Hang Gliding at Dockweiler Beach

Dockweiler Beach is home to the Dockweiler Beach Hang Glider Flight Training Park, an area designated for beginner and novice hang glider pilots. Hang gliders launch from a 30-foot-high bluff on the southern half of the beach at Bluff Parking Lot.

The facility at Dockweiler Beach is operated by WindSports. The usually gentle winds at the site, coupled with a wide, sandy beach for landings, make it a good place for beginners to learn the basics of the sport.

WindSports offers solo flight beach lessons on Wednesdays through Sundays. Flights are usually about 100 yards in length. A 2-hour mini-beach lesson consists of 4 flights, while the full lesson lasts from 3 - 4 hours and consists of 7 flights. Students between 14 and 18 years of age will need a parent in attendance. WindSports offers more advanced flight instruction at other locations.

Surfing Dockweiler Beach

The Dockweiler Beach does not rank as one of the leading surfing spots along the LA shoreline. The beach breaking waves tend to be sloppy and unreliable. Beginners often migrate here, knowing it is a place they can practice away from the eyes of more experienced surfers. The paddle out is easy.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

Kitesurfing (kiteboarding) and windsurfing are allowed at Dockweiler Beach as long as the kite and wind surfers maintain a 100-foot margin from swimmers. Since Dockweiler is usually not very crowded, kitesurfers don't have much difficulty finding a clear section of beach where they can set up and launch. Afternoon winds can make for some exciting windsurfing.

Volleyball

Volleyball nets are located at several locations along Dockweiler Beach. The majority of courts are found near the main entrance. Others are set up at the south end of the beach by the Grant Avenue parking lot and at the north end of the beach between S. Marine Avenue and Culver Boulevard. They are free for public use. Sometimes courts may be reserved for tournaments or other special events.

Beach Volleyball Tournaments and Camps

Dockweiler Beach has been a popular venue for volleyball tournaments and for youth volleyball camps. In 2021 the West Coast Conference Beach Volleyball held their annual tournament at Dockweiler Beach. In 2022 the AAU has scheduled one of their Grand Prix series at Dockweiler (April 3, 2022).

Nearby Activities, Attractions, and Events

Automobile Driving Museum

610 Lairport Street, El Segundo, CA
Open Tuesdays - Sundays, 10 AM - 4 PM
130 classic, antique, and vintage automobiles
Rides in vintage cars on Sundays
The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum

Old Town Music Hall

140 Richmond St., El Segundo, CA
Vintage silent and sound films, live concerts of jazz, ragtime, and popular music from the past.
Old Town Music Hall

Scooter's Jungle

606 Hawaii St., El Segundo, CA
Private family fun in a safe, clean environment
Jumpers, inflatable slides, games, tropical-themed facilities.
Scooter's Jungle

El Segundo Youth Skate Park

405 E. Grand Ave., El Segundo, CA
Monday-Friday 11 AM to 9 PM
Saturday 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Sunday Noon to 5 PM

Ballona Wetlands

Located corner of Lincoln and Jefferson, south of Marina del Rey
The Freshwater Marsh is open from dawn to dusk. Public trail around the perimeter.
Friends of the Ballona Wetlands, along with community partners, offers weekend tours.