Overview
Marina del Rey is a community of 39,000 people (2018) on the West Side of Los Angeles that is best known as the world's largest man-made small craft harbor, capable of berthing 5,300 boats. Today it is also home to a wide array of hotels and restaurants, and its close proximity to Los Angeles International Airport and popular local destinations makes it an excellent option for visitors looking for a base to explore the Los Angeles area.
5 sights · 18 things to do · 8 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Marina del Rey
Ballona Wetlands
Bordering Marina del Rey to the south, the Ballona Wetlands are a remnant of the wetlands that once dominated the landscape; it is estimated that the current 600-acre wetlands represent just one percent of what was prese…
Burton Chace Park
This beautiful 10-acre park juts out into the Marina's main channel, offering an excellent view of the area. The park offers waterside picnic tables, lawn areas, and covered picnic areas with barbeque grills. It also ser…
Fisherman's Village
Fisherman's Village is at the southern end of the Marina and is home to restaurants, souvenir shops, and a number of boat rental options. From here you can also join a public sport fishing excursion, or a weekend dinner …
Aubrey E. Austin Park
This tiny park is where the North Jetty Promenade begins. You can walk along the North Jetty, watch the community sailing regattas at several of the outposts' benches, or to enjoy a picnic. There are several platform are…
Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Park
This park features a walking path and an 18-step Parcourse Circuit Trail to challenge your fitness level. Look overhead and you may find the various nesting areas of the black crested night herons or snowy egrets in the …
Calico Yacht Charter
Private yacht rental for harbor tours, sunset cruises, coastal cruises, marriage proposals, surfing excursions, and Catalina day trips.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jan–Dec. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 47°F. Wettest: Feb and Jan. (climate data from nearby Culver City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LAX Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles — 3 mi away (major hub). Directions
- HHR Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Hawthorne — 7 mi away. Directions
Marina del Rey is less than four miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), within walking distance of Venice Beach, and less than ten minutes by car from Santa Monica.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ballona Wetlands, Fisherman's Village, Calico Yacht Charter
- Lunch Whiskey Red's
- Afternoon Hornblower Cruises & Events, Marina del Rey Sportfishing
- Dinner Tony P's Dockside Grill
- Evening East Coast Bagel
Day 2
- Morning Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Park, Marina Paddle, Marina Beach
- Lunch Cast and Plow
- Afternoon Latitude 33 Yacht Charters, Marina del Rey Summer Concerts
- Dinner The Warehouse
- Evening Sinder Lounge
Day 3
- Morning Aubrey E. Austin Park, Los Angeles Yacht Charter, Sunset Sailing Regatta
- Lunch Beachside Restaurant
- Afternoon Old Fashioned Day in the Park, Weekend Concerts at Fisherman's Village
- Dinner Pizzarito NY Pizza by the Slice
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Prior to the development of the marina the area was a massive salt marsh, remnants of which can still be seen in the neighboring Ballona Wetlands Reserve. The ancient Gabrieleno Indians were likely the region's first fisherman and hunters, living along the bluffs above the ocean. The Spanish arrived later, followed in the 1800s by the first Angelenos. During the first half of the 20th century automotive races were held in the area, running from Playa del Rey to Venice along a roadway on the Marina peninsula now appropriately known as Speedway. Oil was discovered in the 1930s, and oil rigs can still be seen in the Ballona Wetlands near Playa del Rey.
Plans for development of a harbor date back to 1888, although other areas were deemed more suitable for a commercial port and the Port of Los Angeles is today located in San Pedro. It wasn't until 1953 that the county allocated funds and construction of the current marina began, with the Army Corps of Engineers in charge. A massive storm in the winter of 1962-1963 caused extensive damage and led to the addition of the breakwall at the harbor entrance. On April 10, 1965 the marina was dedicated.
Get in
Marina del Rey is less than four miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), within walking distance of Venice Beach, and less than ten minutes by car from Santa Monica.
For those driving, the Marina Freeway (State Route 90) leads to Marina del Rey from the east, while Lincoln Boulevard (Highway 1) is a more congested option when approaching from the north or south.
Various shared vans will also take visitors from the airport to local hotels, and taxis are prevalent at the airport and will cost $20-25. Several hotels offer complimentary airport transfers, so ask when making a hotel reservation. Most major rental car companies have offices in town. Public parking is plentiful and inexpensive.
Three bus systems service Marina del Rey:
- Metro #108 takes visitors to Venice.
- The Santa Monica Big Blue Bus #1 serves the western side of the marina directly from Westwood, Santa Monica, and Venice, stopping at the intersection of Via Marina and Marquesas. The #3 and #3 Rapid run between Santa Monica and the LAX area, both stopping at the corner of Mindanao Way and Lincoln Boulevard on the eastern side of the marina.
- Culver City Green buses (#2 and #7) services Culver City.
Get around
There are walking and biking paths throughout the marina, but while biking is a great way to get around, the area is large enough that walking from one side of the marina to the other is probably not feasible. During the summer months (weekends, holidays and concert nights), the Marina WaterBus operates between Fisherman's Village, Burke Marina Promenade, Marina Beach, Burton Chace Park, and several other stops. This water taxi is just $1 (one-way) for each boarding and is a convenient way to leave the car 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 and the Marina del Rey Visitors Center.
Bike rental
Biking is popular in Marina del Rey thanks to the flat, well marked bike trails through the Marina and beyond. In addition to trails within the marina, the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, known by locals as "The Strand", travels for 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades south through Marina del Rey and all the way to Torrance County Beach in Torrance. Along the way there are hourly bike rental locations, restroom facilities, water vending machines and food concessions.
Place Marina del Rey Hotel
Offers a selection of bikes to rent to the public. $15 for 2 hours/$25 for the day.
Place Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Bike rentals are generally available on weekends; ask the concierge for details.
See
See Aubrey E. Austin Park
This tiny park is where the North Jetty Promenade begins. You can walk along the North Jetty, watch the community sailing regattas at several of the outposts' benches, or to enjoy a picnic. There are several platform areas from which you can fish.
See Ballona Wetlands
Bordering Marina del Rey to the south, the Ballona Wetlands are a remnant of the wetlands that once dominated the landscape; it is estimated that the current 600-acre wetlands represent just one percent of what was present in the past. Despite the habitat loss, the wetlands that remain are an important refuge that serves as a home to 73 native bird species, more than 3,000 native trees, and 10,000 native shrubs and grasses. Activities include a trail along the freshwater marsh (located at the southwest corner of Lincoln & Jefferson), with information panels along the way; portions of the trail are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Free docent-led tours of the interior as well as restoration workdays are coordinated usually on the weekends through the Friends of Ballona Wetlands.
See Burton Chace Park
This beautiful 10-acre park juts out into the Marina's main channel, offering an excellent view of the area. The park offers waterside picnic tables, lawn areas, and covered picnic areas with barbeque grills. It also serves as the hub of community activities, with free outdoor concerts in the summer. On select Thursdays, (classical music with full symphony orchestra) and Saturdays (easy listening pop) concerts begin at 7PM and last about 2 hours. Seating is first-come, first-serve on the green (many bring their own low lawn chairs or blankets to sit on), and many spectators bring picnics to enjoy before the concert; bring a jacket or sweater to stay comfortable by the water in the evening. Parking for the park activities is in pay lots only located a block or two from the park. During the winter the park serves as a great viewing area for the annual December Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade.
See Fisherman's Village
Fisherman's Village is at the southern end of the Marina and is home to restaurants, souvenir shops, and a number of boat rental options. From here you can also join a public sport fishing excursion, or a weekend dinner or Sunday Brunch cruise. All kinds of small boats are available to rent by the hour - sail or motor, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and jet skis, and parasailing and bike rentals are also offered there. Free weekend concerts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons are a local favorite.
See Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Park
This park features a walking path and an 18-step Parcourse Circuit Trail to challenge your fitness level. Look overhead and you may find the various nesting areas of the black crested night herons or snowy egrets in the large shade trees along the path.
Do
Water activities
Boating, fishing, sea kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and whale watching are the most popular water activities, and numerous businesses throughout the marina will provide services, particularly around Fisherman's Village. In addition, there are several dinner cruises and party boats that set sail each night, making loops around harbor.
Do Hornblower Cruises & Events
Hornblower is an upscale option for dinner cruises and social events. Food is prepared onboard from local ingredients, and entertainment options include DJs and live bands. Hornblower operates five boats in the marina, with a combined passenger capacity of up to 500 guests. Seasonal and special-event cruises are offered throughout the year, including winter holiday cruises, New Year's Eve cruises, Valentine's Day cruises, Mother's Day cruises, Father's Day cruises, 4th of July cruises, and Thanksgiving cruises.
Do Marina Paddle
Marina Paddle offers kayak and paddle board rental, as well as lessons. Reservations are recommended in the summer, but during the rest of the year rentals are first-come, first-served. They also rent electric bikes. Online specials are offered, so check their website for discounts.
Do Marina del Rey Parasailing
Offers parasailing with options for a ride on a 500 or 800 foot tow rope for 2-3 people at a time, with take-off and landings from the boat, although the "touch n go" option gives riders a chance to get their feet wet (note that no matter the length of the tow rope, FAA restrictions limit the maximum elevation to 500 feet). Boats hold 15 passengers and trips last about 90 minutes. Minimum age is 6, maximum combined weight is (subject to wind and captain's approval), and observers are welcome to join for $40, or $30 on a space-available basis. Like any good adventure company, photos and GoPro video of the experience can be purchased for an additional $25-65. Discounts are sometimes available online, and reservations are strongly recommended and should be made 1-2 weeks in advance for weekend trips. Parasailing is not offered from early November through early February.
Do Marina del Rey Sportfishing
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. A valid fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 15.
Do UCLA Marina Aquatic Center
UCLA's aquatic center offers windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rowing and sailing. Equipment rental is significantly discounted for UCLA students and members of the aquatic center. Extensive classes are also offered for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and rowing, with the opportunity available to gain sailing qualifications.
Beaches
Acres of sand extend to the north and south of the entrance to the marina along the Pacific Ocean, offering plenty of room for sunning, beach sports, or lounging. The waters are great for bodysurfing and swimming, although a wetsuit might be a good idea in winter months. The majority of the ocean beaches around Marina del Rey are in other cities: Venice Beach (to the north) is one of the most famous beaches in the world, and Dockweiler State Beach (to the south) is a great option for those looking for less of a carnival-atmosphere than what is found in Venice.
Within the marina there is one non-ocean beach for those looking for sand and a calm place to swim or paddle:
Do Marina Beach (Mother's Beach)
If you're looking for a little sand and sun for kids and toddlers, this non-ocean facing sandy cove offers 12 acres of a public swimming, windsurfing and non-motored boating lagoon for kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Seasonally staffed by County lifeguards, the beach has no surf and is a pleasant spot for family outings. It features a children's play area, public picnic shelters with barbecue grills, benches and tables. Restaurants and bicycle rentals are nearby.
Hiking
The Burke Marina Walk Promenade begins at Marina Beach and leads past waterfront hotels, restaurants, picnic areas, bike rentals and yacht clubs. 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. In addition, the Marina Peninsula Neighborhood has an interesting walking trail. This 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, birdwatching.
Events
There are several local events (both ongoing and yearly) including:
Do Anglers Annual Halibut Derby
Fun and challenging for anglers of all ages, this early summer event awards prizes for catching the biggest fish on a rod and reel. Fishing starts Saturday at sunrise. Public weigh-ins held at Burton Chace Park at the end of the day. Divisions for adults and youth.
Do Sunset Sailing Regatta
Enjoy sunset from waterfront restaurants, Fisherman's Village and the North Jetty during Marina del Rey's largest sailing event as scores of sailors compete.
Do Marina del Rey Summer Concerts
This popular series of outdoor classical and pop evening concerts is set in Burton Chace Park, surrounded on three sides by the water. All concerts begin at 7PM and take place outside on the green, lasting about two hours. Select Thursdays feature Classical and Saturdays are Pops. All are free, and ground seating space is first come, first served. Spectactors are encouraged to bring low chairs or blankets and dress for cool evening weather.
Do 4th of July Fireworks
Celebrate America's birthday in the marina with the annual firework display. At 9PM 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.
Do Old Fashioned Day in the Park
Features displays of vintage yacht, antique classic cars, motorcycles, vintage steam engines and ship models. In Burton Chace Park; free.
Do Discover Marina del Rey Day
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. All-access wristbands sold onsight.
Do Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Festively decorated boats illuminate the main channel in one of the Marina's most visually exciting events. The parade starts at 6PM Best viewing is at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman's Village.
Do Weekend Concerts at Fisherman's Village
Free outdoor concerts, including R&B, Jazz, Latin, Pop and Blues.
Buy
Marina del Rey offers neighborhood shopping within walking distance from local hotels.
Shop Waterside Marina del Rey Shopping Center
Bank of America (ATM), Ralphs Market (with deli), men, women and children's clothing, gift shops, boating supplies, and UPS shipping. Dining options include both sit-down restaurants (Sugarfish, California Pizza Kitchen) and fast food options (Chipotle).
Shop Marina Beach Shopping Center
Shop for essentials and local services here. Bagels, pet store, haircuts, quick service cafes and the favorite of locals, Joni's Coffee Roaster Cafe. There is also a Wells Fargo Bank (ATM).
Shop Villa Marina Marketplace
This shopping area sprawls across a large area, including a multi-story complex and a more traditional shopping center. The two-story complex features upscale restaurants (Ruth Chris, Yardhouse, Ra Sushi, and several more) and offers services like an Equinox gym, a dine-in AMC movie theater and a nail salon. Across the street, the shopping center has several chain restaurants (Panda Express, Jamba Juice, Baja Fresh), a Pavilion's market, a Discount Shoe Warehouse, Barne's & Noble books, a 24-hr. drug store, self-service laundry, numerous smaller retail outlets, a CitiBank (ATM) and Chase Bank (ATM), and a post office.
Day spas
If you're looking for a special treat for your body and soul, look no further than Marina del Rey.
Shop Odyssey MediSpa
Offers dermatological services such as Laser Gensis to help restore the skins' natural glow, aromatherapy massage, manicures and pedicures as well as waxing.
Shop Christine Valmy
A Byogenesis Skin Care Salon featuring scientific facials along with micro dermabrasion, cellulite control, body therapy and permanent make-up and lash tinting.
Eat
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
Eat Pizzarito NY Pizza by the Slice
This is a place to go if you're in search of authentic New York Pizza by the slice.
Mid-range
Eat Casa Sanchez
For those who like a dozen musicians playing mariachi music on a raised stage while traditional Mexican food is served, this is your restaurant. While entertainment is provided every night, weekends feature a packed dining room with live mariachi music blaring. The draw is obviously the music, but the food is excellent if a bit pricey. Reservations are recommended on weekends, and visitors must either purchase two drinks or one entree to avoid paying a $20 cover charge.
Eat J. Nichols Kitchen
Billing itself as "upscale comfort food", selections include a variety of made-from-scratch meals including breakfast standards (served daily until 2PM), sandwiches, meatloaf, ribs, steaks, pork chops, salads, and pizzas. Expect unique touches with most dishes - English muffins are homemade, fries are served in conical containers, and the turkey stuffing is made from cornbread.
Eat Tony P's Dockside Grill
A local hangout that offers good food at a reasonable price with friendly service and incredible 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. The restaurant features 100 beers from all over the world, a collection of more than 1,400 beer pulls on display and 27 flat screen TVs, including eight 65" LED High-Defs in the tavern. The Tavern has also been voted #1 Sports Tavern in West Los Angeles. Open daily for lunch and dinner; weekends for breakfast.
Splurge
Eat Beachside Restaurant
This restaurant, part of the Jamaica Bay Inn 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. Menu includes specially selected food and innovative chef's creations. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Eat Cast and Plow
Waterfront dining with a focus on locally produced ingredients. Enjoy your meal with waterfront views, on the patio or in the lounge by the fireplace. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch.
Eat The Warehouse
This waterfront eatery has been serving the famous and famished for over 35 years. It has an international menu featuring seafood, steaks, pastas 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.
Eat Whiskey Red's (previously Shanghai Red's)
Located along the waterway that all boats use to enter/leave the marina, this restaurant offers seafood, steaks, chicken, and pasta with a great waterfront view. The weekend buffet is massive and hugely popular and is consistently rated among LA's top buffets. If you aren't hungry but are in the area the entrance to the restaurant features a garden and carp pond that is worth a look.
Drink
Cafes
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:
Drink East Coast Bagel
Try one of their "Beggel" (a 2-egg omelet on a bagel) breakfast sandwiches with a cuppa joe!
Nightlife
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.
Drink Sinder Lounge
An excellent spot for a drink and a game of pool, Sinder (formerly Glow) offers an indoor lounge an outdoor space that features numerous fire elements - firepits, fireplaces, and a wall of flames. During the summer a DJ plays on weeknights and it turns into a hipster hotspot with an eclectic vibe, but at other times of the year it is a relaxed spot to enjoy a (pricey) drink and upscale snacks.
Sleep
Marina del Rey's close proximity to Los Angeles International Airport makes it an excellent lodging option for business travelers.
Stay Marina del Rey Hotel
This 164-room luxury hotel is the closest lodging you can get to the water in Marina del Rey, with rooms literally a stone's throw from the main channel of the marina. First opened in 1965, it underwent a $25-million renovation in 2014-15. Amenities include flat screen TVs, free wired & wireless internet, balconies on most rooms, 24-hour room service, meeting spaces, lounges on each floor, and an infinity pool and outdoor lounge area that faces the water. Parking is valet-only and costs $30 per day (in and out privileges included). The onsite SALT Restaurant and Bar is an upscale restaurant with good food and great outdoor seating - firepits and mood lighting next to the water is tough to beat. Happy hour is daily from 4:30 to 6PM and offers a variety of appetizers and drinks for $5 each. Outside of happy hour, expect to pay $10-15 for cocktails and appetizers and $20-30 for mains.
Go next
The cities and neighborhoods that share borders with Marina del Rey include the following:
- Venice - Marina del Rey's neighbor to the north and west is a beach town that offers miles of sand, an eclectic nightlife, and the infamous Muscle Beach.
- Culver City - Marina del Rey's eastern neighbor is the home of Sony Pictures Studios. Culver City has been undergoing a rebirth in the 21st century, and has a number of very impressive restaurant options.
- Westchester - This town to the east is home to Los Angeles International Airport and a number of lodging options.
- Playa del Rey - South of Marina del Rey and adjacent to LAX, Playa del Rey is home to extensive beaches and a variety of dining options.
Nearby
Venice
City / town · 29 listings · 1 mi away
Culver City
City / town · 58 listings · 2 mi away
Westchester
City / town · 17 listings · 3 mi away
Playa del Rey
City / town · 5 listings · 3 mi away
Santa Monica
City / town · 46 listings · 4 mi away
El Segundo
City / town · 15 listings · 5 mi away
Inglewood
City / town · 22 listings · 6 mi away
Pacific Palisades
City / town · 10 listings · 7 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.