Beach Hotels in Marina del Rey, CA

A harbor community, Marina del Rey is known for its many beaches and marinas. The marina has been home to some of the world's most famous yachts, including Katharine Hepburn's "Africa," and Frank Sinatra's "Nuestra Señora" (Our Lady).

Today, many visitors flock to the Venice Canals. These man-made waterways were created in 1905 when Kinney turned an area of marshland into a resort town for wealthy Californians. Although the canals are lined with restaurants and shops today, they were originally built to provide drinking water for the residents of Venice Beach (which was known as Ocean Park at that time). They’ve also served as the backdrop for many movies, including Pretty Woman.

No trip to Marina del Rey would be complete without a stroll down the infamous Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Minutes away from the best beach hotels in Marina del Rey, this famous road has long been a haven for independent, small, and eclectic boutiques. Also known for its art, revel in the many murals that line the avenue. And just a few blocks over is the ever-popular Venice sign; be sure to get your camera ready!

The beaches in Marina del Rey are a great place to spend the day and among the most popular are Dockweiler Beach and Playa del Rey. The beach at Dockweiler has free public parking. The water is clean, calm, and shallow enough to walk out into without getting too deep. This is great for parents with young children who want to go swimming but don't want them swimming far out into the ocean. Added bonus: beach bonfires are legal! The fire pits are already there, so you just need to bring charcoal and snacks.

On the other side of the Ballona Jetty lies Playa Del Rey Beach. Not far from the top beach hotels in Marina del Rey, it’s regarded as Los Angeles’ best-kept secret, touting a more private feel as it carries less crowds and more seclusion.

After a day at the beach, head over to Fisherman's Village, located on the marina. A collection of shops, restaurants, and bars, this picturesque waterfront location has a New England feel, and an array of dining options for every palette.

If you want to escape the crowds, head to the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. A great place to see birds and other wildlife, the trails here aren’t strenuous like the ones in the mountains, so you don’t need to be an avid hiker to explore. You can simply walk along the edge of a trail for an easy day trip or spend hours there taking photos, enjoying nature and learning about this unique ecosystem.

Don't forget to check out our beach hotels nearby in Santa Monica and Huntington Beach.