Los Angeles’ Vibrant Coastal Village: A New England Seaport Replica with Waterfront Dining and Charm

Nestled in the California sunshine along a buoyant and beautiful stretch of the Pacific coastline in Los Angeles lies Fisherman’s Village, a Skittle-colored replica of a charming New England seaport. The picturesque village has been a SoCal icon since 1967 when it was built during the development of the surrounding Marina del Rey neighborhood (a sun-soaked California paradise with waterfront hotels, sublime eats, and 5,000 boats anchored along its docks). Long a dining destination for Angelenos in the know, Fisherman’s Village showcases New England-style buildings that house tasty restaurants, a few kitschy boutiques, and breathtaking views. Along the tranquil harborside dock, visitors can rent bicycles, boats, and parasails to explore Los Angeles’ 800-acre marina, aka the largest marina in the world.

Fisherman’s Village was built to attract tourism, so don’t expect the authenticity you’d find in one of New England’s cozy seaside towns. That said, family-friendly Fisherman’s Village boasts unique charms of its own, like gloriously temperate and sunny weather that makes most days perfect for gazing at glowy sunsets and phenomenal harbor views.

The docks along Fisherman’s Village are home to some pretty scrumptious restaurants ranging from takeaway windows like KC’s Crepes Cafe to sit-down dining rooms with a view like La Marina Trattoria, which serves Italian cuisine heavy on seafood. Mexican chain restaurant El Torito is the liveliest eatery on the docks thanks to its $4 Happy Hour, $3 Taco Tuesdays, and incredible glimpses of the harbor. For more down-to-earth eats, grab a basket of fish and chips while unwinding with a sweet ocean breeze at the picnic tables outside the red wooden house where you’ll find La Sirenetta.

For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth with a cone from Daniel’s Ice Cream, then stroll through Fisherman’s Village’s handful of shops. In the shadow of the blue and white lighthouse, the Marina del Rey Historical Society occupies an adorable crimson building. Hit the gift shop to pick up souvenirs like tote bags, books, caps, and T-shirts. The space is also filled with archives and exhibits that walk visitors back in time through Marina del Rey’s nearly 60-year history. For unique goods with Eastern flair, pop into Istanbul Home for jewelry and home décor imported from Turkey.