Fire pit at Dockweiler State Beach.

© Atsushi Hirao/Shutterstock

Dockweiler State Beach

Venice, Marina Del Rey & Playa del Rey


With jumbo jets soaring overhead, sailboats bobbing beyond the rolling surf, bonfires raging in the pit and a waxing moon rising high, summer nights on Dockweiler – a 3.5-mile stretch of open beach – are always a good time.

Street parking is usually available (arrive early for best options), or get here by bike; it's on the South Bay Bicycle Trail.