Marina Del Rey without a car

We are thinking about spending a week in MDR in September but will not have a car. If possible, we would like to be within 10-15 minutes walk of the beach, , cafes, restaurants and a few shops. We would consider a rental or hotel providing there is a pool and would welcome advice on the best location as MDR looks quite spread out. Thank you for any help you can give.

Marina del Rey is a compact and scenic area, making it very convenient for visitors without a car, especially if your priority is staying close to the beach, dining, and shopping.

Best areas to stay:

  • Marina del Rey Waterfront/Marina Beach area: This area puts you within a 10–15 minute walk of the sand and marina. You'll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and small shops nearby, as well as walking paths along the marina for a relaxing stroll. Many waterfront hotels have pools, which is perfect for your preference.
  • Fisherman’s Village: A charming cluster of shops and restaurants right on the marina. Staying here gives you easy access to water activities, rentals for kayaks or paddleboards, and it’s very walkable to the beach.
  • Washington Boulevard / Admiralty Way corridor: This area is slightly more central and offers several hotel options with pools. You’re still within walking distance of the marina and some local eateries, though a few locations might be a 15-minute walk to the main beach.

Accommodation suggestions:

  • Look for hotels directly on the marina or along Via Marina—many have pools and provide easy access to dining and shops.
  • Vacation rentals or Airbnb options along the waterfront are plentiful and often provide full kitchens, which is convenient for longer stays.
  • Consider places that offer complimentary bicycles or scooter rentals, as this can expand your accessible area without needing a car.

Getting around without a car:

  • Walking is very feasible within Marina del Rey itself; most key areas like the marina, Fisherman’s Village, and marina-adjacent beaches are under a mile apart.
  • For short trips to nearby Venice Beach or Venice Canals, rideshares or local buses are easy and convenient.
  • Many hotels provide shuttle services to nearby attractions or Venice Beach if needed.

In summary, focusing on the marina waterfront area or Fisherman’s Village will maximize your convenience, provide easy beach access, and give you a range of dining and shopping options, all within walking distance. Opt for accommodations with a pool to enjoy relaxing downtime without needing a car.


More Marina del Rey Travel Questions