Situated on the northern end of Dockweiler State Beach, and fifteen minutes away from LAX, Playa Del Rey Beach offers a wide array of activities and amenities with the added benefit of smaller crowds than almost any other beach in Los Angeles County.
The neighborhood of Playa del Rey is located in the center of Silicon Beach, and as such has seen an increase in rent and property values in recent years, but Playa del Rey Beach remains a peaceful and picturesque destination for swimmers, sunbathers, and those who want to enjoy a day outside.
Activities
1. Swimming: Playa del Rey Beach is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean, with its sandy beach and gentle waves that make it ideal for swimming or wading.
2. Surfing: The area around Playa del Rey Beach has some of the best surfing spots in Los Angeles County.
3. Fishing: Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, fishing at Playa del Rey Beach can be fun and rewarding. You may even catch your dinner if you’re lucky!
4. Kite Flying: The steady winds off the ocean make Playa del Rey Beach one of the most popular places to fly kites.
5. Volleyball: Grab your friends for a friendly game of volleyball at one of many dedicated areas along Playa del Rey Beach.
6. Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Rentals are available from local businesses near Playa del Rey Beach and allow you to explore the nearby coastline.
There are sections of the beach that allows campers and trailers, as well as barbecues which is a rare liberty on L.A. county beaches.
Amenities
One of the best amenities at Playa del Rey Beach is its bike path which runs from Marina Del Ray to Ballona Creek along the beachfront. You and your family can explore the area on two wheels while taking in stunning views of the ocean and nearby wetlands. The nearby Ballona Wetlands provide additional out door adventure including:
- bird watching
- kayaking
- fishing
- hiking trails
- educational programs about local wildlife species
There are multiple parking lots and street spots on Pacific Avenue available for free parking. No dogs are allowed on the beach.
Nearby Attractions
Overnight accommodations are available at the newly-constructed Inn at Playa del Rey on Culver Boulevard, just a short walk from Playa del Rey Beach.
LAX is just a 15-minute drive away from Playa del Rey Beach.
Playa del Rey Beach is a section of Dockweiler State Beach. Dockweiler State Beach offers overnight camping and RV sites, as well as boating, bike trials, scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
Dockweiler Beach Youth Center offers free arts and crafts classes to kids on Saturday mornings in the summer, and there are bike and skate rentals available so that you can enjoy the five miles of bike path that run from Ballona Creek down to Manhattan Beach.
Fun Facts
The north end of Playa del Rey Beach is known as “Toes Beach” by locals. The name is derived from the surfing term “hang ten”, which is when a surfer hangs ten toes off of their board.
Due to its proximity to the airport, you can get a close look at an airplane as it makes its ascent if you hang out on the southern section of the beach.
A wide array of wildlife can be found at the nearby Ballona Wetlands, including some endangered species, such as the El Segundo blue butterfly, and the California least tern, which is why birdwatchers frequent Playa del Rey Beach.
Details
Address: 7313-7351 S Marine Ave, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Location: Pacific Avenue and Culver Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Season: Year round
Website: parks.ca.gov/?page_id=617
