What Do You Know About L.A.’s Marina?

This Summer, Let’s Reimagine Our Coast—Together

By Duane “D.J.” Johnson, FUSE Executive Fellow

What do you know about L.A.’s Marina? For many of us, especially those raised in South L.A., Inglewood, or Compton, the answer might be, “not much.” Maybe you’ve seen it in a movie or remember when Sunday brunch at the Marina was a special outing. But for many, that connection has faded. 

This summer, the L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) is working to change that. 

This shift is meaningful. Communities are reconnecting with the coast through joy, music, family, and access. It all kicks off on Saturday, May 31, with Marina Culture Jam, a free, family-friendly event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Burton Chace Park, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Marina del Rey. The Marina will come alive with taiko drummers, Peruvian folk musicians, community drum circles, food trucks, resource booths, and $1 WaterBus rides—all with harbor views in the background. 

It’s all part of Marina del Rey for All, an initiative to ensure the Marina feels welcoming and accessible to everyone, not just those living nearby. Throughout the year, the Marina hosts free outdoor concerts, family movie nights, cultural festivals, and community events that bring people together by the water. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of recreational activities—from kayaking and sailing to biking along the Marvin Braude Coastal Trail or relaxing with a picnic in the park. 

Marina del Rey is for all of us. When our families show up, we’re not just enjoying a day out— we’re reclaiming space. 

Learn more at beaches.lacounty.gov/mdrevent.