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Ballona Lagoon

Marina del Rey, California

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

1.8 miles

Elevation Gain

95 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Meghan White

Such a relaxing and beautiful stroll in the Marina Del Rey/Venice area! 

Park in Marina Del Rey #13 lot (4601 Vía Marina, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292). Don't forget to pay the meter! The rate as of 2021 is $0.50/15mins, or $6 for 24hrs on weekdays, and $8 for 24hrs on weekends. 

Once parked, walk south on the sidewalk towards the marina. Turn right once you get to Vía Marina street, and head west on the sidewalk, past Vía Donte (the next cross street), until you see a small entrance to a dirt trail on your right. The trail is on the east side of Ballona Lagoon, and there is an informative sign posted there about the plants of Ballona Lagoon.

Head up this trail, and it will lead you north, right alongside the east edge of the Lagoon for about .6mi. The trail is very well-kept, mostly flat (there is maybe two sets of 3 stairs) and sandy. Keep an eye out for native vegetation that is re-growing along the banks of the Lagoon, some small fish in the water, Great Egrets (one-meter tall birds!), and more while you walk!

Once you walk for about .6mi, you'll come to a bridge crossing. Cross the bridge and head north along the west bank of the Lagoon. Just .1mi north of the bridge crossing is a big area with more informational signs about the Lagoon, including the History of Ballona Lagoon Marker. This is a great point to stop, take it all in, and try your hand at identifying all the different kinds of birds, plants, and small fish you may see!

This point is also a great place to turn around and head back the same trail that you came from. Head south, cross the bridge once again (the west bank of the Lagoon doesn't have a trail that connects all the way back to the marina) and return to the marina on the trail that follows the east bank of the Lagoon.

Once back at the marina, there are a couple benches/tables that would be great for a picnic, or you can head straight back to the parking lot!

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife

Ballona Lagoon Reviews

Who knew this was even here! I usually go straight to the beach, but decided to try this one day. A wonderful trail with lots to see around. Definitely a must try if you’re in this area.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Kayak the Marina Del Rey Harbor

Venice Canals

Spend a Day at the Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail

Run the Santa Monica Concrete Stairs

Culver City Stairs