Marina Del Rey
Relocation Guide
Los Angeles's premier coastal community and the largest man-made small craft harbor in North America.
Welcome to Marina Del Rey
Marina Del Rey is one of Southern California's most desirable coastal communities. This 800-acre community—half of which is water—is home to approximately 9,300 residents and serves as a hub for boating, dining, and coastal living.
Whether you're a prospective homebuyer, a current resident, or simply curious about this vibrant waterfront community, this guide offers an in-depth look at what makes Marina Del Rey unique—from its diverse neighborhoods and housing options to its schools, dining, and recreational opportunities.
A Brief History
Marina Del Rey's story is one of ambitious vision and remarkable engineering. The land that now hosts over 5,000 boats and thousands of residents was once a salt marsh and estuary, home to the Gabrielino/Tongva Native Americans who fished its waters for centuries.
The dream of creating a harbor here began in 1887 when developer M.L. Wicks attempted to build a commercial port, but storms and financial troubles ended that venture. The modern Marina Del Rey took shape in the 1950s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers developed an elaborate plan for a small craft harbor.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed Public Law 780 in 1954, authorizing the Marina as a federal project. After years of construction and the installation of protective jetties following a devastating 1962-63 winter storm, Marina Del Rey was officially dedicated on April 10, 1965.
The name "Marina Del Rey" translates from Spanish as "Harbor of the King"—a fitting title for what has become one of the most prestigious coastal communities in Los Angeles.
Real Estate: Neighborhoods & Communities
The Marina Del Rey real estate market offers remarkable diversity, from luxurious high-rise condominiums with panoramic ocean views to charming single-family beachfront homes. The community is organized into nine distinct segments, each with its own character and lifestyle.
The Towers: High-Rise Luxury Living
Marina Pointe Drive
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and convenience, The Towers offer resort-style living with breathtaking views of the marina, ocean, and city skyline. These three iconic high-rise buildings represent the finest in full-service condominium living.
| Building | Address | Year Built | Stories | Units | Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azzurra | 13700 Marina Pointe Dr | 2003 | 20 | 450 | 1,200-3,500 sq ft |
| Regatta Seaside | 13600 Marina Pointe Dr | 1999 | 18 | 224 | 1,579-2,300 sq ft |
| The Cove | 13650 Marina Pointe Dr | 2006 | 18 | 138 | 1,400-2,800 sq ft |
Azzurra is the largest and most amenity-rich, featuring 24-hour valet, concierge services, a rooftop "Sky Lounge" with fire pits, screening room, indoor/outdoor fitness centers, yoga studio, resort-style pool and spa, and a residents' lounge.
Marina City Club: A Landmark Community
Marina City Drive
Marina City Club holds a special place in Marina Del Rey's history as the community's original high-rise development. Built between 1970 and 1978, these three distinctive curved towers were financed through a project connected to Howard Hughes and the Hughes Aircraft Company.
| Tower | Address | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Tower 1 | 4265 Marina City Dr | ~200 |
| Tower 2 | 4314/4316 Marina City Dr | ~200 |
| Tower 3 | 4335/4337 Marina City Dr | ~200 |
Important Note: Marina City Club is a land lease property. Residents own their units but lease the land from Los Angeles County. The current lease expires in 2067. This arrangement typically results in lower purchase prices but includes monthly land lease fees in addition to HOA dues.
Amenities: Three swimming pools, six tennis courts, racquetball courts, large fitness center with sauna and spa, on-site restaurant and bar, convenience store, dry cleaners, and car wash.
Marina Arts District: Creative & Eclectic
Glencoe Avenue, Redwood Avenue, Beach Avenue
The Marina Arts District is a vibrant, trendy neighborhood that has become a magnet for artists, entrepreneurs, and young professionals. This area features a collection of modern loft-style buildings with industrial-chic design elements.
| Building | Address | Year Built | Units | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Del Rey Lofts (G1 Living) | 4115 Glencoe Ave | 2006 | 52 | Live/work lofts, 17-ft ceilings |
| Gallery Lofts | 4080 Glencoe Ave | 2011 | 100 | Open loft-style, gallery aesthetic |
| Element Lofts | 4060 Glencoe Ave | 2008 | 50 | Contemporary lofts |
| Steel Lofts | 4050 Glencoe Ave | — | — | Industrial design |
| Indigo Lofts | Glencoe Ave | — | — | Modern lofts |
The Marina Arts District is characterized by open floor plans, soaring ceilings (some up to 17 feet), exposed ductwork, and large windows that flood units with natural light. Many buildings offer live/work configurations ideal for creative professionals.
MDR Townhomes: Suburban Feel, Urban Convenience
For those seeking a more traditional residential feel with the space and privacy of a multi-level home, Marina Del Rey offers several townhome communities. These developments combine the benefits of single-family living with the convenience of HOA-maintained common areas.
| Community | Location | Year Built | Units | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Villa Marina | La Villa Marina St | 1970s | ~300 | Private garages, patios, multiple small complexes |
| Villa Alicante | 4305 Alla Rd | 1972 | 165 | 2-3 BR, 1,000-1,900 sq ft, gated |
| Villa Vallarta | Alla Rd/Glencoe | 1970s | ~150 | Gated, pool, spa |
| Villa Velletri | Glencoe Ave | 1974 | 231 | 1,057-1,866 sq ft, near Costco |
| Villa Marina East IV & V | Mindanao Way/Redwood | 1981 | ~125 | Mix of condos and patio homes |
Silver Strand: Beachfront Single-Family Homes
Marina Del Rey's Most Exclusive Enclave
The Silver Strand is Marina Del Rey's most exclusive residential enclave, a narrow strip of land stretching between the Pacific Ocean and the Grand Canal. This two-block-wide, ten-block-long peninsula is home to some of the most desirable beachfront properties in Los Angeles.
Characteristics
- Luxurious single-family homes with direct beach access
- Extremely low turnover due to high demand
- Mix of classic beach cottages and modern architectural masterpieces
- Price range typically $2M-$10M+
Key Streets
Roma Ct, Pacific Ave, Via Donte, Yawl St, Ocean Front Walk
The Silver Strand lifestyle is defined by morning walks on the beach, evening sunsets over the Pacific, and the sound of waves as a constant backdrop.
Silver Strand Attached & Adjacent Condos
Adjacent to the single-family homes of the Silver Strand are several condo and townhome communities that offer a more accessible entry point to this coveted location. These properties offer many of the same lifestyle benefits—beach proximity, ocean breezes, and a tight-knit community feel—at a more attainable price point.
| Complex | Address | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Marina Strand Colony I | 4250 Via Dolce | Built 1974, recently renovated, open-air hallways |
| Marina Strand Colony II | 3600 Via Dolce | All townhomes, closest to beach, private garages |
| Strand Colony III | 306 Bora Bora Way | Tennis courts, pool, spa, sauna, gym |
Special Note: 3111 Via Dolce is a one-off luxury building with very few sales. Properties here are unique and should be evaluated individually rather than compared to other buildings in the area.
Oxford Triangle: A Quiet Residential Enclave
~360 Single-Family Homes
The Oxford Triangle is a peaceful neighborhood bounded by Washington Boulevard, Lincoln Boulevard, and Admiralty Way. This R-1 zoned area offers a suburban feel while remaining just minutes from the marina and beach.
Key Streets
Stanford Ave, Howard St, Thatcher Ave, Oxford Ave, Yale Ave, Dickson St, Burrell St, Carter Ave, Berkeley Dr, Princeton Dr, Viola Pl
Appeal
Popular with families seeking excellent schools, quiet streets, and a strong sense of community. Homes range from charming mid-century properties to newer custom builds.
Schools & Education
Marina Del Rey is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). While there are no public schools located directly within Marina Del Rey's boundaries, several highly-rated options are available in surrounding areas.
Public Schools
| School | Grades | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Del Rey Elementary | K-5 | 1.5 mi | Highly rated |
| Coeur d'Alene Avenue Elementary | K-5 | 2 mi | Strong academics |
| Marina Del Rey Middle School | 6-8 | 1 mi | Performing Arts Magnet |
| Venice High School | 9-12 | 2 mi | Diverse programs |
Charter Schools
| School | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WISH Charter | TK-12 | Free public charter, project-based learning |
| Ocean Charter School | K-8 | Environmental focus |
| Open Magnet Charter School | K-5 | Collaborative learning model |
Private Schools
| School | Grades | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| St. Mark School | K-8 | Catholic, Venice |
| Westside Neighborhood School | K-8 | Progressive education |
| Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | K-12 | Arts-focused, Santa Monica |
| Windward School | 7-12 | College prep, Mar Vista |
| PS1 Pluralistic School | K-6 | Child-centered approach |
Dining & Entertainment
Marina Del Rey's culinary scene reflects its coastal character, with an emphasis on waterfront dining, fresh seafood, and California cuisine.
Fine Dining
- SALT Restaurant & Bar
California Coastal • Waterfront views, craft cocktails
- Cafe del Rey
Mediterranean • Marina views, romantic atmosphere
- The Warehouse
American • Live music, historic building
Casual Waterfront Dining
- Killer Shrimp
Seafood • Famous shrimp dishes
- Tony P's Dockside Grill
American • Sports bar, marina views
- Beachside Restaurant & Bar
American • Mother's Beach location
Local Favorites
- SUGARFISH
Sushi • Omakase-style, high quality
- UOVO
Italian • Fresh pasta
- Gjusta
Bakery/Deli • Artisan breads, Venice adjacent
Bars & Nightlife
- The Brig
Bar • Venice institution, craft cocktails
- Brennan's
Irish Pub • Turtle races, local favorite
- Hinano Cafe
Dive Bar • Classic beach bar
Shopping & Groceries
Grocery Stores
- RalphsLincoln Blvd
- Gelson'sVilla Marina Marketplace
- Trader Joe'sBoardwalk MDR Shops
- CostcoMarina Del Rey
- Whole FoodsVenice/Playa Vista
Shopping Centers
- Villa Marina Marketplace
Maxella Ave • 70+ stores, movie theaters
- Waterside Shops
Admiralty Way • Boutiques, restaurants
- Boardwalk MDR Shops
Lincoln Blvd • Trader Joe's, retail
- Fisherman's Village
Fiji Way • New England-style shops, waterfront
Parks & Recreation
Parks
- Burton W. Chace Park
10 acres, marina views, free summer concerts, picnic areas, fishing
- Mother's Beach
Calm water, family-friendly, paddleboarding, kayaking
- Aubrey E. Austin Jr. Park
North Jetty views, fishing
- Del Rey Lagoon Park
Playground, sports fields
Water Activities
Marina Del Rey's harbor is the heart of the community's recreational offerings:
- Sailing & Boating: Rentals, charters, and lessons
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Launch from Mother's Beach
- Whale Watching: Seasonal tours from Fisherman's Village
- Fishing: Sportfishing charters for halibut, yellowfin tuna
- Harbor Cruises: Sunset sails and dining cruises
Trails & Biking
The Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail (also known as "The Strand") is a 22-mile paved path running from Will Rogers Beach in Pacific Palisades to Torrance Beach. This scenic route passes directly through Marina Del Rey, offering cyclists, runners, and skaters stunning ocean views and easy access to beaches along the way.
Proximity & Transportation
One of Marina Del Rey's greatest assets is its central location on Los Angeles's Westside.
Distance to Key Destinations
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| LAX Airport | 4 miles | 10-15 minutes |
| Venice Beach | Adjacent | 5 minutes |
| Santa Monica | 5 miles | 10-15 minutes |
| Downtown LA | 15 miles | 25-40 minutes |
| 405 Freeway | 2 miles | 5 minutes |
| 10 Freeway | 3 miles | 7 minutes |
Public Transit
- Metro Bus Lines: Several routes serve the area
- Marina del Rey WaterBus: $1 rides connecting 8 stops around the harbor (summer)
- LAX FlyAway: Shuttle service to the airport
Nearby Neighborhoods
- Venice: Boardwalk, canals, eclectic culture
- Playa Vista: Master-planned tech hub
- Playa del Rey: Quiet beach community
- Santa Monica: Famous pier, shopping, dining
- Culver City: Arts district and dining scene
Demographics
Marina Del Rey attracts a diverse, affluent, and active population. The community is known for its young professionals, boating enthusiasts, and those who prioritize an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Community Events
Marina Del Rey hosts numerous events throughout the year:
Year-round at Mother's Beach, 9am-2pm
Free outdoor concerts at Burton Chace Park
Spectacular display over the marina
Ring in the new year on the water
Annual races in the harbor (March)
Decorated vessels light up the harbor
Why Choose Marina Del Rey?
Marina Del Rey offers a rare combination of coastal beauty, urban convenience, and diverse housing options. Whether you're drawn to the luxury of a high-rise tower with panoramic views, the creative energy of a Marina Arts District loft, the suburban comfort of a townhome community, or the exclusivity of a Silver Strand beachfront home, Marina Del Rey has something for everyone.
The community's proximity to LAX makes it ideal for frequent travelers, while its location between Venice and Playa del Rey places residents at the center of LA's vibrant Westside. With world-class dining, endless recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community, it's no wonder Marina Del Rey remains one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Explore More Marina Del Rey Resources
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Neighborhood Overview
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Last Updated: January 2026