Marina del Rey |
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History of Marina del ReyThe marina used to be wetlands, popular with duck hunters and few others. In 1953, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted $2 million to initiate construction of the marina. The federal government funded the rest. Winter storms along the coast can wreak severe damage in southern California. They nearly delayed the opening of Venice and shut the Venice pier for more than a decade. One storm caused millions of dollars of devastation to the nearly completed marina in 1963. To lessen the likelihood of future damage, the LA County Board of Supervisors erected a breakwater at the mouth of the marina for $2.1 million. April 10, 1965 marked the official dedication of Marina del Rey. Description of Marina del ReyMarina
del Rey is not a city. It’s an unincorporated seaside community in
Los Angeles County centered around the world’s biggest recreational
boat harbor
with 19 marinas that can hold 5,300 boats. It is southeast of Venice
and north of Playa del Rey at the mouth of the Ballona Creek
surrounded on all sides by the City of Los Angeles.
The harbor itself is surrounded by high rise apartments, condominiums, shops and restaurants. It’s accessible by the Marina Freeway which links to Interstate 405. Residents of Marina del ReyFrom its beginning the area has
been the center of LA’s boating community. Because it’s just four
miles north of Los Angeles International airport, the marina became
popular with flight crews and travelers. During the late sixties and
early seventies it hosted a thriving singles scene. Residents stayed
and have aged. There are no schools located within Marina del Rey but
the community is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The population of 18,000 is nearly evenly split between men and women. The median age is 42. Households are smaller than the state average. The average annual salary is $84, 000. The area is 78.8% White, 8.1%Asian, 5.3% Hispanic, 4.6% Black. Rentals in Marina del ReyAlthough
you will find a few newly built apartments, most in the area date to
the community’s construction. 69% of residents in the marina rent.
1 bedroom apartments begin around $2000. The cost of living is high.
Note: Marina del Rey does not have rent control, so if you find an
apartment you like, lock it in with a long term lease. Chances are
you will like the area. Make sure that your apartment has enough
assigned parking for you and your roommate. On street parking is
nearly impossible to find in Marina del Rey.
Fun Things to do Activities
are centered around the water and include sailing, power boating,
dinner cruises and trips to Catalina island. The
marina has numerous yacht clubs that can serve as the center of your
social life.
There are two readily accessible beaches. Mother’s Beach is at the junction of Via Marina and Admiralty way. It’s noted for its calm waters suitable for kids and barbeque pits for parties. The closest ocean beach is on the Marina peninsula. Technically it’s just over the line the city of LA but is due west from the Marina. If you want surf, head north to the Venice Pier. Calm ocean waters can be found just north of the marina’s main entrance. The area has many restaurants including those from national chains like Marie Calendar’s, the Cheesecake Factory and the Chart House. One of my favorites is Shanghai Reds in Fisherman’s Village with seaside views and generous buffets. The Holiday boat parade in December is a must see annual display of lights on the water. Fourth of July fireworks are readily viewable from multiple points in the marina. Free concerts of both popular and classical music are available summer nights at Burton Chase Park.
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