Ballona Lagoon

Such a relaxing and beautiful stroll in the Marina Del Rey/Venice area! 

Park in Marina Del Rey #13 lot (4601 Vía Marina, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292). Don't forget to pay the meter! The rate as of 2021 is $0.50/15mins, or $6 for 24hrs on weekdays, and $8 for 24hrs on weekends. 

Once parked, walk south on the sidewalk towards the marina. Turn right once you get to Vía Marina street, and head west on the sidewalk, past Vía Donte (the next cross street), until you see a small entrance to a dirt trail on your right. The trail is on the east side of Ballona Lagoon, and there is an informative sign posted there about the plants of Ballona Lagoon.

Head up this trail, and it will lead you north, right alongside the east edge of the Lagoon for about .6mi. The trail is very well-kept, mostly flat (there is maybe two sets of 3 stairs) and sandy. Keep an eye out for native vegetation that is re-growing along the banks of the Lagoon, some small fish in the water, Great Egrets (one-meter tall birds!), and more while you walk!

Once you walk for about .6mi, you'll come to a bridge crossing. Cross the bridge and head north along the west bank of the Lagoon. Just .1mi north of the bridge crossing is a big area with more informational signs about the Lagoon, including the History of Ballona Lagoon Marker. This is a great point to stop, take it all in, and try your hand at identifying all the different kinds of birds, plants, and small fish you may see!

This point is also a great place to turn around and head back the same trail that you came from. Head south, cross the bridge once again (the west bank of the Lagoon doesn't have a trail that connects all the way back to the marina) and return to the marina on the trail that follows the east bank of the Lagoon.

Once back at the marina, there are a couple benches/tables that would be great for a picnic, or you can head straight back to the parking lot!