01
Best for families with small kids
Marina Beach (Mother's Beach)
Marina Del Rey Harbor • Calm Family Cove • Sheltered Water And Easy Access
A sheltered, no-surf lagoon that’s ideal for kids and paddle craft just off Admiralty Way.
Locals call it Mother’s Beach for a reason: the water is flat, shallow, and patrolled in summer, so little ones can splash without battling waves. There’s a small playground, grassy picnic spots, and easy parking, making it an effortless base for a low-stress beach day. Rent a kayak or SUP from nearby outfitters if you want to explore the marina without leaving this calm pocket.
02
Best quiet oceanfront stretch
Marina Peninsula Beach
Marina Peninsula • Residential Oceanfront Beach • Low-Key Sand Near The Jetty
A narrow, mellow strip of sand with real ocean waves but far fewer crowds than Venice Beach to the north.
Tucked behind condo-lined streets, this beach feels like a locals’ backyard: wide enough for a towel and a game of paddleball, but rarely packed. Walk south toward the jetty for views back over the marina entrance and north toward the Venice Pier for more activity. There are no shops on the sand here, so pack what you need or plan a detour up to Washington Boulevard.
03
Best classic LA beach scene
Venice Beach
Venice • Iconic Boardwalk And Surf Beach • Lively, High-Energy Waterfront
The archetypal LA beach, mixing surf breaks, street performers, and a buzzing oceanfront boardwalk.
From Marina del Rey, it’s an easy bike ride or quick drive up to Venice, where the scene shifts to full-on spectacle. The broad sandy beach is great for swimming and surfing, while the boardwalk stacks on skate parks, Muscle Beach, and endless people-watching. Go early for easier parking and softer light, then linger for golden-hour photos by the Venice Pier.
04
Best relaxed neighborhood vibe
Playa del Rey Beach
Playa Del Rey • Laid-Back Local Strand • Quiet Escapes And Long Walks
A wide, often under-the-radar beach backed by bluffs and beach houses, perfect for slower-paced days.
Just south of the marina, Playa del Rey feels removed from the hustle, with spacious sand and a mellow, mostly local crowd. The bike path runs right along the strand, so it’s easy to mix a ride with a barefoot walk at the waterline. Street parking can fill on sunny weekends, but it’s still far less hectic than the bigger names up the coast.
05
Best for bonfires and sunsets
Dockweiler State Beach
South Of Playa Del Rey • Wide State Beach With Fire Rings • Evening Hangout By The Runway
A broad, open beach famous for its concrete fire pits and dramatic sunset views under the LAX flight path.
If your perfect beach day runs into night, Dockweiler is the spot, thanks to its long row of first-come fire rings right on the sand. Families, friends, and locals gather with blankets, s’mores supplies, and coolers to watch the sun drop while planes climb overhead. Aim to arrive before late afternoon on weekends to snag parking and a fire ring close to the water.