This week’s Summer destination piece has us traveling to the West Coast of the United States to Marina del Rey, California! It’s a wonderful area for sport fishing, cruising and relaxing with friends and family. What are your travel plans for Summer 2014? Share them with us on Facebook!

Marina del Rey is just a 45-minute drive away from the bustling life Los Angeles and not too far from Santa Monica either. It’s an area well known to the rich and famous, who often stay at the nearby Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey hotel and resort. Just beside the resort is a marina that can hold more than 4,300 boats. If you are not able to bring your Monterey along on the journey, rent a boat from the marina or try your hand at sailing with local skippers.

If you’re interested in sport fishing, you are likely to catch sand bass, white sea bass, halibut, yellowtail and barracuda depending on the season. There are several local fishing charters eager to take beginners and seasoned fisherman out for an exciting day on the water.

When you are not on the water, travel to Los Angeles for the day or visit the Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey. Fisherman’s Village was built along the harbourfront to replicate a quaint New England seaport and fishing town. There are several small cafe’s, restaurants and unique shops or rent a bicycle for the day to explore the village.

Before heading home from vacation, take a whale watching tour!