Five years ago, Marina del Rey's boundless seaside relaxation wasn't adjoined to the commercial trappings of a busy shopping center. But now ripe with free events, scenic dining locations and spaces for recreation, it has become one of LA's most well-known oceanside communities. "It's a really exciting time for this community, there's a lot to look forward to," says Michael Mackavoy, Community Library Manager for the Marina del Rey Library branch. "It's a great community for retirees, new families and young people." Of course, peaceful moments are plentiful too. Steve Wagner, owner of The Villa Serena film studio, still comes down to the marina to unwind. “The marina is like our second home. It's a whole new atmosphere; as soon as you arrive, the air is full of positive ions. The hustle and bustle disappear.”
Sip on a coffee from Alfred and watch the sun go down over the marina in Marina Del Rey, CA.
Eat your lunch with an ocean view in Marina Del Rey, CA.
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Free concerts at Burton Chace Park
Marina Del Rey is practically a seaside park in and of itself. "You have all these yacht clubs around, and then you come out in the afternoon to see kids learning to sail at the clubs, which is really cool to see," says Mackavoy. Many residents and LA locals go there for a walk around the promenade, ending their leisurely strut at Burton Chace Park. Easily the marina's crown jewel, it's where most free public events occur, such as a summer concert series. Heading the opposite direction along will eventually bring travelers to the white sands of Mother's Beach, a protected inlet at the base of the marina.
Go for a walk in the sun around the harbor in Marina Del Rey, CA.
Walk your dog through Burton Chace Park in Marina Del Rey, CA.
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Sunsets and sushi rolls at KazuNori
Marina Del Rey houses a gastronomical field day ripe with stunning views. "If I'm meeting family members from out of town, I take them to SALT Restaurant & Bar in the Marina Del Rey Hotel," says Mackavoy. "It's a great place to sit, especially around sunset." The Warehouse is another popular upscale eatery on the water that serves expertly plated seafood dishes and craft cocktails. Just south of that is KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar, where locals become mesmerized by careful preparation of scallop rolls and other sushi. There's also chain options, like a location for Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen. For groceries, a Trader Joe's is right down the road from Burton Chace Park, though some go for bigger deals at a Costco Wholesale less than a mile east.
KazuNori is a favorite spot for sushi hand rolls in Marina Del Rey, CA.
KazuNori and several other restaurants sit right on the water's edge in Marina Del Rey, CA.
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Frequent festivals and book-loving dogs
Whether indoor or outdoor, Marina del Rey has many free events, such as Old Fashioned Day, where visitors admire a lineup of vintage yachts and cars. But the annual MarinaFest, "That's the big one," says Mackavoy, referring to its many free activities, such as ship tours, live music, and kids activities. The Marina del Rey Library also has programming for people of all ages, such as relaxing origami workshops, children's story time and the popular Read to a Dog program. "Gidget and her handler are our usual attendees. She's a really sweet dog and loves to be read to," says Mackavoy. "And it's a great experience for the kids because they're getting a chance to read aloud."
Get an Ethiopian cup of coffee from the Farmer's Market every Saturday in Marina Del Rey, CA.
The Marina Del Rey Farmer's Market is located next to Mother's Beach in Marina Del Rey, CA.
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Luxury condos with ocean views
Most residents find a home in a condominium, often one with ocean views and loaded with amenities. Those along the marina, which back out to the promenade and boat slips, can sell for anywhere from $350,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bath unit to $4 million for ultra-spacious floorplan, plus private abuilding amenities such as tennis courts, fitness centers, concierge services and garage parking. All-day sunlight is afforded to many of these units, which feature south-facing windows with unobstructed views. Between the marina and the ocean, smaller, denser-packed buildings include more condos and single-family homes. These maintain similar prices, with most beginning at around $2 million and maxing out at around $4.5 million. The key difference with these, however, is that although they might not have private amenities and south-facing windows with unobstructed views, their proximity to the ocean is immediate. Furthermore, their stylings are classically Californian, whereas those along the marina are more traditional in appearance.
Find luxury apartment buildings along the water in Marina Del Rey, CA.
Residents of Marina Del Rey have a great view of the marina.
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Water buses and beach shuttles
Residents can make faster trips across the marina by using the local water bus, which stops in eight locations. If looking to hit the Pacific, a beach shuttle service is offered. But many residents rely on a car for trips outside of the marina, though some rely on the city bus routes and bike paths that encircle their community.
The Beach Shuttle is a great way to get around during the summer months in Marina Del Rey, CA.
Take a variety of public transportation in Marina Del Rey, CA.
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Diverse schools accommodate many dialects
Marina Del Rey students begin school at nearby Coeur d'Alene Avenue School, which has a Niche score of A-minus. Next comes Marina Del Rey Middle, which has a C-plus score. The last step is Venice Senior High, which has an A score and is distinguished for its dual language immersion program for Mandarin and Spanish-speaking students.
Coeur D'Alene Avenue Elementary building.
Marina Del Rey Middle School in Los Angeles, CA.
Venice High School serves students 9-12th grade.
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Things to consider
The marina's location wedged between major roads and Ballona Creek means congestion affects everyday life. Residents are often boxed in by traffic, although multiple means of transportation nearby make this less of an issue for some residents. Busy roads also mean more noise, especially for those that are closest to Lincoln Boulevard. Marginally higher than average crime rates are also noteworthy for Marina Del Rey. The community has a CAP Index score of 5 out of 10 — one point above the national average — because of a higher trend of nonviolent crimes, particularly motor vehicle thefts.
Written By
Tina Davis
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On average, homes in Marina Del Rey, CA sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Marina Del Rey, CA over the last 12 months is $1,250,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the best of coastal living in this stunning 2-bedroom, 3-bath view condo with a spacious bonus den/office, ideally located just steps from the sand on a picturesque walk street on the coveted Marina Peninsula. Enjoy ocean views and breathtaking sunsets from multiple rooms, along with three private balconies-perfect for indoor-outdoor living (off the living room, primary suite, and
Elizabeth SarvasChristie's International Real Estate SoCal
Steps from the sand, this rare triplex combines beachside living with strong income potential. The vacant 3BD/2.5BA owner's unit of approximately 1,800 SF features vaulted wood-beam ceilings, abundant natural light, and spacious interiors. A renovated studio is leased at $2,500 per month, while the well-kept 2BD/2BA is rented at $3,288 per month, providing steady rental income to offset living
If you enjoy loft living, welcome to this stunning, remodeled top-floor loft, a true entertainer's dream tucked into the Marina's most dynamic and creative streets. Thoughtfully curated with high-end finishes and smart design, this condo blends dramatic architecture with modern comfort. Soaring 17+ foot ceilings and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, framed by
Rarely available GROUND FLOOR 2 plus 2 unit in the vibrant Gallery Arts Community located in the heart of the Marina Del Rey Arts District. No need for elevators to enter this modern industrial style loft offering an open floorplan. Full volume 11ft. ceilings, floor to ceiling picture windows and providing plenty of natural light with a view toward the Courtyard trees and greenery views. The open
Views, views, views. Indulge in the pinnacle of luxury living with this fully remodeled, sophisticated modern residence with stunning views from every window at Regatta Seaside, Marina Del Rey’s premier full-service high-rise.This stunning home features an open floor plan, accented with rich hardwood floors and elegant marble tiles throughout. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking
Phenomenal city and mountain views from this two bedroom and two bath home. Enter into a spacious, open kitchen that has a large island, recessed lighting, custom cabinetry, and SS appliances. The large inviting living area leads out to a spacious patio, ideal for entertaining and watching the city lights. Features include floor-to-ceiling windows, ample storage throughout and incredible
OCEAN VIEWS-COMPLETELY REMODELED! This gorgeous, tastefully furnished beach front property includes 3 bed 3 bath, extra storage and an exterior balcony not included in sq footage. Enter the beautiful condo and be immediately met with stunning ocean views and breezes with the sound of crashing waves wafting through the open living room, dining area and kitchen floor plan. Floor to ceiling sliding
Welcome to an exceptional opportunity to lease a luxury beachfront residence in Marina Del Rey priced competitively and negotiable. This architectural masterpiece offers a unique living experience with stunning, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the Marina, allowing you to watch sailboats gracefully glide across the water from every room. Spanning three levels, the unit offers a
Overlooking the beautiful Marina Del Rey waterfront, Mariners Village is a charming apartment community with a blend of coastal chic and tropical resort living. Choose from a wide range of floor plans and enjoy luxury amenities including four resort-style swimming pools, fitness center, tennis courts, hair salon, cafe restaurant and more. Please note, our prices and availability are subject to
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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