Marina del Rey

Written By Brian Jones

L.A.’S BEST KEPT SECRET

Marina Del Rey is a small, dreamy coastal community surrounding the largest man-made marina in the country, water canals and 1.5 miles of pristine sand, where dolphins play and sailboats dot the horizon. Once the lush wetland fishing and hunting grounds of the Tongva people, it remains one of the largest protected coastal wetland ecosystems in the county with two primary beach areas: the ocean-facing Marina Peninsula and Mother’s Beach, tucked inside the boat harbor.

Where to go:

MARINA PENINSULA

Arguably the best overall beach in Los Angeles, the Marina Peninsula is a favorite because it is spacious, clean, less-crowded and pairs well with a walk among the boats or Venice canals.

The primary access point, where parking and restroom access meet, is through Venice Pier Parking Lot. If driving, park at the south end of the lot near Catamaran st. and the further south you walk, the more private it gets.

Lighthouse st. is a local hang and super picturesque, especially if walking over the Lighthouse st. bridge. Parking is limited and there is no restroom access. As well, the south end of the peninsula is beautiful, has restrooms and full day parking lot at Marina Del Rey inlet park (aim for Topsail or Via Marina).

There are two free shuttles for local pickups / drop-offs: Circuit (app) and Free Ride (323)435-5000 (text pickup location, drop-off location, # people).

MOTHERS BEACH

Locals call this cove Mother’s Beach because of the calm, shallow water and wind shelter that makes it a particularly kid-friendly beach for little ones. While it is visited mostly by families who love the playground, bbq areas for birthday grill outs and volleyball courts, the east end of the cove near Jamaica Bay Inn is a great place to lounge in the sun, read a book or hang with friends before hopping on a paddle board to explore the magic of the harbor. Park in Marina Lot 10, 11 or 9. Restrooms and paddle board rentals in the middle of the beach.

Mother’s Beach is one of a handful of locations where the County allows permitted events for teak bar, long table dining, 50+ people and beach lounges built for any scale, it’s perfect for wedding weekends and corporate events. We work closely with nearby hotels (Marriott, Jamaica Bay Inn, Ritz Carlton, etc.) where we can also provide services on property.

FOOD / BEV RECS:

  • Pickup / Delivery:
    TYSMLA (Charcuterie thru Bliss Beach)
    Sugarfish / Kazunori (Great boxed Sushi)
    Mendocino Farms (farm fresh)
    California Chicken Cafe (chicken, sides)
    DoorDash (Discount w/code BlissBeach)

  • Sit Down:
    Scopa (upscale Italian, cocktails)
    Gin Rummy (fun tiki bar, tacos, pinball)
    Dear Jane (upscale seafood, cocktails)
    Great White / Gran Blanco (hip mediterranean) , busy)
    Pier House / Beach & Brew (seafood, drinks)
    Hinano / Whaler (local dive, drinks, bar food)

Recommended Experiences:

  • Beach Day + Dinner at Dear Janes or Scopa

  • Beach Lounge + Sunset Sail

  • Paddle board + Beach Lounge

  • Abbot Kinney walk through Venice Canals to Beach Lounge

Reserve

 
Brian Jones
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