Marina del Rey, CA

California's largest man-made small craft harbor meets coastal luxury

Things to know

Discover Marina del Rey.

The Main Channel

Nature

The heart of the marina, where hundreds of luxury yachts and sailboats are moored. Stroll along the waterfront promenade for stunning views, watch boats navigate the channel, and spot sea lions lounging on the docks.

Burton Chace Park

Culture

A 10-acre waterfront park offering panoramic harbor views, summer concert series, and the popular Sunday farmers market. It's the community's gathering spot for picnics, sunset watching, and seasonal festivals.

Waterfront Dining

Food

Experience fresh seafood and California cuisine with unbeatable harbor views. Restaurants like The Whaler, Tony P's Dockside Grill, and Coni'Seafood offer patio dining where you can watch boats glide by.

Mother's Beach

Sports

A protected, calm-water beach perfect for families with young children. With gentle waves, playgrounds, picnic areas, and volleyball courts, it's the safest swimming spot along the marina's shoreline.

Sunset Happy Hours

Nightlife

The marina comes alive at dusk with some of LA's best sunset views. Bars and lounges like The Ritz-Carlton's VIEW Lounge and The Warehouse offer prime spots for cocktails as the sky turns orange over the Pacific.

Fisherman's Village

Shopping

A charming New England-style boardwalk with boutique shops, casual eateries, and boat rental services. The village's clock tower is an iconic landmark, and it's the departure point for harbor cruises and whale watching tours.

things to do

Things to Do in Marina del Rey

Life here revolves around the water. From active adventures on the Pacific to leisurely strolls along the harbor, every activity connects you to the marina's maritime spirit.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard

Water Sports

Explore the calm inland waterways and canals by renting from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals or SUP Yoga LA. Paddle past multi-million dollar waterfront homes and get unique perspectives of the marina's architecture.

Walk the Ballona Creek Bike Path

Nature

This paved trail runs from the marina inland to Culver City, perfect for cycling, jogging, or walking. The marina section offers uninterrupted water views and connects to the larger LA bike network.

Attend a Summer Concert at Burton Chace Park

Culture

From June through September, the park hosts free Friday night concerts featuring jazz, blues, and tribute bands. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner, and enjoy music with the harbor as your backdrop.

Dine at The Warehouse Restaurant

Food

This iconic restaurant built from reclaimed lumber has been a marina institution since 1969. Their seafood is legendary, and the rustic atmosphere feels like stepping into Old California fishing culture.

Take a Harbor Cruise or Whale Watching Tour

Adventure

Companies like Hornblower and Marina del Rey Sportfishing offer daily excursions. See the marina from the water, spot dolphins, or during winter months, watch migrating gray whales pass the breakwater.

Browse the Marina Marketplace

Shopping

This upscale shopping center features specialty stores, cafes, and services catering to the marina lifestyle. It's less touristy than Fisherman's Village and offers a more local shopping experience.

neighborhoods

Neighborhoods to Explore

Though compact, Marina del Rey features distinct areas defined by their relationship to the water—from bustling marina centers to quiet residential canals.

The Marina Center

Maritime Hub

The commercial and recreational heart surrounding the main channel. Here you'll find most restaurants, hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, public docks, and the busiest boat traffic. It's where visitors and locals converge.

The Canal Districts

Residential Luxury

Quiet neighborhoods lining the inland waterways, where homes have private docks instead of driveways. Areas like Via Marina and Panay Way offer a more residential feel while maintaining immediate water access.

Waterfront Parks & Beaches

Recreational

Not a traditional neighborhood, but a connected series of public spaces including Mother's Beach, Burton Chace Park, and Marina Beach. These areas define the community's outdoor lifestyle and provide access to the Pacific.

The Peninsula & Admiralty

Mixed-Use

Modern developments featuring condominiums, apartments, and ground-floor retail. These areas blend residential living with convenient amenities and tend to attract younger professionals and empty-nesters alike.

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