Such was the case when a friend and I recently escaped to Marina del Rey, one of my favorite Southern California beach locations. After surfing the web a little, I found a great hotel room and lined up some fun and tasty activities.

My getaway began when I checked into Marina del Rey Hotel, a waterfront retreat, located minutes from Santa Monica and Venice Beach. The hotel boasts 164 boutique accommodations, the award-winning SALT Restaurant & Bar, and a year-round heated infinity pool & spa — all with gorgeous views of Marina del Rey. The property also offers a fitness center, business center and on-site bicycle rentals.

Our 350 sq-ft king suite featured a king bed with premium high-thread Egyptian cotton linens, a luxury bathroom with rainforest shower head, free wireless Internet, and a balcony with table and chairs and incredible views overlooking the pool and the marina.

But the hotel’s best feature is its proximity to the spectacular marina. Built in the early 1960s at the site of an old salt marsh, Marina del Rey is a modern wonder of construction. As one of the world’s largest man-made small craft harbors, it features eight basins and is home to approximately 6,500 boats.

In spite of its epic marina and quaint seaside location, Marina del Rey is still kind of a hidden gem. Located near the larger, more famous areas of Los Angeles such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica, the tiny city can be overlooked. But for savvy travelers from around the globe, the place is waterfront paradise.

Janet Zaldua, CEO of the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau says “Marina del Rey is an urban waterfront playground that offers tourists resort-like amenities, exceptional hotel accommodations, and dining experiences with breathtaking Marina views.”

A great way to see the marina is via the Marina del Rey WaterBus, which currently runs Thursdays thru Sundays. The colorful boat makes six stops each way on its trip. Stops are Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chace Park, Marina Beach, Dolphin Marina, Esprit 1, and Del Rey Landing. Tickets are $1 each way and can be purchased from the dock attendants stationed at each WaterBus stop. Attendants can also assist with any questions on WaterBus service and provide additional information on a wide range of activities in Marina del Rey.

We took the Waterbus to Marina Beach, also called Mother’s Beach. Here we lounged on the sand and played in the water. We then rented a kayak from the Pro SUP Shop. Located in the parking lot in front of Mother’s Beach, the company specializes in stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking and offers daily rentals and lessons by professional ASI & WPA certified instructors.

During our hour tour of the harbor we paddled past million-dollar yachts and old wooden sloops. I waved to small boats passing by and barking seals sunbathing on docks. Kayaking is not only a great way to see the harbor; it is also a good workout and very relaxing. For those looking to get into paddle boarding or kayaking Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey is probably one of the best places in the Los Angeles area to learn.

For dinner we took the WaterBus back near our hotel and then walked about 10 minutes to a small shopping center, where we found L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Here we enjoyed a delicious and casual Hawaiian-styled dinner. Our meal featured a seafood combo plate with fried shrimp, fish fillet and Hawaiian chicken, served with white rice and macaroni salad. My friend had Loco Moco plate with savory hamburger patties over rice and topped with brown gravy and two fried eggs. With our food we had a couple cold Corona beers.

The Marina del Rey Hotel is located at 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292.

More information on Marina del Rey Hotel (or call 310.301-1000).

More information on visiting Marina del Rey.

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My getaway to the waterfront city began when I checked into a gorgeous suite at The Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey. The hotel, located across the street from the marina and beach, and within walking distance to restaurants, makes a perfect base camp while in town.

My suite at The Hilton Garden Inn overlooked the pool and featured a super comfy king bed, a spacious sitting area with sofa sleeper and two large TVs. Other room amenities included an office desk with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and a small kitchenette area with microwave, refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker and sink.

Beyond cozy rooms and luxury suites, the hotel boasts a Jacuzzi and heated pool with marina views, fitness center, 24-hour lobby business center, on-site bicycle rentals, a gourmet restaurant, and meeting/conference rooms.

But the hotel’s best feature is its proximity to the spectacular marina. Built in the early 1960s at the site of an old salt marsh, Marina del Rey is a modern wonder of construction. As one of the world’s largest man-made small craft harbors, it features eight basins and is home to approximately 6,500 boats.

In spite of its epic marina and charming seaside location, Marina del Rey is still kind of a hidden gem. Located near larger, more famous areas of Los Angeles such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica, the tiny city can be overlooked. But for savvy travelers from around the globe, the place is waterfront paradise.

“Marina del Rey is an urban waterfront playground that offers tourists resort-like amenities, exceptional hotel accommodations, and dining experiences with breathtaking Marina views,” says Janet Zaldua, CEO of the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau.

To get an up-close look at the water and boats, and some of the luxury condos and new developments lining the shoreline, I rented a kayak from the Pro SUP Shop. Located in the parking lot in front of Mother’s Beach, the company specializes in stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking and offers daily rentals and lessons by professional ASI & WPA certified instructors.

During my hour tour of the harbor I paddled past million-dollar yachts and old wooden sloops. I waved to small boats passing by and barking seals sunbathing on docks. Kayaking is not only a great way to see the harbor; it is also a good workout and very relaxing. For those looking to get into paddle boarding or kayaking Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey is probably one of the best places in the Los Angeles area to learn.

After playing on the water, I walked over to the swimming area for Mother’s Beach. Here I laid out my towel and put my umbrella in the sand and relaxed. I then headed back to my suite for a nap. For dinner I walked 10 minutes to Café del Rey.

Set on the harbor, with memorable views of boats and sunsets, Café del Rey is led by Executive Chef Job Carder who has created an exciting menu highlighted by creative seafood dishes, along with top quality steaks, chicken, chops and salads. The restaurant has been recognized by the Food Network and Wine Spectator.

My meal at Café del Rey began with chilled large shrimp with fresh herbs and cocktail sauce. With this I had a spicy Bloody Mary and homemade potato chips. For the main course, I enjoyed lobster ravioli with poached lobster tail, lobster mousse ravioli, lobster truffle sauce, mushrooms, peas and bottarga. While devouring this succulent dish, I watched boats bob in the harbor just outside the window.

The next morning, I worked out at the hotel’s fitness center and then walked around the Oxford Retention Basin, a serene wetland habitat located next to Hilton Garden Inn. The basin is a serene wetland habitat that features a lovely nature walk and a bike path surrounding a small lake full of trees, birds and other wildlife.

After a few strolls around the nature loop, I walked down the street to breakfast at Cafe Buna, a local favorite, known for its breakfast menu, which is served all day. Here I devoured Juevos Rancheros with flour tortillas, avocado, sour cream, over easy eggs, ranchero sauce, beans, rice and cheese.

The Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey is located at 4200 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, California, 90292. For more info, call 310-301-2000.

For further information, visit Marina del Rey here.

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