Marina del Rey, CA

Marina del Rey is an unincorporated seaside community in Los Angeles County, built around one of the country's largest small-craft harbors. Before the marina was developed, the area was part of the Ballona wetlands, a salt marsh fed by freshwater from Ballona Creek. Today the harbor defines the place: boats, waterfront apartments, restaurants, hotels, and paths along the water shape daily life. Marina del Rey sits beside Venice and Playa del Rey, offering a coastal Los Angeles feel centered more on docks than surf.