Playa Del Rey Beach: The King's Beach
Escape to the serene shores of Playa Del Rey Beach, a hidden gem in Los Angeles offering a tranquil retreat and a variety of outdoor activities.
Playa Del Rey Beach, whose name translates to 'Beach of the King' in Spanish, is a wide, sandy beach located in the Playa Del Rey neighborhood of Los Angeles. Situated northwest of LAX Airport, south of Marina Del Rey, and at the northern end of Dockweiler State Beach, it offers a less crowded alternative to other popular beaches in the area. Originally a wetland and sand dune area, Playa Del Rey underwent significant development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. An attempt to create a dredged harbor in the 1870s ultimately failed due to winter waves and flooding, leaving behind the Del Rey Lagoon, now a public park. In the early 1900s, Playa Del Rey emerged as a beach resort destination, featuring a grand hotel, swimming plunge, and various attractions. Today, Playa Del Rey Beach is a haven for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, beach walks, and bike rides along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand. The beach also offers opportunities for water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. A grassy park adjacent to the beach features a lagoon, playground, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. While Playa Del Rey was once a renowned surfing spot, the construction of rock jetties to prevent beach erosion altered the waves, making it less ideal for surfing. However, a small section of the beach, known as 'Toes Over Beach,' still attracts local surfers. The beach's proximity to LAX does result in some noise from overhead airplanes. Despite this, Playa Del Rey Beach remains a beloved destination for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure parking in the nearby lots or along the streets.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong California sun.
- Take a walk or bike ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail for scenic ocean views and access to other nearby beaches.
- Visit the Ballona Wetlands, a protected ecological reserve near the beach, to spot diverse wildlife and enjoy a peaceful nature walk.
- Check for water runoff from Ballona Creek and potential emergency water releases from the Hyperion treatment plant.
A brief summary to Playa Del Rey Beach
- 7313-7351 S Marine Ave, Playa Del Rey, Playa del Rey, California, 90293, US
- Visit website
Getting There
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Driving
If driving from the 405 Freeway, exit at West Manchester Avenue and follow the signs to Playa Del Rey. Parking is available in nearby lots and along the streets. Parking rates vary, with metered street parking costing $0.25 per 10 minutes (up to 90 minutes). All-day rates in lots range from $6-$13. Be aware that parking can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
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Public Transport
Several bus lines serve Playa Del Rey Beach. The 115 and 16 buses stop near the beach at Culver / Pacific and Culver EB & Vista Del Mar Ns. A single fare for the bus is $1.75. You can use a TAP card for fare payment. From Downtown Los Angeles, you can take the tram and the 115 bus to reach the beach, with a total cost of around $6.
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Ride-sharing
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient way to reach Playa Del Rey Beach. A ride from LAX to Playa Del Rey typically costs between $20 and $30, depending on traffic and demand. A ride from Downtown Los Angeles can range from $65-$85.
