Dockweiler Beach
While visiting Marina Del Rey one weekday, we decided to investigate what beaches were nearby since the harbor is only about a mile from the coast. Heading west, you hit the world famous Venice Beach, and traveling south you reach Playa Del Rey. Just south of Playa Del was our destination, Dockweiler Beach.
As the daylight was waning, we decided to stop and hit the sand to do some quick sea glass hunting as well as watch the impending sunset.
The Beach
At the entrance of Dockweiler Beach, there were a few sizeable parking lots with plenty of spaces and it costs about three bucks to park, not bad.
On the beach, the sand was thick and each step pulled on your calves as we made our way to the water. For some reason I thought the beach would be dirty since there are usually massive crowds using Los Angeles beaches, however, I found this one clean and free of trash.
I heard that Dockweiler was voted one of the best beaches for bonfires and I can see why based on the amount of fire rings strewn about along the sand. . Even on this cool winter night, a few people were already transporting wood out to the large cement rings.
Dockweiler State Beach spans about three miles long and is directly under the flight path of Los Angeles International Airport. The planes fly just above the beach and you can almost wave to the passengers as they pass by on their way to places all around the world.
The beach is wide and, unfortunately, I didn’t see any rocks that would be optimum for glass hunting. However, just past the deep sand towards the water there were all these little white shells and in between the shells, there was glass. Even though the pieces weren’t particularly smooth and more on the thin side, it was frosted so it met the criteria to save.
Besides the ample parking lots, there are nice bathroom facilities, a picnic area, and a concession stand.
It seems like a great place to take the family, swim, surf, or any other beach activity. There is also a paved bike path and lifeguards are on duty at certain times. Nearby sits a RV park and camping facilities with 117 spaces available.
We were only there an hour or so, yet you get accustomed to the drone of the planes flying over-head. With camera ready I tried to get a shot of a jumbo jet, but none came by. I settled for a snap of one of the smaller planes even though LAX is home to enormous airplanes that carry hundreds of passengers on long international flights.
As the sun was setting across the horizon, I put my head down and tried to find a few last minute pieces of borderline sea glass before it got dark. I found a hand full and was quite happy.
Glancing at the pastel colors that were now stretched across the sky, I realized that I could see way down the coast past South Bay and almost to Pacific Palisades. I was warming up to L.A. beaches. They are not like my beloved San Diego County as they have a whole different feel, still, I would be happy hanging out at this one.
The distinct smell of a bonfire was now filling the air as we made our way back to the car. Although the day could easily be spent in shorts and t-shirts, we know in California that February nights can be rather nippy. I hope they all brought plenty of wood to burn.
For a great day at the beach, visit Dockweiler. To find it, drive parallel to runway 24L and once you reach the coast you are there!
Story and photos: Debbie Colwell
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