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Boating in Marina del Rey, California
Southern California's Ultimate Boating DestinationMarina del Rey—just south of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, and only four miles from LAX—is the largest manmade small-boat harbor in the world. With 19 marinas, space for more than 5,000 vessels, several parks and beaches, and dozens of restaurants and shops, it’s paradise for both boaters and water-loving landlubbers alike.
What to Do
Parks & Beaches
Ten-acre BurtonW. Chace Park juts out into the harbor’s main channel and offers stunning vistas of the area. Locals gather here to stroll, enjoy summer concerts, or simply watch the boats go by. The park is known for its views of the July 4th fireworks and the Holiday Boat Parade. There are guest docks (310-305-9595) operated on a first-come first-serve basis, with a maximum7-night stay. The oceanfront Marvin Braude Bikeway runs through Yvonne B. Burke Park. Swim at Marina Beach, a tranquil lagoon staffed by lifeguards, or head eight miles north to the famed swaths of sand inMalibu.
Fisherman’s Village
Modeled on a New England fishing town—and complete with a lighthouse—Fisherman’s Village is the go-to spot for chartered deep-sea fishing trips and daylong excursions to nearby Catalina Island. There are also kayaks and Jetskis for rent, a number of popular restaurants, and a place to pick up T-shirts and other must-have souvenirs. On weekends
there are free afternoon concerts.
Surfers, Street Performers, and Amusement-Park Rides
Two of the L.A. area’s liveliest destinations are within minutes ofMarina Del Rey. Venice Beach has long been known for its excellent surfing and colorful SoCal flavor—keep an eye out for roaming jugglers and magicians, and don’t miss Muscle Beach, the famed open-air weightlifting facility where Arnold Schwarzenegger once trained. Just to the north, ride a roller coaster and a historic carousel on the hundred-year-old SantaMonica Pier.
Where to Eat
With more than 50 restaurants within walking distance of the marina district, boaters have plenty of dining options to
choose from. Here are a few local favorites.
C&O Trattoria
A relaxed Northern Italian spot known for its terrific pastas, hot garlic rolls, and singing waiters. (31Washington Blvd, 310-823-9491, www.cotrattoria.com)
Fresh Brothers Pizza
Delicious pies, available in both thin-crust and Chicago deep-dish styles. (4722 1/2 AdmiraltyWay, 310-823-3800, www.freshbrothers.com)
Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch
Home-cooked Southern favorites such as mac-and-cheese, fried chicken, and coconut-pineapple pie. The sweet tea is served inMason jars. (523Washington Blvd, 310-578-1005, www.auntkizzys.com)
Sugarfish
Amazingly fresh sushi from an acclaimed Japanese chef. (4722 1/4 AdmiraltyWay, 310-306-6300, www.sugarfishsushi.com)
Where to Dock
Marina del Rey Marina, part of the Almar Group, offers guests wireless Internet, permit parking, and pool access. (13524 BaliWay, 310-822-0316).
Marina Harbor Anchorage , part of the E&S RingManagement group,offers resortcaliber amenitieswith state-of-the-art
floating docks and a new shuttle to Santa Monica. (14120 TahitiWay, 888-831-7808).
Esprit, the newest private marina in the area, has a spectacular main-channel location and offers 216 boat slips from
35 to 70 ft and 11 end ties from 43 to 123 ft. (13900MarquesasWay, 866-294-0683)
For more information about Marina del Rey visit www.visitmarinadelrey.com.
