 We spent our summer
vacation in the Marina Del Rey area of Los Angeles. Marina Del Rey is a small
enclave of less than 10,000 residents located on the Southern California coast a couple
of miles north of LAX (Los Angeles International Airport). I've been told that
it hardly ever rains, most days are sunny and the temperatures range between 60°F and
80ºF. This was certainly the case during our week-long stay. Temperatures
were generally in the 60s and there was not a cloud in the sky. And, most
importantly, humidity was low.
 There are a number of good hotels in the area.
We stayed at the Marina Del Rey Hotel.
It is surrounded by the marina on all four sides. Although getting a little long in
the tooth, the hotel does offer well-appointed rooms, private balconies, a heated pool and
a full-service restaurant. Upon arrival we were greeted by a cool breeze from the
north. No need for air-conditioning here; the hotel's doors were thankfully left
open for the guests to enjoy. If you'd take pleasure in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere
in the heart of a beautiful marina, this hotel is for you. By the way, I've never
seen so many Catalina sailboats berthed in one place. You might note that Catalina
Yacht Sales is just down Bali Way from the hotel. They had four large Catalina
yachts ranging in size from a 34' to a 42' on display in their yard [ ].
 Other
hotels in the area include the Ritz-Carlton
Hotel, Marina Beach Marriott, the Foghorn
Hotel, and Marina Internation Hotel &
Bungalows. There are many restaurants that dot the marina as well including the Chart House,
Cheesecake Factory, and Cafe Del Rey. Check out the Complete Guide to Marina Del Rey for more
information on restaurants, recreation and entertainment.
You will not have difficulty finding things to do with all that is available close
by: The Fisherman's Village, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Malibu and more.
 We visited both Disneyland and Universal Studios. One
day was fine for Universal Studios, but plan on at least two or more days for
Disneyland. My family spent one day on Catalina
Island enjoying recreational activities and shopping while I cut my island trip short
to attend the Catalina Yachts plant tour in Woodland Hills, CA. We made the trip
over and back on the Catalina Jet
[] which carries up to 450
passengers and speeds along at 36 knots. The Catalina Jet travels between Avalon (on
the island) and Long Beach [
of terminal]. When leaving Long Beach [], you pass by the Queen Mary [].
 If you've not visited the Pacific, you are in for a
real treat.
The water is cool and deep blue. On the ride over to Catalina Island, we watched
numerous sailboats bound along toward the island. On our next trip, we'll stay on
the island and arrange a sailboat charter.
Check back for photos of my Catalina Yachts plant tour . . . coming soon.
[MTM - 07/27/99]
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We spent our summer
vacation in the Marina Del Rey area of Los Angeles. Marina Del Rey is a small
enclave of less than 10,000 residents located on the Southern California coast a couple
of miles north of LAX (Los Angeles International Airport). I've been told that
it hardly ever rains, most days are sunny and the temperatures range between 60°F and
80ºF. This was certainly the case during our week-long stay. Temperatures
were generally in the 60s and there was not a cloud in the sky. And, most
importantly, humidity was low. 
