Manhattan Beach
Last Updated: January 09, 2026
Marina del Rey offers a mix of waterfront fun and outdoor activities, making it one of the best neighborhoods for things to do in Los Angeles. Visitors can take a boat tour or rent kayaks at the Marina del Rey Harbor, stroll along the Burton Chace Park waterfront, or enjoy a sunset cruise. Foodies will love dining at Tony P’s Dockside Grill and Salt Restaurant & Bar. Explore local art at Marina Art Galleries, walk the Marina Beach Boardwalk, or try paddleboarding and sailing. For family-friendly fun, check out the Fisherman’s Village shops and entertainment. With boating, dining, walking paths, and cultural attractions, Marina del Rey offers diverse fun things to do in Los Angeles.
Marina del Rey offers a range of exceptional hotels perfect for travelers seeking waterfront views, comfort, and easy access to Southern California attractions. Luxury seekers will love the upscale amenities at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, while boutique charm and marina views await at Jamaica Bay Inn. Other popular options include Marina del Rey Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Marina del Rey, and Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey, all providing convenient locations near the harbor, beaches, and bike trails.
SALT Restaurant & Bar
Food lovers will find plenty of memorable dining experiences in Marina del Rey, from fresh seafood to elevated California cuisine. Waterfront favorites like The Warehouse and Tony P’s Dockside Grill are known for their marina views and classic coastal menus. For a refined dining experience, SALT Restaurant & Bar and Cast & Plow deliver locally inspired dishes, while Beachside Restaurant & Bar offers casual bites just steps from the sand.
Marina Beach, or “Mother’s Beach,” is a family- and kid-friendly destination that provides a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors of all ages. With its calm waters, picnic areas, volleyball courts, playground equipment, and various activities, it is a perfect location for a family outing or a day of fun in the sun. The recent improvements made to the facility have added a modern touch to its amenities and ensure a pleasant experience for all who visit.
Marina del Rey is home to several beautiful parks, each with their unique charm and appeal. Burton W. Chace Park, Aubrey E. Austin Jr. Park and North Jetty, and Bill Rosendahl Del Rey Park offer breathtaking views of the harbor, vast green spaces, and a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Burton W. Chace Park is a popular destination for picnics, leisurely strolls, and events, with a multi-purpose room available for rent. Aubrey E. Austin Jr. Park and North Jetty offer a peaceful and picturesque escape with unobstructed views of the harbor's main channel and the opportunity to fish from the jetty. Meanwhile, Bill Rosendahl Del Rey Park is perfect for families with a large playground, sports courts, and a dog park. All three parks are wheelchair and stroller accessible, making them a great option for visitors of all ages and abilities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an outdoor adventure, Marina del Rey Parks have something for everyone.
For avid cyclists or anyone looking for a leisurely bike ride, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Marina del Rey is an excellent choice. Stretching 22 miles between Will Rogers beach in the north and Torrance beach in the south, this scenic coastal path offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and several convenient stops along the way. For those looking to take a break, Burke Park and Oxford Basin offer a pedestrian loop and a wildlife habitat area, while nearby Ballona Lagoon on Marina Peninsula has a walking loop and wildlife viewing stations. Many cyclists choose to stop at Fisherman's Village, located in Marina del Rey, for a sweet treat and free live music on weekends. The village also offers bike rentals, making it a convenient starting point for your cycling adventure.
Nestled on the eastern bank of the main harbor entrance channel between Whiskey Reds restaurant to the south and the Windward boatyard to the north, Fisherman's Village in Marina del Rey, California, is a waterfront mall, commercial boat anchorage, and popular tourist attraction. Built in 1967 in the style of a New England fishing village, the historical Fisherman's Village is a replica of a quaint seaside town and offers stunning panoramic views of the harbor. Whether you want to enjoy live music concerts, dine at waterfront restaurants, take harbor and fishing cruises, rent boats and bicycles, or simply stroll along the quiet harborfront, Fisherman's Village has something for everyone. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Fisherman's Village and all that this charming destination has to offer.
For a leisurely and scenic walk, the Marina del Rey Walkway is the place to go. This path runs along the marina, offering a relaxing stroll where you can watch the boats and yachts sail by. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're walking, jogging, or just people-watching. The walkway also provides access to various waterfront shops and restaurants, so you can grab a bite while soaking in the beautiful views.
For those who love to bike, the Ballona Creek Trail offers a scenic route right through Marina del Rey. This multi-use path runs along the creek, providing a smooth, flat surface for a leisurely bike ride. The trail takes you through lush wetlands and offers great views of the surrounding area, including Marina del Rey's picturesque harbor.
If you’re looking to enjoy a more traditional yet always-enjoyable experience, catch a movie at AMC Marina Marketplace. Located in the heart of Marina del Rey, this theater shows the latest blockbusters in comfortable, state-of-the-art theaters. Grab your popcorn and settle in for an afternoon or evening of entertainment.
If you're in the mood for some fresh, local produce, head over to the Marina del Rey Farmers Market. Open on Sundays, this vibrant market offers a variety of local goods, from organic fruits and vegetables to fresh flowers and artisanal products. It’s a perfect spot to grab some goodies for a picnic or to take home to enjoy later.
The Marina del Rey Boat Parade is a vibrant and festive annual event that lights up the waters of Marina del Rey with beautifully decorated boats, yachts, and vessels. Held each December, the parade draws thousands of spectators to the waterfront to enjoy a dazzling display of holiday spirit on the water. With themed boats adorned in twinkling lights, festive decorations, and creative designs, the parade creates a magical atmosphere for all ages. It has become a beloved tradition in Los Angeles, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with friends, family, and neighbors while enjoying the beauty of the marina and its stunning views.
"Marina del Rey" is a Spanish phrase that translates to "Harbor of the King" in English. The name reflects the area's historical ties to California's Spanish heritage and its connection to the water, highlighting its identity as a major seaside community and harbor in Los Angeles County. Initially developed in the 1950s and officially dedicated in 1965, Marina del Rey is now one of the largest man-made small craft harbors in the world, hosting thousands of boats, yachts, and a thriving coastal community. The harbor’s scenic charm, combined with its vibrant waterfront dining, shopping, and recreational activities, has made Marina del Rey a popular destination for both locals and tourists.