Marina Peninsula Beach(South Venice Beach)

Just 15 minutes south of Santa Monica and 30 minutes west of Downtown Los Angeles, Marina Peninsula Beach is one LA’s best-kept beach secrets. Despite being surrounded by luxury lofts, skyscrapers, and restaurants, Marina Peninsula Beach is surprisingly relaxed and offers beachgoers a tranquil yet versatile urban beach day.

Getting to Marina Peninsula is convenient and stress-free. It’s easily accessible from all ends of Los Angeles, with its parking strip along Via Marina on the northern stretch of the harbor entrance channel. And once you arrive, you’re sure to have a ball. Visited mostly by locals, Marina Peninsula is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Santa Monica and Venice. The beach’s scenic beachside paths make it a destination for bikers, skaters, and joggers looking to bask in panoramic views of the Pacific. And its turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and backdrop of spectacular modern and mid-century mansions make it a stunning place to sunbathe in the sand.

While the area surrounding Marina Peninsula is mostly residential, it comes alive after the sun sets. Beachgoers seeking entertainment head to Playa Vista’s Cinemark Theater to catch a movie. Spa-goers visit the Ritz Carlton Marina, which offers some of LA’s beachside massages, facials, and treatments. And shoppers head to the Waterside Shopping Center, a local shopping mall with stores such as L’Occitane, Sephora, LOFT, Drybar, Irene’s Story, and White House Black Market.

While the area surrounding Marina Peninsula is mostly residential, it comes alive after the sun sets. Beachgoers seeking entertainment head to Playa Vista’s Cinemark Theater to catch a movie. Spa-goers visit the Ritz Carlton Marina, which offers some of LA’s beachside massages, facials, and treatments. And shoppers head to the Waterside Shopping Center, a local shopping mall with stores such as L’Occitane, Sephora, LOFT, Drybar, Irene’s Story, and White House Black Market.

Beachgoers looking to dine find that Marina Peninsula is surrounded by excellent restaurants. For some of LA’s freshest sushi, head to SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa, a renowned hotspot known for its incredible nigiri and sashimi. On a health kick? Visit Kreation Organic, which offers organic green juices, acai bowls, and snacks. Looking for a romantic night of fine dining? Drive five minutes to Scopa Italian Roots, famed chef Antonia Lofaso’s Italian staple serving old-school Italian classics with a modern twist. Be sure to order Scopa’s incredible squid-ink calamari and authentic trecce.

Looking to spend the night by Marina Peninsula? Marina del Rey offers a number of options to make your stay in LA one to remember. At the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey, guests experience beachside luxury, five-star service, indulgent spa days, and stunning views of the Pacific. For a hotel that offers unbeatable value, the Hotel MdR offers spacious rooms, a central location, and legendary Hilton hospitality.