Paddle boarding:  Whether your a pro or trying it out for the first time the Marina is the place to go!  You can get lessons or just set out on your own.  Its a great way to have some fun, sun, and exercise.  Businesses set up next to Mothers Beach and Fisherman's Village can help you out.  Other locations may be cheaper away from the water but then you have to transport the equipment yourself to the water instead of having it all right there for you. 


Motor boat rental:  Fishermans Village in the Marina has boats you can rent by the hour that vary in power.  Whether your looking for a nice slow cruise or you want to move a little faster you can find it here. 


Deep Sea Fishing:  A lot of people fish on the pier or along the canal, but if you're looking for something a little more exciting you can go on 1/2 and full day trips.


Surfing:  There is always people surfing, from sunrise to sunset you find people out enjoying themselves.  Whether body surfing or long boarding you're sure to have fun.  


    

Water Activities


The possibilities are endless from body surfing to deep sea fishing to paddle boarding you can take lessons or just rent equipment to have fun on your own!  

Beach Fun!



  Tips!!!


  1.  Although it barely rains in Southern California when it does you should stay out of the water for 3-5 days depending on how hard it rains.  This gives the ocean time to filter any runoff. 
  2. The Pacific ocean is COLD!  So although we all swim in it, it takes a little getting used to.  Surfers should wear a wet suit.
  3. The sand can get HOT!  If the weather is really hot, beach shoes or socks might come in handy!  
  4. Parking at the beach can be hectic and expensive so if your willing, park a few blocks away from the beach and walk (just make sure you read all the street parking rules) or better yet ride your bike to the beach!
  5. The weather along the beaches has its own climate!  In the morning you may have a marine layer (fog) over the beach while the rest of LA is hot and sunny!  Don't worry this happens, it usually will burn off before noon.
  6. Most beaches do not allow dogs, bbqs, smoking and alcohol.  Dockweiler in Playa Del Rey is the only legal place to bbq and has multiple fire pits for you to use.  If you want to bbq at other beaches you have to do so in the parking lot.  
  7. There are lots of trash cans on the beach so please clean up after your day of fun!
  8. If you stay to watch the sunset bring a long sleeve shirt!  It cools down quickly.   


California is known for its laid back beach lifestyle and getting out to the beach is a must for everyone!  Even if you don't want to go for a swim, there are plenty of other activities to keep you happy!  From exploring the Santa Monica Pier to deep sea fishing, to people watching, the beach areas are sure to keep you entertained!


Locations


The Santa Monica Pier:  This is a sure winner for anyone visiting and a must do once, even if its just to say "Hey I was there!", when you see it on TV.  There are a collection of restaurants on and next to the pier to grab a bite or drink while enjoying the ocean experience.  There are rides, an arcade, stores, and a Sea Life

Where you can play in the ocean breeze




exhibit under the pier.  The Pier is also great during the summer months for a series of free concerts right on the pier! 


Fisherman's Village in Marina Del Rey:  This area is a good place to check out if your interested in any sort of boating activities from renting boats to catching a evening dinner cruise to deep sea fishing excursions.  You can even go for a party boat ride, parasail, or whale watching cruise.  There are also a variety of restaurant's here ranging from El Toritos with a 8 hour happy hour and $1.50 taco Tuesdays to Whiskey Reds, or checkout a Hornblower Cruises for a nice sunset dinner.  On Sundays there is usually some kind of band playing jazz or something fun and you will find people sitting enjoying the music or even dancing!


Mothers Beach:  This is a small beach located at the end of the marina.  This park has a picnic area and playground.  This beach is good for people that want to wade in the water without having any waves or surf, good for families with young kids.  In this area you can also find paddle boards and row boats to rent. 


Venice Beach:  When you see a beach scene from LA its usually from the Santa Monica pier or from Venice beach.  Venice Beach is a mixture of wonderful and crazy!  Here you will find all walks of life enjoying the beach and boardwalk together. Here you can visit the Venice Beach Freak Show, the skate park, Muscle Beach, get entertained by one of the many street performers, people watch and dine in one of many restaurants, cafes or bars.  Venice beach can be wonderful or overwhelming, so go with a open mind and you will have a great time!  This is a great place to buy a keepsake including pictures and artworks, many being done right in front of you (I even saw a man making great art with a piece of wood and a magnifying glass!).  At the end of Washington Blvd. is a collection of restaurants, bars, bike rental shops and the Venice Pier. 









Beach Activities


Surfing:  All year long you can find surfers enjoying the waves.  Surfboard rental

 

Swimming:  The water is cold and refreshing on a hot day.  Be aware of what life guards stands are manned (you can tell by the raised American flag) and obey all directions posted (some areas may be surfing or swimming only, and some areas may be closed).

 

Biking:  All along the waterfront is a bike path that stretches 22 miles from the northern end of Santa Monica south all the to Torrance Beach. 



 

Workout: You jog, bike, swim, walk, play handball, workout at muscle beach (Facebook page) or at one of the areas that has bars, rings and ropes! 


Paddle board:  Learn to paddle board and get a great workout on the water!  In Marina Del Rey harbor is a good place to rent paddle boards.


Volleyball:  There are many volley ball courts set up along the beach.


Parasailing:  500- 800 ft above the water wow!  Check out Marina Del Rey Parasailing


Hang gliding:  Learn to hang glide at Dockweiler Beach!  Start on the small dune and when ready transfer to the mountains!    


Relax!:  The beach is a great place for families and anyone in general to come and relax in the sun and cool ocean breeze!  Lay out some towels, put up a umbrella, bring a cooler full of cold drinks and snacks and just let your worries melt away for a bit!