Marina del Rey is one of the best‑kept secrets in the “city that never sleeps.” Out on the water, especially at night, it’s remarkably quiet. Few places in Los Angeles offer this kind of peacefulness right in the middle of the city. The loudest sound you’ll hear is the occasional barking of seals.
Marina del Rey is an unincorporated community. Therefore, the Sheriffs patrol the water. LA County Beaches and Harbors manages the land. That unique setup comes with some incredible community perks:
- Farmer’s Market: Every Saturday in the Mother’s Beach parking lot. It’s more than produce — expect food vendors, plants, clothing, and local artisans.
- Food Truck Night: Every Thursday in the same lot, with a huge variety of rotating options.
- Mother’s Beach: A wave‑free, family‑friendly spot tucked inside the marina. You’ll find paddleboard yoga, sand volleyball, and even The Cheesecake Factory overlooking the sand.
- Burton Chace Park: The heart of local events, hosting summer concerts, outdoor movies, and massive firework shows for New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July.
The area has transformed in recent years. The new Courtyard by Marriott added Brizo, a half‑indoor, half‑outdoor restaurant overlooking the docks with a great happy hour and a solid surf‑and‑turf menu. And the Pier 44 development brought in favorites like REI, Alfred Coffee, HiHo Cheeseburger, and a brand‑new West Marine for all your boating needs.
Life Beyond the Docks
Living here means you’re just a three‑minute bike ride from the Venice Boardwalk. I love cruising through the Venice Canals on my way to the local post office. Muscle Beach, the skate park, and the high‑end shops of Abbot Kinney are all within easy reach.
I rarely have to drive. Even when I was recovering from a broken leg, the Marina had everything I needed. There was a library, movie theater, and grocery stores. If I needed a mall, Westfield Culver City was just ten minutes away via the 90 freeway.
Getting Around the Marina (Without a Car)
One of the best parts of living in Marina del Rey is that you truly don’t need a vehicle for daily errands. Whether you’re heading to dinner, the grocery store, or Venice Beach, there’s always a scenic way to get there.
1. Waymo: Your Personal Self‑Driving Shuttle
If you haven’t tried a self‑driving car yet, the Marina is the perfect place to start. Waymo operates 24/7 here, offering quiet, safe, and honestly very cool rides home after a night out.
2. The $1.00 WaterBus
From mid‑June through Labor Day, the Summer WaterBus is the best deal in town. For just one dollar (cash only), you can hop on at eight different stops, including Burton Chace Park and Mother’s Beach. It’s a scenic way to grocery shop or enjoy the sunset as you glide across the harbor.
3. Biking “The Strand”
If you want to feel the ocean breeze, jump on the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail — known locally as “The Strand.” This 22‑mile paved path runs right through the Marina, connecting you to Santa Monica to the north and Manhattan Beach to the south.
- Need wheels? Rent beach cruisers or e‑bikes at Daniel’s Bicycle Rentals in Fisherman’s Village.
4. The Free Beach Shuttle
On weekends and holidays during the summer, the Beach Shuttle provides free transportation between Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, and Venice Beach. It’s a completely hassle‑free way to reach Fisherman’s Village, the Venice Pier, or anywhere in between.
Why I Love Calling Marina del Rey Home
Living on a boat here, I never get bored. There’s always something to do, and most of it is just a short walk or bike ride away. Marina del Rey is also a premier destination for yachting and private charters, offering everything from intimate sailboat rentals to massive party yachts for hundreds of guests.
It’s the perfect blend of peaceful, coastal living and vibrant, urban convenience — a rare combination that makes this place feel like its own little world.
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