This year, we’re inviting everyone to celebrate their mom or mom-figure with us, on Facebook. Simply post a photo of your mother and leave a comment – maybe it’s a memory of a vacation you took together, wise words she always told you to remember, or the name of the favorite dish she made for you when you were younger.  To make this contest even sweeter, we’ll pick one submission to win a $250 gift card from Chart House.

Only the best for mom!

We’re accepting entries on Facebook until this Sunday.

Already, we’ve had some submissions that are touching our hearts, including this one, from Heather Brooks Miller, who shares this photo and message:

“Me and my mom, Marcia Brooks, for insisting to drive over 1700 miles to help me move across country, from Iowa to LA, with 2 howling cats in the car. This was taken on our first night in MDR, exhausted and worn out, but smiling nonetheless. Thanks mom, you’re the best! Luvs and Happy Mother’s Day!”

Chart House boasts great views of the Marina and delicious, classic cuisine. Enjoy brunch or dinner on Mother’s Day, and then head outside for a walk along the Marina.  View the restaurant’s menu here.

Good luck & Happy Mother’s Day!

Live in Los Angeles? Visiting Los Angeles soon?

We’re co-hosting a very special Twitter Chat today. We’ll be talking about all things travel and tourism for the the Los Angeles area. Feel free to ask us questions, tweet travel tips and talk about your love for LA! We’ll see your tweets and respond to them in real time! Just use the hashtag #LATravel. We’ll be on the Twitter Chat with Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood! We’ll be tweeting from @marinadelrey_CA. Join us 1-2pm PST today.

Set along the coastal bike path and adjacent to Admiralty Way, The Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey Public Library overlooks Basin F of the Marina. Filled with thousands of books, the library is frequented by locals of all ages. The library’s “sail window” in the Nautical Wing is a meeting place for residents and readers alike. This favorite spot looks out onto docked boats and blue water, the perfect backdrop for an afternoon read. Originally built in 1976, the Nautical Wing was added in 1999. Major donors include William R. Pagen, Greg and Mimi Wenger and Lloyd Taber, who on occasion, visits the library with his family. Marina del Rey Patch recently wrote about the library’s extensive history here. Continue reading →

The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing and a warm breeze is in the air. Outdoor activities are the way to go this spring — from sportfishing to riding a bike, Marina del Rey awaits. All of our spring activities are especially affordable, so don’t just pick one – spread them out over a few weekends and share your pictures with us on Facebook.com/VisitMarinadelRey!

Gone Fishing: Sportfishing in Marina del Rey is full of surprises. You never know what you’re going to catch! Marina del Rey Sportfishing sells licenses, teaches you how to fish and takes you out on the water with other fishermen and women. Get up early and catch your dinner. They fillet your catch on the boat for $1 a fish. Then all you need is a hot pan, some butter, salt and lemon.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite: Not just for kids, kite flying is still a great pastime, especially for waterside destinations like Marina del Rey. The best spots for flying a kite in the Marina include Burton Chace Park and the calm section of Venice Beach where it meets Washington Boulevard.

Lazy Afternoon Bike Ride: Rent a bike (or a tandem!) in Fisherman’s Village at Daniel’s Bike Rentals. Then ask for directions to the famous Marina del Rey bike path and coast through town, the wind in your hair. You’ll pass by bird sanctuaries, go through the Marina and see the wetlands.

Window Shopping: Waterside Shopping Center is great for everyday shopping, but it’s worth taking the few extra minutes to drive over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. Full of locally made arts, crafts, clothing and food, it’s a great little stretch where everyone feels like a local.

Gondolas: Looking for a romantic afternoon outing? Gondolas d’Amore offers just that. Not only do you get to take in the scene on the canals, but all tours include appetizers, wine and champagne glasses (it’s BYOB), music, pillows, blankets, and candles. Rates are reasonably priced and include a guide.

Not only has Felicia Perry always lived in Southern California, but she has also lived along our beautiful coast her entire life. Perry’s eight year old business, Felicia Perry Photography, is based in Playa del Rey, just south of Marina del Rey waters. Perry grew up in Santa Monica, and then went to Pepperdine University, just up Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu. At Pepperdine, Perry studied History and Art before getting her MBA.

“As I was finishing up my masters, I started supplementing my student income with independent projects,” says Perry, “Before graduation, I had 40 projects booked!”

And that was the start of Perry’s successful photography business. Wedding photography is her specialty, and she brings a story into each project.

“That’s one great thing about always living in the same area – a lot of my clients are people I went to kindergarten with, or people that have crossed my path at one point or another.” muses Perry. She often ends up staying in touch with couples and families long after the rings are exchanged and the cake is eaten. It goes something like this: she’ll be hired to take engagement photos, bridal shower photos and then the wedding photos. But soon enough, she’s taking pregnancy photos and then the baby shower photos and baby photos too!

Felicia Perry is a local to know, but we wouldn’t highlight her just because she’s a neighboring business – we also love her work! Follow her, her husband and her 2-year old on their blog. Felicia Perry Photography is available for bookings via email: info@feliciaperryphotography.com

Featured within are some of Felicia Perry Photography’s work, including shots of a wedding that was held at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey.