About Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey, California is the largest man-made harbor for small crafts, and 5,000 boats call it home. The name means “Docks of the King” and a visit to the unincorporated seaside community quickly helps you understand how it was named. It’s only four miles from the airport and 12.5 miles from downtown Los Angeles, but you feel a million miles away. Construction took over 10 years and the Marina was officially dedicated and opened in 1965.
The Department of Beaches and Harbors and Los Angeles County own and manage the harbor and there is a small community of around 21,000 people living there as well. The harbor and various support businesses are the centers of all economic activity and it’s also a popular tourist destination with beaches, parks, bike paths, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.
Film Shoot Location Options in Marina del Rey
You’re in good company with the film shoot locations in Marina del Rey. Other films and television projects that have used the location include the soap opera The Bold and The Beautiful, American Sniper, The Parent Trap, and All the President’s Men, among others. The Marina is the perfect location for filming and has companies that can help with your project.
- Catering
Marina del Rey was a salt marsh with a hunting club for duck hunters before it was built. Fishermen also frequented the area. While they all enjoyed a good meal during their visits, the fine dining and catering options available today would certainly impress them. These businesses can cater for your film shoot and make it a memorable experience.
- Furniture and Equipment Rentals
Traveling light is sometimes easier said than done when heading to the beach or a Marina del Rey film shoot location. The furniture and equipment rental companies in Marina del Rey have been helping with film shoot projects for decades and have what you need.
- Transportation
Traffic in and around Los Angeles can be a headache. Even traffic in the Marina – boat or vehicle, gets difficult to navigate. The private transportation companies in Marina del Rey can handle the logistics for you, they do so day in and day out.
Film Shoot Location Companies in Marina del Rey
The good news is that popular film and tourist places have the infrastructure to support any project. Film shoot location companies in Marina del Rey are used to odd requests, meeting the highest of standards, and working with all types of projects.
- 26 Beach
Everyone should experience a sushi burger at 26 Beach at least once in their lives. This family-owned restaurant has been in business for 33 years and Katsu Mori, the owner can trace his family history back to sushi restaurants in Japan. The menu at 26 Beach features a delicious blend of Japanese and American foods.
- IHeartLimoBus
Taxis and black cars are so overrated when there’s a limo bus option. IHeartLimoBus specializes in transportation in Marina del Rey and the surrounding areas. It’s an affordable and fun way to take transportation off your to-do list for a film shoot or any other event.
- 20/20 Camera
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night after a bad dream that a camera broke, was forgotten, or didn’t work? Instead of sweating those details, camera rentals from 20/20 Camera will get you all the equipment you need and let you focus on the film shoot. They have an extensive inventory in Marina del Rey and are a bespoke rental house that cinematographers and focus pullers designed.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoot Locations in Marina del Rey
The pros and cons of film shoot locations in Marina del Rey may make you ponder your choice. Figure out what you need, make a list, and determine if any of these advantages or disadvantages are deal breakers for your film shoot.
Advantages
- The weather
It’s hard to argue with data, and the data says that Los Angeles (and by association, Marina del Rey) has the best or most pleasant weather in the United States. That’s incentive enough for most people to head to sunny southern California for their film shoot.
- Location, location, location
Hello, Hollywood. If location is everything then Marina del Rey is the place to be. The proximity to Los Angeles, the beaches, and all the best that southern California has to offer to make this a destination that people and film shoots keep returning to.
- Authentic seaside community
Here’s the thing, Marina del Rey is the real deal. It’s an authentic seaside community and you can’t recreate that. The beaches, the marina, the lagoon, shops, restaurants, it’s all so California. And that’s why film shoots pick Marina del Rey.
Disadvantages
- The price tag
The cost of living in Marina del Rey is 146% over the national average. Ouch. That means the rest of the prices align and are high as well. But you get what you pay for and the service, quality, and location are top-notch.
- Congested
The location is a plus and a minus. Yes, it’s convenient, but it’s also congested. The population of Marina del Rey continuously swells with visitors and just getting there, given the proximity of LAX airport and downtown Los Angeles can be a headache with traffic.
- Lack of government
Marina del Rey is a census-designated place, which means there isn’t any local government, which could make logistics for your film shoot a little harder. Luckily, the Los Angeles County government is very adept at film projects and facilitates needs for those working in Marina del Rey. But start any paperwork and permits early if needed.
Famous Locations in Marina del Rey
- Marina’s Fisherman’s Village
The Marina started off as a fishermen’s location and the Marina’s Fisherman’s Village remains one of its most famous locations. Grab an ice cream cone on the weekend, and then enjoy a free concert in the plaza. You can also visit Daniel’s Bicycle Rentals & Sale and head out on the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, which runs alongside the village.
- Playa del Rey Beach
You can’t visit Marina del Rey without checking out the beaches. Venice Beach is right there, and its fame also attracts large crowds. Playa del Rey Beach is just as nice, and a little quieter. You can leave a vehicle at Del Rey Lagoon Park if you’re driving, and head to the north end of the beach. It’s known as “Toes Beach” because surfers can hang ten toes on their surfboards while catching waves here. It’s also accessible from the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail.
- Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail
The Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail is a 22-mile path along the water, running between Will Rogers Beach and Torrance beach. Grab a map of the bike trail and plan your route around the locations you want to visit, from the Marina del Rey Lagoon, the public parks, one of the beaches, or a restaurant.