two women on a boat

itineraries

Weekend Itinerary for Families

Pack up the bags and get out of town on a family getaway to Marina del Rey. L.A.’s Marina boasts waterfront hotels, restaurants with open-air patios and on- and off-the-water activities that are fun and perfect for reconnecting with the fam.

Itinerary

  • day 1
  • day 2
a woman standing on a balcony with a view of a marina and boats in the background

Book a stay

Up to you

Hotels in L.A.’s Marina welcome families of all ages all year long. Book a room or suite with a view of the marina and keep the kiddos entertained while they watch for boats and sea lions in the harbor.

a plate of food and fries

Enjoy a brunch cruise

4 hours

City Cruises offers brunch cruises on Saturdays and Sundays. Families can enjoy a meal at their own private table, along with music entertainment and plenty of space on the open-air top deck for taking selfies and dancing.

a fishing rod on a boat

Go on a sport fishing excursion

4-8 hours

Families can fish together on either a half-day or full-day small-group sport fishing excursion or private fishing charter out of Marina del Rey with Marina del Rey SportfishingLA Sportfishing or Killer Ocean Adventures. Equipment rentals and bait are provided. Guests 16 and older must get a one-day fishing license. 

a sailboat on the water

Go whale watching

6-8 hours

Book a whale-watching tour out of L.A.’s Marina. Marina del Rey Sportfishing runs whale-watching tours in Santa Monica Bay. 

a family running on a beach

Spend a day at the beach

Up to you

Marina “Mother’s” Beach offers calm waters and a roped off swimming and wading area for kids. A playground equipment on the beach makes it double the fun for younger kids, too.

a group of people walking on a path

Explore the Ballona Wetlands

Up to you

Explore the neighboring Ballona Wetlands, home to more than 200 species of wildlife. Docent-led tours are available on select weekend days, or go at your own pace on a public walking path that traces the perimeter. 

a man and woman riding bicycles on a path

Explore the marina on bike

Up to you

Pedal around the marina on bike rentals from Daniel’s Bicycle Rentals at Fisherman’s Village. Kids bicycles, kids carts and kids bike trailers are available including helmets, locks and baskets. Hop on the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail to check out neighboring Venice. 

a bowl of ice cream with chocolate and cookies

Grab some ice cream

Up to you

Hot summer days means ice-cream or frozen yogurt. Stop by Daniel’s Ice Cream or Coldstone Creamery for a cold treat.

a boat on the water

Ride the WaterBus

1 hour

A scenic way to get around the marina is riding the WaterBus for just $1 per person one-way. This popular family-friendly activity is only available June through early September. Kids and grown-ups alike enjoy seeing sea lions play in the harbor as the WaterBus makes stops along different areas.

a man and woman sitting on a surfboard in the water

Go paddleboarding or kayaking

2-3 hours

Adventurous crew? Then, spend a morning on a kayak or stand-up paddle board with hourly rentals available through Marina del Rey Boat Rentals and Pro SUP Shop

a marina with many boats and a park

Spend a day at the park

Up to you

Spend a half-day or more at the beautiful 10-acre Burton Chace Park. Families can get one of the best viewing areas of the harbor with water views on three sides. The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible