Marina del Rey

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Roughly four miles north of Los Angeles International Airport sits Marina del Rey, a charming coastal community with sailboats, beaches, and bike paths. Marina del Rey began as an estuary frequented by fishermen and duck hunters, but in 1965 became the largest man-made, small-craft harbor in the country. Today, visitors flock to the area for its year-round sunshine and laid-back, California vibe.

Treat yourself to an overnight stay at the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey, a luxury hotel with Juliet balconies off every room and the 7,000-square-foot Spa del Rey, which offers massage treatments, body wraps, and facials. Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at restaurants such as Cast & Plow inside the hotel, or venture down Admiralty Way to the upscale vegan restaurant Planta or the more casual Tony P’s Dockside Grill. Also consider checking into the modern Marina del Rey Hotel, which features a heated infinity pool, marina-view sundeck, and bicycle rentals. The hotel's Salt Restaurant & Bar offers seasonally inspired California cuisine with indoor and outdoor seating. 

Marina del Rey will likely inspire you to spend your day on the water doing something active, like sailing, parasailing, or kayaking (or just take it easy on a dinner or brunch cruise). As part of the 22-mile Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, it’s also the ideal place to go on a cycling adventure. It’s possible to take bike paths up to Will Rogers State Beach in Santa Monica (about 6 miles), or south all the way to South Bay (about 13 miles). Yoga enthusiasts can downward-dog in the fresh ocean air and sunshine at Burton Chace Park, or try YOGAqua, which combines yoga with stand-up paddle boarding. A great place for runners day or night (it’s lit for after-sundown workouts) is Yvonne B. Burke Park, an eight-acre linear park with a free par course fitness circuit.

If you’d rather relax, climb aboard a dinner cruise while you take in the breathtaking scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales as you explore Santa Monica Bay. If you are more of a landlubber, sink into the sand at the family-friendly Mother's Beach, or at the mellow Marina Peninsula Beach just south of the Venice Pier. Transport yourself to Italy with a walk through the Venice Canals, a man-made historic district built in 1905.

Marina del Rey also serves as a home base to nearby attractions. Rent a bicycle and cruise north from the start of the Venice Boardwalk at Washington Boulevard, all the way to Santa Monica, or take it easy and enjoy a cocktail or meal at one of the popular spots just east of the Venice Pier.