“The King’s Beach” in Spanish, this coastal enclave more than lives up to its glorious name – located along a wide, sandy beach fronting the Pacific, Playa del Rey’s enviable location and ocean views is as spectacular as it gets.
Known for a storied surf culture that attracts those in search of adventure and excitement in a relaxed environment, it is among the most sought after real estate markets in Southern California, with Playa del Rey condos for rent in high demand.
Located north of Marina del Rey’s inlet, this SoCal beach town is home to more than 13,000 residents. Larger than life with a small town charm, Playa del Rey stands out among SoCal’s most iconic coastal communities.
A brief history
A beach town with rustic origins, Playa del Rey began the site of a dredging project in 1885, an attempt to create a inner harbor and channel that will become the western terminal for Santa Fe’s steam trains.
Moye Wicks and other investors saw its potential as a harbor, calling this development “Port Ballona”. However, the company went bankrupt before dredging could be finished. Further, a storm destroyed the remnants of this dredging project in 1889, effectively ending Wicks’ vision of Port Ballona.
Henry Barbour of the Beach Land Company found more success with the area, purchasing 1,000 acres in 1902 and rebranding the areas as full-fledged resort town to be named Playa del Rey.
Today, the area is largely residential. Playa del Rey has managed to retain its charm through zoning restrictions that have confined commercial developments to major streets and through the revitalization of Del Rey Lagoon Park.
Living in Playa del Rey, CA
- Surf culture. Playa del Rey Beach holds a special place among popular SoCal surf spots despite the installment of an offshore breakwater that would calm the waters surrounding it. Other activities include beach volleyball, kite flying, paddle boarding, and biking.
- Outdoor recreation. The revitalized Del Rey Lagoon Park features open spaces, a children’s playground, baseball fields, and basketball courts.
- Self-care. There’s a strong culture of self-care in this beach town, which champions health and wellness above all else. Here you’ll find pilates, yoga, and kickboxing studios to help you get in the best shape of your life.
- Casual dining. The relaxed atmosphere extends to Playa del Rey’s restaurant scene, which offers New American, Italian, Mexican, and Vietnamese casual dining options.
- Hit the town’s piano and sports bars on a Friday night, which offer great beer, cocktails, and comfort food.
Playa del Rey, CA real estate
The housing market consists mainly of condos and a limited number of single-family homes. The most sought after properties in the neighborhood command stunning views of the Pacific, Ballona Wetlands, and the Los Angeles skyline.
Condos along Delgany Avenue are coveted for their central location and ocean views.
Many of the single-family homes in the enclave are Craftsman, Bungalow, Ranch, and Mediterranean-style homes built in the 1950s and early 2000s.
Ready to take the plunge in Playa del Rey? Third Power Properties would be happy to help. You can contact us, Kelly Gleason and Anastasia Israel, at 310.684.3583 and info(at)thirdpowerproperties(dotted)com to get started.
