Seize the day! Sun, sand, and family fun…
Last week, we explored a SoCal travel gem in Marina Del Rey, California. We didn’t have to travel far for this fabulous mini getaway! In fact, it was only an hour drive out of OC for the perfect family “daycation.”
This adorable and colorful beach town combines a picture perfect marina, excellent waterfront restaurants, and numerous summer activities.
It was so nice to just get a away, disconnect, and feel like we are somewhere abroad…
Disclosure : A special thanks to Marina Del Rey CVB for hosting our wonderful family daycation. All opinions are my own.
We started our day at 7:15 a.m. at dock 52, for some sport fishing with Spitfire Sportsfishing! (it was easy to find parking in the early am).
We told the staff we were newbies at fishing, and were extremely patient and helpful with hooking our bait and casting our lines.
Here are some helpful tips if you plan on fishing with Spitfire Sportsfishing:
- A California fishing license is required. (it can be purchased on the boat)
- You can bring your own ice chest to pack your “catch of the day”
- Pack your own food and drinks
- Pack jackets- it can get really cold in the marina
- Carry cash on hand. No credit cards or debit cards are accepted for the excursion
- Delicious & fresh food is available on boat (cash only)
- Fishing equipment included in price of excursion
- Fish can be cut and cleaned for $1 dollar a fish
Conveniently located in Marina Del Rey, CA. The 65’ x22 ft. United States Coast Guard inspected Vessel Spitfire runs daily, year round out of Marina Del Rey Sportfishing . Built in the mid 1990’s the Spitfire is a fast ,modern, roomy fishing vessel with state of the art fish finding electronics and large bait capacity. The grade A galley seats 25 comfortably and serves hot and cold meals as well as ice cold beer and soda.
Within minutes of arriving at our ocean destination, we felt our lines tug. My son’s smile was ear to ear when he caught his very first fish. “Look mom, I did it!” ~ Simply priceless.
The ocean breeze and the crisp air was refreshing. Oh and the views were simply stunning!
Check her out! In no time, we were catching 2-3 fish at a time…
By the end of our fishing tour, we caught about 50+ fish! Never in our wildest dreams, did we think we could catch so many. It was a wonderful bonding experience and we can’t wait to do it again!
Next… After our fishing trip, we decided to eat brunch at Beachside.
To our bellies delight, Beachside offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. It was difficult to decide on breakfast or lunch, because everything on the menu sounded so good. So we ordered both!
We sat in front of the marina, and enjoyed the sensational view. We could see families on the sand playing and laughing. The sea breeze kissed our cheeks. It was sooo nice!
These Crab Cakes Benedict (above) were covered in a rich cream sauce. They sat on garden fresh arugula.
About Beachside
Located on waterfront in Marina del Rey, the newly redesigned Beachside Restaurant & Bar offers fresh California cuisine and innovative creations for a savory menu in an unparalleled beachfront setting. Executive Chef Victor Morales takes Marina del Rey seafood restaurant to the next level by creating decadent and thought-provoking dishes, using only the best seasonal ingredients available, providing a truly unique culinary experience for patrons to dive into.
My Tori daughter devoured her Lobster Pasta within minutes. The al dente pasta was prepared in a rich sauce, and was delectably garnished with lobster tails, and fresh peas.
The crispy chicken and waffles was insane delcious! The bread was toasted to perfection, and melted in my mouth. The fried chicken absorbed the sweet syrup perfectly.
Last, we hit “Mother’s” Beach for a stand-up paddleboard experience with Pro SUP
Shop, located in the rental truck at the far end of the Jamaica Bay Inn parking lot.
Our friendly guide, showed us the beauty of Marina Del Rey, giving us a personal tour of the scenic views. Sea lions greeted us with their presence, and gondolas past us by. A very in love elderly couple held hands and greeted us as we paddled by. It was just beautiful.
The calm flat water of Mother’s Beach, Marina Del Rey is the best place in the Los Angeles area to learn the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and kayaking, Pro SUP Shop’s professional ASI & WPA Certified Instructors will help guide you into the fastest growing water sport in the world! Everyone sent out at Pro SUP Shop receives a lesson of instruction and safety procedures.
Pro SUP Shop is located in the Jamaica Bay Inn parking lot right on the enclosed waveless beach for hassle free stand up paddle board and kayak rentals. We’ll have your board or kayak on the beach and ready to go in just minutes.
4175 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
1-310-989-4350; https://www.prosupshop.com
Marina Del Rey is a SoCal hidden gem, and our summer “daycation” was perfect. Our family will forever cherish this day in our hearts.
