Beach guide
Dockweiler State Beach
Playa del Rey, Los Angeles County, CA
Overview
Dockweiler State Beach is a long, open strand along Vista del Mar in Playa del Rey, between the Marina del Rey jetties and El Segundo. It's a state beach run by Los Angeles County Beaches & Harbors, and it covers about 3.75 miles of shoreline. Planes from LAX pass overhead, since part of the beach sits right under the airport's flight path.
Fire pits
Dockweiler is best known for its beach fire pits, one of the few places in Los Angeles County where a beach fire is legal. About 40 pits sit in front of the Dockweiler RV Park and the first two lots from the Imperial Highway entrance. They're first-come, first-served with no reservations, and you bring your own wood or charcoal. Any grill must fit inside the 2-foot-wide pit. No fires or grilling are allowed on the open sand, don't use sand to put out a fire, and keep ashes out of the sand.
What else is here
The south end has a County RV campground with more than 100 full hook-up sites, the Dockweiler Youth Center and a hang gliding training area on the dunes. The beach bike path runs along the sand, and volleyball, surfing and swimming are popular.
Before you go
Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours. Arrive early on summer weekends if you want a fire pit. Snowy plovers nest on the beach, so stay out of any fenced habitat areas.
Getting there & access
Driving and parking
Enter from Vista del Mar. The beach lots hold over 1,200 cars and street parking is also available. The fire pits are in front of the RV park and the first two lots from the Imperial Highway entrance.
Transit
Beach Cities Transit 109 stops at Main St. and Imperial Ave., and Bus 625 serves Imperial and Main.
Wheelchair access
Beach access mats are free to use, and beach wheelchairs can be borrowed at the Dockweiler Youth Center.
Bike path
The Marvin Braude beach bike trail runs along Dockweiler for cycling, skating and jogging.
Amenities
- Fire pits — About 40 pits; bring your own wood or charcoal
- RV park — County campground with more than 100 full hook-up spaces plus dry camper sites
- Youth Center — Dockweiler Youth Center with multipurpose rooms, a terrace and youth programs
- Hang gliding — Training area on the dunes
- Picnic areas — Near the lots
- Volleyball — Courts on the sand
- Restrooms and showers — On the north and south sections
- Bike path — Marvin Braude beach bike trail
Rules & official resources
- Fire pits are first-come, first-served; grills must fit inside the 2-foot pit, and no grilling or fires on the open sand
- Don't put out fires with sand or let ashes and debris fall into the sand; clean up after yourself
- No animals on the beach, including dogs
- No alcohol, no glass containers and no smoking
- No fireworks, no tents or overnight camping on the sand, and no loitering between midnight and 6 a.m.
- No driving or parking on the sand or the bike path
Common boat service needs here
Boat care at nearby Marina del Rey
Dockweiler's north end borders the Marina del Rey jetties. Boats in the marina's slips need regular diver hull cleaning in Santa Monica Bay's salt water.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.