Hello,

Planning my first trip to California and we will be staying in Marina Del Rey in April. I was wondering how the weather is in April? Is it warm enough to swim yet?

Thanks

On average, April is still relatively cool on the coast; highs in the low 70s are the rule most years. The hotel pools will probably be open and heated, so taking a dip isn't out of the question. Now last year it was rather warm in April, so the pools at most hotels were busy.

If you mean swimming in the ocean-- NO. California's coastal waters are considered the NORTHERN Pacific Ocean, and the water stays cool year-round; April will be too cold for ocean swimming. I've only ever taken a dip in the ocean on broiling-hot summer (or autumn Santa Ana event) days, and even then I've gotten out quickly. That's why surfers invest in good wet suits even in summer.

For ocean swimming (unless you live in polar bear country, it's always too cold to swim in the ocean, IMO.

Sometimes in July or August, I will go down to San Diego and take a quick plunge but for the most part, it is heated pools.

I used to live in Santa Monica and only went in the water in the summer, and even then, it's not that warm, it only gets up to about 70. In April, it will be upper 50s to maybe 60 (water temp).

No, most folks don't realize how cold the Pacific Ocean is, plus except for Mothers' Beach (which is not that great) there are no beaches in MDR, you'd have to drive to Santa Monica or maybe one of the South Bay beaches.

No, but Marina del Rey is a nice place to stay. We like the Jamaica Bay Inn there.

We were just south of MDR in Manhattan Beach last Apri, kids were swimming and boogie-boarding and there were lots of surfers. The weather was perfect but the water was on the chilly side for sure.

MDR is on the back side of the Venice peninsula. Which is actually a pretty nice beach. If you stay near the peninsula you can walk or bike there.