Mother’s Beach, Marina del Rey
Summer, summer, summertime…It’s getting hot in here…I have a medley of summer jams playing in my head because it’s heat wave status here in LA. I may be exaggerating a bit but for Los Angeles weather in May we’ve felt the scorcher and this mama needs the sea breeze. The heat brings a smile to my face because it means an early start to beach season! Gather your keiki aka urban beach babies and beach gear and let’s go.
My toes have already hit the sand thanks to a few LA heat waves earlier this year. After the very first beach outing with my daughter I knew fun in the sun had a new twist and it’s pretty sweet. I get to be a kid again with sandcastles and digging for hidden treasures. My daughter absolutely loves to play in the sand yet isn’t crazy about walking in the sand. We’ll work on this because I know she will be my future shell seeker buddy.
My urban beach baby discovering sand
I may have already created a sun bunny monster because my mini me gets cabin fever every sunny day. The best way to treat a sun bunny monster is with a beach tour. I hope you’ll join me on this tour as I share with you my top picks for local kid-friendly beaches. Today’s feature beach is probably my daughter’s favorite spot.
Mother’s Beach, Marina del Rey (located on Admiralty Way)
Several beach cities have their own version of “mother’s beach”, a safe fun in the sun zone for the keiki. This is my go-to beach when I get that I must go now ache for the salty air and sand. It may be my Type A Capricorn personality but I have my own list of beach preferences and convenience is at the top of the list. If you’re taking the keiki on a solo beach outing or a family adventure you won’t beat the convenience of Mother’s Beach. You can park and be on the sand with your little one within minutes.
What I love about this beach:
Convenient parking – 20 minute curbside parking. Literally park and step down to the sand. This is perfect for the days when I have the beach ache and must see the water to make my soul smile. For longer beach visits, there are a few paid parking lots within walking distance without crossing a major street. All options are doable when you’re carrying a child and a billion beach essentials.
Crowd free and hassle free – the comfort level is off the charts here. Mother’s Beach is a quiet cove, a no surf zone where you feel miles away from urban living. Condominiums are within eye sight but you don’t hear the noise and don’t feel the crowd frenzy. This beach provides such a mental break and escape from the city life yet it’s still convenient. I’ve been here on weekdays and weekends and it’s never been more than a handful of people enjoying the beach with me. You don’t have to get here at sunrise to secure a piece of the sand and strategically lay out your towels. There’s nothing worse than having your zen moment interrupted by a loud caravan of people spreading their towels inches away.
Action in the sand with our little dance and water action with paddle boarding.
I hope I’ve painted a pretty picture of Mother’s Beach but don’t mistake the serenity for dull and boring. This beach is fun for the tiniest keiki, the water babies and adventure seekers. Board rentals, equipment and lessons are available. I personally like to watch people paddle boarding and kayaking from my piece of heaven aka my beach towel but for those who need something more, Mother’s Beach is ready for you.