Marina Del Rey

Los Angeles, California Travel Guide

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Marina Del Rey

Area: Along the coast on the west side about 4 1/2 miles south of Santa Monica

Overview: A small yet elegant area in Los Angeles, Marina del Rey is a harbor community that lies just south of Venice (Washington Blvd) and north of Westchester and Playa del Rey (around Culver Blvd and Balboa Creek). It is sandwiched between Via Marina to the west and Lincoln Blvd to the east. Access Marina del Rey via the short 90 Freeway off the 405 Freeway, Lincoln Blvd or Washington Blvd.

The “Marina,” as local angelenos say, can boast more than being one of the nation’s largest harbors. Anyone who enjoys the seaside, beautiful beach landscape, gorgeous harbor scenes and all around leisure, will appreciate the Marina. Stroll along the docks that stretch from Admiralty Way or off Via Marina and take in the harbor scene. Spend an afternoon at one of L.A.’s favorite quiet, wide beaches, Mother’s Beach, at the corner of Admiralty Way and Via Marina. Recreational activities include sailing (rent a boat at the Marina Del Rey Boat Rentals, 310-574-2822), kayaking (rent kayaks the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center, 310-823-0048), fishing and Chace Park.

One of the best views of the harbor is from the Marina’s Fisherman’s Village, located at 13755 Fiji Way. Fisherman’s Village itself simulates fisherman’s villages back east and is comprised of colorful, vibrant buildings, lighthouse, waterfront boardwalk, live, outdoor music, shops and restaurants. Another great way to see the harbor up close and personal is by taking an hour long Waterbus ride. This vessel will take you through the main points of the harbor on the water. But, you may want to get away for a day, so the Marina also offers a short ride on a huge catamaran to nearby Catalina Island (13737 Fiji Way, www.catalinaferries.com).

On the pricey side, the Marina offers a mix of restaurants. The well-known Cheesecake Factory has a home here at 4142 Via Marina as well as California Pizza Kitchen (13345 Fiji Way). Fine dining isn’t lacking when you consider the Chart House, which has a bar and lounge and Cafe del Rey. A block away on the north on Washington Blvd, however, is a local Italian favorite, C & O Trattoria with their jugs of wine and large, scrumptious servings.

Accessibility: Marina del Rey is handicap accessible. There are ramps at various points along the boardwalk.

Getting There: www.bigbluebus.com, www.metro.net, http://www.culvercity.org/bus/bus.asp