01
Best overall pick
Playa Del Rey Beach
Playa Del Rey Waterfront • Low-Key Neighborhood Beach • Local Favorite For Everyday Beach Days
A wide, relaxed stretch of sand with a strong local feel, just minutes from Del Rey’s residential streets.
This is the closest true ocean beach to Del Rey and the one residents slip down to for a quick walk, jog, or sunset sit. Expect volleyball courts, a bike path, and fewer crowds than Venice or Santa Monica, but also fewer shops and services right on the sand. Plan to pack your own snacks and arrive early for the easiest street parking near Culver Boulevard and Pacific Avenue.
02
Best for bonfires
Dockweiler State Beach
South Of Playa Del Rey • Wide Sandy Beach With Fire Pits • Best For Bonfires And Big Groups
A long, flat beach with coveted fire rings that draw locals for smoky sunset hangs.
Just south of Playa Del Rey, Dockweiler is where friends meet up for birthday cookouts, late-afternoon barbecues, and classic Southern California bonfires. The parking lots along Vista del Mar make hauling coolers and firewood easier, though they do fill on summer weekends. Bring layers—the ocean breeze and evening marine layer can make nights here feel much cooler than inland Del Rey.
03
Best for young kids
Marina Beach (Mother's Beach)
Marina Del Rey • Protected Harbor Beach • Great With Small Kids And Cautious Swimmers
A calm, protected cove with almost no waves, popular with families who want easy swimming and sand play.
Tucked inside Marina del Rey’s harbor, this small beach swaps surf for still water, making it a go-to for toddlers, paddleboard beginners, and anyone nervous about ocean waves. There’s a playground, picnic tables, and nearby cafes, so you can turn a quick splash into a full half-day outing. Parking can be tight on sunny weekends, so going earlier in the day from Del Rey pays off.
04
Best boardwalk scene
Venice Beach
North Along The Coast • Iconic Boardwalk Beach • Best For People-Watching And Skatepark Energy
A lively stretch of sand backing onto a nonstop boardwalk of street performers, skaters, and murals.
Venice is the spot when you want your beach time mixed with street art, music, and a constantly changing crowd. You can walk the sand, check out the skatepark, then hop onto the Marvin Braude bike path to cruise back toward Del Rey. It can feel chaotic and crowded, so locals often aim for earlier mornings or weekdays if they want more space and easier parking.
05
Best classic day trip
Santa Monica State Beach
Santa Monica Shoreline • Classic Socal Family Beach • Great All-Rounder For First-Time Visitors
A broad, well-serviced beach anchored by the Santa Monica Pier, ideal when you want sand plus attractions.
A short drive or bike ride up the coast from Del Rey, Santa Monica offers the full postcard package: wide sand, lifeguard stands, a busy pier, and plenty of food and shopping a few steps away. It’s a smart pick when you’re hosting out-of-town guests or juggling different interests within one group. Expect heavier crowds and higher parking prices than at the quieter neighborhood beaches closer to Del Rey.