When I moved to Los Angeles five years ago, Playa del Rey was one of the first places I visited. With all of the spots to relax, have adventures, and enjoy a delicious glass of wine, I instantly fell in love with this sleepy beach town that I now call home. Located about three miles south of Venice Beach and wedged between Marina Del Rey and El Segundo, Playa del Rey is a hidden gem that’s great for young adults and families looking for a quiet, beachy place to call home. Sit back, grab a glass of rosé, and let me give you an inside look at The Jungle. 

Quiet & Gorgeous Beach Access

Courtesy of Aryanna Harrell

Playa del Rey is home to Dockweiler State Beach, one of LA’s most gorgeous and intimate beaches. This is one of the only beaches in LA not swarming with tourists, making it a local’s paradise! The sand is clean and the waves are soft, perfect for boogie boarding and swimming. People love coming here to camp out in the sand, host a bonfire at one of the fire pits, and get active on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. 

Seriously Good Pizza

Courtesy of Aryanna Harrell

I consider myself to have a black belt in pizza, and Playa del Rey is home to some of the best in LA. The Good Pizza serves up Neapolitan-style pizza that is authentic and cooked in a real brick oven. Fresh ingredients, crispy crust, and an extensive menu that offers way more than delicious pies makes this place a winner. Make sure to grab a slice of the classic margherita or the Pesto Pizza Bianca. And if you really want to “treat yo self,” try their chocolate pie (aka Nutella + cannoli filling goodness). Locals also love Hank’s Pizza, Cantalini’s Salerno Beach and Caffe Pinguini.

Fun in the Sun

Courtesy of Aryanna Harrell

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail on Dockweiler Beach gives adventurers access to almost every beach town in LA. Stretching 21 miles, you can hop on the trail in Playa del Rey and bike or walk north all the way to Malibu or down south to Torrance. I personally love to bike south to Hermosa Beach where I can park and grab a drink or bite. I also do a three-to-five-mile walk along the trail towards Marina del Rey once a week to watch the sailboats and yachts while getting a great workout. 

Rosé All Day

Courtesy of Aryanna Harrell

A beach town tour wouldn’t be complete without a spot to sip on a glass of rosé. Playa Provisions is one of the city’s best places to grab a glass of wine, brunch with your babes, or get a good meal with your boo. This restaurant has a beachy-modern vibe, indoor and outdoor seating (enclosed patio with booths and fire pits) and a menu that will satisfy vegans, pescetarians, and carnivores. It’s also the most Instagram-worthy spot in town! 

Dazzling Sunsets

Courtesy of Aryanna Harrell

Who doesn’t love a good sunset? You can find some of the most radiant sunsets and views of the city near the coast of Playa del Rey. Like most of Los Angeles, Playa del Rey is filled with rolling hills. The elevation — so close to the shoreline — gives you a unique view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains on the other. 

Happy Hour

Courtesy of Bacari PDR

It’s five o’clock somewhere all over Playa del Rey! We’ve got a few really awesome happy hour spots, but one of my favorites is Bacari PDR. If you’re into sangria, tapas, and wine bottle-covered ceilings, you’ll love this place. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., and you can get most menu items for $7.50 and pitchers of sangria for $14. Other spots where you can get your hour of happiness on are Mo’s Place, Prince O’ Whales, Playa Provisions, and The Shack.

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Aryanna Harrell is a millennial living in Los Angeles, sharing her love for affordable fashion, wine and body positivity on her blog Rosé & Chambray. You can follow along with her style and wine adventures on her Instagram.