Marina del Rey

Prior to the development of the marina the area was a massive salt marsh, remnants of which can still be seen in the neighboring Ballona Wetlands Reserve. The ancient Gabrieleno Indians were likely the region's first fisherman and hunters, living along the bluffs above the ocean. The Spanish arrived later, followed in the 1800s by the first Angelenos. During the first half of the 20th century automotive races were held in the area, running from Playa del Rey to Venice along a roadway on the Marina peninsula now appropriately known as Speedway. Oil was discovered in the 1930s, and oil rigs can still be seen in the Ballona Wetlands near Playa del Rey.
Plans for development of a harbor date back to 1888, although other areas were deemed more suitable for a commercial port and the Port of Los Angeles is today located in San Pedro. It wasn't until 1953 that the county allocated funds and construction of the current marina began, with the Army Corps of Engineers in charge. A massive storm in the winter of 1962-1963 caused extensive damage and led to the addition of the breakwall at the harbor entrance. On April 10, 1965 the marina was formally dedicated.

• Marina del Rey Visitors Center

  phone: +1 310 305-9545
  address: 4701 Admiralty Way
  The visitor center is well staffed and provides free maps, brochures and suggestions for activities.

Marina del Rey is less than four miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), within walking distance of Venice Beach, and less than ten minutes by car from Santa Monica.
For those driving, the Marina Freeway (State Route 90) leads to Marina del Rey from the east, while Lincoln Boulevard (Highway 1) is a more congested option when approaching from the north or south.
Various shared vans will also take visitors from the airport to local hotels, and taxis are prevalent at the airport and will cost $20-$25. Several hotels offer complimentary airport transfers, so ask when making a hotel reservation. Most major rental car companies have offices in town. Public parking is plentiful and inexpensive.
Three bus systems service Marina del Rey:

• Metro #108 takes visitors to Venice.
• The Santa Monica Big Blue Bus #1 serves the western side of the marina directly from Westwood, Santa Monica, and Venice, stopping at the intersection of Via Marina and Marquesas. The #3 and #3 Rapid run between Santa Monica and the LAX area, both stopping at the corner of Mindanao Way and Lincoln Boulevard on the eastern side of the marina.
• Culver City Green buses (#2 and #7) services Culver City.

There are walking and biking paths throughout the marina, but while biking is a great way to get around, the area is large enough that walking from one side of the marina to the other is probably not feasible. During the summer months (weekends, holidays and concert nights), the Marina WaterBus operates between Fisherman's Village, Burke Marina Promenade, Marina Beach, Burton Chace Park, and several other stops. This water taxi is just $1 (one-way) for each boarding and is a convenient way to leave the car and visit several other areas in the Marina.
Also during summer weekends, the free Marina Beach Shuttle runs from the neighborhood of Playa Vista (south of the Marina) through Marina del Rey and to Venice Beach Pier; again leave the car in one place and take this shuttle bus all around the Marina/Venice Pier area. Buses operate approximately every half hour. Printed schedules are available at local hotels and the Marina del Rey Visitors Center.

Bike rental

Biking is popular in Marina del Rey thanks to the flat, well marked bike trails through the Marina and beyond. In addition to trails within the marina, the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, known by locals as "The Strand", travels for 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades south through Marina del Rey and all the way to Torrance County Beach in Torrance. Along the way there are hourly bike rental locations, restroom facilities, water vending machines and food concessions.

• Daniels Bike Rentals

  phone: +1-310-980-4045
  address: 13737 Fiji Way
  Offers a great selection of adult and children's bikes to tandems — open most days. Call for hours.

• Marina del Rey Hotel

  phone: +1-310-301-1000
  address: 13534 Bali Way
  Offers a selection of bikes to rent to the public. $15 for 2 hours/$25 for the day.

• Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey

  phone: +1-310-823-1700
  address: 4375 Admiralty Way
  Bike rentals are generally available on weekends; ask the concierge for details.

• Aubrey E. Austin ParkThis tiny park is located where the North Jetty Promenade begins. You can walk along the North Jetty, watch the community sailing regattas at several of the outposts' benches, or to enjoy a picnic. There are several platform areas from which you can fish.

• Ballona Wetlands

  phone: +1 310-306-5994
  Bordering Marina del Rey to the south, the Ballona Wetlands are a remnant of the wetlands that once dominated the landscape; it is estimated that the current 600 acre wetlands represent just one percent of what was present in the past. Despite the habitat loss, the wetlands that remain are an important refuge that serves as a home to 73 native bird species, more than 3,000 native trees, and 10,000 native shrubs and grasses. Activities include a trail along the freshwater marsh (located at the southwest corner of Lincoln & Jefferson), with information panels along the way; portions of the trail are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Free docent-led tours of the interior as well as restoration workdays are coordinated usually on the weekends through the Friends of Ballona Wetlands.

• Burton Chace Park

  address: 13650 Mindanao Way
  This beautiful 10-acre park juts out into the Marina's main channel, offering an excellent view of the area. The park offers waterside picnic tables, lawn areas, and covered picnic areas with barbeque grills. It also serves as the hub of community activities, with free outdoor concerts in the summer. On select Thursdays, (classical music with full symphony orchestra) and Saturdays (easy listening pop) concerts begin at 7PM and last about 2 hours. Seating is first-come, first-serve on the green (many bring their own low lawn chairs or blankets to sit on), and many spectators bring picnics to enjoy before the concert; bring a jacket or sweater to stay comfortable by the water in the evening. Parking for the park activities is in pay lots only located a block or two from the park. During the winter the park serves as a great viewing area for the annual December Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade.

• Fisherman's Village

  address: 13755 Fiji Way
  Fisherman's Village is located at the southern end of the Marina and is home to restaurants, souvenir shops, and a number of boat rental options. From here you can also join a public sport fishing excursion, or a weekend dinner or Sunday Brunch cruise. All kinds of small boats are available to rent by the hour - sail or motor, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and jet skis, and parasailing and bike rentals are also offered there. Free weekend concerts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons are a local favorite.

• Yvonne Brathwaite Burke ParkThis park features a walking path and a 18-step Parcourse Circuit Trail to challenge your fitness level. Look overhead and you may find the various nesting areas of the black crested night herons or snowy egrets in the large shade trees along the path.

Water activities

Boating, fishing, sea kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and whale watching are the most popular water activities, and numerous businesses throughout the marina will provide services, particularly around Fisherman's Village. In addition, there are several dinner cruises and party boats that set sail each night, making loops around harbor.

• Hornblower Cruises & Events

  phone: +1 310-301-6000
  address: 13755 Fiji Way
  Hornblower is an upscale option for dinner cruises and social events. Food is prepared onboard from local ingredients, and entertainment options include DJs and live bands. Hornblower operates five boats in the marina, with a combined passenger capacity of up to 500 guests. Seasonal and special-event cruises are offered throughout the year, including winter holiday cruises, New Year's Eve cruises, Valentine's Day cruises, Mother's Day cruises, Father's Day cruises, 4th of July cruises, and Thanksgiving cruises.

• Marina Paddle

  phone: +1 310-626-1573
  address: 4601 Admiralty Way
  Marina Paddle offers kayak and paddle board rental, as well as lessons. Reservations are recommended in the summer, but during the rest of the year rentals are first-come, first-served. They also rent electric bikes. Online specials are offered, so check their website for discounts.

• Marina del Rey Parasailing

  phone: +1-310-306-2222
  address: 13717 Fiji Way
  Offers parasailing with options for a ride on a 500 or 800 foot tow rope for 2-3 people at a time, with take-off and landings from the boat, although the "touch n go" option gives riders a chance to get their feet wet (note that no matter the length of the tow rope, FAA restrictions limit the maximum elevation to 500 feet). Boats hold fifteen passengers and trips last about 90 minutes. Minimum age is 6, maximum combined weight is 450 pounds (subject to wind and captain's approval), and observers are welcome to join for $40, or $30 on a space-available basis. Like any good adventure company, photos and GoPro video of the experience can be purchased for an additional $25-$65. Discounts are sometimes available online, and reservations are strongly recommended and should be made 1-2 weeks in advance for weekend trips. Parasailing is not offered from early November through early February.

• Marina del Rey Sportfishing

  phone: +1-310-822-3625
  address: Dock 52 Fiji Way
  Offers sports fishing trips for 1/2 or 3/4 day for halibut, yellowtail, calico bass, sand bass, barracuda and white sea bass. Rod rentals, tackle, bait, fishing licenses available. During the winter months on weekends, whale watching and wildlife tours are offered. Reservations required. Depart from Dock 52, where parking is free. A valid fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 15.

• UCLA Marina Aquatic Center

  phone: +1 310-823-0048
  address: 14001 Fiji Way
  Open to the public, UCLA's aquatic center offers windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rowing and sailing. Equipment rental is significantly discounted for UCLA students and members of the aquatic center. Extensive classes are also offered for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and rowing, with the opportunity available to gain sailing qualifications.

Beaches

Acres of sand extend to the north and south of the entrance to the marina along the Pacific Ocean, offering plenty of room for sunning, beach sports, or lounging. The waters are great for bodysurfing and swimming, although a wetsuit might be a good idea in winter months. Technically, the majority of the ocean beaches around Marina del Rey are in other cities - Venice Beach (to the north) is one of the most famous beaches in the world, and Dockweiler State Beach (to the south) is a great option for those looking for less of a carnival-atmosphere than what is found in Venice.
Within the marina there is one non-ocean beach for those looking for sand and a calm place to swim or paddle:

• Marina Beach

  address: 4101 Admiralty Way
  If you're looking for a little sand and sun for kids and toddlers, this non-ocean facing sandy cove offers 12 acres of a public swimming, windsurfing and non-motored boating lagoon for kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Seasonally staffed by County lifeguards, the beach has no surf and is pleasant spot for family outings. It features a children's play area, public picnic shelters with barbecue grills, benches and tables. Restaurants and bicycle rentals are nearby.

Hiking

The Burke Marina Walk Promenade begins at Marina Beach and leads past waterfront hotels, restaurants, picnic areas, bike rentals and yacht clubs. Another lovely area is at the south end of the Marina, along Fiji way, starting at the cobble stone paths of Fishermans' Village to the Ballona Creek path. Walk along the path, passing the UCLA Marina Aquatic Center and the various university rowing teams' paintings. Then heading along the Main Channel path to go towards the South Jetty. You can either walk out on the South Jetty watching the boats coming and going, or cross the bridge over the creek and head over to the white sand beach. In addition, the Marina Peninsula Neighborhood has an interesting walking trail. This residential community is separated from the mainland by Ballona Lagoon, and is an attractive area to explore on foot. Besides the interesting architecture, there are residential gardens to admire and of course, birdwatching.

Events

There are several local events (both ongoing and yearly) including:

• Anglers Annual Halibut DerbyFun and challenging for anglers of all ages, this early summer event awards prizes for catching the biggest fish on a rod and reel. Fishing starts Saturday at sunrise. Public weigh-ins held at Burton Chace Park at the end of the day. Divisions for adults and youth.

• Sunset Sailing RegattaEnjoy sunset from waterfront restaurants, Fisherman's Village and the North Jetty during Marina del Rey's largest sailing event as scores of sailors compete.

• Marina del Rey Summer ConcertsThis popular series of outdoor classical and pop evening concerts is set in Burton Chace Park, surrounded on three sides by the water. All concerts begin at 7PM and take place outside on the green, lasting about two hours. Select Thursdays feature Classical and Saturdays are Pops. All are free, and ground seating space is first come, first served. Spectactors are encouraged to bring low chairs or blankets and dress for cool evening weather.

• 4th of July FireworksCelebrate America's birthday in the marina with the annual firework display. At 9PM explosives are shot from a barge across the marina's main channel, mirrored by the harbor below. Spectators may watch the display and listen to synchronized music on KXLU 88.9FM, also playing over loud-speaker throughout Burton Chace Park. Popular viewing spots also include Fisherman's Village and harborside restaurants.

• Old Fashioned Day in the ParkFeatures displays of vintage yacht, antique classic cars, motorcycles, vintage steam engines and ship models. In Burton Chace Park; free.

• Discover Marina del Rey Day

  address: 13650 Mindanao Way
  This free family event explores the Marina from a child's point of view. Dozens of bouncy houses, ball pits, blow-up slides, games & rides; theater, arts & crafts, and face-painting. Parents can surf information booths for future visits and get out on the water with little ones. All-access wristbands sold onsight.

• Marina del Rey Holiday Boat ParadeFestively decorated boats illuminate the main channel in one of the Marina's most visually exciting events. The parade starts at 6PM Best viewing is at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman's Village.

• Weekend Concerts at Fisherman's Village

  address: 13755 Fiji Way
  Free outdoor concerts, including R&B, Jazz, Latin, Pop and Blues.

Marina del Rey offers neighborhood shopping within walking distance from local hotels.

• Waterside Marina del Rey Shopping Center

  address: 4700 Admiralty Way
  Bank of America (ATM), Ralphs Market (with deli), men, women and children's clothing, gift shops, boating supplies, and UPS shipping. Dining options include both sit-down restaurants (Sugarfish, California Pizza Kitchen) and fast food options (Chipotle).

• Marina Beach Shopping Center

  address: Washington Blvd
  Shop for essentials and local services here. Bagels, pet store, haircuts, quick service cafes and the favorite of locals, Joni's Coffee Roaster Cafe. There is also a Wells Fargo Bank (ATM).

• Villa Marina Marketplace

  address: Mindanao and Glencoe Ave
  This shopping area sprawls across a large area, including a multi-story complex and a more traditional shopping center. The two-story complex features upscale restaurants (Ruth Chris, Yardhouse, Ra Sushi, and several more) and offers services like an Equinox gym, a dine-in AMC movie theater and a nail salon. Across the street, the shopping center has several chain restaurants (Panda Express, Jamba Juice, Baja Fresh), a Pavilion's market, a Discount Shoe Warehouse, Barne's & Noble books, a 24-hr. drug store, self-service laundry, numerous smaller retail outlets, a CitiBank (ATM) and Chase Bank (ATM), and a post office.

Day spas

If you're looking for a special treat for your body and soul, look no further than Marina del Rey.

• Spa Nautica

  phone: +1 310-574-4356
  address: 4375 Admiralty Way
  Offers massage services, facials, body treatments and salon services in a luxurious setting.

• Odyssey MediSpa

  phone: +1 310-301-2500
  address: 4832 Lincoln Blvd
  Offers dermatological services such as Laser Gensis to help restore the skins' natural glow, aromatherapy massage, manicures and pedicures as well as waxing.

• Christine Valmy

  phone: +1 310-821-8892
  address: 4772 Lincoln Blvd
  A BYOGENIS Skin Care Salon featuring scientific facials along with micro dermabrasion, cellulite control, body therapy and permanent make-up and lash tinting.

• Massage Envy Spa

  phone: +1 310-776-3113
  address: 4770 Admiralty Way
  Offers customized massages and healthy skin facials.

One of the best things about Marina del Rey is the numerous restaurants and cafes that are clustered around the waterfront. Offering a rich diversity of gourmet cuisine, this could be the one place where eating out at every meal is a joy rather than a chore.

Budget

• Eddies' Italian Restaurant

  phone: +1 310-822-0095
  address: 4002 Lincoln Blvd
  BYOB and great prices at this hole-in-the wall Italian restaurant. Hope you like garlic.

• Pizzarito NY Pizza by the Slice

  phone: +1 310 823-7333
  address: 4371 Glencoe Ave.
  This is a place to go if you're in search of authentic New York Pizza by the slice.

Mid-range

• Casa Sanchez

  phone: +1 310-397-9999
  address: 4500 S. Centinela Ave
  For those who like a dozen musicians playing mariachi music on a raised stage while traditional Mexican food is served, this is your restaurant. While entertainment is provided every night, weekends feature a packed dining room with live mariachi music blaring. The draw is obviously the music, but the food is excellent if a bit pricey. Reservations are recommended on weekends, and visitors must either purchase two drinks or one entree to avoid paying a $20 cover charge.

• Chart House Restaurant

  phone: +1-310-822-4144
  address: 13950 Panay Way
  Chain restaurant featuring steak and fresh fish, either locally caught or flown in daily. Make sure you leave room for their signature dessert - Hot Chocolate Lava Cake, featuring rich Godiva Liqueur. Waterfront dining; fireside lounge with Happy Hour; summer outdoor dining. Also, now offering lunch on Saturday and Sundays.

• J. Nichols Kitchen

  phone: +1-310-823-2283
  address: 4375 Glencoe Ave
  Billing itself as "upscale comfort food", selections include a variety of made-from-scratch meals including breakfast standards (served daily until 2PM), sandwiches, meatloaf, ribs, steaks, pork chops, salads, and pizzas. Expect unique touches with most dishes - English muffins are homemade, fries are served in conical containers, and the turkey stuffing is made from cornbread.

• Kifune

  phone: +1-310-822-1595
  address: 405 Washington Blvd
  With a crowd that consists primarily of locals, this sushi restaurant offers a fun atmosphere, with Hide, the head sushi chef, chattering with customers at the sushi bar, yelling at the kitchen, and generally keeping everyone entertained. Food prices are reasonable ($6.50 for a tuna roll), service is quick, and most people leave smiling. Open for lunch during weekdays, and dinner every night.

• Killer Cafe

  phone: +1 310-578-2250
  address: 4211 Admiralty Way
  Located on the same property as Killer Shrimp, this cafe is an excellent spot for breakfast and played host to a 2015 episode of Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee featuring Jim Carrey. The food is standard diner fare that is well-prepared and served by a waitstaff that isn't lacking in attitude, and there is a full bar. There are booths and counter service inside, and a spacious patio that is right on the water outside. It is open 24 hours, making it one of the few options within the Marina for those seeking a very late night snack. Parking is free, although the lot sometimes fills up on weekends.

• Sapori Italian Restaurant

  phone: +1-310-821-1740
  address: 13723 Fiji Way
  This intimate Italian restaurant offers Marina views from its dining room and heated outdoor patio seating. Watch the yachts float by as you dine on delicious home-made pastas, seafood and Northern Italian specialties. Owner/Manager Stefano is usually there to greet and seat you, and special requests are always welcomed.

• Stones

  phone: +1-310-301-3000
  address: 4100 Admiralty Way
  Serving California Cuisine, this restaurant in the Marina Marriott Hotel is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Validated 2 hour parking.

• Tony P's Dockside Grill

  phone: +1-310-823-4534
  address: 4445 Admiralty Way
  A local hangout that offers good food at a reasonable price with friendly service and incredible views of the water. The restaurant has spacious indoor dining and a large outdoor heated patio overlooking the Marina. The staff is very kid-friendly and they do have a children's menu. The restaurant features 100 beers from all over the world, a collection of more than 1,400 beer pulls on display and 27 flat screen TVs, including eight 65" LED High-Defs in the tavern. The Tavern has also been voted #1 Sports Tavern in West Los Angeles. Open daily for lunch and dinner; weekends for breakfast.

Splurge

• Beachside Restaurant

  phone: +1-310-439-3033
  address: 4175 Admiralty Way
  This restaurant, part of the Jamaica Bay Inn has large windows which bring the beach, garden and marina inside while the trellis-covered heated outdoor dining area overlooks both beach and garden, making it an excellent place to enjoy food and drinks. Menu includes specially selected food and innovative chef's creations. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Cafe del Rey

  phone: +1-310-823-6395
  address: 4451 Admiralty Way
  Located right next to the water, the dining room takes in views of the harbor. Make sure you ask about the "day boat" Del Rey the freshest fish you can possibly get, with the delicious selections landing on your plate within 24 hours! Full service bar and lounge. Food is prepared in a California/Asian fusion style by a chef with Italian roots. The fireside lounge offers nightly piano music for those looking to simply unwind with a drink or two.

• Cast and Plow

  phone: +1-310-574-4333
  address: 4375 Admiralty Way
  Waterfront dining with a focus on locally produced ingredients. Enjoy your meal with waterfront views, on the patio or in the lounge by the fireplace. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch.

• The Warehouse

  phone: +1-310-823-5451
  address: 4499 Admiralty Way
  This waterfront eatery has been serving the famous and famished for over 35 years. It has an international menu featuring seafood, steaks, pastas and salads. Plus, they have a large selection of California and International wines. They offer a Sunday buffet brunch and a seasonal Saturday buffet brunch, May through August. Live music on weekends. Open for lunch and dinner.

• Whiskey Red's

  phone: +1-310-823-4522
  address: 13813 Fiji Way
  Located along the waterway that all boats use to enter/leave the marina, this restaurant offers seafood, steaks, chicken, and pasta with a great waterfront view. The weekend buffet is massive and hugely popular and is consistently rated among LA's top buffets. If you aren't hungry but are in the area the entrance to the restaurant features a garden and carp pond that is worth a look.

Cafes

The casual environment of the Marina lends itself to coffee shops and cafes, which can be found in abundance. The normal complement of Starbucks and other chain stores are present, as well as places with more local flavor:

• East Coast Bagel

  phone: +1-310-305-9852
  address: 4375 Glencoe Ave
  Try one of their "Beggel" (a 2-egg omelet on a bagel) breakfast sandwiches with a cuppa joe!

• Joni's Coffee Roaster Cafe

  phone: +1-310-305-7147
  address: 552 Washington Blvd
  Great coffee, individually brewed per cup! Incredible breakfast and lunch. Popular local boaters hangout, and a good place to see celebrities on the weekends.

• Panini Grill

  phone: +1-310-823-4446
  address: 4325 Glencoe Ave
  Offers a nice casual serving of paninis, salads, and Italian specials served with soup or salad.

Nightlife

Marina del Rey's most popular restaurants become the city's epicenter for nightlife. Live music, dancing and lively bars spring to life at night.

• Brennan's

  phone: +1 310-821-6622
  address: 4089 Lincoln Blvd
  Fun, lively Irish pub with a great selection of beers and ales. Nightly entertainment including live bands and turtle racing on Thursday nights.

• Sinder Lounge

  phone: +1 310-301-3000
  address: 4100 Admiralty Way
  An excellent spot for a drink and a game of pool, Sinder (formerly Glow) offers an indoor lounge an outdoor space that features numerous fire elements - firepits, fireplaces, and a wall of flames. During the summer a DJ plays on weeknights and it turns into a hipster hotspot with an eclectic vibe, but at other times of the year it is a relaxed spot to enjoy a (pricey) drink and upscale snacks.

Marina del Rey's close proximity to Los Angeles International Airport makes it an excellent lodging option for business travelers.

• Foghorn Harbor Inn

  phone: +1-310-823-4626
  address: 4140 Via Marina
  Each of the quaintly-appointed rooms offers a private patio or balcony with views of the sand and scenic harbor.

• Hilton Garden Inn

  phone: +1-310-301-2000
  address: 4200 Admiralty Way
  134 comfortable rooms near Marina Beach. Pool, whirlpool, complimentary WiFi, mini-refrigerators in all rooms; restaurant on site.

• Inn at Marina del Rey

  phone: +1-310-821-4455
  address: 737 Washington Blvd
  68 rooms, including 36 suites. Amenities include: complimentary continental breakfast each day, free high-speed wireless Internet, outdoor heated pool, exercise room, interior courtyard, covered/secure parking.

• Jamaica Bay Inn

  phone: +1-310-823-5333
  address: 4175 Admiralty Way
  Resembles a West Indies resort complete with lush garden, lovely beachside pool and marina views. Its restaurant features trellis-covered outdoor areas.

• Marina del Rey Hotel

  phone: +1 310 301-1000
  address: 13534 Bali Way
  This 164 room luxury hotel is the closest lodging you can get to the water in Marina del Rey, with rooms literally a stone's throw from the main channel of the marina. First opened in 1965, it underwent a $25 million renovation that was completed in time for its fiftieth anniversary in January 2015. Amenities include flat screen TVs, free wired & wireless internet, balconies on most rooms, 24-hour room service, meeting spaces, lounges on each floor, and an infinity pool and outdoor lounge area that faces the water. Parking is valet-only and costs $30 per day (in and out privileges included). The onsite SALT Restaurant and Bar is an upscale restaurant with good food and great outdoor seating - firepits and mood lighting next to the water is tough to beat. Happy hour is daily from 4:30 to 6PM and offers a variety of appetizers and drinks for $5 each. Outside of happy hour, expect to pay $10-$15 for cocktails and appetizers and $20-$30 for mains.

• Marina del Rey Marriott

  phone: +1-310-301-3000
  address: 4100 Admiralty Way
  370 guest rooms offering both water and mountain view.

• Ritz-Carlton

  phone: +1-310-823-1700
  address: 4375 Admiralty Way
  Guests enjoy ocean, marina or city skyline views from private balconies featured in every room.

Several cafes offer WiFi-connection including Panera's Bread Bakery Cafe, Cafe Buna and the local Starbucks, as well as all the hotel restaurants.

• Lloyd Taber Marina del Rey Library

  address: 4533 Admiralty Way
  If you're looking for a place to use the internet or check your e-mail, this library offers wifi and nine public computers.

The cities and neighborhoods that share borders with Marina del Rey include the following:

• Venice - Marina del Rey's neighbor to the north and west is a beach town that offers miles of sand, an eclectic nightlife, and the infamous Muscle Beach.
• Culver City - Marina del Rey's eastern neighbor is the home of Sony Studios. Culver City has been undergoing a rebirth in recent years, and now has a number of very impressive restaurant options.
• Westchester - This town, located to the east, is home to Los Angeles International Airport and a number of lodging options.
• Playa del Rey - Located south of Marina del Rey and adjacent to LAX, Playa del Rey is home to extensive beaches and a variety of dining options.