Marina

Rendering of planned parking garage at Marina del Rey Lot 4
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RELEASE: County Breaks Ground on New Parking Structure

County Breaks Ground on New Parking Structure

Expanding access in Marina del Rey

Published Jan. 7, 2026

MARINA DEL REY, California — Construction is officially underway on a major new public parking structure in Marina del Rey, marking a significant step toward expanding access to one of L.A. County’s most visited coastal destinations. Located at Lot 4—the County-operated lot across from Trader Joe’s near Admiralty Way and Mindanao Way—the project will improve shoreline access for the millions of residents and visitors who enjoy the Marina each year.

Lot 4 closed for construction on December 1, 2025. Work is expected to be completed by late Fall 2026.

The new facility will provide 368 parking spaces—nearly triple the current capacity—along with accessible stalls, electric vehicle charging stations, and a redesigned surface lot. The structure will operate 24 hours a day, supporting year-round recreation, community programs, and waterfront access while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

“We’ve heard from Marina del Rey residents and families traveling from inland communities that limited parking is a real barrier to enjoying all that Marina del Rey has to offer–from free events in Burton Chace Park and supporting local businesses to simply taking in the waterfront views,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who represents Marina del Rey as part of the Second District. “Through Marina del Rey for All, this investment helps remove parking obstacles and create a more accessible and inclusive waterfront for generations to come.”

Designed with safety, sustainability and community benefit in mind, the new structure will include a pay-and-display system with on-site pay stations. A civic art installation by the artist team FreelandBuck—featuring abstract sail forms along the Mindanao-facing façade—will celebrate Marina del Rey’s maritime heritage and create a distinctive visual marker at one of the Marina’s key gateways.

This project also advances a key goal of Marina del Rey for All, the County’s initiative to improve access and make better use of public land by consolidating surface parking into modern structures that support community-serving amenities.

“For many families—especially those traveling from inland neighborhoods—parking is the starting point of their visit to the Marina,” said Gary Jones, Director of DBH. “This project improves that experience by expanding capacity, adding modern amenities, and making it easier for people to get to the shoreline. Our goal is to ensure every visitor feels welcome and can enjoy the Marina comfortably and confidently.”

The project also includes a new plaza and rest area that will link the parking structure to the Marvin Braude Bike Path and the Marina del Rey Visitors Center. This enhancement supports the community’s long-standing “park once” mobility vision, encouraging visitors to explore the Marina by bike, on foot, or via transit and strengthening multimodal access throughout the waterfront.

Learn more about DBH’s efforts to create a more accessible and climate-ready Marina del Rey by visiting beaches.lacounty.gov.

Additional Resources

Tony P's sign and restaurant
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RELEASE: County advances plans for former Tony P’s site though agreement with California Yacht Club

County advances plans for former Tony P’s site though agreement with California Yacht Club

Published Oct. 2, 2025

MARINA DEL REY, California — Plans to bring a new restaurant to the former Tony P’s Dockside Grill in Marina del Rey took a step forward this week when the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) entered into a license agreement with the California Yacht Club (CYC). The license allows CYC to use the site while the club and County work toward a lease amendment.

The agreement came together quickly, minimizing the time the building was vacant.

“Tony P’s was a cherished part of our Marina del Rey (MdR) community for decades, providing a vibrant space beloved by residents. I’m glad we’re keeping that energy alive with this significant step with California Yacht Club towards bringing a new restaurant to this space,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, whose district includes Marina del Rey. “This important step builds on our commitment to investing in the MdR community for all residents to enjoy, while honoring the local institutions that make MdR so special.”

Tony P’s, a fixture for decades in the Marina, closed in July when its owners retired, and the County resumed control of the property. The building is adjacent to the former CYC clubhouse, which was seriously damaged during a fire in December 2023.

“We received multiple formal proposals for the Tony P’s site, but CYC’s plan for a sea-to-table restaurant and gathering space stood out,” said Gary Jones, DBH Director. “We’re hoping to see a place where people can celebrate milestones or meet friends for a bite. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Moving forward, the building will be reimagined to reflect its evolving role in the Marina’s landscape.

“When MdR was first developed, CYC catalyzed interest in maritime tradition and aquatic activities for Los Angeles,” CYC co-owner and president Jeff Weiss said. “As the Marina enters the next phase of its evolution, CYC is as excited and as committed as ever to connecting Angelenos to experiences on the water.”

The project is currently in the design phase, with an eye toward opening in Spring 2026. In the meantime, bar service will be available for CYC members.

Yvonne B. Burke Park
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STATEMENT: County Sets Record Straight on Yvonne Burke Park Public Access: Closure Was Not a County Action

County Sets Record Straight on Burke Park Public Access:
Closure Was Not a County Action

Published Aug. 7, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) did not authorize, direct, or participate in the recent closure of a long-used entry point behind Ralphs (located at 4311 Lincoln Blvd.) to Yvonne Burke Park in Marina del Rey.

The wall was built in July by Bay View Management, which oversees several properties next to Burke Park within the City of Los Angeles. It appears the wall was intended to stop members of the public from using private property to reach the County-managed park, all while allowing unauthorized private access solely for the residents of the Regatta Seaside, Azzurra and Cove communities. The County was not informed in advance of the wall’s construction, and no public notice was provided. The closure, subsequent vandalization, and repair have prompted community concern, including complaints, a change.org petition, and social media attention.

To clarify:

  • The County had no role in closing the access point behind Ralphs. Bay View Management constructed the cinder block wall without notifying the County or members of the public.
  • Separately, the Regatta Seaside, Azzurra and Cove Homeowners Associations built gates, pathways, and drainage structures that encroached on Burke Park without permission. These structures, which are not ADA-compliant, damaged the park’s landscaping and created safety risks.
  • The County learned of these unauthorized private park entrances and first requested their removal in March 2024. The HOAs were instructed and originally agreed to remove the encroachments and restrict gate use to emergencies only. Claims that the County instructed the HOA to close any other entrances or blocked emergency access are false.

Public access to Burke Park remains open via a nearby entry point on Thatcher Avenue, where the City of Los Angeles is working to establish a formal, ADA-compliant entrance. This designated entrance ensures continued community access while DBH and Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s Office work closely with the City of Los Angeles to address concerns at the Ralphs-adjacent location.

Preserving public access to parks and open spaces is a core responsibility of Los Angeles County. DBH remains committed to protecting community-owned land, preventing unauthorized use or construction, and maintaining transparency in coordination with the offices of Supervisor Mitchell and Councilmember Traci Park, as well as the City of Los Angeles.

LA County seal and Beaches & Harbors logo
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Beaches Reopen After Tsunami Advisory is Lifted

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beaches Reopen After Tsunami Advisory is Lifted

Published July 30, 2025

Los Angeles County beaches are open Wednesday morning after the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center lifted its tsunami advisory for the West Coast.

The L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors is opening restrooms, accessways and parking lots at beaches it manages, as well as parking lots in Marina del Rey, hours earlier than anticipated. The Dockweiler RV Park is also open.

While the beaches are open, visitors should check with the nearest lifeguard for information on current conditions and practice good judgment before entering the water.

Beach camp operators should check with lifeguards before any in-water activity.

LA County seal and Beaches & Harbors logo
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Stay away from beaches, Marina del Rey until at least noon on Wednesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stay Away From Beaches, Marina del Rey Until at Least Noon on Wednesday

Published July 30, 2025

UPDATE: BEACHES OPEN AFTER TSUNAMI ADVISORY LIFTED

Visitors should check with the nearest lifeguard and practice good judgment before entering the water. Learn more.

A tsunami advisory is in effect for Los Angeles County beaches and Marina del Rey, with the first waves expected around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30. The waves of 1 foot or less are expected to last at least nine hours, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center.

People should stay away from beaches, harbors, marinas and waterways due to strong waves and currents. They should also avoid jetties, piers, boat docks and waterfront walkways.

The L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) is taking these steps to get ready for the tsunami’s impact:

  • Keeping beaches, beach restrooms, beach accessways and parking lots closed until at least noon Wednesday
  • Moving DBH trucks, tractors and other heavy equipment to higher ground
  • Pulling DBH vessels out of the water when possible
  • Contacting Marina del Rey lessees and working with the Marina del Rey Harbor Patrol to make sure Marina residents are aware of the advisory
  • Canceling events sponsored by DBH, beach camps and other permitted activities on DBH-managed beaches that are scheduled for Wednesday morning

Guests at the Dockweiler RV Park have been advised to more to higher ground. DBH is working to provide alternate parking.

DBH is also supporting preparation efforts by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and its Harbor Patrol, the L.A. County Fire Department and its lifeguards, and the L.A. County Office of Emergency Management.

For the latest updates:

  • Sign up for real-time alerts at Alert.LACounty.gov.
  • Follow local news and official County channels.

An advisory is the middle tier of the Tsunami Warning Center’s alert system. It means that residents should stay away from beaches and coastal areas because of the possibility of flooding and dangerous currents.

Overflowing trash barrels at Venice Beach the morning after July 4, 2025.
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RELEASE: Heading to the Coast This Holiday Weekend? Remember These Beach Basics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heading to the Coast This Holiday Weekend? Remember These Beach Basics

Published July 3, 2025

MARINA DEL REY, California—This Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) expects to welcome more than a million people to L.A.’s iconic beaches. But before packing their bags and heading to the sand, visitors should keep these tips in mind:

Pack In, Pack Out

Overflowing trash barrels at Venice Beach the morning after July 4, 2025.

Beachgoers are encouraged to pack in, pack out their trash to avoid scenes like this one. The photo was taken the morning of July 5, 2024, after a busy Independence Day.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring everything they brought to the beach back home with them—including their garbage. That’s why DBH recommends visitors pack a trash bag in their beach bag.

“Over the July 4 holiday weekend last year, visitors left more than 70 tons of trash on our beaches—that’s enough to fill 5,600 wheelbarrows,” said DBH Director Gary Jones. “I encourage beachgoers to pack in, pack out—take their trash home with them—to help keep our beaches clean and the ocean blue.”

While there are hundreds of trash barrels along the coast, the extra holiday visitors mean those barrels will fill up and overflow quicker than ever. This trash can end up in the ocean, where it poses a danger to marine life. Overflowing trash bins also attract seagulls, whose droppings can contain harmful bacteria and contaminate the water.

Check Water Quality

Speaking of bacteria in the water, residents and visitors should stay up to date with ocean water quality advisories, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. An advisory is issued when bacterial levels exceed health standards when tested. Swimming in water with bacteria can make people sick or cause skin infections.

Ocean water quality advisories are posted online at publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach.

Avoid Wildfire Debris

Since the Palisades fire began Jan. 7, beach maintenance crews have removed nearly 480 tons of wildfire debris from beaches in the burn area. Most of this debris washed into the ocean from burned structures on the beach or through discharging creeks and waterways; waves later deposited the debris onto the sand.

Even though less charred debris is washing up on local beaches, visitors should continue to avoid wildfire debris in the water and on the sand, as well as stay away from beaches on or near burned properties. The debris may contain harmful substances and physical hazards such as glass, metal and wood with sharp edges.

Beachgoers should also avoid larger areas of dark sediment that remains on the sand after the fires; the dark color can hide rusty nails and other objects that could cause injury.

Sampling of the dark sediment took place at 11 beaches in February and April. Testing for metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—chemicals found in water runoff after previous California wildfires—revealed no contaminants in the sediment at levels that are dangerous to human health.

Attempts to manually remove the sediment would harm the environment; instead, DBH is allowing the ecosystem to recover naturally.

Keep Bonfires in Official Pits

Unfortunately, it’s not just debris from wildfires that poses a hazard to beachgoers. Debris from illegal bonfires—those built on the sand or in places other than the official fire pits at Dockweiler State Beach—remains an issue.

Not only is debris from illegal fires dangerous for marine life; it is also difficult to clean up. Smoldering bonfires buried in the sand are hidden hazards that may cause serious burns and other injuries to unsuspecting beachgoers.

Remember, outside the official fire pits at Dockweiler, personal fire pits and grills are not allowed on any DBH-managed beach or in any beach parking lot.

Stay Informed

Beachgoers should check with the nearest open lifeguard tower for the latest information on beach conditions. Other places to stay up to date include:

Unsafe beach conditions should be reported to the nearest lifeguard.

Tony P's owners Tony Palermo and Dan Ringwood raise a glass.
Statement From DBH Director Gary Jones on the Closure of Tony P’s and What’s Next 1024 683 Beaches & Harbors

Statement From DBH Director Gary Jones on the Closure of Tony P’s and What’s Next

DBH Director Gary Jones on the Closure of Tony P’s and What’s Next

Published June 27, 2025

Tony P's owners Tony Palermo and Dan Ringwood raise a glass.

After 28 years of serving fish and chips and Mai Tais, Tony P’s owners Tony Palermo and Dan Ringwood have decided to retire. Photo credit Venice Paparazzi.

MARINA DEL REY, California—Tony P’s Dockside Grill, one of Marina del Rey’s most iconic and beloved restaurants, will close its doors for the final time on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Director Gary Jones of the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) issued the following statement:

“For 28 years, Tony Palermo and Dan Ringwood have created more than just a restaurant—they built a welcoming, spirited gathering place for locals and visitors alike in Marina del Rey. As they prepare for a well-earned retirement and conclude a long, successful run, we thank them for their deep commitment to this community and the lasting impact they’ve made. We wish them both the very best in this next chapter.”

Tony P’s has served as a mainstay on the waterfront, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, unmatched collection of tap handles, and hundreds of thousands of fish and chips and Mai Tais served with a smile. As the restaurant prepares to close, its leadership team has been helping staff find new employment.

The County will regain possession of the site when the lease expires at the end of July and is already working to identify a new tenant or future use that continues to serve the community and contribute to the Marina’s vibrancy.