Overview
Think of Marina Del Rey as Venice Beach’s more conservative step-sibling. Just south of its flamboyant relative, Marina Del Rey is a cross between upscale condominium living at its finest and commercialized areas for tourists and locals alike. This man-made marina (one of the world’s largest) is capable of sheltering over 5,000 sea-faring vessels and stands as a gateway to the Pacific for recreational and commercial vehicles.
If you’re looking to go out into the water in a boat, you can find it all here: charter a yacht, go for a brunch or dinner cruise, or spend the day whale watching. If you don’t mind breaking out into a little sweat, get your own pedal boat or kayak to explore the waters. Amenities for boaters include beach-launching for small boats, a launch ramp for trailered boats, a sailing basin for boats and windsurfers, dry dock storage, a Sea Scout base, repair yards, fuel dock, pump-out stations, boat brokerages, and charter businesses. Visit beaches.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dbh or www.visitmarinadelrey.com for more information on what the marina has to offer.
Most days throughout the year you’ll find the weather warm enough to stop off at Burton Chace Park for a picnic. If you want to save a few coins, go during the week when you can park for free. It’s usually quiet here, but during major holidays like the Fourth of July, you can find a pretty good crowd. You’ll have to drop some extra bills, but it’s worth it to grab dinner at Jer-ne (4375 Admiralty Wy, 310-823-1700) inside The Ritz-Carlton and take in the amazing view of the marina while you’re there. Hit Baja Cantina for cheap and tasty grub and some great scoping and socializing on the patio (311 Washington Blvd. 310-821-2252). Fisherman’s Village is a bit like hanging out at another spot tailor-made for tourists, but come see the live music and check out the breathtaking water view. You’ll find kayaks, jet skis, ice cream, smoothies, free live concerts on the weekends, and, if you’re here in early December, the annual Holiday Boat Parade.
Harbor Info
The entrance to the marina is situated between two jetties (north and south) that sit inside the breakwater that runs parallel to the shore. The north and south ends of the breakwater and the ends of both jetties are marked with lights that can be distinguished by their color and length between flashes: North Breakwater Light, 1 WHITE flash every six seconds; South Breakwater Light, 2 RED flashes every six seconds; North Jetty Light, 3 WHITE flashes every five seconds; South Jetty Light, 4 RED flashes every four seconds. Impress your date!
Practicalities
Located in the Santa Monica Bay 15 miles southwest of downtown LA, Marina Del Rey can be easily accessed from the 405 and the 90 freeways. Daily parking rates vary in the 15 lots surrounding the marina; however the lowest one can expect to pay is $5 for cars, and $7 for cars with boats in tow. Limited free parking is also available on Dock 52. If you plan on parking overnight, you will need to make arrangements with the harbormaster/sheriff’s department beforehand (310-823-7762). There are also 18 metered boat washdown spaces, which cost 50 cents for three minutes (requires quarters). Restrooms are located at Fisherman’s Village, near Mother’s Beach, and next to the launch ramp.
Launch Ramp & Fuel Dock
Small, hand-carried vessels such as kayaks and tin boats are easily launched at the public beach in Basin D, also known as Mother’s Beach because of the absence of surf, making it an ideal swimming beach for children. For larger vessels, there is a public launch ramp at the head of the first finger at Mindanao Way on the east side of the channel. The eight-lane ramp can get very busy, especially on the weekends and during summer months, so be prepared to wait. The fee is $7, and includes one launch, recovery, and 24-hour parking for your car. The fuel dock is located on the west side of the channel just inside the bend.
Guest Slips
The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors offers boat slips to guests near Burton Chace Park. There is a free 4-hour tie-up dock between the H and G basins on the east side of the main channel, and overnight docking (for up to 7 days within a 30 day period) can be arranged at the Community Building in the park at a cost of 50 cents per foot per night. To obtain an overnight slip, you will need to produce your registration papers and identification. Overnight facilities include electricity, water, showers, and restrooms. If you are a yacht club member, try contacting the yacht clubs in the area to see if they offer reciprocal guest slips.
Harbor Patrol & Anchorage
The Harbor Patrol is run by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and located on the east side of the main channel. They are on call 24 hours a day and can be reached on Channel 16, with 12 as the working channel (310-823-7762). During storms or other emergencies, anchoring is permitted in the north end of the entrance channel.
No Boat?
If you don’t have your own water craft, several commercial boating companies leave from Dock 52 and provide all of the gear you will need for a great day of fishing, including rods, reels, and bait. If pier fishing is more your style, head down Fiji Way to Fisherman’s Village and throw a line in from the docks.