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Kayak the Marina Del Rey Harbor

Los Angeles, California

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Description

Added by Spencer Williams

Travel around Marina Del Rey’s harbor aboard your own personal watercraft or bring a friend on a kayak built for two. Kayaking around the harbor gives you a unique and relaxing experience complete with sunsets, charismatic houseboats, and a multitude of sea lions.  

The Marina Del Rey harbor covers 1.5 square miles making it the world’s largest small-craft harbor. Located southwest of Los Angeles, it is the homeport to nearly 6,500 local boats, ranging from small fishing boats, large private yachts, and even a multitude of unique houseboats. The harbor is easily accessed via Admiralty Way, one street west of Lincoln Blvd. Renting a kayak in the harbor is easy, with many businesses in the area offering hourly rentals on not just kayaks but paddle boards, motor boats and sail boats. Parking in some areas is free while other places have paid parking lots; so make sure to contact your rental company about where to park.

A great place to begin your journey is at Marina (Mother's) Beach located on the northwest side of the marina off of Palawan Way. It is free to park and launch your personal kayak and there is a rental shop on the corner. From here you can begin you adventure and start exploring the marina. I recommend paddling the entire perimeter of the marina, roughly a 2-hour excursion. Start by heading south and exploring each basin/dock, each is filled with a multitude of spectacular and charismatic boats, and more than likely a few slumbering sea lions. Farther south the marina begins to turn right/west towards the breakwater (a large wall made of rock with an American flag in the middle). Beyond this point is the open ocean and it is not recommended to venture out unless you have proper equipment and training. Once you have returned to the dock you can explore the areas many eateries, such as Beachside Restaurant & Bar, for a much-deserved burger and beer.  

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Features

Stand Up Paddle
Fitness
Chillin
Photography
Kayaking
Adult Beverages
Bathrooms
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Picnic Area
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Kayak the Marina Del Rey Harbor Reviews

Great place to set out on a kayak here. The water is accessible by many places and is chill, as far as other watercraft are concerned. Periodically you’ll see a seal’s head pop out of the water which always startles me!

This is a great place to go for a paddle. For visitors you can rent kayaks and paddle boards from a little shop near the entrance.

*Hey fellow UCLA students, you get 2 hours of kayaking for free at the UCLA Marine Aquatics center. Just an fyi!* The harbor is great, especially in the morning. Such a beautiful, tranquil area in the morning. Highly recommend!

Great little spot for kayaking and paddle boarding. Easily accessible and for those who don't own kayaks or paddle boards there's a little shop right near the entrance of the marina that will rent them to you!

Leave No Trace

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

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