Fodor's Expert Review Marina del Rey

Just south of Venice, this condo-laden, chain restaurant–lined development is a good place to grab brunch (but watch for price gougers), walk, or ride bikes along the waterfront. A number of places, such as Hornblower Cruises and Events in Fisherman's Village, rent boats for romantic dinner or party cruises around the marina. There are a few man-made beaches, but you're better off hitting the larger (and cleaner) beaches up the coast.