Just four miles north of LAX and conveniently located next to Venice and Santa Monica, Marina del Rey has become the destination of choice for anyone visiting Los Angeles’ Westside.

“Marina del Rey offers the best of both worlds in Los Angeles,” says Beverly Moore, executive director of the Marina del Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Visitors enjoy the laid-back feel of the Marina and being able to get out on the water, but appreciate the convenience of getting to attractions and businesses in Los Angeles.”

What’s New: Hospitality à Inside Information. Marina del Rey braces for an exciting year of changes in its hotels and resorts, with the unveiling of the renovated Jamaica Bay Inn, opening early fall. After undergoing a major renovation and expansion, the resort will feature a West-Indies style with colorful and intriguing architecture, the Inn offers stunning harbor views and a sophisticated island-inspired décor. New guest amenities will include meeting space, a private, full-service dining room, patio and state-of-the-art exercise room. 

What’s New On The Water. Visitors can enjoy a weeknight in the crisp, spring air of the Marina while viewing the Sunset Series Regatta hosted by the California Yacht Club, beginning April 14 and held every Wednesday at 5:55 p.m. through September 8. The Sunset Series Regatta provides an exciting opportunity for visitors and residents to enjoy a sailboat race from a variety of fantastic vantage points on the water including waterfront restaurants and the grassy Burton W. Chace Park.  For only $1 per person, visitors in Marina del Rey can enjoy all of the activities on the water, without taking the wheel. The WaterBus returns this summer to escort visitors throughout the Marina with seven stops including Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chace Park and Marina Beach on weekends and holidays, beginning June 26.  

Hornblower Cruises & Events hosts meetings and events that happen right on the water and is leading the charge in eco-conscious meetings. In 2010, Hornblower has partnered with CarbonFund.org to develop the industry's first carbon offsetting option for yacht events.  In addition, to celebrate 2010 and offset the economic hardship for many businesses, Hornblower has launched six new budget-friendly corporate cruises that start at $60 per person. Each cruise transforms regular meetings into floating events with themes such as “Making Waves Motivational Cruise,” “Step Up Your Sales Cruise” and “Client Appreciation Luau Cruise.”

In response to popular demand for more on the water activities, Marina Boat Rentals launches new rentals at low prices for the summer including the newest activity: paddle-boarding, a fairly new Mainland sport making waves up and down the coast, as well as ever-popular jet ski rentals.

Marina del Rey also offers new ways to enjoy the annual 4^th of July fireworks, away from the crowds on the sand. With easy accessibility to chartered boats, the fireworks can be viewed from atop the water—either with a large group or alone with a sweetheart.

What’s New: Dining in Marina del Rey. Set to open in late April, eco-conscious sandwich shop Mendocino Farms will launch its third installment at the Waterside Center. The shop has various kid-friendly features including tables that lower for children’s dining, laminate chalkboards to draw on, and an outdoor amphitheater complete with a stage for entertainment. Beginning in May, children will be able to attend Kids Club at Waterside and join Mendocino Farms every Tuesday at 1 p.m. for a weekly dose of fun, including live musical entertainment and arts and crafts. Marina del Rey landmark, Tony P’s Dockside Grill, officially announces its 100 beer collection. Now serving a total of100 beers, Tony P’s can accommodate beer connoisseurs of all tastes and expertise.

What’s New: A Night Out in the Marina. The beloved Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series in Burton Chace Parkkicks off July 8.  Alternating between four classical and four pop concerts, the free weekly outdoor concert series is the perfect way to enjoy a warm afternoon in the park. Held weekly For a low-key night on the water, enjoy the Marina International Hotel’s renovated garden patio beneath branches intertwined with twinkle lights. The patio is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner until 10 p.m. and hosts a happy hour 5-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Following a successful debut in 2009, Marina Movie Nights will showcase four popular films in summer 2010 on a giant screen in Burton Chace Park. Visitors are invited to bring blankets, chairs and picnic supplies to enjoy the popular family-friendly films And, introducing a full schedule of performers in 2010, the Waterfront Concert Theater offers live music for concert-goers to dance the night away on the water. From reggae nights to live jazz performances, the concert theater has become a Marina favorite for weekends and weeknights alike.

Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Marina del Rey, California. MdR CVB provides support and information on tourism services and facilities to the public, travel agents, tour operators, meeting planners and the media.

For more information, call 310 305 9545, log on to www.VisitMarinaDelRey.com, www.facebook.com/visitmarinadelrey, www.twitter.com/marinadelrey_ca, or www.marinadelrey-ca.blogspot.com/; or stop by the Marina del Rey Visitors Center, 4701 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292. For group information and travel professionals, call 310 306 9900.

Press Contact

Kat Calbes, BLAZE PR at 310 395 5050 or media@VisitMarinaDelRey.com

Just four miles north of LAX and conveniently located next to Venice and Santa Monica, Marina del Rey has become the destination of choice for anyone visiting Los Angeles’ Westside.

Marina del Rey offers the best of both worlds in Los Angeles,” says Beverly Moore, executive director of the Marina del Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Visitors enjoy the laid-back feel of the Marina and being able to get out on the water, but appreciate the convenience of getting to attractions and businesses in Los Angeles.

What's New On The Water. Visitors can enjoy a weeknight in the crisp, spring air of the Marina while viewing the Sunset Series Regatta hosted by the California Yacht Club, beginning April 14 and held every Wednesday at 5:55 p.m. through September 8. The Sunset Series Regatta provides an exciting opportunity for visitors and residents to enjoy a sailboat race from a variety of fantastic vantage points on the water including waterfront restaurants and the grassy Burton W. Chace Park.  For only $1 per person, visitors in Marina del Rey can enjoy all of the activities on the water, without taking the wheel.  The Water Bus returns this summer to escort visitors throughout the Marina with seven stops including Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chace Park and Marina Beach on weekends and holidays, beginning June 26.

Hornblower Cruises & Events hosts meetings and events that happen right on the water and is leading the charge in eco-conscious meetings. In 2010, Hornblower has partnered with CarbonFund.org to develop the industry's first carbon offsetting option for yacht events.  In addition, to celebrate 2010 and offset the economic hardship for many businesses, Hornblower has launched six new budget-friendly corporate cruises that start at $60 per person. Each cruise transforms regular meetings into floating events with themes such as “Making Waves Motivational Cruise,” “Step Up Your Sales Cruise” and “Client Appreciation Luau Cruise.”

In response to popular demand for more on the water activities, Marina Boat Rentals launches new rentals at low prices for the summer including the newest activity: paddle-boarding, a fairly new Mainland sport making waves up and down the coast, as well as ever-popular jet ski rentals.

Marina del Rey also offers new ways to enjoy the annual 4^th of July fireworks, away from the crowds on the sand. With easy accessibility to chartered boats, the fireworks can be viewed from atop the water—either with a large group or alone with a sweetheart.

What’s New: Hospitality à Inside Information. Marina del Rey braces for an exciting year of changes in its hotels and resorts, with the unveiling of the renovated Jamaica Bay Inn, opening early fall. After undergoing a major renovation and expansion, the resort will feature a West-Indies style with colorful and intriguing architecture, the Inn offers stunning harbor views and a sophisticated island-inspired décor. New guest amenities will include meeting space, a private, full-service dining room, patio and state-of-the-art exercise room. 

What’s New: Dining in Marina del Rey. Set to open in late April, eco-conscious sandwich shop Mendocino Farms will launch its third installment at the Waterside Center. The shop has various kid-friendly features including tables that lower for children’s dining, laminate chalkboards to draw on, and an outdoor amphitheater complete with a stage for entertainment. Beginning in May, children will be able to attend Kids Club at Waterside and join Mendocino Farms and friends every Tuesday at 1 p.m. for a weekly dose of fun, including live musical entertainment and arts and crafts. Marina del Rey landmark, Tony P’s Dockside Grill, officially announces its 100 beer collection. Now serving a total of100 beers, Tony P’s can accommodate beer connoisseurs of all tastes and expertise.

What’s New: A Night Out in the Marina. The beloved Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series in Burton Chace Park kicks off July 8. Alternating between four classical and four pop concerts, the free weekly outdoor concert series is the perfect way to enjoy a warm afternoon in the park.  For a low-key night on the water, enjoy the Marina International Hotel’s renovated garden patio beneath branches intertwined with twinkle lights. The patio is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner until 10 p.m. and hosts a happy hour 5-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Following a successful debut in 2009, Marina Movie Nights will showcase four popular films in summer 2010 on a giant 27’ screen in Burton Chace Park. Visitors are invited to bring blankets, chairs and picnic supplies to enjoy the popular family-friendly films. And, introducing a full schedule of performers in 2010, the Waterfront Concert Theater offers live music for concert-goers to dance the night away on the water. From reggae nights to live jazz performances, the concert theater has become a Marina favorite for weekends and weeknights alike. Tickets to most performances are $10 per person.

About Marina del Rey CVB

Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Marina del Rey, California. MdR CVB provides support and information on tourism services and facilities to the public, travel agents, tour operators, meeting planners and the media.

For more information, call 310 305 9545, log on to www.VisitMarinaDelRey.com, www.facebook.com/visitmarinadelrey, www.twitter.com/marinadelrey_ca, or www.marinadelrey-ca.blogspot.com/; or stop by the Marina del Rey Visitors Center, 4701 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292. For group information and travel professionals, call 310 306 9900.

>Press Contact

Kat Calbes, BLAZE PR at 310 395 5050 or media@VisitMarinaDelRey.com

This new attraction is the only harbor tour offered in the marina and a perfect outing for local residents and tourists wanting to see the scenic harbor at an affordable price.  Sights along the tour include beautiful waterfront homes, exclusive yachts and sailboats, and marine life such as California Sea Lions, Dolphins, Egrets, Pelicans, and Great Blue Herons.

The Harbor Tours are offered every Friday and Saturday at 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3pm, 4 pm, and 5pm. Tickets are $11 per adult, $7 per senior 55+, military and kids ages 4 – 12. Kids under 4 years old cruise free. Online and phone reservations are not accepted for this cruise. You can purchase tickets at the Hornblower Ticket Booth only.  Cash, debit and all major credit cards accepted. Tours depart from Fisherman’s Village at 13755 Fiji Way in Marina del Rey. Select beverages and snacks will be available for purchase onboard. No outside food or beverage allowed.  Strollers and bikes are welcome.

Special pricing and midweek tours are available for school field trips or groups of 20 or more. For more information please call 310-301-6000 or cruise by our website www.hornblower.com.

Getting Here and Where to Stay
The Marina is easily accessible by all forms of public transportation from LAX including three major municipal bus lines -- Los Angeles' public Metro Bus Line, Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus, and the Culver City bus -- reach the area's four major passages: Washington Boulevard, Via Marina, Lincoln Boulevard and Admiralty Way. (Visit mta.net, bigbluebus.com, and culvercity.org for schedules and fare information.) You can also find airport shuttles, taxis, vans and private coaches at Los Angeles International Airport to reach all accommodations in the Marina.

All of the Marina's six hotels surround the harbor as well, and offer accommodations at a range of price points, from the luxurious five-diamond The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey (4375 Admiralty Way, 310 823 1700, ritzcarlton.com) to the deluxe Marina del Rey Marriott (4100 Admiralty Way, 310-301-3000, marriott.com/laxmb); to the first-class Marina del Rey Hotel (13534 Bali Way, 800 882 4000, marinadelreyhotel.com), Marina International Hotel ; Bungalows (4200 Admiralty Way, 800 529 2525, marinaintlhotel.com), Best Western Jamaica Bay Inn (4175 Admiralty Way, 888 823 5333, bestwestern-jamaicabay.com), and Foghorn Harbor Inn (4140 Via Marina, 800 423 4940, foghornhotel.com), which offers complimentary shuttles to and from LAX.

Getting Around
On land, there are many ways to pack in a little fun in the sun in the Marina. Active Angelenos have long known the pleasures of exploring the beaches, bike paths and walkways that surround and intersect the Marina. Rent inline skates at Venice Beach Rentals (2500 Ocean Front Walk at the end of Washington Blvd., 310-864-3290) or bicycles at Daniel's Bicycle Rentals & Sales at Fisherman's Village (13737 Fiji Way, 310-980-4045), or simply experience the Marina on foot. On summer weekends (late June through Labor Day), you can also experience the Marina via the WaterBus, a water shuttle which glides between six popular Marina locations including Burton W. Chace Park, Dolphin Marina, Fisherman's Village, Marina Harbor, Mother's Beach and Waterfront Walk. For just $1 per person each way, you'll see the harbor's major sites.

Another alternative is the Marina del Rey Beach Shuttle which provides free service throughout the Marina. Major stops include Playa Vista, Fisherman's Village, Waterside Shopping Center, Admiralty Park, Via Marina & Panay Way, Venice Beach Pier, Marina Beach Shopping Center and Burton Chace Park. The Beach Shuttle operates in the summer on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays. The Beach Shuttle also provides late evening service to the Marina's free summer concerts in Burton Chace Park and at Concert Park in Playa Vista. Visit marinadelrey.lacounty.gov or www.VisitMarinaDelRey.com for hours of operation and other information.

Admiralty Way and Waterfront Walk
One way to stretch your legs and get a close-up of the Marina's yachts is a stroll down Waterfront Walk. Begin at gentle Mother's Beach at the corner of Admiralty Way and Via Marina and walk past waterfront hotels, yacht clubs and slips of gleaming boats. Continue on the bike path going west on Fiji Way until you reach the Ballona Wetlands and the Ballona Creek as it stretches into the Marina's South Jetty, where you'll find a bird-watcher's delight. Free Freshwater Marsh, Saltwater Marsh and Dunes Interpretive Tours operate year-round at the Marina-adjacent wetlands on select weekend days. Call 310 306 1507 or visit ballonafriends.org for more information.

The bulk of the Marina's eclectic mix of dining, shopping and entertainment options is also located along Admiralty Way. Spend an afternoon picnicking in Burton W. Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way, 310-305-9595; lacounty.info) with its rolling green hills and harbor views. Or try a decadent breakfast or lunch at any one of the waterfront eateries along the thoroughfare. With outdoor patios, endless harbor views and great food, these dockside dining options are perfect places to unwind and enjoy a relaxing meal. For a casual bite with delightful views, stop at Tony P's Dockside Grill (4445 Admiralty Way, 310 823 4534; tonyps.com). Jer-ne Restaurant +Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey (4375 Admiralty Way, 310 574 4333; ritzcarlton.com) and Cafe del Rey(4451 Admiralty Way, 310 823 6395; cafedelreymarina.com) are favorites for their fantastic brunches and water views.

At the Waterside Marina del Rey (shopwaterside.com), on Admiralty Way between Mindanao and Fiji Ways, you'll find the perfect place to spend a few hours window shopping at a host of upscale retail outlets featuring baubles, bling and stylish clothing for men, women and children.

In the evening, a romantic stroll can end at Glow (4100 Admiralty Way, 310 578 4152; glow-bar.com) in the Marina del Rey Marriott a sexy outdoor lounge with warm amber lighting, comfortable couches, fire pits and a crushed glass waterfall. Or, wend the waterfront walk to Jer-ne Lounge (4375 Admiralty Way, 310 574 4333; ritzcarlton.com) at The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey where low-key relaxation includes sipping cocktails fireside while listening to live jazz or DJ lounge and house music on Thursdays and Fridays.

The North Jetty, Washington Boulevard and Abbot Kinney
The Marin's bike path and walkways also lead visitors along the leafy, residential Via Marina as it curves to meet the channel. Bike, walk, or blade to the North Jetty on the Marina Peninsula and watch boats putter out to sea, or observe nature at work along the channel, from preening herons to feeding pelicans. Stroll down the peninsula's big canal and ogle the architectural houses along with protected flora and fauna.

Or, follow the Marina's bicycle path to the place where the Marina meets Venice Beach at End of Washington Boulevard. Spend the afternoon people-watching, or catching the bay view from the Venice pier. When it's time to stop for a bite along this part of Washington, sidewalk patio dining and large picture windows make people-watching as much a part of the experience as the food. Here, happy hour rules at venues like the Venice Whaler Bar ; Grill (2-10 Washington Blvd, 310 821 8737; venicewhaler.com) which attracts singles, couples, groups and lots of locals for casual cuisine, live entertainment, and an extensive drink menu. Interesting options on this end of the Marina include eateries specializing in fare from the Caribbean to Asia and Mediterranean. Try the ropa vieja at the Cuban-inspired Mercedes Cuban Grille (14 Washington Blvd., 310 827 6209; mercedesgrille.com) and sushi from the adjacent sister restaurant Naked Sushi (14 Washington Blvd., 310 827 6209; nakedsushi.com) Or get a healthy helping of Lebanese food and sidewalk views at Gaby's (20 Washington Blvd., 310 821 9721) a few doors down.

Further east on Washington Boulevard is the intersection of Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. Less than two miles north of the Marina lies an area that's become home to a hip array of eclectic furniture shops, antique stores, high-end clothing boutiques, art galleries and funky caf;s. Most of the shops are squeezed in between Venice Boulevard and Main Street. Here you'll find custom furniture shops, great gifts and knickknacks, the hottest designer clothes and galleries galore. Hungry? Look for the entrance of tea house and chocolate shop Jin Patisserie (1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd, 310 399 8801; jinpatisserie.com), and enjoy an Asian-influenced high tea complete with finger sandwiches and scones in the Zen courtyard. Visit abbotkinney.org for more information.

Get Out on the Water
Set foot in the Marina and you'll soon see that it's a mecca for those who love to boat. Getting out on the water is a great way to spend the day, and here there's plenty to experience -- from cruises, to fishing trips to small boat rentals that make for hours of fun you can't experience anywhere else in L.A.

Hornblower Cruises & Events (13755 Fiji Way, 888 467 6256, Hornblower.com) offers Sunday brunches and weekend dinner and cocktail cruises for a unique dining experience right on the water. Thanks to Marina Boat Rentals (13719 Fiji Way, 310 574 2822; boats4rent.com) there are more ways than one to whet your appetite for being on the water. With a full range of small watercraft rentals, including electric, power, sail and kayaks, you can spend an hour, half a day or the whole day puttering or paddling around the channel and harbor. Pack a picnic and enjoy ocean breezes and the serenity of being on the water. Into fishing? Here's a bonus for being on business: Marina del Rey Sport Fishing (13759 Fiji Way, 310 822 3625; marinadelreysportfishing.com) makes getting out on the water easy. This company specializes in public half-day and 3/4-day fishing excursions that are open to the public. Trips depart mornings and afternoons and they'll supply licenses, poles and bait. Advanced reservations are recommended, so call ahead, hop aboard and catch that big one.

If a private day at sea is what you had in mind, a day sail or a sunset cruise is easy thanks to the Marina's many charter companies. Couples and small groups of friends can rent a sail or power boat along with a skipper, pack a picnic, and head to Malibu for the day, taking in the coastline and miles of open cobalt ocean. Blue Pacific Boating (14000 Palawan Way # C, 310 398 8830; bluepacificboating.com), Blue Water Sailing (13505 Bali Way, 310 823 5545; bluewatersailing.com), and Marina Sailing (4633 Admiralty Way, 310 822 6617; marinasailing.com) all offer boats for daily hire.

Adjacent Exploration
Looking for something a little different than a ;star tour; or walking down Hollywood Boulevard? It's easy to make a side excursion to Catalina Island - another locale where you won't need wheels -- thanks to the The Catalina - Marina del Rey Flyer (13737 Fiji Way, Suite C2, 310-577-9177; catalinaferries.com), a high-speed catamaran shuttle that makes getting to and from Catalina Island a breeze. Book a night or two at one of the island's quaint bed and breakfasts or resort hotels and enjoy exploring the quaint town of Avalon. Visit catalinachamber.com for more information.

For those seeking the Hollywood experience, don't fret, there are several different tour companies that will pick up star seekers in the Marina and escort them into the throes of Hollywood. Companies like Amazing LA Tours (310 587 2211, amazinglatours.com), VIP Tours (310 841 8114, viptoursandcharters.com) and Los Angeles Sightseeing (310 458 0257, lasightseeing.net) offer a variety of private, public, city, and theme park tours.

For more visitor information, 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.VisitMarinaDelRey.com.

Hornblower's corporate environmental outreach program, Respect Our Planet, guides the company's principles and programs. Through Respect Our Planet, Hornblower is committed to: conducting our operations in the most environmentally friendly methods possible, educating along with motivating our guests to make positive changes in their lives and creating outreach and education around the preservation of the habitats in the communities we serve.

Hornblower is dedicated to finding ways to respect our planet and providing our guests with a unique dining experience, said Sara Copping, Director of Marketing for Hornblower Cruises ; Events. Part of that experience is being able to give our guests the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint and partnering with Carbonfund.org allows us to offer this option.

For over 28 years, Hornblower Cruises ; Events has been the premier yacht charter company in Southern California. With the largest fleet of luxury entertainment yachts in Los Angeles and Orange County, Hornblower prides itself on exceeding expectations with uncompromising quality and exceptional service.

Carbonfund.org is one of the country's leading carbon reduction and offset organization, making it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce their climate impact. Carbon offsets enable individuals and businesses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions they are responsible for in their everyday lives by investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects where they are most cost effective. Carbonfund.org works with over 300 corporate and non-profit partners including Discovery, Volkswagen, Dell, Orbitz, Environmental Defense, and Lancome.

On Wednesdays all summer long, the California Yacht Club presents the Sunset Series Sailing Regatta, a series of races that lead to a grand finale sail-off for the coveted "King of the Hill" trophy. The races start at five minute intervals from 5:55 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and continue until 8:00 p.m. Enjoy watching the Marina's largest sailing event from waterfront restaurants, Fisherman's Village, aboard a Sunset Cocktail Cruise or from the North or South Jetty as scores of sailors compete. The race ends at the California Yacht Club and the jetties are good spots to watch the boats come back to port. The races end on Sept. 3. Visit calyachtclub.com or call 310 823 4567 for more information; visit hornblower.com for information on cruises.

Free Music in the Marina

Sounds of summer fill the Marina air with free community concerts that are open to the public in several area locations. Burton W. Chace Park plays host to the Marina's famed concert series on Thursday and Saturday evenings that features both classical and pop music, including performances from Melissa Manchester and piano soloist John Novacek; and in nearby Playa Vista, Concert Park hosts evenings of salsa, rock and soul.

The Marina del Rey Summer Concerts return to the Marina for its eighth season, offering classical and popular music to concert goers. The concerts are held on eight select Thursdays and Saturdays in the summer beginning Thursday, July 10 and ending Saturday August 30. Thursday evening concerts feature classical music performed by the 75-member Marina del Rey Summer Symphony while Saturday evenings feature pop music. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the outdoor, waterfront Burton W. Chace Park at 13650 Mindanao Way. For more information about the series call the L.A. County Department of Beaches and Harbors at 310 305 9545 or access its web site at marinadelrey.lacounty.gov.

Performance Schedule:

• Thurs., July 10 - Classical concert with cello soloist Marek Szpakiewicz
• Sat., July 19 - Melissa Manchester
• Thurs., July 24 - ;An Evening at the Opera; with finalists from the Loren Zachary Vocal Competition
• Sat., August 2 - Singer Steve March Tome and his band
• Thurs., August 7 - Classical orchestral concert with the Marina del Rey Summer Symphony
• Sat., August 16 - The 5th Dimension
• Thurs., August 21 - Classical concert with piano soloist John Novacek
• Sat., August 30 - Cleo Laine and The John Dankworth Group

The Marina's year-round free concert venues also heat up in summer. Fisherman's Village offers the Fisherman's Village Weekend Music Series. Held on weekends in quaint Fisherman's Village, live performances take place near the lighthouse. Acts range from R;B, Blues and Jazz artists to Latin and Pop acts. In summer, concerts take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fisherman's Village is located at 13755 Fiji Way. Parking is free for the first two hours with validation.

Every third Sunday, the Marina's Waterside Shopping Center hosts the Sunday Music Series at the Waterside, where live bands perform standards, R;B, Golden Oldies, pop and soft rock from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Check the Waterside website for upcoming concerts at shopwaterside.com, by clicking on the ;What's New" section. The Waterside at Marina del Rey is located at 4700 Admiralty Way between Fiji and Mindanao Ways.

From June through August the free Playa Vista Concert Park Summer Series takes place outdoors at Concert Park in Playa Vista on the last Sunday of the month. Concerts begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7 p.m. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or a beach chair and enjoy everything from jazz to pop. Last year's concerts included Latin band leader Johnny Polanco and 80's cover band the Spazmatics. Concert Park is located at the end of Concert Park Drive in the Playa Vista community. Parking is free and available on the street and at the Shops at Concert Park. Call 310-745-5200 for more information, or visit playavista.com.

Fireworks on the Fourth

The Marina is famous for its July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza, which features spectacular fireworks over the main channel choreographed to patriotic music. Viewers in Burton W. Chace Park will hear the music over loudspeakers and those watching elsewhere can tune in to KXLU 88.9 FM. The fireworks start promptly at 9 p.m. Visit marinadelrey.lacounty.gov or VisitMarinaDelRey.com for a map of street closures and more information.

In nearby Westchester, the annual chamber of commerce Westchester on Parade Fourth of July celebration begins at noon and features floats, marching bands and community groups as they travel along Loyola Boulevard from Westchester Park to Loyola Marymount University. Visit laxcoastal.com or call 310-645-5151 for more information.

More Summer Events

The 33rd Annual Marina del Rey Boat Show comes to town June 12 - 15. This in-the-water boat show, set around Burton Chace Park, showcases more than 2,000 feet of boat space including the latest from 2008. A number of remaining 2007 boats will also be available to board and inspect. Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. during the weekdays; 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, please visit marinadelreyboatshow.com.

On July 28th, the Marina celebrates everything antique with its annual Old-Fashioned Day in the Park event. Watch ship models and modelers do their work or take a free ride in the harbor aboard a steam engine yacht at this unique event which features vintage yachts, antique and classic cars and motorcycles and musical entertainment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information please visit marinadelrey.lacounty.gov.

Summer Transportation

During the weekends and on holidays in summer months, the Marina del Rey Summer WaterBus makes travel in and around the harbor a breeze. This year, the WaterBus runs from June 27 through Sept. 1 and also includes special service on Thursday concert nights. The cost per person is $1 each way and stops also include The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, Marina Beach, Fisherman's Village and several residential areas. On-call pick up is also available by calling 310 628 3219 during operating hours. Visit marinadelrey.lacounty.gov for specific weekend hours and more information about the WaterBus.

The Marina del Rey Beach Shuttle also operates on summer weekends and holidays through September 1 and connects Marina del Rey to Playa Vista and Venice Beach. This free shuttle provides transport every half hour from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. The shuttle stops at ten locations including Admiralty Way, Fisherman's Village (connecting riders to the WaterBus) and Washington Boulevard. The shuttle also operates on concert Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact the Playa Vista Guest House for more information at 310 745 5200 or visit marinadelrey.lacounty.gov.

Marina del Rey is Los Angeles' premier waterfront destination lined with million-dollar yachts, sleek hotels and lounges, acclaimed waterfront dining and fine shopping boutiques. Known for its plethora of water activity, the Marina is also a 10-minute cab ride from LAX making the area a prime destination for business travelers. With the famed Venice Beach as its neighbor to the North, Marina del Rey is, indeed, a popular destination for locals, entrepreneurs and travelers alike. For more information, please contact Marina del Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau at 310 306 9900 or visit www.VisitMarinaDelRey.com. Photography is also available upon request.

"We are thrilled that Marina del Rey is being recognized for the unique community it is," says Beverly Moore, Executive Director of the Marina del Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau. "As the Marina emerges over the next decade, it will continue to attract creative and bright entrepreneurs. It's a very special town.;

The list, compiled by Fortune Small Business editors, was based on statistical and qualitative research that examined housing prices, schools, cultural and recreational attractions, quality of labor force, taxes and regulatory climate. Business owners, local officials and business experts were also interviewed. The entire list can be viewed at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fsb/bestplaces/2008/top100/index.html.

Marina del Rey is Los Angeles' premier waterfront destination lined with million-dollar yachts, sleek hotels and lounges, acclaimed waterfront dining and fine shopping boutiques. Known for its plethora of water activity, the Marina is also a 10-minute cab ride from LAX making the area a prime destination for business travelers. With the famed Venice Beach as its neighbor to the North, Marina del Rey is, indeed, a popular destination for locals, entrepreneurs and travelers alike. For more information, please contact Marina del Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau at 310-306-9900 or visit www.VisitMarinaDeyRey.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA, January 15, 2008 ; Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your; bicycles?; That;s right.; For those who are looking to do something different than to gift that special someone with a box of chocolates or the stereotypical dinner-for-two, why not join The Great St. Valentine;s Day Luv Ride?; If you;re single, you may bump into your next significant other.; If you;re already taken, you might fall in love even more while cycling beside your loved one.; Just bring your own bicycle or rent one (beach cruisers, tandems and electric) from Route 66 Modern Classics and let the adventure begin!; Route 66 Modern Classics will provide the water and sunscreen.; Guests are encouraged to pack their own snacks.

The Great St. Valentine;s Day Luv Ride; ;; Saturday, February 14th
Meet:; 9:30 am; -; Ride:; 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Bicycle Rentals starting from:; $39.
RSVP by February 7th to:; glenn@route66riders.com

The Great St. Valentine;s Day Luv Ride will begin at The Route 66 Modern Classics shop and continue through the scenic bicycle path in Marina del Rey.; For more information on this event, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, vintage Vespa scooters, Genuine Buddy scooters, private scooter riding classes with The Scooter Guru, or a copy of ;Top 10 Tips On Why You Should Own A Scooter,; please call 310 578 0112 or go to http://www.route66modernclassics.com.