Winter Break in MDR Itinerary Ideas

November 25, 2022

What to do for winter break in MDR? Below are 5 itinerary ideas to help plan your visit to L.A.’s Marina. For those seeking laid-back resort vibes and waterfront hotels and restaurants, Marina del Rey is a gem worth considering for your next trip. It also helps that we’re conveniently located 4 miles north of LAX Airport. If you’re visiting family or planning a Los Angeles vacation, this post is for you. Or if you’re local and wondering what to do with the kiddos, this is also for you. Scroll below for things to do during winter break in MDR.

Don’t miss the annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10th at 6 pm. Click here for more details.

Whale Watching Adventure

The three hour whale watching and nature cruise goes into the deep blue sea in search of grey whales, humpbacks and orcas. The chances of seeing gray whales traveling between Mexico and Alaska are greater during the winter, especially along the L.A. coastline.

Public tours run daily. Choose from a 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. departure. Click button to make reservations.

After the tour, relax by the sea and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants in Fisherman's Village. Stay for the free Weekend Concerts held on Sundays, 1-4 p.m.

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View of hotel pool, palm trees, beach and buildings next to sandy beach

Beach Day & Outdoor Movie

Winter in Los Angeles is usually mild, especially when the sun is shining. Plan for a beach day to catch some rays, let the kids run free, or play on the beach playground at Marina "Mother's" Beach. Click button for more information.

If you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from ProSUP Shop just steps from the sand.

Time your beach day visit with one of the weekly outdoor movies at Jamaica Bay Inn. This boutique hotel next to the beach is offering holiday-themed movies on the lawn. Click here for more information.

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Bike & Shop

Walking in L.A. happens but so does riding a bike, especially in and around Marina del Rey. Explore the Westside neighborhood on two wheels along the 22-mile Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail.

From MDR, you can pedal south to Manhattan Beach Pier (about 10 miles; 50 minutes one-way) or north to Santa Monica Pier (4 miles; 20 minutes one-way).

There are plenty of shops and cafes along the way including the weekly Marina del Rey Farmers Market on Saturdays, 9-2 p.m. Or, enjoy retail therapy at Waterside Shops located along the harbor and the bike path in Marina del Rey. Click button for the bike map.

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Sunset Picnic & Marina Lights

Pack a picnic basket, bundle up and enjoy a sunset picnic at Burton Chace Park during the festive Marina Lights display. Pick up food at local restaurants nearby including Trader Joe's just a block away from Burton Chace Park. Arrive before the sun goes down for a stroll and watch sea lions lounging on the docks. Click button for more information on Burton Chace Park holiday festivities.

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Group of people sitting inside duffy boat in the ocean

Rent a Duffy Boat

Does a picnic on the water float your boat? Then, rent a duffy boat by the hour (approximately $304 for two hours) and invite up to 11 of your closest friends and family to explore the harbor. The duffy boat is an electric boat that only requires a valid driver's license. Bring your own snacks, drinks and music—there's a bluetooth speaker aboard. Click button for more information.

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Bonus - Explore Nearby: Venice Canals

L.A.'s Marina is within walking distance to the Venice canals—a small neighborhood in Los Angeles with paved walkways and foot bridges. Stretch your legs while you take a peek at luxurious homes along the water.

After walking through the canals, head toward world-famous shopping street, Abbott Kinney. This mile long strip features eclectic shops, fashion boutiques, art galleries and artisan eateries.

Click button to view the bike map. Both areas above are bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly.

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