Marina del Rey Boating Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Marina del Rey, “Marina of the King” in Spanish, is a beautiful seaside harbor community of approximately 11,000 people in the Los Angeles area of Southern California. Known as the largest “small craft” marina in North America, it can hold about 5,000 boats at a time, making it a hotspot for sailors and boating enthusiasts.
Boatsetter’s got you covered with an exclusive guide boating in Marina del Rey, covering the following topics:
- Marina del Rey’s boating history
- Waterfront restaurants for dock-and-dining
- Local boating rules & regulations
Explore All Available Boat Rentals in Marina del Ray, CA
Boating History of Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey harbor was constructed at the mouth of the Los Angeles River, from 1887 to 1890. This project cost approximately $300,000, the modern-day equivalent of a whopping $9,356,084! A horrific storm ravaged the wharf during its early days and destroyed all of the original harbors.
It wasn’t until 1936 that Congress would reconsider the construction of this small craft harbor. Marina del Rey formally opened on April 10th, 1965. At the time, it was the largest artificial small craft marina in the world at 800 acres. Now, it is the largest in North America.
Marina del Rey is known for its pleasantly warm and sunny weather, the iconic amusement pier, three miles of beach, and almost 250 acres of sand. You can see approximately 5,000 boats in and around the harbor at any given time.
Top waterfront restaurants in Marina del Rey
If you’re interested in local dock-and-dine establishes, you’ll want to read our comprehensive list of the 10 Best Marina del Rey Restaurants on the Water to Get to by Boat. In the meantime, here’s a sneak preview of a few of our favorites:
1. The Hive – Superfood Eats and Organix Cafe
The Hive offers casual health foods. Here, you’ll find delicious fresh brewed coffee, kombucha on tap, rich smoothies, and some of the best salads and acai bowls. Make sure you grab the Chicken Athena Salad as it is one of their favorite dishes.
You can find The Hive in Basin C right on Marina del Rey. Its street address is 4242 Vía Marina, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.
2. Whiskey Red’s Restaurant and Events
Whiskey Red’s restaurant focuses on seafood and a unique whiskey-centered cocktail menu! People love to stop here for the views that their patio offers. It’s a great place to sit by the water next to a warm fire pit, check out their koi ponds, admire your boat, and the entirety of the beautiful Marina del Ray bay.
Many say that their salads and mimosas are underrated and one of their favorite menu items. Of course, the crab cakes are always delicious, and if you’re visiting earlier in the day, pick up the breakfast burrito.
You can find Whiskey Red’s at the entrance of Marina del Rey, next to the US Coast Guard. The street address is 13813 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.
3. SALT Restaurant and Bar
SALT is a sleek and chic bar and restaurant that sits right next to the Marina del Ray marina and hotel. It offers up delicious brunches filled with ricotta toast, pancakes, omelets, smoked salmon benedict, fruit plates, acai bowls, salads, club sandwiches, pastries, parfaits, and even an espresso pot de creme dessert.
People rave about their iced coffees and the overall vibe and aesthetic of the venue. The views are great, and the patio feels very luxurious and lush. They’re on the Northwest side of Basin G, next to the hotel. The street address is 13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.
4. Killer Shrimp
Killer Shrimp is a seafood restaurant that focuses on “peel n’ eat” shrimp and curating that perfectly fun happy hour atmosphere. The Lobster Mac and Cheese Croquettes are unbelievably good, and so is the french bread.
You can get dine-in, take-out, or even order for delivery. If you have the time, sit out on their gorgeous patio area and take in the sights of Marina del Rey. You have a great view of Basin E and the California Yacht Club across the basin.
Find them at the western end of Basin E, to the left of FantaSea Yachts. The address is 4211 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.
5. KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
KazuNori is an unforgettably good sushi restaurant that offers dine-in and carry-out. Service is always fast and friendly, and people love their salmon and Toro rolls. Everyone talks about how incredibly fresh the food tastes. The seaweed is crisp, and the fish are served at the perfect temperature. And the crab rolls are on point.
The restaurant has a modern-minimalist aesthetic that is clean, somewhat casual, and refreshing. Sit at the main bar or find a table off to the side. You can find them on the eastern side of Basin G, adjacent to the South Coast Corinthian Yacht Club.
The street address for this restaurant is 4635 Admiralty Way #107, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.
Marina del Rey boating rules & regulations
Marina del Rey is home to thousands of boat lovers and a vacation oasis for even more visitors and vacationers. If you want to be a part of the boating community here, you should brush up on the rules for this bay to keep yourself and others safe! We’ve gathered a few important rules and regulations for you to review:
- The maximum harbor speed is five nautical miles per hour; this is a no-wake zone.
- All black and greywater (boat and porta-potty waste) must be properly disposed of in a designated pump-out station or by a designated mobile service.
- Anchoring is strictly prohibited.
- Do not ride bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, or motorcycles on the docks or gangways.
- Fishing is prohibited from the docks.
- Vessels cannot extend more than four feet from the dock slip it is parked in.
- Only minor emergency repairs and washdown are allowed within the slips.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times when on the docks.
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