Fun Ways to Honor Dads & Grads

This June, it’s hats off to Dads & Grads in Marina del Rey...

Whether you're celebrating a proud pop or a freshly minted grad, L.A.’s Marina is the perfect place to make memories together. From adrenaline-filled adventures to waterfront dining and scenic cruising, Marina del Rey offers something for every celebration style.

Celebrate on a Dining Cruise

• Enjoy a 2 to 2.5 hour brunch or dinner cruise with City Cruises featuring stunning waterfront views--perfect for raising a toast to your dad or graduate.
• Choose between a buffet brunch with mimosas or a plated dinner as the sun sets, offering a delicious and festive meal experience.
• Experience live music entertainment onboard, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere for your special occasion.
• Ideal for large groups, these cruises provide a unique and memorable setting to honor your loved ones while enjoying a leisurely and elegant outing.

Dine with a View

• Choose from a variety of restaurants in Marina del Rey to celebrate Father’s Day or graduations with your group, offering fresh and flavorful dining experiences. Click here to view the restaurant directory.
• Dine at popular spots like Beachside, Brizo, Cast & Plow, SALT, Tony P’s, The Warehouse, Whiskey Red’s, Dear Jane’s, and more, all offering unique culinary styles and inviting settings for celebrations.
• Many restaurants in the Marina accommodate large groups, making them perfect for gatherings with friends in a picturesque marina setting.

Charter a Boat 

• For a more personalized adventure, charter a sailboat or powerboat complete with a professional skipper to explore the scenic coastline around Marina del Rey.
• You can set course for nearby destinations like Catalina Island or Malibu, enjoying the ocean breeze and beautiful vistas along the way.
• Alternatively, hop aboard the Paddle Pub party boat, which is a BYOB (bring your own beverage) vessel often equipped with karaoke for added fun. 

Two-Wheel Cruising along the Coast  

• For a laid-back way to honor dads and grads, rent bikes from Daniel’s Bikes at Fisherman’s Village and cruise along the stunning Marvin Braude Bike Trail. You can also rent bikes directly from most hotels in the Marina.
• At Daniel's Bikes, you’ll find a wide selection of newer model bikes perfect for families and groups, including beach cruisers, tandem bikes, kid’s bikes, and e-bikes to suit all ages and skill levels.
• Enjoy convenient rental accessories such as helmets, locks, baskets, bike tow extensions, and child seats, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for everyone. 
• Whether you choose a short jaunt or a longer ride, this scenic coastal path offers gorgeous ocean views and easy access to Marina del Rey’s harbor, Playa del Rey, and beyond. Click here to download the Bike Map.

 

For the Adventurous Crew

• Start your Father’s Day or graduation celebration with a jet-ski ride across Marina del Rey’s calm waters. It’s an invigorating way to enjoy the coastline and add a bit of adventure to your day.
• For a different vantage point, parasailing offers a serene yet thrilling experience, lifting you above the marina for panoramic views that make for a memorable outing.
• Deep-sea fishing trips provide a more relaxed but engaging option, inviting you and your crew to connect over the challenge of reeling in local fish species while enjoying the open ocean.
• For group activities, kayaking or paddleboarding is an excellent choice. Several vendors in the Marina supply all the gear and guidance needed to explore the marina’s gentle waters together, combining light exercise with scenic views.

Celebrate at Your Own Pace

• Pack a picnic at Trader Joe’s and head to Burton Chace Park, where you’ll find all the essentials for an afternoon of R&R (think breezy picnic shelters, pretty pergolas, and barbecue grills).
• For a twist, challenge your group to an escape room experience at the Ultimate Escape Room.

Pro tip: The Marina's popular Summer WaterBus resumes service on June 20 – and it’s still just $1 per person, per ride!

Catch it through Labor Day at one of eight convenient stops. It operates Fridays and Saturdays (11 a.m.–11 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m.–9 p.m.) with extended hours on July 4th and Labor Day.

From fun-for-everyone adventures to lively waterfront feasts, Marina del Rey offers countless ways to celebrate dads and grads in style. However you choose to mark the moment, unforgettable memories await in L.A.’s Marina.