Top 10 Things to Do in Marina del Rey, California
A Boater's Paradise, with Plenty of Nearby Beaches
Marina del Rey is a yachter’s paradise, but that’s not all. The city is home to a vast array of activities and so are the surrounding areas. Browse our top 10 things to do in Marina del Rey and other local coastal cities and spend your best SoCal vacation with Pacifica Hotels.
Top 10 Things to Do in Marina del Rey:
Boat Marina
Home to over 5,000 boats, the Boat Marina is one of the top Marina del Rey attractions, offering a picturesque mix of charming waterways and colorful boats. Rent a kayak, take a boat tour, unwind at a neighboring beach, or sample the views at one of their delicious waterfront restaurants.
Malibu
Know as the home of many Hollywood movie stars and others associated with the entertainment industry, Malibu is also renowned for its warm, sandy beaches. Signs around the city declare "27 miles of scenic beauty," referring to Malibu's original length of 27 miles (43 km) before the city was incorporated in 1991. Malibu's beaches include Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach, Malibu State Beach, Topanga State Beach, Point Dume State Beach and Dan Blocker Beach; its local parks include Malibu Bluffs Park.
Mother’s Beach
This four-acre marine park draws its name from the calm waters, as they are perfect for parents with small children. Located right by the Jamaica Bay Inn, Mother’s Beach is staffed with lifeguards and has playground equipment, a grass lawn, volleyball courts, restrooms, sheltered picnic tables and no waves, making it idyllic for families. With its serene waters, many believe this Marina del Rey beach the ideal place to learn to kayak or windsurf.
Hornblower Cruises
Hornblower Cruises offers guided tours as well as dinner and dancing cruises, champagne brunches, and decadent holiday events. Explore the beauty of Marina del Rey from the water and set sail in the world’s biggest man-made small craft harbor with breathtaking views of the California coast.
Ballona Wetlands
Ballona Wetlands is one of the last significant wetlands areas in the Los Angeles basin, located just south of Marina del Rey. A wander through the Ballona Wetlands is a stimulating adventure full of discovery. In this natural space you will find rarely seen creatures and vegetation amidst the backdrop of the expansive mountain views.
Loyola Marymount
Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is a private co-educational Roman Catholic university in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions. One of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Loyola Marymount is also one of five Marymount institutions of higher education.
Fisherman’s Village
Fisherman’s Village is a replica of a New England seaport and fishing town that features cobblestone paths perfect for an evening stroll. Browse souvenirs, eat at plenty of waterfront restaurants with outdoor dining or rent a boat. Have the benefit of free afternoon concerts on Saturdays and Sundays that guarantee an unforgettable Marina del Rey travel experience.
Venice Beach
Venice is a sandy three-mile beach, but the main attraction for visitors is to shop and gawk. During the summer season and on weekends, there is street amusement at every junction along Ocean Front Walk. Instrumental musicians, singers, jugglers, acrobats, mimes, comics, magicians, prophets and fortune-tellers are some of the more conventional entertainers on offer.
Santa Monica Pier
This popular 3.5-mile beach is where you’ll find the legendary Looff Hippodrome, a National Historic Landmark, boasting a 1920s carousel, a nine-story solar-powered Ferris wheel and a five-story roller coaster. Make sure to gaze out at the water, as it’s not unusual to see dolphins just offshore.
Santa Monica Promenade
The Third Street Promenade is ideally blocked off to traffic so pedestrians can easily walk the streets and enjoy the sunshine, movies and various restaurants. There are endless upscale boutiques and chic sidewalk cafes while various street performers entertain the crowds. In addition to shopping and dining, the Promenade hosts a number of lovely bookshops, antique stores and distinctive memorabilia shops.
