Manhattan Beach
Last Updated on Mar 26, 2025
Marina del Rey is a coastal paradise with a range of outdoor and water activities. Take a scenic boat ride or rent a kayak or paddleboard from the Marina del Rey Harbor. Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Marina del Rey Bike Path, which stretches along the coast. Head to Mother’s Beach, ideal for families with calm waters for swimming and picnicking. Explore Burton Chace Park for lush gardens and outdoor concerts. For dining, check out The Warehouse Restaurant or Truxton’s American Bistro. You can also visit the nearby Venice Beach Boardwalk or take a harbor tour to see some of the most luxurious yachts. For a unique experience, take a sunset sail, or head to the Marina Marketplace for shopping and entertainment.
Marina del Rey offers luxurious waterfront accommodations with stunning views of the marina and the Pacific Ocean. The Marina del Rey Hotel is a beautiful 4-star hotel that provides modern rooms and great dining options with a view of the marina. The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey is an iconic luxury hotel offering exceptional service, fine dining, and a relaxing atmosphere. The Inn at Marina del Rey provides a boutique experience with an emphasis on comfort and personalized service. For a more contemporary and chic stay, The Hotel MDR Marina del Rey – a DoubleTree by Hilton offers sleek accommodations just steps from the harbor.
SALT Restaurant & Bar
Marina del Rey’s waterfront dining scene includes several renowned spots. The Warehouse, a classic seafood restaurant, offers fresh catches in a charming, nautical-themed environment. Salt is another top pick, serving creative American dishes with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. For upscale dining, The Ritz-Carlton’s Brasserie provides French-inspired dishes with a refined atmosphere. The Ritz-Carlton’s wine bar and dining experiences offer a taste of sophistication, and Scopa Italian Roots, though not Michelin-starred, is highly regarded for its elevated Italian cuisine and chic ambiance.
Marina Beach, or “Mother’s Beach,” is a family- and kid-friendly destination that provides a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors of all ages. With its calm waters, picnic areas, volleyball courts, playground equipment, and various activities, it is a perfect location for a family outing or a day of fun in the sun. The recent improvements made to the facility have added a modern touch to its amenities and ensure a pleasant experience for all who visit.
Nestled on the eastern bank of the main harbor entrance channel between Whiskey Reds restaurant to the south and the Windward boatyard to the north, Fisherman's Village in Marina del Rey, California, is a waterfront mall, commercial boat anchorage, and popular tourist attraction. Built in 1967 in the style of a New England fishing village, the historical Fisherman's Village is a replica of a quaint seaside town and offers stunning panoramic views of the harbor. Whether you want to enjoy live music concerts, dine at waterfront restaurants, take harbor and fishing cruises, rent boats and bicycles, or simply stroll along the quiet harborfront, Fisherman's Village has something for everyone. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Fisherman's Village and all that this charming destination has to offer.
Marina del Rey is home to several beautiful parks, each with their unique charm and appeal. Burton W. Chace Park, Aubrey E. Austin Jr. Park and North Jetty, and Bill Rosendahl Del Rey Park offer breathtaking views of the harbor, vast green spaces, and a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Burton W. Chace Park is a popular destination for picnics, leisurely strolls, and events, with a multi-purpose room available for rent. Aubrey E. Austin Jr. Park and North Jetty offer a peaceful and picturesque escape with unobstructed views of the harbor's main channel and the opportunity to fish from the jetty. Meanwhile, Bill Rosendahl Del Rey Park is perfect for families with a large playground, sports courts, and a dog park. All three parks are wheelchair and stroller accessible, making them a great option for visitors of all ages and abilities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an outdoor adventure, Marina del Rey Parks have something for everyone.
For avid cyclists or anyone looking for a leisurely bike ride, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail in Marina del Rey is an excellent choice. Stretching 22 miles between Will Rogers beach in the north and Torrance beach in the south, this scenic coastal path offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and several convenient stops along the way. For those looking to take a break, Burke Park and Oxford Basin offer a pedestrian loop and a wildlife habitat area, while nearby Ballona Lagoon on Marina Peninsula has a walking loop and wildlife viewing stations. Many cyclists choose to stop at Fisherman's Village, located in Marina del Rey, for a sweet treat and free live music on weekends. The village also offers bike rentals, making it a convenient starting point for your cycling adventure.
The Marina del Rey Boat Parade is a vibrant and festive annual event that lights up the waters of Marina del Rey with beautifully decorated boats, yachts, and vessels. Held each December, the parade draws thousands of spectators to the waterfront to enjoy a dazzling display of holiday spirit on the water. With themed boats adorned in twinkling lights, festive decorations, and creative designs, the parade creates a magical atmosphere for all ages. It has become a beloved tradition in Los Angeles, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with friends, family, and neighbors while enjoying the beauty of the marina and its stunning views.
"Marina del Rey" is a Spanish phrase that translates to "Harbor of the King" in English. The name reflects the area's historical ties to California's Spanish heritage and its connection to the water, highlighting its identity as a major seaside community and harbor in Los Angeles County. Initially developed in the 1950s and officially dedicated in 1965, Marina del Rey is now one of the largest man-made small craft harbors in the world, hosting thousands of boats, yachts, and a thriving coastal community. The harbor’s scenic charm, combined with its vibrant waterfront dining, shopping, and recreational activities, has made Marina del Rey a popular destination for both locals and tourists.