Marina Del Ray
Located directly south and east of Venice Beach, this “Marina of the King” is a fun place for recreation and relaxation.Situated just five miles north of Los Angeles International AirportMarina del Rey is a popular destination for visitors wanting a Pacific coastal base from which to explore the attractions of Los Angeles. As well as the extensive marina, the city has many hotels and restaurants catering to the needs of both residents and visitors.Less touristy than some of the neighboring beach communities, this small waterfront enclave of Marina del Rey is known as the world’s largest manmade small craft harbor. The compact channels and protected waters can berth up to 5,300 boats. The area has a Visitor Center which provides maps of the area. Walking and cycling trails provide an easy way to navigate this small community which includes waterfront cafes, spas and businesses with residential streets inland to the northeast of the waterways.
Early settlers to this marshy wetland area would have been the Gabrielo Indians followed by the Spanish and the first Angelinos in the 1800s. The preserved Ballona Wetlands Reserve shows what the area would have looked like prior to development. In the early 20th century, road races were organized along what is now known as Speedway, hence its name.Another piece of Marina del Rey history are the oil rigs which were built in the 1930s. Although early plans for a harbor were shelved in favor of developing the Port of Los Angeles, approval and funding for the marina was given in 1953. The Army Corps of Engineers were in charge of the project which was not completed until 1965, due in part to damage sustained in a massive storm in 1962-3. An additional breakwater was added to the plans to prevent such damage in the future.