Marina del Rey, which translates to “Marina of the King” in Spanish, is popular with locals and tourists for its scenic harbor and boating and water recreation offerings. About 5,000 boats call it home. As a Marina del Rey local, I often feel that my neighborhood is underrated, and is often overlooked. This is why I have thoughtfully curated a guide for a fun-filled day in Marina del Rey. Bookmark this curation for your next staycation in West Los Angeles! 

Catch the Sunrise on Mother’s Beach and Grab Breakfast

Begin your Marina del Rey getaway by watching the sunrise on Mother’s Beach, a calm, family-friendly beach with a playground and picnic areas, making it perfect for families with young kids. Watch as the sun rises over the horizon and bathes the beach in a warm glow. After a relaxing stroll on this serene beach, visit Bru’s Wiffle Marina Del Rey for a hearty American breakfast. This casual eatery’s chefs whip up delicious breakfast dishes using the freshest local ingredients. I also love the restaurant’s homely vibe. Their Meat Lover’s Omelette, Crispy Pistachio French Toast, Belgian Waffle, Eggs Benedict and Truffle Oil Eggs Toast, are crowd-favorites. Bru’s Wiffle Marina Del Rey’s coffee concoctions also hit the spot!

Shopping at Waterside, Marina del Rey

After breakfast, walk to Waterside, a trendy outdoor mall home to cafes, chic clothing stores, and high-end boutiques. I suggest checking out some shops retailing unique local and global brands. Highlights include Everything But Water, a designer swimwear, resort wear, and accessories brand; Brighton, a jewelry and accessories store, and Carlton Hair, a full-service salon. Waterside also features outdoor pavilions with lounge chairs and tables to take a break, if needed. Waterside is unique as it houses local hidden gems as well as internationally renowned retail brands. 

Indulge in a Light Lunch at Uovo 

Following some retail therapy, stroll across the street to Uovo Marina del Rey, which is a restaurant serving fresh, handmade pasta flown in daily from their kitchen in Bologna, Italy. The eatery features indoor and outdoor seating, offering unobstructed views of the Marina del Rey harbor. Uovo’s expert culinary team crafts authentic pasta based on recipes sourced from Italy. The restaurant’s most well-loved plates of pasta include the Crema di Parmigiano, Lasagna, Cacio e Pepe, Tagliatelle ai Carciofi, and Ravioli di Ricotta. I ordered the Ragú ($18) pasta, a perfectly cooked pasta made using the exact recipe from Antica Trattoria della Gigina, an iconic restaurant in Bologna that dates back to the 1950s. The pasta was filling and greatly satisfying.

Enjoy the Marina del Rey Harbor

No trip to Marina del Rey is complete without a walk or bike down the iconic harbor, which houses thousands of boat slips in 22 anchorages. Located between Venice Beach and Playa del Rey, the harbor is a paradise for boaters, providing a charming mix of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Additionally, you can go kayaking or paddle boarding around the Marina del Rey harbor. There are several rental shops in the area. The most well-rated is Pro SUP Shop, situated at Mother’s Beach. Thereafter, check out Fisherman’s Village, which is reminiscent of a New England seaport and fishing town. This destination is home to numerous eateries, the Marina del Rey Historical Society’s exhibit space, and a handful of quaint retail shops.

Take a Dinner Cruise

Change things up by skipping the typical restaurant dinner by dining on a cruise. City Cruises Marina del Rey offers a range of dining cruises, including fun-themed cruises. Their dinner cruises usually last around two hours and include a lip-smacking buffet-style meal and offer awe-inspiring vistas of the Marina. In addition, ​​City Cruises also offers private yacht charters for dinner cruises.

Have a Nightcap at the Marina del Rey Hotel 

From the harbor, walk to the glitzy Marina del Rey Hotel. Located on the harbor, this luxurious boutique property is well-known for its impeccable service and well-appointed guest rooms and suites. Established in 1964, the hotel’s interiors pay homage to the neighborhood of Marina del Rey. Grab a nightcap at the hotel’s upscale restaurant and bar—SALT. This vibrant eatery boasts a charming Mediterranean-inspired ambiance and panoramic vistas of the harbor. 

A weekend spent in Marina del Rey will relax and rejuvenate you for the week ahead. Its laid-back atmosphere, friendly people, and beautiful harbor are what make me proud to call it home.

Photo of Marina del Rey Harbor taken by the author.