Marina del Rey’s Waterfront Bucket List: Things to Do on the Water

MARINA DEL REY—Fans of recreational water sports will be thrilled by the amount of activities available in Marina del Rey. There’s more to do here than could be reasonably completed within a week. Check out some of these fun adventures when you’re in the area.

 

Paddleboarding

For those interested in taking up paddleboarding, there probably isn’t a better place to learn than Marina del Rey. Paddle Method (paddlemethod.com) and Pro SUP Shop (prosupshop.com) both have locations on Marina “Mother’s” Beach, named after its calm waters that can help beginning swimmers when getting acquainted with the ocean. If you’re already a seasoned paddleboarder and want to further challenge yourself, take up yoga paddleboarding. Yogaqua (yogaqua.com), which combines the practice of yoga with paddleboarding, is also located on Mother’s Beach.

 

Kayaking

Marina del Rey has a kayak launch located close to Burton Chace Park near the Boat House. See more about places to rent kayaks in the Watercraft Rentals section of this article.

 

Sportsfishing

Southern California is a playground for anglers and Marina del Rey is no different! In the harbor, there are several chartering businesses that can provide a deep-sea fishing experience. Visit Marina del Rey Sportsfishing (mdrsf.com) located out of Fisherman’s Village (Where else?) to learn more.

 

Whale Watching

California’s coast is the perfect place to spot a whale – or a whole pod. Marina del Rey Whale Watching (mdrwhalewatching.com) provides cruises to get up close and personal when observing whales as they migrate along their path.

 

Watercraft Rentals

Marina del Rey Boat Rentals (marinadelreyboatrentals.com) offer a variety of watercraft rentals. They are located in Fisherman’s Village behind El Torito restaurant. In addition to kayaks and paddleboards, Marina del Rey Boat Rentals also offers sailboats, Duffy boats, jet skis and more. Hourly rentals are available and no special permits are necessary to use the equipment.

Brush up on your sailing skills at UCLA Marina Aquatic Center (recreation.ucla.edu/MAC), where you can also watch the school’s rowing team as well as rent kayaks, paddleboards and try your hand at windsailing.

Action Watersports (actionwatersports.com), which is located in the original Dewey Weber factory shop, is a great place to browse on-the-water equipment, from SUPs to surfboards.

 

Parasailing

Have you ever had the desire to get a bird’s eye view of the Los Angeles coast? Marina del Rey Parasailing (marinadelreyparasailing.com) can provide that experience through parasailing! Flights accommodate up to three people at a time. Parasailing rentals are available seasonally from mid-February through mid-November. Reservations are recommended. Visit the kiosk located in Fisherman’s Village behind El Torito.

 

Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail

Interested in voyaging by land for a bit? Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail takes riders to many destinations along Marina del Rey, but also to neighboring cities from Will Rogers Beach in Temescal Canyon to Torrance Beach. Key stops include Santa Monica Pier, Venice Fishing Pier, King Harbor in Redondo Beach and more. Go to visitmarinadelrey.com for a map of the trail.

 

Burton Chace Park

After undergoing some remodels, Burton Chace Park is one of the best places for boaters to gather. Within a close proximity to guest docks and the new Trader Joe’s market, it’s the perfect place to have a coastal picnic and it’s an affordable, fun park to visit. Visit chacepark.com to see a listing of calendar events, including free movies in the park, concerts, and much more.

 

Learn more about activities in Marina del Rey at visitmarinadelrey.com.