Sun and Fun near the Jamaica Bay Inn at Marina del Rey Beach

If you love the sun, the sand and the salty ocean air, then you've definitely made a smart choice in visiting Marina del Rey. In addition to boating and watersports, we have an amazing variety of beaches and parks that your family is sure to enjoy. Our hotel's location near Venice Beach and overlooking the marina makes it ideal for a weekend getaway, an extended family vacation or for business trips to Los Angeles. Here are a few of our favorite parks and beaches near the Jamaica Bay Inn:

Mother's Beach
This 4-acre Marine Park is well-named because the calm waters are a perfect spot for parents with small children and since it doesn't face the ocean, Mother's Beach is great for a little respite from the surf. You'll also enjoy the comforts of a grass lawn, volleyball courts and restrooms.

Venice Beach
Known as the "Coney Island of the Pacific," Venice Beach offers one of the best spots in California for people-watching. This three-mile stretch of beach is adjacent to Ocean Front Walk, one of the best spots in California to see street performers, unique vendors and cafes. Bike and roller blade rentals are available.

Santa Monica Beach
The pier and surrounding beach are only 3 miles north of Marina del Rey and they're open 365 days a year. This popular 3.5 mile beach is cleaned and raked each day, and it's not uncommon to see dolphins just offshore. Santa Monica Beach is where you'll find the famed Looff Hippodrome, a National Historic Landmark, complete with a 1920s carousel, a nine-story solar-powered ferris wheel and a five-story roller coaster.

Burton Chace Park
This park is a great spot for kite flying, Frisbee and for picnics overlooking the Marina's main channel. The 10-acre parks also features summer concerts and other events.

Aubrey E. Austin Jr. Park
Grab a bench at this park overlooking the main channel and watch the boats come and go while you sit amid beautiful greenery.

Admiralty Park
Check out the weekend art show at Admiralty Park, stretching along Admiralty Way. Also features jogging/skating paths and a duck pond.