December 2010: Marina del Rey FEATURED LOCAL - Peter Ellis

For our December edition of our Featured Local blog series, we’re introducing you to the face of a Marina Holiday favorite tradition: this year’s winner of the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, Peter Ellis. Enjoy our holiday-inspired posting and interview with Peter.

Remember: Each month, we feature a Marina del Rey local to give you a peek into the Marina’s many diverse, one-of-a-kind personalities. If you have someone you’d like us to consider featuring here, please drop us a note!

Name: Peter Ellis

Years Participated in the Boat Parade: Sporadically since 1992

What makes the holiday season so special in Marina del Rey?: When you drive down the street in the Marina, you can’t help but feel the holiday cheer. From the lighted houses and ornamented shops, to the decorated street and boats with lights ablaze, Marina Del Rey is a pleasant reprieve in the middle of an otherwise hectic holiday shopping season. (We swear – he wrote that himself!)

How did you prepare for this year’s Boat Parade?: No matter how long we plan, we never seem to be fully prepared for the parade. As soon as the theme “A Rock ‘N Roll Christmas” was announced, we began to float ideas (no pun intended). We decided, who better than The King of Rock and Roll to lead a Rock ‘N Roll Christmas? So, with that, our primary objective was to create the “Big Elvis,” which was the oversized Elvis made of Christmas lights. On the day of the parade, we still had a number of items to complete before show time so, as a team, we worked together and had the boat ready just in time.

Any behind the scenes drama that we don’t know about?: There was a water skiing Santa Claus in the works, but he wasn’t ready in time for the parade.

Tell us a bit more about what appealed to the judges about your boat?: Well, the major concept behind our boat design was that the large “Elvis Rocks” sign would be switched by an animated elf to read “Elves Rock.” The boat was filled with live, singing elves and Elvises. In the spirit of the holidays, I really think the judges enjoyed the humor behind the design.

If Elvis were to come back to life for the parade, what would you tell him?: Of course, I would let him know that he is still The King (and that he, and elves, rock!). I would then take him to dinner after the parade, his choice, as he was always keen on finding the best eateries– which the Marina is known for. I reckon he’d be particularly fond of The Counter and Warehouse Restaurant.

Marina del Rey Is (Finish the Sentence): An oasis in an otherwise hectic world. (We couldn’t agree more!)

Okay – enough about the parade! What else do you love about the Marina year-round?: I’m an active participant in the boating community of the Marina, and enjoy the many opportunities to get on the water from the Marina. And, I love the many great restaurants across the city – from Fisherman’s Village to Admiralty Way, there are so many great options. 

Thanks, Peter, for being the Marina’s own rock star for more than 15 years. On behalf of the community, we thank you and all of the boat parade participants for making the holiday season so special in Marina del Rey. If you’d like to get in touch with Peter, send a note to our team at marinadelreycvb@gmail.com and we’ll make sure to share your feedback with Peter. Or, nominate someone for a future featured post.

Happy Holidays to All!

Marina del Rey Celebrates New Year With Fireworks and More

Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Friday, Dec 31 midnight
Fireworks can be seen from most hotels and restaurants in the Marina.
Other popular viewing spots are Fisherman’s Village, Burton W. Chace Park and Marina Beach
Marina del Rey Visitors Center 310-305-9545 or e-mail info@VisitMarinaDelRey.com

Celebrate the New Year in the Marina!
Cafe del Rey
4451 Admiralty Way
310-823-6395
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with two seatings; 5:30 p.m. ($65 per person) and 8:30 p.m. (3-course pre fixe menu and champagne toast, $95 per person), both with holiday music.


Glow Bar – Marina del Rey Marriott
4100 Admiralty Way
310-301-3000
Exciting New Year’s Eve “Times Square” theme party. Live entertainment, ball drop and house music. Complimentary midnight champagne toast. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. $30 per person; free for hotel guests.


Hornblower Cruises & Events
13755 Fiji Way, Fisherman’s Village
310-301-6000
Hornblower’s popular New Year’s Eve Cocktail Cruise boards at 10 p.m., cruising from 10:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. at $99 per person, plus tax. Includes appetizers, glass of champagne and live DJ & dancing. The New Year’s Eve Dinner Gala boards at 8:30 p.m., cruising from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., at $150 per person, plus tax. Includes a four-course prix fixe dinner, glass of champagne and live DJ & dancing.


Jer-ne Restaurant + Bar – The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
4375 Admiralty Way
310-823-1700
New Year’s Eve Dinner will have three seatings, beginning at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for an $85 three-course prix fixe. And the New Year will be brought in with a special 9 p.m. five-course meal for $115 per person. Add champagne pairings, featuring Moet, for an additional $45.


Shanghai Red’s Restaurant
13813 Fiji Way
310-823-4522
New Year’s Eve Buffet begins at 7:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. with live DJ & dancing, party favors and midnight champagne toast. $65 per person in public seating area, $80 for private seating. Pre-paid reservations required. Special New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $55/adults, $13 kids (6-12).


Tony P’s Dockside Grill & Tavern
4445 Admiralty Way
310-823-4534 Annual New Year’s Eve Party in the Tavern. Live DJ, light snacks & beverages, party favors and midnight balloon drop. $10 per person with regular dinner purchase, $20 without.


Vū Restaurant & Bar
14160 Palawan Way
310-439-3033
Special dining service and festivities throughout December in the marina’s newest waterside hotspot. Vu offers an 8-course "Exploration of Vu" ($75) in addition to their a la carte menu. Call for reservations.

Warehouse Restaurant
4499 Admiralty Way
310-823-5451
Special events planned for New Year’s Eve. Call for details and reservations.

Waterfront Bar & Grill – Marina del Rey Hotel
13534 Bali Way
310-301-1000
Special events planned for New Year’s Eve. Call for details.

Special!!!!! New Year Whale Watching and Sea Life Cruise!!!!
The ocean is alive with dolphins, porpoises, sea birds, sea lions and whales!
On January 1 and January 2, Marina del Rey Sportfishing will be offering 2 special whale watching and sealife tours at 10 a.m. both days. The three-hour cruise costs $25 for adults (discounts for kids). Cash only. Departs from Dock 52 on Fiji Way (free parking). Reservations needed. Call 310-822-3625.

November 2010: Marina del Rey FEATURED LOCAL

For our second edition of the latest Featured Local blog series, we’re re-introducing you to one of the Marina’s most beloved faces.

Remember: Each month, we feature a Marina del Rey local to give you a peek into the Marina’s many diverse, one-of-a-kind personalities.  We hope to cover everyone from sea-faring captains and seasoned executive chefs to your everyday Joes and Janes who live, work and play in Marina del Rey and the surrounding areas.  If you have someone you’d like us to consider featuring here, please drop us a note! And, as always, feel free to let us know if this blog post gives you warm fuzzies about the wonderful locals of Marina del Rey!

 

Name: Maya Diamond

Occupation: Event Sales Manager at Café del Rey

Years in the Marina: Almost two years!

If I could do one job for the rest of my life… it would be: An astronaut! Okay, realistically, I love my job. The marina is truly a hidden gem of Los Angeles. It’s such an ideal place to hold an event because of its gorgeous views, year-round activities and easy accessibility. I love that my job is to sell events in a place that even I think of as paradise.

You have 24 hours to live.  What are you going to do?: Spend a perfect day in the marina.  Brunch at Café del Rey, featuring all-you-can-drink mimosas and sparkling wine and a jazz trio, followed by a stroll through Chace Park, then a sunset cruise, ending with a ride on the water taxi to eat dinner at Jer-ne.  That would be a perfect day!

You have one last meal.  What’s it gonna be?: The truffle pizza with caramelized onion, black truffle cream and reggiano at Café del Rey!

What things should we add to our growing bucket list for Marina del Rey?:  Take a sailing lesson.  Participate in the Holiday Boat Parade.  Go on the Friday night Blues Cruise from Hornblower Cruises & Events.  See a concert/movie at Chace Park. 

That last part sounds a bit biased ;-) But definitely not untrue, residents and visitors alike love Café del Rey for its gorgeous waterfront views and fine dining choices!  The holidays are coming up…are there any specials for residents and visitors to take advantage of?:  Definitely!  We will be open Thanksgiving day, as well as Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.  On Thanksgiving, we are offering a three-course meal (prix fixe), with some great selections for everyone in the family, from crispy calamari and Kumamoto oysters, to venison tenderloin, pumpkin brulee, donuts and hot chocolate. And, to add to the growing list of reasons to visit, we recently welcomed a new executive chef, Daniel Roberts!

That’s all work talk.  Let’s talk about what you do outside of work!:  When I’m not enjoying my work in the marina, I enjoy being outdoors and experiencing new things.  I enjoy hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains and biking down to Hermosa Beach.

You work at a restaurant, so is it safe to assume you’re a foodie, too?: I am a huge foodie and am constantly trying all the new restaurants around town. 
 
One last question… If you had to describe Marina del Rey in less than 10 words, you would describe it as: a truly special hidden gem of Los Angeles

As you can see…it’s Maya who’s the truly special hidden gem of the Marina – and she’ll plan the event of your lifetime! Drop by and say hello to Maya at Café del Rey located at 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292. Here’s a little tip: Even their cocktails are handmade to reflect what’s in season. Check out the menu when you pop in for a drink by their oversized fireplace, and take a look at what the chef has picked up at this week’s farmer’s market.

WINNERS! Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Digital Photo Hunt

WINNERS ANNOUNCED from our first Marina del Rey “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” Digital Photo Hunt. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. Congratulations to all of our winners and many thanks to our local businesses and organizations that donated some very cool prizes (http://ow.ly/38VTa).  Without further ado, here are the WINNERS!

FOODIE CATEGORY

Grand Prize: Nicole Rollolazo Dawson

First Prize: Christine Pierce  

Second Prize: Stephanie Watt 

FAMILY CATEGORY

Grand Prize: Susanne Schwager  

First Prize: Garick Chan  

Second Prize: Trevor Dellecave 

WEDDING CATEGORY

Grand Prize: Nathan Knarreborg

First Prize: Vishal Jhaveri

Second Prize: Christina Schiermann  

Hit Me with Your Best Shot FAQ

What the heck is a digital photo hunt?
Adventure and cyber space team up to take you on a ride through the Marina. All you have to do us hunt, shoot and send us your photos for your chance to win awesome prizes that are right up your alley! Marina Del Rey’s digital photo hunt has been designed to get you up-close and personal to some of Marina Del Rey’s most precious treasures. From an elevator that transports its passengers back in time to shots of the iconic lighthouse in Fisherman’s Village, there’s something special for everyone!

Don’t I need to be a professional to play?
No! Our digital photo hunt is open to everybody—our goal is to see everybody’s perspective on the Marina. The only requirement is that you have fun with each mission. All winners will be randomly selected, so there is no emphasis on photo quality in selection of our winners. Now get out there, hunt, point and shoot!

I want to play! How do I enter?
Good question! Do you have a Facebook? If not, you’ll need one because all entrants must first “Fan” Marina del Rey. And if you love the Marina, you’ll love being our Facebook friend- we’ll keep you in-the-know for everything MDR! Now, find “Marina Del Rey” and RSVP to our event “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” then click on the link to register, or you can register directly here!

I registered, now what?
Want to do a fun activity with the family? Getting married soon? Love food? I know it’s hard but you can only pick one. What’s it gonna be? Foodie, family or wedding? Each category consists of different missions, and so do the prizes. Download your missions from the links below, point and shoot.
For Foodie Missions, get your clues here!
For Family Missions, get your clues here!
For Wedding Missions, get your clues here!

How do I submit my photos?
Submit those million dollar photos to us one of three ways.

1. E-mail them to marinadelreycvb@gmail.com
2. Submit them via Twitter at http://twitter.com/MarinadelRey_CA. Simply attach your photo to an @reply to us @marinadelrey_ca.
3. Submit them via Facebook by uploading your photos and tagging them to the Marina Del Rey Facebook page.
   

I completed all my missions first, I win! Right?
Wrong! We want to give all participants a chance to win. Just make sure you have your photos submitted by 12:00AM PST on Wednesday, October 27th, 2010. Then we’ll randomly pull our winners and announce them on Wednesday, November 10th. For more information on rules and regulations, click here.

There are ten missions and I only completed eight, am I still eligible to win?
Don’t worry; we would never let your hard work go unnoticed! The more you complete, the more you win. View complete prize list here. Here’s the deal:

• Complete ten activities and submit ten photos and we’ll enter you in the “Captain” Grand Prize Drawing. We’ll randomly select one winner for each category.

• Complete seven activities and submit seven photos and we’ll enter you in the “First Mate” First Prize Drawing. We’ll randomly select one winner for each category.

• Complete five activities and submit five photos and we’ll enter you in the “Deckhand” Second Prize Drawing. We’ll randomly select one winner for each category.


I think I’m ready to go! Anything else?
Yes! Have fun! We want to share with you the Marina’s hidden treasures. Take time to enjoy the scenery or even grab a bite to eat. We picked these missions out because we love them and we hope you will too!

10 Places to Enjoy National Eat Outside Day in Marina del Rey

The holiday is almost here. No, we’re not talking about jingle bells, winter wonderland or gingerbread cookies just yet; National Eat Outside Day is quickly approaching on August 31. Yet another excuse to enjoy California’s temperate weather, National Eat Outside Day requires that everybody eat at least one meal or snack outdoors.

Why not also enjoy the view while dining al fresco? In Marina del Rey,we’re proud to share almost every restaurant and picnic destination boasts views of the water. Here, National Eat Outside Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. From cool, chic lounges to picnics in the park- Marina Del Rey has plenty of unique ways for you to ring in this holiday. Try one of these ten ways to celebrate National Eat Outside Day, your taste buds won’t be let down!

1. Take a seat on the whimsical patio dining area of Jer-Ne Restaurant & Bar at the Ritz-Carlton to enjoy Eat Outside Day with class. Featuring panoramic Marina views, New World fusion cuisine made with sophisticated ingredients and globally influenced small plates, Jer-ne offers the perfect outdoor dining experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner or high tea.

2. Dine on the same patio graced by Hollywood’s film stars, including the casts of Clueless, Martial Law and The O.C. at Tony P’s Dockside Grill. With fresh food handmade daily, a collection of 100 beers available and a wide array of classic burgers, salads and sandwiches, Tony P’s offers a large patio space directly on the water for outdoor eating and enjoying the view.

3. Grab a picnic basket, your favorite kite and some tunes and head over to Burton Chace Park, located directly on the harbor at Mindanao Way. Offering a gorgeous view of the Marina, Burton Chace Park is the perfect place to enjoy a budget-friendly picnic while soaking up the cool ocean breezes.

4. With the newly opened Hornblower Café in the Park, enjoy a picnic without the prep time. Your palette will love the light and fresh prepared menu items such as salads and sandwiches. The cool breeze, expansive green and beautiful 360 degree views are enough to encourage more days of eating outside.

5. Specializing in seafood and fine California cuisine, Shanghai Red’s Restaurant is known for its waterfront seating with views of the Marina inside the iconic Fisherman’s Village. Experience quintessential Southern California outdoor dining when sitting in the restaurant’s cozy patio overlooking the harbor and enjoying an up-close and personal view of the sunset. 

6. Overlook the private yachts, docks and calm Marina waters from the outdoor patio of The Warehouse Restaurant. Dine in the fresh ocean air at the local “Trader Vic’s” style, Polynesian-themed restaurant known for its unique steak and seafood preparations inspired by a California/Mediterranean cooking style.

7. For sophisticated Italian cuisine, with outdoor seating for the Marina’s best people-watching and harbor views, Sapori Italian Restaurant offers sophisticated Italian pastas like pillowy agnolotti stuffed with cheese and wild mushrooms and main dishes like classic Tuscan chicken under a brick. Located in the heart of Fisherman’s Village, the views from the outdoor patio make the holiday even warmer.

8. A favorite dining destination of every family member, The Cheesecake Factory offers plentiful outdoor seating with on-the-water views of the Marina. Famous for generous portions, more than 200 menu selections made fresh from scratch each day and 50 legendary cheesecake options, The Cheesecake Factory offers the perfect destination for an outdoor brunch or afternoon lunch with loved ones. 

9. Enjoy fresh, artisan eco-sandwiches on the breezy outdoor patio area of Marina del Rey’s newest culinary partner, Mendocino Farms Sandwiches & Marketplace. Plus, in time for National Eat Outside Day, Kid’s Club at Waterside is hosted every Tuesday at 1 p.m. for a weekly dose of fun, including live musical entertainment and arts and crafts.

10. With evenings that stay warm late into the night, Glow Lounge at the Marriott, Marina del Rey, offers an outdoor area lounge with sleek couches, warm amber lighting, fire pits and a crushed glass firewall—the perfect setting for an after-work happy hour or late-night snack to enjoy the chic outdoors.

Got any favorite outdoor dining spots of your own? Share them with us...it’s okay, local secrets stay with us. Happy Eat Outside Day! 

August 2010: Marina del Rey Featured Local

We are introducing a new blog series: Marina del Rey’s Featured Local.

Each month we will feature a Marina del Rey local to give you a peek into the Marina’s many diverse, unique and oftentimes quirky personalities. We hope to cover everyone from sea-faring captains and seasoned executive chefs to your everyday Joes and Janes who live, work and play in Marina del Rey and the surrounding areas. If you have someone you would like us to consider featuring here, please drop us a note! Of course, let us know if the blog post gives you warm fuzzies about the people in this community…we know some of these folks and think you should get to know them, too!

Name: Tony “Tony P” Palermo

Occupation: Owner of Tony P’s Dockside Grill Restaurant

Years in the restaurant biz: More than 25 years and counting

If I could introduce Martians to Earthling food…I would feed them: Slow-roasted, Southern-style pork “ossobuco”

If the Martians wanted to try a drink, I would serve up: Chimay Grande Reserve Beer (Blue) - HEAVEN! (Can you tell, I love beer!)

When I’m not enjoying a brewskie, you can find me: Riding bikes with my daughters (17 and 18 years old).

If I run into you in the Marina and you look like a tourist…I would tell you to: Take time to look up and see the Marina. Best thing is to enjoy the early morning hours while everything’s still calm. (And ride your bike ON the bike path, be safe!).

We’re putting a bucket list together of Marina del Rey Must-Do’s…got any suggestions?
Spend a day on a fishing boat—and enjoy it, especially during sunset in the summer.

We heard Tony P’s makes most of their food from scratch. Is that true?
Yes, we do! All of our breads, hamburger buns and even tortilla chips are made fresh in our kitchen.

What’s up with the beer pairing series? Do locals actually go?
Our quarterly “Beers to Try Before You Die” dinners are very popular, especially with the locals. Our next beer dinner will feature five Stone Brewery Beers with a 5-Course BBQ Meal, and will be hosted on August 11th.

Word on the street is that Tony P’s owns the last keg of Stone Brewery’s 14th Anniversary Beer. Can you confirm this?
That’s right. And the brew master is coming out on August 11th during the beer dinner to explain the beers, too.

Back to you…we read your bio and you and your business partner, Danny Ringwood, seem to be very active in the community. Everything from fundraisers for local schools and organizations to awards from the Boys and Girls Club, California Restaurant Association…the list goes on and on.
We have always been dedicated to serving our community in addition to serving great food. It’s just who we are.

What else are you passionate about, in addition to giving back to the community?
Being a dad.

Well, who wouldn’t love this guy? Tony is quite a gem and you can meet him one of these days when you are in the Marina. Stop by Tony P’s located at 4445 Admiralty Way, Tel: (310) 823-4534. Here’s a little tip: They even take Call-Ahead seating (you can call while on the way to the restaurant and have your name placed on the waiting list…that way, your wait time is reduced!).

10 WAYS TO GET ON THE WATER IN MARINA DEL REY

While the sun is still hiding from us, it can’t stay away! When the sun begins to blaze, try something new this summer and cool off in the Marina -- one of the only places in Los Angeles that gives you immediate access to the Pacific Ocean.  Here are a few ways you can get on the water to enjoy the view and the coastal breeze, too!

1. Kayaks- Rent a kayak for the day, or sign up for lessons with the UCLA Marine Aquatic Center or Action Watersports. A relaxing and easy way to enjoy the Marina from the water, while getting some exercise too.
2. Jet Ski- Fast and fun, you are guaranteed an adrenaline-filled afternoon if you choose to rent a jet ski. Rent one from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals.
3. Chartered Sail- Organize an outing with a small group of friends and enjoy a day or a half-day on the water. Bring some refreshments of your choice, snacks and your best nautical outfit.  You will find it peaceful on the water as you clip along without the aid of a motor. Charter a boat with: Paradise Bound Yacht Charters, Blue Water Sailing , Blue Pacific Boating or Marina Sailing.
4. Rowing- UCLA Marine Aquatic Center offers rowing classes.  In Sculling I-I, you will learn basic sculling technique, rowing theory and equipment handling in one-person rowing shells. Great exercise, and since class ends at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays, you can even make it to work on time!
5. Cruise- Hornblower Cruises & Events is synonymous with cruising in Marina del Rey. Every Saturday and Sunday, hop on a Hornblower boat for a 45 minute harbor tour. The tours leave every hour from noon to 5 p.m. Looking for a more intimate time? Hornblower also offers dinner dance cruises, and other dining experiences on the water.
6. Duffy- Simple to operate, the electric Duffy is recommended for boaters of all levels. Relax at the end of the day, or enjoy an afternoon exploring the Marina. Duffies are available from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals.
7. Stand-Up Paddleboard- On a stand-up paddleboard, you will be walking on water. This unique combination of balancing and paddling guarantees a fun morning or afternoon in the sun.  Take a lesson from Action Watersports or rent one from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals.
8. Motorboat- Marina del Rey Boat Rentals offers motorboats for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Some will enjoy the 17’ in-harbor powerboat that is an excellent choice for a smooth cruise around the Marina. Others will like the 115 horsepower center-console powerboat that is perfect for day fishing or coastal sightseeing. How fast you want to go…is up to you!
9. Summer Waterbus- The WaterBus is a weekend/holiday summer water shuttle (late June thru Labor Day) that boards at seven Marina locations such as Burton W. Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, Marina Harbor and Waterfront Walk. The fee is $1 each way per person.
10. Fishing Trip with Captain Rick- An enjoyable choice for the whole family. Set sail with your very own tour guide of Santa Monica Bay’s plethora of gamefish. Catch your dinner and enjoy great coastal views aboard the boats of Marina del Rey Sportfishing with Capt. Rick!   

Fun on the Fourth of July, Marina del Rey Style

We all know, whether you are in Times Square or Marina del Rey, it can sometimes be a drag to put up with the crowds or fight for a nice view of the fireworks show. This year embrace the red, white and blue comfortably.  Where else can you relax and watch the colorful sparks trickle from the sky and sizzle away on top of glassy water? Hands down, Fourth of July festivities are red-hot amazing in Marina Del Rey. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. and is accompanied by music heard on KXLU FM radio 88. 

If you’re looking to put some bang in your 4^th of July, try one of our insider’s tips on enjoying the holiday—Marina del Rey style!  Why not try a little something different this year?

Must-Do:	Bring your own finger foods and rent a small boat. Share the moment with your closest friends and family!
Cost:	$140.00 for 2 Hours
Why it Rocks:	You can keep a small guest list and have an intimate 4th of July fireworks viewing
Heads up:	Rentals are booking quickly, call or go online to make a reservation early
Contact:	Marina Boat Rentals, (310) 574-2822, www.boats4rent.com
Must-Do:	Enjoy a three-course dinner aboard a ship and watch the fireworks fall into the sea
Cost:	Dinner cruise $99 per person; Observation cruise $65 per person (plus tax)
Why it  Rocks:	You get to spend a couple hours on the water and have one of the best views, plus a live dee-jay to keep the party going!
Heads up:	4th of July cruises are quite popular, buy your tickets now!
Contact:	Hornblower Cruises, (310) 301-6000, www.hornblower.com
Must-Do:	Pack a picnic and spend a day at the park on the water. Stay ‘til sundown and catch the fireworks!
Cost:	FREE
Why it Rocks:	You’ll have a whole day to soak up the sun and a great view of the fireworks at this gorgeous park (without breaking the bank)!
Heads up:	Because this park offers such an amazing view, you will have to share it with others. Arrive early to make sure you get a great spot.
Contact:	Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, Calif. 90292
Must-Do:	Dance on the water aboard a Polynesian-styled fireworks cruise
Cost:	$59 per person (plus tax)
Why it Rocks:	Help yourself to an unlimited appetizer buffet and a welcome glass of champagne!
Heads up:	Set some dollars aside for the cash bar.
Contact:	Tiki Mermaid, (310) 410-8454, www.tikimermaid.com
Must-Do:	Enjoy an all-American BBQ buffet and watch the fireworks from the shore.
Cost:	Adults $75 per person; kids under 10 $35 per person (tax and tip included)
Why it Rocks:	Location, location, location! You won’t miss the fireworks from this great on-the-water spot. DJ and dancing until 11PM!
Heads up:	Reservations are required so you have to book ASAP, especially if you want outdoor seating
Contact:	Shanghai Red’s from 5-9PM, (310) 823-4522, www.ShanghaiRedsRestaurant.com
Must-Do:	Sip on premium cocktails, delight in an elegant dinner with unobstructed views of the fireworks!
Cost:	$89 per person prix fixe menu for 7 p.m. seating
Why it Rocks:	Enjoy fine dining, live music and great waterfront views from this award-winning restaurant
Heads up:	The waterfront view is so desirable, there are two seatings:  the first seating is from 5-7 p.m. featuring an a la carte dinner menu; the second seating starts at 7 p.m. with a 3-course prix fixe menu plus sparkling wine for $89 per person reservations are mandatory.  FYI: The second seating will allow guests to remain at their tables to watch the fireworks. Book now, it’s almost full!
Contact:	Café del Rey, (323) 823-6395, www.CafeDelReyMarina.com
Must-Do:	Try something HOT! Polynesian fire dancers with your fireworks at a family-friendly barbecue outdoors celebration.
Cost:	Free admission. Food and drinks can be purchased on-site.
Why it Rocks:	This hotel is located right on the water with the best views by far.  Plus, special guest, Pink’s Hot Dogs will be dishin’ up their famous dogs at the barbecue! Noon – 10 p.m.
Heads up:	Avoid traffic- arrive early!
Contact:	Marina Del Rey Hotel, (310) 301-1000 www.marinadelreyhotel.com
Must-Do:	Celebrate America's independence on the water!
Cost:	$25 per person (Kids 2-11 years: $15)
Why it   Rocks:	You'll board from Fisherman's Village, be on the water when the festivities begin, and back on the dock afterward. A great break from the goings-on on land
Heads up:	Early arrival is recommended; and reservations are required
Contact:	Marina del Rey Flyer - info@catalinaferries.com; http://www.catalinaferries.com/home.html

Visit http://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/by-month-july.html for more information.