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What's new and next in L.A.'s Marina! |
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New Year, New Destination: Make the Marina Yours
By Catrina Love
Each new year brings a chance to start fresh—and this year, I invite you to rediscover a place you may think you already know: Marina del Rey.
Yes, it’s home to some of our biggest summer events. But even in the quieter months, the Marina offers countless ways to relax, recharge, and reconnect. Take a walk along the harbor and watch the boats roll in. Treat yourself to a waterfront brunch. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or even chartering a boat for a day of sightseeing. Want something a little more adventurous? Consider a sailing lesson or sportfishing with friends and family.
As someone passionate about creating joyful, welcoming spaces for all Los Angeles communities, I want more people to see the Marina not just as a seasonal destination, but as a year-round coastal gem. Whether you’re coming from across the County or around the corner, you’ll find fresh air, good food, water recreation, and the calming rhythm of the water waiting for you here.
Let’s make 2026 the year more of us embrace L.A.’s Marina—whether for special occasions or to enjoy the day by the water.
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Catrina Love, Division Chief, Community & Marketing Services, Department of Beaches and Harbors
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 Make Waves in the New Year
If your New Year's resolution is to get out on the water, Marina del Rey should be your first stop.
As one of the largest publicly owned small craft harbors in the world, L.A.'s Marina offers year-round aquatic adventures from sportfishing and sailing to rowing and yacht charters. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced boater, there's something for everyone.
Want a more casual day trip? Try whale-watching or fishing excursions. Fishing is permitted at the Marina's north and south jetties with a valid fishing license.
Licenses, bait, and tackle are easy to purchase at various stores in the Marina, if needed. Anglers can also bring their own gear. For current fishing rules and licensing information, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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Calling All Young Artists
The Department of Beaches and Harbors’ annual Can the Trash! Clean Beach Poster Contest is now open to all LA County students in grades 3–5.
Fifteen winners—one from each grade level in each of the five Supervisorial districts—will have their artwork printed on beach trash barrels to inspire others to keep our coast clean.
Students are encouraged to draw a bold, colorful poster that shows how we can protect our beaches and oceans from pollution. The submission deadline has been extended to February 28, so get your crayons, markers, or paintbrushes ready!
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 Photo courtesy: Marine Mammal Care Center
Rey, the Sea Lion, Returns to the Wild
A young California sea lion named Rey—named by DBH staff in honor of Marina del Rey—was released back to the ocean on Jan. 14 after making a full recovery at the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) in San Pedro.
Rescued near Malibu at just five months old, Rey was too young to survive alone and arrived underweight and malnourished. After initial stabilization by the California Wildlife Center, he was transferred to MMCC, where he progressed from tube feeding to catching live fish—an essential skill for survival.
Though not rescued or released in Marina del Rey, Rey’s name is a proud nod to our coastal community and the shared responsibility we all have in protecting marine life. Over the course of two months, Rey more than doubled in size, regained strength, and passed his final health exam after being cleared for release.
MMCC is the only year-round marine mammal hospital in LA County, authorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to respond to marine mammals in distress along the entire county coastline. With limited natural shoreline left, many sick or injured animals come ashore on crowded beaches—creating unique challenges for both wildlife and people.
Since 1992, MMCC has cared for over 8,000 animals and relies on community support to continue its vital work.
To learn more and support future rescues like Rey’s, visit marinemammalcare.org.
 Photo courtesy: Marine Mammal Care Center
The Department of Beaches and Harbors has partnered with MMCC on a mobile community outreach and education hub at Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
MMCC volunteers engage with the public at this weekly hub on topics related to marine mammals, ocean conservation, and actions that people can take to protect marine mammals and their ocean home.
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Shaping the Shores of Tomorrow
 Marina del Rey and Los Angeles County’s beaches are among the most iconic in the country—and it takes dedicated stewardship to keep them accessible, resilient, and thriving.
In a recent episode of Shaping Shores, a centennial podcast from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA), Department of Beaches and Harbors’ Director Gary Jones reflected on what it means to care for more than 25 miles of public coastline and the generations of Angelenos who rely on it.
“Some of the most rewarding moments in this role are seeing young people learning to swim at Marina ‘Mother’s’ Beach,” said Jones, who also serves as the President of ASBPA. These moments are powerful reminders of why long-term planning, equitable access, and youth programs are vital to connecting communities to the coast.
Jones also leads ASBPA’s broader mission to preserve, protect, and enhance our coasts through science-informed public policy that supports community protection, economic strength, ecological health, and public recreation.
Efforts like Marina del Rey for All build on this vision by ensuring that everyone—regardless of zip code—can connect with LA’s coastal resources and help shape their future.
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Feel the Beat of the Drum:
Dragon Boats Return to the Marina!
Don’t miss the 5th Annual Marina del Rey Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, March 7, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Burton Chace Park. Watch 40 teams race across the harbor and enjoy a full day of free family fun—including arts and crafts, cultural performances, entertainment, and food truck fare.
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