rogers State Beach can get busy in summer, it is generally less crowded than its neighboring beaches in Malibu and Santa Monica, offering ample space for relaxation.

Absolutely! The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a prime cycling route, offering a safe experience away from cars and connecting to various beaches. For those interested in more challenging rides, there are gravel biking routes available around Marina Del Rey, though some are rated as difficult. You can explore these options in the Gravel biking around Marina Del Rey guide.