Dockweiler State Beach

PLEASE NOTE: The fire pits are open again (limited number available as of 6/1/21). The main parking entrance at Imperial Hwy closes at 6 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  

Located about 3 miles south of Playa del Rey, this inviting beach features 3 miles of shoreline, an RV park, and over 2,000 regular vehicle parking spaces. The wide sandy beach lies beneath the departures flight path of LAX, offering fantastic belly views of airlines headed out over the Pacific. The lot entrance is at Vista del Mar and Imperial Highway.

DOCKWEILER STATE BEACH PARKING INFORMATION

Parking at Dockweiler State Beach costs between $7 (weekday, low season) and $9 (weekend, low season) and $9 (weekday, high season) $13 (weekend, high season) and there are no in/outs. If you leave the lot, you must pay again to enter. There is limited street parking on Vista del Mar, but take note of the parking signage. Click for an interactive parking map with fees and times. **PLEASE NOTE: The main parking entrance at Imperial Hwy closes at 6 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  

RV PARK

Road trippers should have L.A. County’s only beachfront RV park on the itinerary! The site offers 118 full hook-up spaces, a pump-out station, hot showers, and a laundromat. Click here for reservation information.

BONFIRES AT DOCKWEILER STATE BEACH

There’s no better way to end a fun day at the beach than to circle up around a cozy bonfire. Not all California beaches allow bonfires, but here in the Marina del Rey area, we’re lucky that Dockweiler State Beach does permit regulated burns in provided fire rings. Follow these tips to ensure your group has an enjoyable time.

1. If you want a pit, arrive early. From May through September, the pits are in high demand, especially on the weekends, and there are some diehards who arrive at dawn to claim their spots for the entire day. You cannot reserve fire pits as you would a campsite. Do not leave your pit unattended, even for a quick dip in the ocean – if you do, don’t be surprised to find another group has taken over the site. There are between 60 – 80 fire pits located just north and south of where Vista del Mar intersects with Imperial Highway. That sounds like a lot, but consider that Dockweiler is also home to an RV park, and you’re all competing for space.
2. Bring everything you need – wood, s’mores, snacks, et cetera (see “Your Packing List” below). 
3. The beach and all amenities close at midnight.
4. Before you leave, snuff out the flame with water. Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure that everything is saturated. Do not use sand to distinguish the fire, as it creates a mess for the next guest.

YOUR PACKING LIST

• Wood and charcoal (wood for that nice bonfire and charcoal for cooking – see below about barbecue rules). Both can be purchased at Ralph’s grocery stores: 4700 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey; 8701 Lincoln Boulevard, Playa del Rey. Only burn clean wood (nothing treated with paint, chemicals, etc.) in the pits.
• Firestarter and a lighter. You can purchase kindling from most any grocery, home supply, or sporting-goods store. Or, prepare your own starter with this old-school camping craft: Fill a cardboard egg carton with dryer lint, wood shavings, paper shreds, or other ignitable materials. Pour a small amount of melted candle wax into each cup to make things stay put. Break off cups individually and place into your wood stack. Light the cardboard cups and watch how easy your fire takes off – even in the wind.
• If barbecuing, note that large stand-up barbeques are NOT allowed on the sand or in the parking lots. However, you can bring a low-profile version and place it inside the fire ring.
• Long-handle grilling sticks. These are great for cooking hot dogs and kabobs and roasting marshmallows.
• Hot glove or mitt. Don’t ruin your night with a burn from handling hot wood, pots, or grills. Items like the Ove Glove offer protection while still allowing dexterity.
• Food! Doubt you’ll forget this, but you may want a separate checklist so that you remember all the elements for your meal. It’s easy to overlook things like serving spoons, plastic utensils, salt and pepper, napkins or wet wipes, and containers for leftovers. Paper plates are great for cookouts since they’re ok to burn in the fire afterward.
• Camp/beach table. Depending on the size of your group, you may prefer to set up your dinner fixings buffet style on a simple folding table. Whatever you bring, remember that you’ll need to carry it across the sand to the pit and back to the parking lot at the end of your evening. So only take what you really need.
• You’ll want a beverage cooler with ice, especially if you heed our warning and arrive early in the day to claim your spot. A bag to hold discarded recyclables is a good idea, too.
• Comfort items. Ask each person in your group to bring his or her own beach chair or picnic blanket. Remind them that despite warm daytime temps, the beach cools down a lot at night; having extra blankets and jackets is a smart move.

Click here to read beach rules and regulations at LA County Beaches including Dockweiler State Beach.