MARINA DEL REY

Marina del Ray was born out that vast expanse of wetlands that used to be known as Mud Flats. Begun in 1957 and completed in 1965, the total cost was 36 million dollars, what a deal!

[aboard a boat in marina del rey]
Today Marina del Rey is still the world's largest small craft harbor with over 6,000 boat slips and a wide variety of aquatic recreational opportunities. In the marina you can rent a sail or power boat , take a harbor cruise, or go deep sea fishing. There are also summer concerts, a Christmas boat parade, and every Wednesday evening during the summer there are sailboat races.

Since the marina is basically a planned community, the street layout isolates it from Venice and the surrounding area. I've heard people say they "don't get" the marina, meaning they drove through it but couldn't find anything to do. That's because, like most of the beach area, it's best explored on a bike. The bike path that stretches through Santa Monica and Venice continues through Marina del Rey on it's way south and that is by far the best way to see it.

The 2 main streets of the marina, Via Marina and Admiralty Way, are both accessed off of Washington Blvd and curve around the outer perimeter of the marina. The secondary streets are all cul de sacs that lead inward towards the water. Since all the secondary street are lined with apartment buildings the view is limited from a car, but if you're on a bike you'll find a bike path and promenade between the apartments and the water that is perfect for enjoying the boats and the view. One of the best deals in the marina in the water bus which operates from June 27th to Sept 1st. For a dollar you can take it from one end of the marina to the other.
[bike path by the boats in marina del rey]
There are six pick up locations for you to choose from. You can also enjoy wide variety of bird life which flourishes in Marina del Rey, including egrets, great blue herons, least terns and black crowned night herons.

Rent a Boat

You can rent a sailboat, powerboat, electric boat or kayak in Fisherman’s Village and sail around the Marina! Waters are mostly calm in the harbor, and it’s also fun to cruise up the coast to Venice and Santa Monica. Marina Boat Rentals. Tel 310-574-2822.

Charter Fishing

For an exciting fishing adventure join an open party fishing trip. Fish 1/2 or 3/4 day, or at twilight for halibut, yellowtail, calico bass, sand bass, barracuda, and white sea bass. Rod rentals, tackle, bait, fishing licenses, fish cleaning available. Daily departures from Dock 52, 13501 Fiji Way. Marina del Rey Sportfishing. Reservations 310-822-3625.

Champagne Cruises

Sunday Champagne Brunch cruises are a great way to spend the day, offered year round from Fisherman’s Village. Hornblower Cruises and Events. Reservations 800-On-The-Bay.

Fisherman's Village

[boats in marina del rey]
Fisherman’s Village is a replica of a New England seaport and fishing town. It's seen better days but you can stroll along the harbor front to enjoy views of the Marina with parking nearby. Dine outside at waterfront restaurants and cafes, rent a boat, enjoy weekend cruises, and shop for souvenirs. Free weekend afternoon concerts. 13755 Fiji Way.

Marina Beach/Mother’s Beach

Looking for sand and sun? This sandy beach at the corner of Admiralty Way and Via Marina offers 12 acres of public swimming. Staffed by lifeguards, the beach has no surf and is a pleasant spot for families with small children. This sunny spot features picnic shelters and restaurants. A specially built ramp accommodates wheelchairs, and beach wheelchairs are available. 4101 Admiralty Way.

Ballona Wetlands

The incredible treasures of nature await visitors to the Marina's Ballona Wetlands. 200 acres of salt and freshwater marshes are teeming with wildlife. Join docent tours of this incredible coastal paradise. For more info on tours you can call (310) 822-8530

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