17 Best Things To Do In Marina Del Rey, California - Updated 2024

Elena
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things to do in marina del rey california

So you’re in beautiful southern California and ready for a vacation on the waterfront? Marina del Rey is beautiful and ideally located, but if you’re new to the area you might find yourself missing out on all that it has to offer. Never fear, Trip101 is here! To make the best of your stay, book the best Airbnb or rent a boat and craft your own beautiful, beachfront vacation from all the fun things to do in Marina del Rey, California.

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1. Take in the fresh ocean breeze at Marina del Rey North Jetty

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Wondering what to do in Marina del Rey? Why not stop by Marina del Rey North Jetty to relax and contemplate? The fresh ocean breeze and serene atmosphere offer a great opportunity for anyone to simply sit back and relax. This atmosphere is complemented by the sights and sounds of the local wildlife, from pelicans to sea lions.

You can also take a walk around the attraction and witness the sights becoming even better as night falls–you will be treated to a wonderful view of the sunset. Keep in mind, though, that lighting is limited at night so it’s best to bring a flashlight.

Marina del Rey North Jetty

Address: Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, United States

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2. Grab a tasty drink at Firestone Walker Brewing Company - The Propagator

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Firestone Walker Brewing Company - The Propagator offers a wide selection of house-brewed ales & Central Coast wines that are sure to leave a lasting impression. From Mind Haze to Barrelworks, this Marina del Rey attraction features all kinds of alcohol with varying flavors, styles, and even brands.

No matter what type of alcohol you choose, Firestone Walker Brewing Company - The Propagator guarantees great quality and taste. And to complement your beer, the brewery also serves pizzas, burgers, and fries that are sure to be a delicious combo with your beer.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company - The Propagator

Address: 3205 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, United States

Website: Firestone Walker Brewing Company - The Propagator

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri: 12pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

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3. Go paddling and meet sea lions

Kick off your trip to Los Angeles’ Marina del Rey by paddling the beach to meet some sea lions! This Airbnb Experience is hosted by Zeina, who teaches kayaking and standup paddleboarding in the area. If it’s your first time to do such kind of adventure, there’s no need to worry because you will be properly briefed by your host. In case you do have previous experience with standup paddleboards, feel free to choose this for your marina tour!

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4. Taste the famous shrimp soup at Killer Shrimp

Shrimps and corn chowder
Source: Photo by Flickr user Leszek Leszczynski used under CC BY 2.0

A trip to Marina del Rey will not be complete without getting the chance to dine at Killer Shrimp. Their crowning glory is, of course, their Killer Shrimp Soup, which home cooks have been trying to recreate since the owners put it on the menu. Don’t miss out on this dish that’s an original creation of the restaurant. That’s not to say that the rest of their menu is not worth a look! Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Killer Shrimp.

Killer Shrimp

Address: 4211 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, United States

Website: Killer Shrimp

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

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5. Shop at Waterside at Marina del Rey

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Don’t pass up the chance to shop until you drop at one of the hippest retail centers in LA, Waterside at Marina del Rey. This trendy shopping mall is home to some of Hollywood’s favorites like Sephora, L'Occitane, and Bellagio Nails. Treat yourself to a day of self-care and pampering at these shops. You can also take your family out for some comfort food at restaurants like Chipotle, Shake Shack, Fresh Brothers, and California Pizza Kitchen. Either way, you’re not leaving Waterside empty-handed!

Waterside at Marina del Rey

Address: 4700 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, United States address

Website: Waterside at Marina del Rey

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm

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6. Go parasailing with Marina del Rey Parasailing

Parasailing
Source: Pexels

Water activities may seem intimidating to some due to the ocean, but in truth, not all of them are. One of the easiest being parasailing as the ascent and descent are slow and gradual. Get the chance to explore and see the city from a different perspective by joining a tour by Marina del Rey Parasailing. Beginners are absolutely welcome to join the tour; you don’t have to be experienced to go parasailing. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Marina del Rey Parasailing

Address: 13717 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, United States

Website: Marina del Rey Parasailing

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7. Learn to surf

Come on, a trip to this seaside community will not meet its full potential without surfing, or at least learning how to surf! So gather up your courage and book this Airbnb Experience hosted by Stephen. After a briefing at the beach, you’ll immediately be guided to the ocean by your expert instructor. Beginners need not worry, this class totally caters to all types of students. Level up your trip to Marina del Rey, master this Marina del Rey activity, and be one with the waves!

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8. Take a stroll down Venice Boardwalk and Beach

This famous boardwalk starts at Marina del Rey and goes all the way down to Santa Monica Pier. The boardwalk itself, complete with stores and food stands, is spread out along Venice Beach and great for romantic walks, friendly outings, or just for enjoying the sights. You’ll get a real feel of the city of LA while watching street performers, performance art, dancing, and music. Plus, there’s a ton of shops, places to eat, and sun. A stroll at the boardwalk is one of the exciting things to do around Marina Del Rey.

Venice Boardwalk and Beach

Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Hours: Mon-Sat 8 am-7 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm

Phone: +1 (310) 396-6764

Website: Venice Boardwalk and Beach

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9. Visit Venice Canal Historic District

Abbot Kinney made these manmade canals as a project to try to create the atmosphere of Venice, in LA and even though they’re located in a large district in Marina del Rey, they definitely earn their name. The canals have a ton of history behind them to learn and also are just fun to walk around and enjoy. So take in the view, sit on the bridge, and bask in the different but welcome vibes, as you escape from the rest of LA.

Venice Canal Historic District

Address: Venice, CA 90292

Hours: 24 hours

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10. Go for a swim at Marina Beach

Marina del Rey beach
Source: Needpix

Marina Beach (or Mother’s Beach) is a hidden gem, both literally and figuratively. This Marina Del Rey beach is the perfect place to go for a romantic picnic, an evening stroll, to do some yoga, or for a playground outing with the kids.

Marina Beach (Mother's Beach)

Address: 4135 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Website: Marina Beach

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11. Walk through Ballona Wetlands

Ballona Wetlands stream
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bryan Fernandez used under CC BY-ND 2.0

No idea on what to do in Marina Del Rey? Walk around a freshwater marsh trail that’s dedicated to the preservation of nature in urban LA. The marsh is open during daylight hours and perfect for those who want to learn about the history of the wetlands and conservation in general.

Ballona Wetlands

Address: Just south of Marina Del Rey

Hours: Dawn until Dusk

Phone: +1 (310) 306-5994

Website: Ballona Wetlands

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12. Bike down Marvin Braude (The Strand)

Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Source: Photo by Flickr user daveynin used under CC BY 2.0

This beautiful trail is a little farther from the Marina but it starts by the beach and goes all the way inland while showing you a beautiful and unique perspective of LA. The trail passes through Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and Redondo Beach Pier. Plus, how can you say no to hours of beachfront views from a classic LA bike trail?

Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail (The Strand)

Address: Will Rogers State Beach on Pacific Coast Hwy to Torrance Beach

Website: Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail

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13. Check out Fisherman’s Village

Fisherman’s Village is the largest man-made small boat harbor. You and the family can go shopping along the harbor, or stop by and get some cute Instagram pictures of the beautifully colorful houses and cute boats. There are also plenty of places to eat along the water, which can be perfect for that next romantic getaway (or Tinder date).

Fisherman’s Village

Address: 13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Hours: 8am-6pm

Phone: +1 (310) 301-9900

Website: Fisherman’s Village

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14. Have a picnic in Burton W. Chace Park

This huge park has cool statues all around to explore and pose with, plus you can reserve places for your events or community events, which tend to happen often (including the summer concert series). The park also has some beautiful bicycle trails and is where you’ll find the best Marina Del Rey activities.

Burton W. Chace Park

Address: 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Hours: 6 am-10 pm

Phone: +1 (424) 526-7903

Website: Burton W. Chace Park

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15. Embark on a romantic gondola ride with Gondolas D’Amore

Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed

This is the perfect opportunity for a romantic nighttime getaway with your special someone. The gondola rides include a private boat outing and a quiet evening on the seas you’re sure to enjoy.

Gondolas D’Amore

Address: 14045 Panay Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Hours: 12 pm-11 pm

Phone: +1 (310) 736-7301

Website: Gondola Rides with Gondolas D'Amore

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16. Have dinner on a Hornblower Cruise

Sunset cruise
Source: Pixabay

Hornblower Cruises offers a variety of not only dining cruises but dancing and other entertainment options. Dress up in your favorite Titantic-esque attire, leave the kids with grandma and saunter up the gangplank to enjoy an evening of great food, amazing views, and even better company.

Hornblower Cruises

Address: 13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Hours: Thurs-Sat 11 am-12 am, Sun 11 am-9 pm

Phone: +1 (310) 301-6000

Website: Hornblower Cruises

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17. Get ready for some watersport fun with Action Watersports

Marina Del Ray
Source: Photo by Flickr user Chris Yarzab used under CC BY 2.0

Is your family the outdoorsy type? Or maybe you just really like trying new things? There’s no better place to do it than the warm, inviting beaches of Southern California. Head over to Action Watersports and rent out some kayak equipment, paddle boards, surfboards, sea bobs, and more! Then, spend the rest of the day splashing in the ocean, racing along the coast, and just generally enjoying seeing your brother fall off his surfboard, multiple times. It’s worth it, trust me.

Action Watersports

Address: 4144 Lincoln Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm

Phone: +1 (310) 827-2233

Website: Action Watersports

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The marina is waiting!

Marina Del Rey, CA - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user catlin.wolfard used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Grab your loved ones (be it dog, cat, girlfriend, parents, or whatever) and head down to Marina Del Rey. From boat rentals to parasailing, Marina del Rey has a lot of things to offer. And with Los Angeles nearby, there’s even more to do and lots of places to stay - check out some aparthotels in the city.

With such a great location and so many options to choose from, you can’t possibly get bored. In fact, odds are you’ll fall in love with the place and want to come back, again and again, to explore more and more.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in and near Marina del Rey, California


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Elena Aguirre is a travel writer with Trip101 and a student at UC Berkeley. In the past she has worked on technical, marketing, and creative writing. Favorite pastimes include traveling (of...Read more

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