Marina Del Rey - Wikitravel

Marina del Rey

Contents

• 1 Understand
• 2 Get in
• 3 Get around
• 4 See
• 5 Do
  • 5.1 Beaches
  • 5.2 Bike
  • 5.3 Hiking
  • 5.4 Events
  • 5.5 On-the-water
• 6 Buy
• 7 Eat
  • 7.1 Budget
  • 7.2 Mid-range
  • 7.3 Splurge
• 8 Drink
• 9 Sleep
• 10 Contact
• 11 Get out

Marina del Rey [1] is a seaside town on the West Side of Los Angeles. Marina del Rey is the largest constructed small yacht harbor in the world, with room for over 5,000 boats. It's less than four miles from LAX, walking distance to Venice Beach, and less than 10 minutes to Santa Monica. Tropical street names like BoraBora, Bali, and Fiji Way reflect the community's casual feel.

Understand[edit]

Marina del Rey, like much of the City of Angels, has a rich and colorful history -- it's just not all that old. The harbor at the heart of the community of Marina del Rey is an example of a successful Army Corps of Engineers project; funded and planned cooperatively by the Federal government, Los Angeles County, and private developers, it is the largest man-made marina in the United States with over 5,000 small-boat slips.

The ancient Gabrieleno Indians were likely the region's first residents, living along the bluffs above the ocean, the neighborhood's first fishermen and hunters. Eventually, they shared the land and sea, the good duck hunting and fishing, with the Spanish and then first Angelenos. Marina del Rey, much to the relief of current locals, lost several bids to become Southern California's main port and shipping harbor.

Until the 1950s, early automotive races were held here, running from Playa del Rey to Venice along a roadway on the Marina peninsula now appropriately known as Speedway. Beneath the race tracks and marshes, it turned out there was black gold and plenty of it. Beginning in the early 1930s, oil rigs came pumping to rhythmic life, dotting the landscape with iron skeletons as far as the camera could see.

In the 1950s, construction began on the current harbor and district of Marina del Rey.

The Marina del Rey Visitors Center [2] is open daily and can provide additional suggestions for activities +1 310-305-9545.

Get in[edit]

Getting to Marina del Rey from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is easy.

Driving: Take Century Blvd. east to Sepulveda Blvd., north. Follow Sepulveda Blvd. to where it merges with Lincoln Blvd., veering left. Take Lincoln to Mindanao, turn left.

Public Bus: Take the free LAX Shuttle from any of the terminals to Parking Lot C. Then walk the short distance to the LAX Transit Center. Take the Santa Monica Blue Bus #3 (North) to the corner of Mindanao & Lincoln; the fare is currently $ 1.25, exact change is needed.

Various Shuttle/Shared Ride Van Services: Proceed outside and look for the overhead orange "Shared Ride Van" signs on the outer island and speak with a curbside representative for the current fare.

Taxi Service: There are various companies from the airport. Again, proceed outside the terminal and look for the overhead "TAXI" signs. The fare will run about $20+, including the airport service charge.

Get around[edit]

With its compact area and easy layout, traveling around Marina del Rey is a breeze.

During the summer months (weekends, holidays, and concert nights), the Marina WaterBus operates between Fisherman's Village, Marina Walk, Marina Beach, Burton Chace Park, and several other stops. This water taxi is just a dollar for each boarding and is a convenient way to leave the car in one place and visit several other areas in the Marina.

Also during summer weekends, the free Marina Beach Shuttle runs from the neighborhood of Playa Vista (south of the Marina) through Marina del Rey and to Venice Beach Pier; again leave the car in one place and take this shuttle bus all around the Marina/Venice Pier area. Buses operate approximately every half hour. Printed schedules are available at local hotels.

Public transit is provided by three systems -- MTA #108 takes visitors to Venice Pier; Santa Monica #3 Big Blue Bus takes you to Santa Monica via the Lincoln Blvd. corridor north, or to LAX south, where you can also transfer and take a Metro Line into the Los Angeles downtown area and beyond; and the Culver City Green buses (#2 and #7) to points east such as Foxhills and Culver City proper. In addition, these three public bus systems connect the Marina to all L.A. area attractions.

Most major rental car companies have offices in town. Public parking is plentiful and inexpensive.

Ample taxi and shuttle services will whisk you to and from the airport and L.A. attractions, and several hotels offer complimentary airport transfers. Be sure to ask when you make your hotel reservation.

Starline Tours also offers its "Hop on Hop Off" sightseeing bus tour right in the Marina. Start from Fisherman's Village and trek to over 80 of the most popular L.A. points of interest in a single day! Grab a pass on the bright red open-top double deckers - stay up high for fun facts and snapshots, or better yet, hop on & off at your favorite L.A. landmarks! Call +1-800-959-3131.

See[edit]

• Ballona Saltwater & Freshwater Marshes at Playa Vista. Less than a mile from Marina del Rey is the freshwater marsh that is a 51-acre habitat to more than 3,000 native trees, 10,000 native shrubs and grasses and more than 73 native bird species. It is an urban oasis for people and wildlife alike. Stroll along the trail bordering the marsh -- through a profusion of native trees and shrubs, you'll see mallard ducks floating across the water past snowy egrets and great blue herons. Pause at the information panels along the way to learn about Ballona's rich history, the varied functions of the marsh, and the abundant wildlife in residence. Located at the southwest corner of Lincoln and Jefferson Boulevards, portions of the trail are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Docent-led tours of the interior, as well as restoration workdays, are coordinated usually on the weekends through the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, (310)306-5994.
• Burton Chace Park. This beautiful 10-acre park is one of the crown jewels of Marina del Rey, the heart of community activities, jutting out into the Marina's main channel. Offering what may be the best vista point in the area, this is a great spot for walking and gazing out at the deep blue water, boats, and Marina. The park offers waterside picnic tables, lawn areas, a fishing platform with fish cleaning sinks and tables nearby, a community room, and covered picnic areas with barbeques. It also makes the perfect viewing area for the annual December Holiday Boat Parade. During the summer months, the free concerts are not to be missed. Usually, Thursdays are classical and Saturdays are pops, and they begin at 7 PM lasting about 2 hours. It is recommended that you come early as seating is first-come, first-serve on the green. You can picnic beforehand by bringing your own low chairs and blankets; bring a jacket or sweater to stay comfortable by the water in the evening. Parking for the park activities is in pay lots only. Two blocks from the [Visitor Center] at the western end of Mindanao Way; metered parking is enforced on weekends only.
• Fisherman's Village. Take a trip to New England without ever leaving the Marina. Fisherman's Village is a replica of a New England seaport and fishing town. Stroll along cobblestone paths to enjoy views of the Marina. Shop for souvenirs, join a public sport fishing 1/2 day or 3/4 day excursion, or a weekend dinner and dancing cruise. Or charter your own adventure with one of the many private charter companies. Rent a boat -- both sail or motor, kayak or wind surfboard, a stand-up paddle board, even a jet ski -- or bike along the Los Angeles Beaches Bike trail; eat at waterfront restaurants with outdoor dining or quick service cafes. Free weekend concerts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Open daily; validated 2-hour parking (Admiralty Way south; turn right on Fiji Way.)

Do[edit]

Beaches[edit]

If you're looking for a little sand and sun, try Marina Beach, also known as Mother's Beach for its safe features. This non-ocean-facing sandy beach offers 12 acres of public swimming, windsurfing, and non-motored boating lagoon for kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and such. Staffed by County lifeguards, the beach has no surf and is a safe and pleasant spot for family outings. This sunny spot features a children's play area, public picnic shelters with barbeques, benches, and tables, and restaurants and bicycle rentals nearby. A specially built ramp accommodates wheelchairs, and beach wheelchairs are also available.

Bike[edit]

Biking and skating are popular in Marina del Rey thanks to the flat, well-marked bike trails through the Marina and beyond. Whether you have a couple of hours or a whole afternoon, the South Bay Beach Bicycle Trail provides over 20 waterfront miles of biking paradise.

If you have just an hour or two, ride along the trails through Marina del Rey. Have more time? Pack a picnic lunch (many of the hotels will gladly help in this area) and ride through the Marina, then head south to Playa del Rey Beach or north to world-famous Venice Beach. The bicycle trail extends as far south as Torrance Beach and as far north as Will Roger State Beach in Santa Monica. Along the way, there are hourly bike rental locations, restroom facilities, water vending machines, and food concessions.

• Daniel's Bike Rentals, 13737 Fiji Way (in Fisherman's Village), ☎ +1-310-980-4045, [x]. Offers a great selection of adult and children's bikes to tandems - open most days. Call first.

• Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, 4375 Admiralty Way, ☎ +1-310-823-1700, [x]. Bike rentals available to the public. $10 an hr/$35 half day/$60 full day.

Hiking[edit]

Soaking up the sea air and sunshine is a way of life in Marina del Rey. Start with a stroll along Waterfront Walk, beginning at Mother's Beach (Marina Beach), to get a feel for the community. Stroll past waterfront hotels, restaurants, picnic areas, bike rentals, and yacht clubs. View the boats, both large and small.

Another lovely area is at the south end of the Marina, along Fiji way, starting at the cobble stone paths of Fishermans' Village to the Ballona Creek path. Walk along the path, passing the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center and the various university rowing teams' paintings. Then heading along the Main Channel path to go towards the South Jetty. You can either walk out on the South Jetty watching the boats coming and going or cross the bridge over the creek and head over to the white sand beach.

Along Admiralty Way is the Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Park, which features a walking path and an exercise par course area. Every hundred feet or so there are exercise boards to challenge your fitness level. Look overhead and you may find the various nesting areas of the herons or egrets in the large shade trees along the path.

At the end of Via Marina lies the tiny gem of Aubrey E. Austin Park where the North Jetty Promenade begins. You'll find a lovely peaceful hideaway to walk along the North Jetty, watch the community sailing regattas at several of the outposts' benches, or enjoy a picnic. There are several platform areas from which you can fish. Or, go a block north to the Marina Peninsula Neighborhood and follow the walking trail. This interesting coastal residential community is separated from the mainland by Ballona Lagoon and is an attractive area to explore on foot. Besides the interesting architecture, there are residential gardens to admire and of course, bird watching.

Events[edit]

With several local events (both ongoing and yearly), there is always something to do in the Marina. They include:

• 4th of July Fireworks. Celebrate America's birthday in the marina with the annual firework display. At 9 p.m. explosives are shot from a barge across the marina's main channel, mirrored by the harbor below. Spectators may watch the display and listen to synchronized music on KXLU 88.9FM, also playing over loud-speaker throughout Burton Chace Park. Popular viewing spots also include Fisherman's Village and harborside restaurants.

• Anglers Annual Halibut Derby. Fun and challenging for anglers of all ages, this early spring event (usually the first weekend in April or May) awards prizes for catching the biggest fish on a rod and reel. Fishing starts Saturday at sunrise. Public weigh-ins are held at Burton Chace Park at the end of the day. Divisions for adults and youth.

• Discover Marina del Rey Day. Sunday in early October. This free family event explores the Marina from a child's point of view. Dozens of bouncy houses, ball pits, blow-up slides, games & rides; theater, arts & crafts, and face-painting. Parents can surf information booths for future visits and get out on the water with little ones. Access wristbands sold onsight. 11 a.m. Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way.

• Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. Usually the second weekend in December. Festively decorated boats illuminate the main channel in one of the Marina's most visually exciting events. The parade starts at 6 PM Best viewing is at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman's Village.

• Marina del Rey Summer Concerts. This popular series of classical and pop evening concerts is set in Burton Chace Park, surrounded on three sides by the water. All concerts begin at 7 PM and take place outside on the green, lasting about two hours. Thursdays feature Classical and Saturdays are Pops. All are free, and ground seating space is first-come, first-serve. Bring low chairs or blankets and dress for cool evening weather.

• New Year Eve Celebrations. Waterside restaurants celebrate the coming New Year with special dinners and dancing. And on the water public boat charter, companies feature special dining/dancing cruises or cocktail cruises to celebrate the New Year.

• Old Fashion Day in the Park. Sunday in mid-July. It features displays of vintage yachts, antique classic cars, motorcycles, vintage steam engines, and ship models. In Burton Chace Park; free.

• Sunset Sailing Regatta. Occurs every Wednesday evening, the end of April through September.. Enjoy the sunset from waterfront restaurants, Fisherman’s Village, and the North Jetty during Marina del Rey’s largest sailing event as scores of sailors compete.

• Tasty Thursdays at Marina Beach. Food is the word every Thursday with the Farmers Market in the morning and the "Beach Eats" (food truck gathering) in the evening. Shop for fresh produce/veggies and enjoy some of LA's favorite food trucks with an outdoor picnic on the beach.

• Weekend Concerts at Fisherman's Village. Free outdoor concerts, including R&B, Jazz, Latin, Pop, and Blues every Saturday and Sunday afternoon (weather permitting) in Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way. 1-4 p.m. (2-5 p.m. in summer).

On-the-water[edit]

Boating, sports fishing, kayaking, and whale watching top the list of aquatic pursuits in Marina del Rey. You'll find an array of rental operations strung along the waterfront with many conveniently located at Fisherman's Village. Private Charter companies in Marina del Rey, offer everything from bareboat rentals to yacht and sailing charters, corporate team building events to social events and parties, to scattering ashes at sea.

• City Cruises Marina del Rey, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, ☎ +1 5625611024, [x]. Enjoy breathtaking views, delicious meals, cocktails and live music on harbor cruises.
• Marina del Rey Parasailing, 13717 Fiji Way, ☎ +1-310-306-2222, [x]. Enjoy an exhilarating parasailing flight from Fisherman's Village. Choose from a 500 ft. or 800 ft. experience. Flights can accommodate two-three persons at a time. See fabulous views of Venice Beach and Marina del Rey from the air. Reservations required.
• Marina del Rey Sportsfishing, Dock 52 Fiji Way, ☎ +1 310-822-3625, [x]. Offers sports fishing trips for 1/2 or 3/4 day for halibut, yellowtail, calico bass, sand bass, barracuda and white sea bass. Rod rentals, tackle, bait, fishing licenses available. During the winter months on weekends, whale watching and wildlife tours are offered. Reservations required. Depart from Dock 52, where parking is free.
• LA Sailing Charter Marina Del Rey CA, 4333 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, ☎ +1 4242593231, [x]. Boat Rental & Yacht Charters.
• Paddle Method, 4625-A Admiralty Way, ☎ +1 310-822-1888, [x]. Paddleboard Lessons & Rentals.
• UCLA Marina Aquatic Center, 14001 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, ☎ +1 310-823-0048, [x]. From windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rowing, and sailing, UCLA Marina Aquatic Center offers both equipment rentals and extensive instructional and recreational boating programs. Open to non-UCLA community affiliates.

Buy[edit]

Marina del Rey offers neighborhood shopping within walking distance from local hotels.

• Marina Beach Shopping Center, 510 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, [x]. Open daily. Shop for essentials and local services here. Bagels, pet store, haircuts, quick service cafes, and the favorite of locals, Joni's Coffee Roaster & Juice Joint; Wells Fargo Bank (ATM).
• Villa Marina Marketplace Mall, 13450 Maxella Ave, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, ☎ +1 3108271740, [x].
• Waterside Marina del Rey Shopping Center, 4700 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, ☎ +1 8186378921, [x]. daily. Local boutiques and one-of-a-kind treasures; Bank of America (ATM); Ralphs Market (with deli); men, women, and children's clothing; gift shops; restaurants, cafes; boating supplies; UPS shipping.

Eat[edit]

One of the best things about Marina del Rey is the numerous restaurants and cafes that are clustered around the waterfront. Offering a rich diversity of gourmet cuisine, this could be the one place where eating out at every meal is a joy rather than a chore.

Budget[edit]

• Alejo's Presto Trattoria, 8343 Lincoln Blvd, Westchester, CA 90045. BYOB and great prices at this hole-in-the wall Italian restaurant. Hope you like garlic.

Mid-range[edit]

• Sapori Italian Restaurant, 13723 Fiji Way (in Fisherman's Village), ☎ +1-310-821-1740, [x]. This intimate Italian restaurant offers Marina views from its dining room and heated outdoor patio seating. Watch the yachts float by as you dine on delicious home-made pastas, seafood and Northern Italian specialties. Owner/Manager Stefano is usually there to greet and seat you, and special requests are always welcomed.
• Tony P's Dockside Grill and Tavern, 4445 Admiralty Way, ☎ +1-310-823-4534, [x]. A local hangout that offers good food at a reasonable price with friendly service and views of the water. The restaurant has spacious indoor dining and a large outdoor heated patio overlooking the Marina. The staff is very kid-friendly and they do have a children's menu. A private Dockside Room is available for parties. The Tavern has also been voted #1 Sports Tavern in West Los Angeles with over 20 big-screen TVs to watch all the sports you can! Open daily for lunch and dinner; weekends for breakfast.

Splurge[edit]

• Beachside Restaurant & Bar, 14160 Palawan Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, United States, ☎ +1-310-439-3033, [x]. This restaurant, part of the Jamaica Bay Inn renovation has large windows which bring the beach, garden, and marina inside while the trellis-covered heated outdoor dining area overlooks both beach and garden, making it an excellent place to enjoy food and drinks. The menu includes specially selected food and innovative chef’s creations.
• Warehouse Restaurant, 4499 Admiralty Way, ☎ +1-310-823-5451, [x]. This waterfront eatery has been serving the famous and famished for over 35 years. It has an international menu featuring seafood, steaks, pasta, and salads. Plus, they have a large selection of California and International wines. They offer a Sunday buffet brunch and a seasonal Saturday buffet brunch, May through August. Live music on weekends. Open for lunch and dinner.
• Whiskey Red's Restaurant & Events, 13813 Fiji Way (in Fisherman's Village), ☎ +1-310-823-4522, [x]. Located in picturesque Fisherman's Village, this restaurant seems to always have something going on. Daily lunch buffets, weekend champagne brunch, and special dinners as well as a daily happy hour. They feature private rooms for parties, a garden heated patio overlooking the Marina, and a menu that has a wide variety of seafood, steaks, chicken, pasta, and salads.

Drink[edit]

The casual environment of the Marina lends itself to coffee shops and cafes, which can be found in abundance. The normal complement of Starbucks and other chain stores are present, as well as places with more local flavor. Marina del Rey's most popular restaurants become the city's epicenter for nightlife. Live music, dancing, and lively bars spring to life at night.

• Brennan's Bar, 4089 Lincoln Blvd., ☎ 310-821-6622, [x]. Fun, lively Irish pub with a great selection of beers and ales. Nightly entertainment including live bands and turtle racing on Thursday nights.
• East Coast Bagel, 4375 Glencoe Ave Ste. D-4 Unit, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, ☎ +1-310-305-9852, [x]. Try one of their "Beggel" (a 2-egg omelet on a bagel) breakfast sandwiches with a cuppa joe!
• Firestone Walker Brewing Company, 3205 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, ☎ +1 3104398264, [x].
• Wendy's Donuts, 4000 Lincoln Blvd (at Washington), ☎ +1-310-305-7994. A great selection of fresh-made daily donuts, pastries and muffins along with fresh brewed coffee, teas and soft drinks.

Sleep[edit]

Marina del Rey's close proximity to Los Angeles International Airport makes it an excellent lodging option for business travelers.

• Foghorn Harbor Inn, 4140 Via Marina, ☎ +1-310-823-4626 (toll free: +1-800-423-4940, fax: +1-310-578-1964), [x]. Nestled among breezy palms, the charming inn is situated along quiet, colorful Marina Beach. Each of the quaintly-appointed rooms offers a private patio or balcony, so you can sit back and enjoy the lovely views of the sand and scenic harbor.
• Hilton Garden Inn, 4200 Admiralty Way, ☎ +1-310-301-2000 (fax: +1-424-289-3905), [x]. Ideally located amidst the picturesque setting of the Marina Del Rey Harbor and Marina Beach, the Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey hotel is only 6.5 miles north of LAX and is within easy reach of a vibrant range of local attractions including Venice Beach Boardwalk and Downtown Los Angeles. This stylish Los Angeles hotel also offers easy access to several universities and businesses, making it perfect for both business and leisure travelers
• Jamaica Bay Inn, 4175 Admiralty Way, ☎ +1-310-823-5333 (toll free: +1-888-823-5333, fax: +1-310-823-1325), [x]. Is newly renovated and resembles a West Indies resort complete with lush garden, lovely beachside pool and marina views. Its restaurant, Beachside, features trellis-covered outdoor areas.
• Kinney, 737 West Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292, ☎ +1 310-821-4455, [x]. At The Kinney, our house is your house. Let our Venice Beach hotel be your tour guide; your adventure guardian; your party starter; your fun in the California sun. With 68 brand-new guest rooms and shared spaces, gather your squad and start the party at The Kinney - offering the best of Venice right at your fingertips. Access the latest and greatest attractions at your own pace, and then refresh in The Quad under the LA sun. Channel your inner Forrest for a friendly game of ping pong or spin some records and kick it old school in our lobby lounge.
• Marina Del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, ☎ +1-310-301-1000 (toll free: +1-800-882-4000), [x]. 134 rooms, just 10 minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport, set in the heart of the world's largest man-made marina. Every Friday night, enjoy the thrill of Salsa dancing. Lessons are from 9:00 - 10:00, with open dancing until 1AM. Hotel also offers a selection of bikes to rent to the public.
• Marina del Rey Marriott, 4100 Admiralty Way, ☎ +1-310-301-3000 (toll free: +1-800-228-9290, fax: +1-310-448-4870), [x]. The Marina del Rey Marriott offers a distinctly modern, yet sophisticated hotel experience with 370 guest rooms offering both water and mountain view.
• Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, 4375 Admiralty Way, ☎ +1-310-823-1700 (toll free: +1-800-542-8680), [x]. Situated on one of the world’s largest man-made recreational marinas, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey resort is Los Angeles’ only AAA Five Diamond waterfront luxury hotel near Santa Monica. Guests enjoy ocean, marina or city skyline views from private “Juliet” balconies featured in every room.

Contact[edit]

If you're looking for a place to use the internet or check your e-mail, look no further than the Lloyd Taber Marina del Rey Library, 4533 Admiralty Way. Open Monday thru Saturday, you can use a computer there to log on and search the internet. Several cafes also offer Wi-Fi connections including Panera's Bread Bakery Cafe, Cafe Buna, and the local Starbucks, as well as all the hotel restaurants.

Get out[edit]

• Venice. The neighboring beach town offers miles of sand, eclectic nightlife, and the infamous Muscle Beach.
• Santa Monica. Best known for its famous pier, Santa Monica is a must-see destination for most tourists, and home to many restaurants and bars frequented by locals.
• Culver City. A neighboring city and the home of Sony Studios that in recent years has been undergoing a rebirth and now has an increasing number of food, shopping, and entertainment options.

Routes through Marina del Rey

Santa Monica ← Venice ←

N  S

→ El Segundo → Long Beach

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