Marina Del Rey is a 40 minute drive from Santa Clarita, so if you are looking for a perfect getaway without the hassle of planes, boats and trains, this is the place!
Located four miles north of LAX and about a mile from the very popular Venice Beach and Santa Monica, Marina del Rey is considered the “best kept secret” of Los Angeles.  This seaside community serves as a recreational boating and water sports center.  It is the largest man-made, small-craft harbor in the United States, with more than 6,000 boat slips in Marina del Rey, and boat launching ramps that provide access to over 100,000 trailer-class boats annually. It also boasts the highest density of restaurant seating in a one-square-mile area, outside of New York City. The marina is part of a vision that keeps growing.  Additions over the years include more than 1,900 feet of guest boat docks, 180 feet of public fishing docks, Admiralty Park, view piers and a promenade.
There are a variety of hotels with fabulous waterfront views surrouding the harbor. Our recommendation is The Ritz-Carlton which offers AAA Five Diamond amenities, with 304 rooms of luxury with suites that feature Italian marble bathrooms, Bulgari bath amenities, flat screen televisions and beds with 600-thread count linens and featherbeds. If you can upgrade to their popular Club Level, then do it.  Club Level redefines the luxury hotel experience exclusivity with personalized service and attention to detail, which is the hallmark of The Ritz-Carlton. The Club Level is often referred to as a hotel within a hotel, where a dedicated concierge attends to your individual needs in a well-appointed, relaxed lounge environment. With continuous culinary offerings throughout the day (breakfast, light snacks, hors d’ oeuvres, beverages and sweets) and access to a computer station – it is the ideal place to conduct business, plan a family outing or simply unwind.
During your stay at The Ritz-Carlton visit the Spa del Rey where you will be welcomed for a day of rejuvenation.  The Spa offers 7,000 square feet of serenity featuring eight treatment rooms, full service manicure and pedicure salon, a refreshing eucalyptus steam room and the tranquility lounge, designed to stimulate your senses and cleanse your mind body and soul.
Visit The Ritz-Carlton restaurants Jer-ne and experience unrivaled waterfront dining, innovative cocktails and tantalizing appetizers. Featuring sustainable seafood, all-natural beef and locally-sourced produce, this exceptional restaurant will create an unmatched culinary adventure you will not soon forget. As Los Angeles’ only waterfront Michelin-rated restaurant, Jer-ne offers stunning marina views and unmatched service in a relaxed atmosphere – a true California experience.
A great way to see the harbor and to enjoy a delicious brunch or elegant dinner cruise would be to take a cruise with Hornblower Cruises & Events. Take in the spectacular scenery that makes southern California coastal waters famous.
There are many ways to be entertained in Marina del Rey.  The most popular activities for water lovers include hourly boat rentals, public cruises, narrated harbor tours, paddleboard, jet ski and kayak rentals, parasailing and fishing trips.
Ongoing events that continue throughout the year are plentiful. Nearby Ballona Wetlands offer guided tours twice a month of the beautiful wildlife and nature, feeling worlds away from city life. The best of California produce can be enjoyed every Thursday morning at the Marina del Rey Farmers Market, offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs and cut flowers. Also held on Thursday is “Beach Eats” where  local food trucks descend upon Marina Beach for a sunset dinner by the water.
If you just want to relax, visit Mother’s Beach. It is a safe environment for kids because there is no surf in the swimming area and there is a manned lifeguard tower. It is a great location for family outings, plenty of picnic tables, and barbecues. For the adventure seeker you can try windsurfing or kayaking. The colorful lifeguard towers add a creative touch to the beach. It is handicap friendly and crowds vary from minimal to large depending on the time of year.
Below you will find contact information to help plan your next getaway to Marina del Rey:
• Marina del Rey Visitors Convention Bureau
www.visitmarinadelrey.com
• The Ritz Carlton Hotel:
310-823-1700
www.ritzcarlton.com
• Jer-ne Restaurant & Bar
310-574-4333
• Spa del Rey
310-574-4356
• Hornblower Cruises & Events:
888-467-6256
www.hornblower.com