Top 10 Things to do in Marina del Rey
Our Favorite Area Activities
Marina “Mother’s” Beach
This 4-acre Marine Park is well-named because the calm waters are a perfect spot for parents with small children. Just steps away from 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 surf, making it ideal for families. With its peaceful waters, many consider this Marina del Rey beach the perfect place to learn to kayak or windsurf.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
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
Just three miles north of Marina del Rey, the pier and surrounding shore is a popular 3.5-mile beach that 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.
Hornblower Cruises
13755 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-301-6000
Explore the beauty of Marina del Rey from the water. Hornblower Cruises offer guided tours as well as dinner and dancing cruises, champagne brunches, and decadent holiday events. Set sail in the world’s largest man-made small craft harbor, and take in breathtaking views of the California coast.
Third Street Promenade Santa Monica
3rd Street (Between Broadway & Wilshire)
Santa Monica, CA
The shopping and dining mecca of Southern California, the Third Street Promenade is blocked off to traffic so pedestrians can walk the streets and enjoy endless sunshine, movies and restaurants. Shoppers flock to the endless upscale boutiques and trendy sidewalk cafes while assorted street performers entertain the passing crowds. In addition to shopping and dining, the Promenade boasts a growing number of intriguing book shops, antique stores and unique memorabilia shops.
Santa Monica Place Mall
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Enjoy a contemporary mix of stores, restaurants and markets at the Santa Monica Place Mall. Strolling from store to store, you’ll realize there’s an eclectic mix of both upcoming and legendary fashions that fulfill the style needs and wants of even the most creative shoppers. From designer duds to contemporary fashions, the Santa Monica Place Mall will fulfill your style-savvy lifestyle.
Hollywood
There are endless places to visit and sights to see in Hollywood, a world-famous neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. First-time visitors may be overwhelmed with all that Hollywood as to offer.
From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the Sunset Strip, Los Angeles Farmers Market and the Hollywood Sign, there are numerous attractions to explore during your vacation.
Disneyland
1313 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4565
A California family vacation is incomplete without the magical world of Disney. Share an enchanting experience with your favorite Disney characters through character dining, attractions and entertainment. Thrill-seekers love the Disneyland theme park with rides like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, Indiana Jones Adventure and much more.
Universal Studios
1000 Universal Center Dr
San Fernando Valley, CA 91608
(800) UNIVERSAL
With thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio and some of Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk, Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family. Take a legendary Studio Tour to explore where Hollywood movies are made, experience the all new King Kong 360 3-D, and enjoy heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions all at Universal Studios.
The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
For shopping, dining and entertainment, The Grove is your ultimate vacation destination. From your favorite boutiques and restaurants to choreographed fountains, free live concerts in the park and the historic Farmers Market, you’ll enjoy an experience like no other at The Grove. From designer to contemporary fashions, The Grove has a great variety of shopping.
