My friend (and fabulous Interior Designer) Galit Ptalis dishes on The Silver Strand neighborhood of Marina Del Rey she calls home.

Galit and her husband live in a spectacular home (which was recently featured in Dwell) just minutes away from the beach, in a special beachside community dubbed The Silver Strand. The best of Marina del Rey and Venice’s acclaimed shops and restaurants are just outside their doorsteps. Their 3 bedroom home, originally designed by Fred Fisher and recently re-imagined by Galit, epitomizes California beach chic. Take a look at Galit’s home here, and check out the guide to her favorite neighborhood haunts below.

Westward and Zuma beach are just a short walk or golf cart ride from my house and it’s the best place to spend the weekend with my kids.

Tell me about The Silver Strand neighborhood and why it’s so special?

This neighborhood is the most special place I’ve ever lived. Aside from the fact that it’s so close to the beach and walkable to the canals and Venice boardwalk, there is such a special community of families who get together on our shared “malls”. We've become so close with our neighbors that it’s really like Melrose Place. Another plus is that we have 24-hour guarded security who make sure that the neighborhood stays safe. It’s also so walkable, which is amazing because I miss the walkability that I had coming from NYC.

Describe your perfect day in the neighborhood:

I’d have breakfast with my family, ride our bikes to the beach, go to the Marina del Rey farmers’ market, then get sandwiches from Bay Cities Deli. Afterward, we’d hang out with our neighbors, get dinner from Gjusta, and I’d have a glass of wine with my husband in front of the fire once the kids go down.

Laura Wasser: badass attorney, mom of two, and fellow Point Dume Club homeowner. Photo by Matthew Sprout for Net-a-Porter.

Two must visit places or experiences:

Sunsets at the Marina del Rey boardwalk/channel, and beer and a burger at Hinano with live music.

Your favorite activity with kids:

Heading to Mother’s Beach and running around the neighborhood with my gang of kids.

Picking fresh veggies at Thorne Family Farm on Saturday mornings.

Your favorite restaurants:

I really have a hard time choosing, because I love food! But my favorites in the neighborhood include Night + Market Sahm, Scopa Italian Roots, Felix Trattoria, Gjelina, Charcoal Venice, Ospi, Venice Ramen, and Sushi Enya.

The best coffee shop:

I’m not a huge coffee drinker, but I’ll take a decaf and an almond croissant from Rockenwagner.

Your favorite shops:

Stahl + Band for furniture, Iro for clothing, Garrett Leight for sunnies, Erewhon, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s for groceries, Aesop for personal care, and Saje and Beauty Counter for beauty. Oh, and you can’t forget about Costco which is my guilty pleasure!