Shopping Fact Sheet
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Shopping the Marina
From Bling and Brands to Basics and Bargains, Marina del Rey’s Got it All in the Bag
Yes, there’s time for getting out on the harbor with its gleaming yachts, sunning on the Marina Peninsula’s white sand beach and people-watching at the area’s sidewalk cafes. But what would a trip to the Marina be without a day or two spent shopping? Don’t miss out on the chance to exercise your inner fashionista while you’re in this waterfront oasis that’s part of Los Angeles – otherwise known as the city that made the mall famous. The good news for anyone looking for a little retail therapy is that the best in bling and designer duds is close at hand, thanks to the recent overhaul that has turned the Marina’s own Waterside plaza into a goldmine of fancy finds. For bargain hunters and souvenir hounds, all manner of gifts, both kitschy and cool, await in the shops of Fisherman’s Village, Villa Marina Marketplace, and on the Oceanfront Walk of adjacent Venice Beach. And best of all, you’re just a hop, skip and drive away from L.A.’s famed shopping meccas, including chic Abbot Kinney, internationally renown Santa Monica and ultra-glam Beverly Hills. Here’s a rundown of the Marina’s shopping centers and some of the city’s nearby retail gems.
The Waterside at Marina del Rey
Located on Admiralty Way between Mindanao and Fiji Ways, this shopping center has been completely reinvigorated, both inside and out. The plaza’s exteriors resemble a quaint European village complete with striped awnings, stone storefronts and a lively fountain. Best of all, some chic new tenants have been added to the mix of upscale boutiques and eateries. Designer clothing retailers Theodore and M. Frederic have opened his and her shops, silver and leather accessories store Brighton Collectibles has an outpost here, and Jill Roberts is one of the center’s newest arrivals. Meanwhile, you’ll find national retailers like women’s sportswear favorites Chico’s and White House/Black Market tucked in between local specialty stores like custom jewelry vendor Universal Jewelers and ultra-hip shoe purveyors Gotta Have Shoes and Marmi. For beachgoers and the nautical set, H.P. Swimwear features high-end swimwear for men and women and West Marine sells high-quality boating supplies and gifts. And don’t miss out on creative gifts from Wrapsody, and Beyond Scents. When it’s time to take a break, California Pizza Kitchen, Cold Stone Creamery and French bistro Le Marmiton are perfect for meals and snacks. Open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Go to shopwaterside.com for more information.
Villa Marina Marketplace
With 70 shops and restaurants in a center that straddles both sides of Maxella Avenue just east of Lincoln Boulevard, this is the largest retail center in the immediate vicinity of the Marina. The Marketplace is the perfect spot for a meal and a movie: the complex features an AMC Loews six-screen theater showing the latest releases and an array of dining options from upscale eateries to fresh, healthy fast food. For something different, try Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch with its scrumptious Southern favorites, or Shershah which serves up exotic Indian cuisine. For browsers and serious shoppers alike, there are unique candles at Petals ‘N Wax, fragrant shower gels at Bath & Body Works, sporting goods at Sport Chalet, women’s clothing at Ann Taylor Loft, and menswear at The Men’s Wearhouse. Get beach reads at Barnes & Noble, funky shoes at Designer Shoe Warehouse or O My Sole!, and pick up that extra sweater at The Gap. Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Go to villamarinamarketplace.com for more information.
Marina Beach Shopping Center
Located on Washington Boulevard between Via Marina and Palawan Way, this little center is the place for essentials and local services. Grab a bite at Noah’s Bagels, Frankie & Johnnie’s New York Pizza or local favorite Joni’s Coffee Roasting Café and take a stroll to the center’s pretty pocket park on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Via Marina.
Fisherman’s Village
Located right on the Marina, Fisherman’s Village is built in the likeness of a New England fishing village complete with a distinctive lighthouse. You might recognize it as the home of Bluth’s Banana Stand from the Fox sit-com “Arrested Development,” where the Marina stood in for Balboa Island. While the village’s dock area is known as the launch point for fishing expeditions, yacht charters and boat rentals, the Village itself is home to several souvenir shops, yacht brokerages, travel agencies as well as eateries like El Torito, Sapori Italian Restaurant and Shanghai Red’s. Also, enjoy free live concerts featuring R&B, Jazz, Latin, Pop, and Blues every Saturday and Sunday afternoon at Lighthouse Plaza. Open daily. Call 310-822-6866 for more information.
Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Less than two miles from the Marina, Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice has become home to a hip array of eclectic furniture shops, antique stores, high-end clothing boutiques, art galleries and funky cafés. Most of the shops are squeezed in between Venice Boulevard and Main Street. Wend your way through this part of Abbot Kinney and you’ll find custom furniture shop Plantation, great gifts and knickknacks at Firefly, the hottest British designer duds at Brick Lane and a selection of rare books at art gallery/bookshop Equator Books. When you get hungry, look for the entrance of tea house and chocolate shop Jin Patisserie, and enjoy an Asian-influenced high tea complete with finger sandwiches and scones in the Zen courtyard. For sandwiches, coffee and snacks there’s Stroh’s Gourmet and Abbot’s Habit, while Axe, Joe’s, Hal’s and Primitivo serve some of the best upscale edibles around. Open daily. Visit abbotkinney.org for more information.
Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk
Year round, especially on weekends, Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach, between Venice Boulevard and Windward Way, becomes a virtual outdoor swap meet of affordable souvenirs. Sidewalk vendors share the west side of the walk with buskers, palm readers and political activists. Stroll the strand and you’ll find everything from paintings, drawings, jewelry and leather handicrafts. On the east side, storefront shops and stands offer everything from T-shirts, sandals and sunhats to sunglasses and accessories for dogs. Open daily.
Santa Monica Main Street
Only three miles from Marina del Rey, Santa Monica’s Main Street is known for its mile-long stretch of chic, slightly quirky, avant-garde shops. From lace to surf wear, Mexican folk art to Japanese antiquities, designer home furnishing to handmade jewelry and wild hats – it's all on this one very happening street. Here national chains like Planet Blue, American Apparel, Patagonia and C.P. Shades share an eclectic space with unique boutiques like B. NY for men, Baci for women, home shop Casa Allegra and jewelry store Ritual Adornments. When your shopping energy wanes, put your bags down at one of the many welcoming cafes, bistros and restaurants from upscale eateries like Chaya Venice and Chinois on Main to casual cafes like Mäni’s Bakery, Amelia’s and Urth Caffè. Open daily. For more information and a complete list of retailers visit mainstreetsm.com/main.walk.html.
Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica is also home to the nearby, internationally known Third Street Promenade, three consecutive pedestrian-only blocks lined with shops, restaurants and theatres. New additions include Spanish boutiques Zara International and Mango with fashions for men and women. Looking for that traditional three-story indoor mall? At the south end of the Promenade awaits Santa Monica Place, with a Macy’s and a vast collection of national boutiques including The Body Shop, Ann Taylor, Planet Funk and BCBG. Open daily. Go to downtownsm.com and santamonicaplace.com for more information.
More Shopping in Santa Monica
Before leaving Santa Monica, go just a bit further east to Fifth Avenue and Broadway, where you’ll find the one-of-a-kind designer shops of Fred Segal Santa Monica, which almost take up an entire city block. This is the place for $90 sweats by Juicy Couture, $200 jeans by the likes of 7 for All Mankind and True Religion. The shops are open daily, visit fredsegalfun.com for details. Then head north to Montana Avenue featuring 150 interesting boutiques and inviting restaurants right in the middle of a lovely residential community. Near 7th Street there’s Blush boutique with luxurious knits, colorful glass and designer gift items and near 17th Street, Moondance is the place for sparkly modern jewelry. For specific store information, go to visitmontanaavenue.com.
Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive
is one of the most celebrated and exclusive shopping streets in the world, set in the Golden Triangle, one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. Here you’ll find boutiques from the world’s top designers including Prada, Escada, Gucci, Valentino, Chanel, Armani, Versace, Dior, Cartier and Tiffany. Just one block east, Beverly Boulevard features more affordable flagship stores from national retailers like Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, The Gap, Banana Republic, Williams Sonoma, as well as unique Beverly Hills boutiques like Geary’s and XIV Carats. Anchoring the border of the Triangle is Department Store Row, which features a Neiman-Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney’s New York.
Venture a little further east of downtown Beverly Hills and you’ll find Robertson Boulevard, an epicenter of hip fashions and upcoming designers for men, women and the home. Nestled on this stretch between Burton Way and Beverly Boulevard you’ll find designer shops like Ghost, Kate Spade, Madison, Curve, Lisa Kline and Agnes B along with Miele for appliances. When hunger hits, head for Newsroom Café, where you’re sure to see stars, or if you’ve made reservations ahead of time there’s always Hollywood’s favorite hangout: The Ivy. Open daily. Visit beverlyhillsbehere.com for more information.
CVB Contact
For more visitor information, including recommendations specific to your needs, contact the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau at 310-305-9545. For group information and travel trade, call 310-306-9900. More information is also available on line at www.VisitMarina.com, or stop by the Marina del Rey Visitor Information Center, 4701 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292.
