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A Calmer Side of Los Angeles by the Water
Marina del Rey is a coastal neighbourhood built around one of the largest man-made marinas in the United States, sitting right in the heart of Los Angeles. Unlike busier parts of the city, the area is open, easy to get around, and centred almost entirely around the water. Walking paths run along the harbour, parks overlook the boats, and most of the things to do are within a short distance of each other.
The marina itself covers around 800 acres and holds space for roughly 5,000 recreational vessels, which makes it one of the busiest small-craft harbours on the West Coast. Despite its size, it doesn’t feel overwhelming to navigate. Most of the activity is concentrated along the main harbour, and the layout makes it easy to move between the water, the parks, and the restaurants without much backtracking.
Water-Based Activities in the Marina
Marina del Rey is Los Angeles’s premier waterfront destination, with a wide range of activities available for families, couples, and those looking for a little adventure on the water.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
The marina’s calm, protected waters make it a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, even for first-timers. Rental providers operate along the marina with options for single and tandem kayaks, and instructors are usually on hand to help beginners get started.
Most rental sessions run by the hour, with half-day options also available. The water inside the marina is sheltered from ocean swells, so conditions are generally manageable regardless of experience level. Early mornings tend to be the calmest, which makes it a good time to go if the group includes younger children or anyone new to paddling.
Jet Skiing, Parasailing, and Hydrofoil
For families after something more exciting, Marina del Rey offers jet skiing, parasailing, and hydrofoiling. Whether it’s gliding above the water on a parasail or experiencing the speed of a jet ski, these activities bring a different kind of energy to a day at the marina.
Most operators set a minimum age or weight requirement for these activities, so it’s worth checking ahead if the group includes younger children. Parasailing typically lifts riders 300 to 500 feet above the water, with clear views of the coastline stretching from Malibu to the Palos Verdes Peninsula on clear days.
Sailing Lessons
Marina del Rey has several operators offering sailing lessons, making it a great place for families to try something new together. Lessons are available for beginners and cover the basics of handling a sailboat in the harbour.
Introductory lessons usually last between two and three hours and take place entirely within the marina, so there’s no open-ocean sailing involved. For families who enjoy it, several operators also offer multi-day courses that build on the basics and lead to certification.
Fishing and Whale Watching
Families can cast a line from the harbour or head out on a fishing charter into the open ocean. In the winter months, whale-watching cruises depart from Marina del Rey into Santa Monica Bay, where humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life can be spotted.
Gray whale migration runs roughly from December through April, making winter and early spring the most reliable time for sightings. Outside of whale season, the bay is still active with bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds year-round. Most whale-watching trips run for two to three hours and are suitable for children.
Boat Rentals and Yacht Charters
For a more relaxed time on the water, families can rent a boat or book a yacht charter and explore the marina at their own pace. Harbour tours are also available, passing rows of anchored vessels and waterfront homes.
Electric duffy boats are one of the more popular rental options for families — they’re easy to operate, quiet, and large enough to fit a small group comfortably. No boating licence is required to rent one. For larger groups or those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, skippered charters are available in different sizes and can be booked for a few hours or a full day.
Dining Cruises
Marina del Rey offers dining cruises year-round, from weekend brunch on the water to sunset dinner cruises and holiday-themed sailings. These cruises combine a sit-down meal on the water with a good option for families who want something a little different in the evenings.
Sunset cruises tend to book up quickly on weekends and during summer, so reserving in advance is a good idea. Most cruises depart from Fisherman’s Village, a compact waterfront area near the southern end of the marina that also has a small collection of shops and casual restaurants.
Outdoor Spaces and Parks for Families
Burton Chace Park sits on a small peninsula within the marina and is one of the most popular spots for families. It has open lawns, paved walkways, shaded areas, and clear views of the harbour. Picnic spots are spread across the park, and the location makes it easy to spend a couple of hours without needing to plan much at all.
The park also hosts free outdoor concerts during the summer months, along with seasonal events throughout the year. It’s worth checking the schedule before visiting, as the events are open to the public and a good way to spend an evening at the marina without any cost.
Mother’s Beach is another family favourite within the marina, known for its calm, shallow waters that are ideal for young children. With a sandy beach area and nearby picnic spots, it’s a perfect place to start the morning—especially for families with younger kids.
The beach has lifeguards on duty during peak hours in summer, restroom facilities, and a small playground nearby. There is also free parking available, which is not always easy to find along the Los Angeles coastline, making it a practical as well as a relaxed option for families.
Walking and cycling paths run along large sections of the marina. The paths are flat and easy to follow, and bicycles can be rented nearby. Families with strollers will find the routes easy to navigate, and the waterfront setting makes for a pleasant way to spend part of the day.
The marina’s paths also connect to the wider Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which runs for around 22 miles along the coast between Santa Monica and Torrance. Families who want to extend the ride can follow the trail north towards Venice Beach and Santa Monica without leaving the beachfront path.
Dining in Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey has become one of Los Angeles’s most talked-about dining areas, with a range of restaurants and bars offering year-round outdoor seating, waterfront views, and menus that cover everything from casual bites to award-winning fine dining. Options include family-friendly spots with outdoor terraces, seafood restaurants right on the water, and casual cafés along the walking paths. Download the marina’s restaurant map from visitmdr.com to plan ahead.
Most of the waterfront restaurants are concentrated along Admiralty Way and around Fisherman’s Village. Sunday brunch is particularly popular at several spots in the area, with tables overlooking the boats. For a quick meal between activities, there are also casual takeaway options near the main activity areas that work well for families with younger children.
Nearby Places Families Often Visit
Marina del Rey sits close to two of Los Angeles’s most visited coastal areas, making it easy to combine a stay here with day trips to both.
Venice Beach is just a short drive or cycle away, known for its oceanfront boardwalk, street performers, and relaxed beach atmosphere. Santa Monica is a little further along the coast and offers a different experience, with the famous Santa Monica Pier, beachside amusement rides, and a wide sandy beachfront. The distance between all three areas is short enough that families can visit more than one in a single day.
Marina del Rey is also one of the closest beach areas to Los Angeles International Airport, sitting just a few minutes away by car. For families arriving or departing through LAX, it works well as a first or last stop on a California trip without adding much travel time.
A Simple One-Day Plan for Families
Start the morning at Mother’s Beach, where the calm, shallow water is perfect for younger children. From there, head to one of the marina’s kayak or paddleboard rental spots for a session on the water, or book a jet ski or parasailing experience if the group is after something more adventurous.
By midday, make your way to Burton Chace Park for a picnic lunch and some time on the open lawns. Bicycles can be rented nearby for a ride along the waterfront paths in the afternoon.
The afternoon is a good time to take a short drive to Venice Beach or Santa Monica, or stay within the marina and book an evening dining cruise to end the day on the water. There is no shortage of waterfront restaurants for a sit-down dinner, ranging from casual to fine dining, all with harbour views.
A Practical Coastal Stop in Los Angeles
Marina del Rey works well as both a destination in its own right and a base for exploring the Los Angeles coastline. For families building a California itinerary, Marina del Rey fits naturally as a relaxed coastal stop that still has plenty going on.