I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 40+ years—and I keep returning to this underrated beach town

Sunset views and ocean breezes are just a short drive from LAX.

Key Points

• Marina del Rey is one of the most underrated beach towns in Los Angeles—but it has waterfront hotels, dining, and outdoor activities just a few miles from Los Angeles International Airport.
• Get out on the water, whether stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, sailing, Jet Skiing, or swimming.
• Enjoy dinner with ocean breezes and sunset views at one of the Marina’s many waterfront eateries, which range from fine dining restaurants to casual cafés.

Tucked away near the coast, about six miles north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), is the charming, but oft-overlooked beach community of Marina del Rey. Historically overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors to the north, Venice and Santa Monica, this little beach town is slowly coming into its own.

Marina del Rey’s biggest claim to fame is its marina, which is the largest human-made small-craft harbor in North America. Officially opened in 1965 after years of dredging and the construction of jetties, the Marina (as we locals refer to it) offers residential complexes, walkways, bike paths, parks, restaurants, hotels, and slips for around 5,000 boats. The area’s scenery and weather make it a popular location for TV and motion picture production, and I’ve enjoyed catching glimpses of familiar spots in scenes from Arrested Development, Dexter, Lincoln Lawyer, and The Good Doctor. 

I’ve lived about nine miles from the Marina for more than 40 years, and when I’m booking a dinner cruise to entertain visiting guests or meeting friends at a favorite seafood restaurant that’s halfway between our home in the South Bay and theirs in Los Angeles proper, we head to Marina del Rey. The same goes for in-the-know vacationers looking for a home base near Los Angeles International Airport with easy access to Santa Monica and Venice, but without the crowds that come with those popular spots. Road trippers touring California on famed Highway One will find Marina del Rey a convenient stop on their route, too.

Savvy business travelers know they can check into their hotel minutes after landing, and at the end of their work day, they can be paddleboarding, kayaking, or bike riding among ocean breezes. “Marina del Rey has a relaxed coastal elegance that’s really special,” Amy Deift, regional vice president of City Cruises, tells Travel + Leisure. “You get stunning waterfront views, incredible sunsets, and a sense of escape—yet you’re right in the heart of Los Angeles. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can slow down, connect with the water, and experience Southern California at its best.”

Locals enjoy their small community as well. “We love the Marina’s free public events, including the Marina del Rey Christmas Boat Parade, the free summer concert series in the park, the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks, and our very own Killer Rides Car Show series,” says Brett Doherty, chief operating officer of Killer Shrimp, says.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a visit to Marina del Rey, California.

Best Things to Do

While many visitors and locals spend their time on the water Jet Skiing, parasailing, hydrofoiling, sailing, and paddleboarding, there’s much to do on land as well. Ride a bike along the ocean on the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, a flat 22-mile path that connects Marina del Rey to Venice Beach, Playa del Rey, and the Redondo Beach pier. The paved pathway we refer to as “The Strand” curves along next to the sand with plenty of places to stop for a snack, coffee, photo, or beachfront break. The Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, a 600-acre protected wetland, provides low-impact hiking, bird-watching, and even volunteer opportunities. 

You can charter a boat for sightseeing, fishing, or whale watching during the migration season, or you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery with a chartered cruise. “Each [cruise] offers a unique way to enjoy the marina, whether guests are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable day or night on the water,” says Deift.

Spend a day on Mother’s Beach, a half-mile sandy beach with a surf-free swimming area, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and get out on the water, even if you’re a first-timer. “Marina del Rey is one of the easiest and most welcoming places to paddleboard in the L.A. area. The harbor is protected, so the water stays calm and predictable, which makes a big difference, especially if you’re new or just want a relaxing session without worrying about waves,” says Cole Vaughan of Pro SUP Shop. For a unique experience, you could even try paddleboard yoga with Yogaqua.

Shop, browse, dine, and take in marina views at Fisherman’s Village, The Boardwalk Shops, and Waterside at Marina del Rey. Get your creative juices flowing and make your own souvenir at Bitter Root Pottery—they’ll even ship your work of art to your home once it’s ready. For total relaxation, treat yourself to a day of pampering at the Sisley Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Where to Eat and Drink

Family-owned Killer Shrimp, known for its signature bowls of spicy, secret-recipe shrimp, has been around since 1988. “We are fortunate to be one of the only dock-and-dine restaurants in Marina del Rey,” Doherty says. Nautical tiki-themed The Warehouse has been a waterfront fixture since 1969, with weekly salsa lessons and live music. 

Michelin-recognized Dear Jane’s is a personal favorite for its marina views and expertly prepared fresh seafood. Waterfront Salt Restaurant & Bar has a packed menu, featuring things like an over-the-top seafood tower, a raw bar, and fun daily brunch options such as fish tacos. A gourmet market by day, Stoa Wine Bar & Market becomes a dinner spot at night, serving pizzas, salads, charcuterie, cocktails, and an excellent selection of wines by the glass or bottle.

You can sleep in and still indulge your breakfast cravings at Café Cache where you’ll find crepes, omelets, quiche, sandwiches, and pastries until late afternoon. This attractive spot is tucked away on a walking promenade in the harbor. For something a little off the beaten path, stop by Planta Cocina, which is known for its stunning decor and tasty plant-based dishes—it also hosts salsa dancing on Taco Tuesdays.

Where to Stay

Marina del Rey has a wide range of hotels, from luxury to budget-friendly to family-focused. The waterfront Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, has sumptuous amenities such as a heated saltwater pool, tennis, pickleball, a Sisley Spa, and seaside dining at Cast & Plow, where I’ve enjoyed dinners at its firepit tables—it’s especially enchanting at sunset.

The first hotel to open in the marina, the Marina del Rey Hotel, is known for water views and its lively pool deck and summer pool parties. Families love the nautical-inspired boutique Jamaica Bay Inn, with a beachfront pool, restaurant, and direct access to Mother’s Beach. The Marina del Rey Marriott, just across from Mother’s Beach, has the M Lounge for qualifying Bonvoy members. The Courtyard Marina del Rey is a modern option, and its connection with the Residence Inn by Marriott Marina del Rey means that guests can take advantage of its amenities, too, including laundry facilities, a large fitness center, and the Brizo Bar & Restaurant. Budget-conscious visitors can find comfortable, modern rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn, Marina del Rey. 

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