Marina del Rey provides a hidden gem of coastal fun


Los Angeles is well known for its yearlong perfect weather, and as a result the endless amount of outdoor activities the city offers. Though throwing footballs on the McCarthy Quad or tanning by the Lorenzo pool are good ways to soak up the sun, it’s time to venture out and explore around neighborhoods outside of the USC campus. As spring has finally arrived, what better way to take advantage of the L.A. warmth than trying out water activities in coastal neighborhoods such as Marina del Rey.

Marina del Rey is located right by Venice Beach in the Westside of Los Angeles. It is around a 30-minute drive away from the USC campus. For those that have not heard much about the neighborhood, Marina del Rey, which means “Harbor of the King” in Spanish, is the largest man-made marina in the world. The idea of creating a commercial harbor in the area that became the modern Marina del Rey first began in 1887. The area never successfully developed until around 1953, however, when the harbor became an authorized federal project to moor small craft boats. A few years later in 1965, Marina del Rey was officially born and quickly bloomed into the lively community it is today, thanks to the pleasant weather, beautiful beaches and the touristic development.

The most popular activities to partake in Marina del Rey are obviously on the water. According to the Marina Del Rey Tourism Services, there are six yacht clubs, 19 anchorages and numerous boat clubs. Those from around L.A. can enjoy recreational boating and water sports, and with a flexible budget, there are plenty of clubs to choose from. Most yacht clubs offer cruising, racing and training activities, and they hold high-quality meals and social events for members. Boat clubs range in different kinds and experience levels. As a college student though, unless you’re joining a club with your family, membership might be very pricey and the people you meet might not be in the same age group as your usual social circle.

For students that are looking to spend a weekend experiencing recreational water activities in Marina del Rey, rentals and classes are a much easier and more realistic option. Whether one is looking to kayak, sail, jet ski, paddleboard, row, fish or even just to sit back and enjoy a cruise and a beautiful view, one can easily find charters, rentals or classes in the area. Most of them are either charged on an hourly or half-day basis. The diverse options also allow you to pick affordable or pricey places based on your budget.

But there is still plenty to do for those who don’t love the water. For eco-friendly, environmental enthusiasts, some organizations in Marina del Rey serve opportunities to tour or volunteer in the Ballona Wetlands. For bikers, the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail has a gorgeous scenic route from Torrance Beach to Will Rogers State Beach.

At this point, one might be a little worried about how costly the activities mentioned above seemed. But don’t worry, there is a lot one can do in Marina del Rey without splashing out. First, the Marina del Rey beach, albeit its small size, is a lovely, quiet beach for people who are looking for an alternative to the more commercial, touristy beaches in L.A. This beach is less busy and more family oriented. If you’re in a mood for a relaxed stroll on a sunny day, Burton W. Chace Park is a perfect spot for breathing in some fresh air while appreciating incredible views of the ocean and the green. The park is also excellent for weekend picnics. Another good location for a nice stroll is the Burke Marina Walk Promenade, which provides a nice view of the entire harbor and scenic yachts. The Fisherman’s Village is a replica of a New England fishing town. It is yet another strolling destination in Marina del Rey. Inside the village, there are also restaurants, shops and galleries, and, most importantly, there are free weekend concerts all year round.

Marina del Rey might not be as well-known as Venice Beach and Santa Monica when it comes to shopping and dining, but there are many great options in the area. The farmer’s market in the corner of Via Marina and Admiralty Way is open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There, you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, food vendors and crafts. Waterside, a shopping center on Admiralty Way, offers a variety of stores and dining options. Restaurant chains Mendocino Farms and Sugarfish receive especially good reviews. Then there’s Marina Marketplace on Maxella Avenue, the largest shopping mall in Marina del Rey, with a variety of restaurants, beauty salons and cafes. There’s also an AMC Dine-In Theater in the shopping mall that provides a unique movie experience for 21-plus viewers with high-quality food and beverages served during the movies. Since you’re by the ocean, you might be expecting some seafood by the beach. Beachside Restaurant & Bar, Tony P’s and Killer Shrimp all provide the beach view experience with highly rated seafood. These places are pricier than most restaurants in shopping areas, however.