Marina Del Rey

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Welcome to Marina Del Rey

Vibrant beach town offering stunning coastal views.

Marina del Rey is the best neighborhood in Los Angeles for boat lovers. As its name implies, the neighborhood is home to the largest small craft marina in California. The neighborhood has a smaller, more urban feel than other neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Most of the properties in the area are likely to be luxury condos and townhomes, although single-family houses are available. Marina del Rey is popular for both young professionals and families. It is quite close to Venice Beach and Playa del Rey, where there are countless restaurants that provide breathtaking views of the Pacific. Marina del Rey has a great location with easy access to some of LA’s best beaches.

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What to Love

Excellent location
The marina can hold over 4,600 boats
Modern Family, The O.C., and Arrested Development have all filmed in Marina del Rey
Excellent place to see pelicans and sea lions

Local Lifestyle

Marina del Rey has quite the history. Neighboring Venice was designed by famous visionary Abbot Kinney. Venice’s goal was to resemble its Italian namesake. However, the marshes on the southern end were left untouched. That would change in 1953 when President Eisenhower granted $36 million to build the marina. Ever since its construction, Marina del Rey has become an attractive place to live. Today, it is primarily inhabited by working professionals. It is a popular spot for those who want to be close to Venice, but prefer living in a more quiet area.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Cast & Plow is one of the most celebrated fine dining options in Marina del Rey. It is located in the Ritz-Carlton and meets the high standards one would expect from the luxurious hotel brand. The restaurant prides itself on only using local ingredients and crafting dishes that pair well with Californian wine. Cast & Plow also offers impressive views of the actual marina. If you are seeking the best view of the marina, it’s tough to beat SALT. The restaurant provides excellent views of the waterfront and marina and is one of the best places to gaze at all of the yachts. Every Sunday, SALT hosts its famous Boat House Pool Party. Should you have a craving for Italian, Locanda Positano doesn’t disappoint. Located a few blocks north of the marina, Locanda serves the best pasta and Caprese in town. It is helmed by owners Pablo and Michelangelo, who strongly believe in “Il Cibo e’ l’essenza della vita” (food is the essence of life). Nearly everything on the menu is handmade, and the duo prides themselves on delivering authentic Italian cuisine.

The best shopping district in Marina del Rey is Waterside. The commercial district is chock full of stores, from acclaimed designers to hidden boutiques and vintage shops. Here you can find stores for Bellagio Nails, L’Occitane, and more. The shopping district takes advantage of Southern California’s weather, as it is entirely open air. There are plenty of upscale eateries nearby. While technically not in Marina del Rey, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is worth mentioning due to its proximity. The actual boulevard runs through Marina del Rey, but the shopping district doesn’t start until you cross into Venice. The boutiques on the boulevard are where national trends are born.

Things to Do

Marina del Rey is intersected by the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, making it easy to get to Venice or Manhattan Beach without a car. The trail covers 22 miles in total, making it an excellent option for biking or jogging.

If you are looking for a kid-friendly beach, Marina Beach is within reach. This beach is part of the marina, meaning the waves are quite mild. The beach was built to provide a safe swimming experience for those who are unfamiliar with the big waves found on other beaches.

Schools

Marina del Rey schools reside within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Like most of Los Angeles, there is a mix of public, charter, and private schools to choose from. Notable schools near Marina del Rey include: