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Photo: Jengod, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bordering Marina del Rey to the south, the Ballona Wetlands are a remnant of the wetlands that once dominated the landscape; it is estimated that the current 600-acre wetlands represent just one percent of what was present in the past. Despite the habitat loss, the wetlands that remain are an important refuge that serves as a home to 73 native bird species, more than 3,000 native trees, and 10,000 native shrubs and grasses. Activities include a trail along the freshwater marsh (located at the southwest corner of Lincoln & Jefferson), with information panels along the way; portions of the trail are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Free docent-led tours of the interior as well as restoration workdays are coordinated usually on the weekends through the Friends of Ballona Wetlands.
Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve is a protected area that once served as the natural estuary for neighboring Ballona Creek. The 577-acre (2.34 km2) site is located in Los Angeles County, California, just south of Marina del Rey. Ballona—the second-largest open space within the city limits of Los Angeles, behind Griffith Park—is owned by the state of California and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The preserve is bisected generally east–west by the Ballona Creek channel and bordered by the 90 Marina freeway to the east.
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Fisherman's Village is at the southern end of the Marina and is home to restaurants, souvenir shops, and a number of boat rental options. From here you can also join a public sport fishing excursion, or a weekend dinner or Sunday Brunch cruise. All kinds of small boats are available to rent by the hour - sail or motor, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and jet skis, and parasailing and bike rentals are also offered there. Free weekend concerts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons are a local favorite.
Offers sports fishing trips for 1/2- or 3/4-day for halibut, yellowtail, calico bass, sand bass, barracuda and white sea bass. Rod rentals, tackle, bait, fishing licenses available. During the winter months on weekends, whale watching and wildlife tours are offered. Reservations required. Depart from Dock 52, where parking is free. A valid fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 15.
Private yacht rental for harbor tours, sunset cruises, coastal cruises, marriage proposals, surfing excursions, and Catalina day trips.
Hornblower is an upscale option for dinner cruises and social events. Food is prepared onboard from local ingredients, and entertainment options include DJs and live bands. Hornblower operates five boats in the marina, with a combined passenger capacity of up to 500 guests. Seasonal and special-event cruises are offered throughout the year, including winter holiday cruises, New Year's Eve cruises, Valentine's Day cruises, Mother's Day cruises, Father's Day cruises, 4th of July cruises, and Thanksgiving cruises.
Offers parasailing with options for a ride on a 500 or 800 foot tow rope for 2-3 people at a time, with take-off and landings from the boat, although the "touch n go" option gives riders a chance to get their feet wet (note that no matter the length of the tow rope, FAA restrictions limit the maximum elevation to 500 feet). Boats hold 15 passengers and trips last about 90 minutes. Minimum age is 6, maximum combined weight is (subject to wind and captain's approval), and observers are welcome to join for $40, or $30 on a space-available basis. Like any good adventure company, photos and GoPro video of the experience can be purchased for an additional $25-65. Discounts are sometimes available online, and reservations are strongly recommended and should be made 1-2 weeks in advance for weekend trips. Parasailing is not offered from early November through early February.
Provides largest selection of yachts in Los Angeles area. It offers sailing boats, catamarans and power boats, and fabulous party boats in Los Angeles port of Long Beach.