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Eat, Sleep, Row in Marina del Rey

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(credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Prior to becoming the largest man-made, small-craft harbor in the United States, Marina del Rey was an estuary often frequented by local duck hunters and fishermen. Today, the Marina is known for being one of the only places in Los Angeles where visitors and locals can easily access the Pacific.With over 300 days of sunshine, a vibrant restaurant scene and thousands of boats anchored in the Marina, this picturesque community provides a fabulous place for recreational water fun, innovative cuisine, happy hours, weekend brunches and comfortable hotels.

I was recently invited to a unique day in the Marina and both discovered and rediscovered its beauty and fun. My day started with a 'water' workout at Phins Water Sports Club and ended at Killer Shrimp and was beautiful and fun!

For more information about Marina Del Rey, call 310-305-9545, log on to Visit Marina del Rey, Facebook, Twitter, or their blog, or stop by the Marina del Rey Visitors Center, 4701 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Row, Sail, Paddle…!

Phins Water Sports Club

14045 Panay Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
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I've done a little rowing, kayaking, sailing and other boating over time but never thinking of it as a form of regular exercise. After my initiation to Phins Water Sports Club with a lesson and a row I may have discovered my new favorite form of exercise. The rowing is slide seat open water rowing plus, they also have stand up paddleboards. With practice burn up to 800 calories an hour and exercise all the major muscles in your body without any pounding or stress on your joints.

Gondolas D'amore

14045 Panay Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 736-7301
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Enjoy a romantic, moonlit gondola ride in the Marina with a private gondola tour. Gondolas D'Amore offers one and two-hour Marina excursions for up to six people in a 32-foot an authentic Italian gondola. Steered by an expert gondolier, the gondola includes Italian pillows, flickering oil lamps and soft music. Beverages and snacks can be arranged. Caviar and reflexology massage packages are also available.

Marina Del Rey Parasailing

13717 Fiji Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 795-6611
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Marina del Rey Parasailing offers breath-taking views from 500 to 800 feet into the sky. The flights are usually two-three persons at a time, harnessed on the parasail together. Full tour time is usually two hours, depending on the number of people riding that day.

Paddleboard Yoga

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Finding balance is one thing, finding balance on water is quite another. The class, while challenging, is great for beginners – no prior experience is necessary.

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Eat!

After rowing for about an hour we pulled up to "dock and dine" at Killer Shrimp. It is the only restaurant in the Marina where you can do that!

Killer Shrimp

4211 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 578-2293
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Known for their signature dish, 'Killer Shrimp' customers have lined up for 20 years to enjoy fresh shrimp cooked to order in a family kept secret spicy sauce. In addition to their signature dish, they offer a selection of fresh seafood, steak, salad and soup. Creator Lee Michaels first made the infamous dish at home when his kids were young. In the 23 years since, father and son have preserved the quality of the original secret recipe.

The Killer Shrimp Bar is a perfect destination to drink with friends, enjoy happy hour and take in the great viewing of the Marina. They offer great event space including the 'Marilyn Lounge' which features VIP privacy, with rat-pack high-back booths, vintage photography and a lounge like intimacy.

Shanghai Red'sis known for an award-winning champagne brunch on weekends -- featuring more than 100 specialty items -- and harbor views from every dining area. 13813 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 823-4522Cafe del Rey, innovative California Mediterranean cuisine shines in a contemporary, open dining room with views of the harbor from just about every table. 4451 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 823-6395

Joni's Coffee Roasting Café on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Via Marina is a café and coffee shop that's been a neighborhood staple for 20 years. 552 Washington Boulevard Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 305-7147

Mendocino Farms Sandwiches & Marketplace For fresh, artisan-crafted sandwiches with a modern twist on childhood favorites. The restaurant also serves comfort-food classics including soups and salads. 4724 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, CA (310) 822-2300

Wharo For a unique, interactive and healthy eating experience, features a menu of Korean barbecue items marinated in a choice of traditional sauces, as well as a selection of fine wines and soju cocktails. 4029 Lincoln Boulevard Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 578-7114

SugarFISH exclusively serves fresh-fish sushi in a bright, airy environment. Upholding Japanese tradition, the master chef decides on each day's fixed menu based on his knowledge of what's most flavorful. A unique sushi experience. 4722 1/4 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292/ 310 306-6300

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(credit: lulawashington.org)

Sleep!

Accommodations range from comfortable budget inns to an AAA Five Diamond hotel. All hotels are on the water or across the street, and all are within walking distance of the yachts, beach, waterfront restaurants and the area's many leisure activities.

Marina del Rey Marriott

4100 Admiralty Way,
Marina del Rey, CA
310-301-3000, 800-228-9290
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Marina del Rey Marriott is the area's largest hotel. Located across from Marina Beach, the hotel provides convenient access to the shops, cafes and restaurants along Washington Boulevard and is within walking distance to Venice Beach. This modern hotel offers contemporary, comfortable surroundings in its candlelit lobby, Stones Restaurant and popular, hip outdoor lounge "Glow."

The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Reyoffers guests AAA Five Diamond amenities and services in the heart of the Marina. The hotel's facilities include the elegant Jer-Ne Restaurant + Bar, landscaped gardens, a pool area with private cabanas, heated pool and tennis courts. 4375 Admiralty Way, 310-823-1700, 800-241-3333The Marina del Rey Hotel is in the heart of the harbor, surrounded by water on three sides. Many of the rooms feature balconies or patios and water views. 13534 Bali Way, 310-301-1000, 800-882-4000

Jamaica Bay Inn The all-new luxurious hotel is located on Marina Beach, complete with lush flora, a beautiful beachside pool and marina views. Its chic, full-service restaurant, Vū Restaurant & Bar, offers innovative American small plates in a spectacular waterside setting, with enjoyable outoor seating and firepits. 4175 Admiralty Way, 310-823-5333, 800-823-5333

Jeannine Chanin-Penn… xoj9 | event curator | smart & beautiful events… My son, my husband, lobster & the color purple make me happy…
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