Kayak the Marina Del Rey Harbor

The Marina Del Rey harbor covers 1.5 square miles making it the world’s largest small-craft harbor. Located southwest of Los Angeles, it is the homeport to nearly 6,500 local boats, ranging from small fishing boats, large private yachts, and even a multitude of unique houseboats. The harbor is easily accessed via Admiralty Way, one street west of Lincoln Blvd. Renting a kayak in the harbor is easy, with many businesses in the area offering hourly rentals on not just kayaks but paddle boards, motor boats and sail boats. Parking in some areas is free while other places have paid parking lots; so make sure to contact your rental company about where to park.

A great place to begin your journey is at Marina (Mother's) Beach located on the northwest side of the marina off of Palawan Way. It is free to park and launch your personal kayak and there is a rental shop on the corner. From here you can begin you adventure and start exploring the marina. I recommend paddling the entire perimeter of the marina, roughly a 2-hour excursion. Start by heading south and exploring each basin/dock, each is filled with a multitude of spectacular and charismatic boats, and more than likely a few slumbering sea lions. Farther south the marina begins to turn right/west towards the breakwater (a large wall made of rock with an American flag in the middle). Beyond this point is the open ocean and it is not recommended to venture out unless you have proper equipment and training. Once you have returned to the dock you can explore the areas many eateries, such as Beachside Restaurant Bar, for a much-deserved burger and beer.