Tips for a Fun Family Getaway in Marina del Rey

February 24, 2021

A family getaway in Marina del Rey is boatloads of fun! We rounded up tips from local bloggers who’ve experienced Marina del Rey as a family vacation spot. Here, they share advice on how to enjoy Marina del Rey with the fam bam. What’s there to do with kids in tow? Are restaurants family-friendly? Luckily, these local bloggers are parents who are experts on all-things related to family-friendly travel.

Trying to decide if L.A.’s Marina is your family’s next destination? Then, you’ve come to the right place. Click here to view family itinerary ideas and start planning your family getaway in Marina del Rey.

*The photos and videos from local bloggers were taken in 2019 before the pandemic. What’s open and how to experience Marina del Rey safely? Click here to learn more.

two people on a stand-up paddle board on the ocean by a beach

Stand-up Paddle at Marina Beach

Jen of Real Mom of SFV blogs about being a mom of a teen in Los Angeles by way of San Fernando Valley. Here, she talks about the stand-up paddling experience in Marina "Mother's" Beach.

"Even though this was my daughter’s first-time doing SUP, she was a natural – not once did she fall in! I’ve done SUP in Hawaii, and this experience was so much easier. It helps that the water is smooth like glass!"

Click button to read more about Jen’s family daycation in the Marina.

Rentals and lessons are available at the following outfitters in Marina "Mother's" Beach: Paddle Method, PRO Sup Shop,and YOGAqua.

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boy holding up fish reeled in from deep-sea fishing trip on a boat in the Pacific Ocean

Deep-Sea Fishing Fun

For families interested in deep-sea fishing out of Marina del Rey, check out tips from Angela of Queen Bee Latina, mom of three:

"We started our day at 7:15 a.m. at dock 52, for some sport fishing (it was easy to find parking in the early am). We told the staff we were newbies at fishing, and they were extremely patient and helpful with hooking our bait and casting our lines."

Angela breaks it down and adds some extra tips on what to know before you go fishing out of the Marina:

> A California fishing license is required. (it can be purchased on the boat)
> You can bring your own ice chest to pack your “catch of the day”
> Pack your own food and drinks
> Pack jackets- it can get really cold in the marina
> Carry cash on hand. No credit cards or debit cards are accepted for the excursion

Click button to read more about their family fishing adventure and daycation in L.A.’s Marina.

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baked cookie with vanilla ice cream a-la-mode

Birthday Treats at Waterfront Restaurants

Because of all the outdoor dining space with waterfront views, Marina del Rey is a popular place to celebrate special occasions. Local blogger Keke Dixon celebrated her daughter’s 25th birthday with a daycation in L.A.'s Marina including a birthday lunch at Killer Shrimp. Her tip involves ordering must-try desserts for the family to share:

"For over 20 years I have been dining at Killer Shrimp , and I have never tried the dessert. I have been missing out. My favorite desserts over all is piping HOT chocolate cookies a la mode. To my surprise I loved the sweet potato pecan pie. I forgot all about the cookie.”

Click button to read more about Keke's day trip and birthday celebration in the Marina.

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Land Cruising on Coastal Bike Trail

The Orange County-based family behind Look Who’s Blogging shares their travel experiences from the children's point of view. Recently, their family rode bikes along the coast. Here’s their main tip for a two-wheel adventure: “Stay on your side of the bike trail and ring your bell when passing by other beach goers.”

The 22-mile paved Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail wraps around the Marina and goes from Torrance all the way to Santa Monica. Click here to view the bike map.

Depending on how adventurous your family may be, check out other activities like parasailing in the Marina. Click button to watch a video review from the kids’ perspective experiencing parasailing for the first time in 2019.

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two friends smiling with beach and water in background

Girls Getaway Beach Day

Jessica of Burbank Mom shares that while Marina del Rey is great for the whole family, it's also a perfect spot to enjoy “playdates for the grown-ups,” too. Jessica met a friend at Marina "Mother's" Beach for a stand-up paddle morning.

“We were able to calmly, at our own pace, paddle along the channel toward the ocean and have plenty of conversation. Trying new things is fun, and making a mom-date was the perfect morning for me.”

Click button to read about Jessica’s day trip in L.A.'s Marina (without her three kiddos!).

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