Since its establishment in 1905, Venice Beach has experienced both periods of decline and resurgence. However, one constant throughout its history is its status as a vibrant and bustling tourist destination, drawing visitors from across the globe. This buzzing, bohemian community is a study in contrasts: boardwalk takeaway pizza and trendy Felix Trattoria, strolling tourists and rushed locals, cheap trinkets and $8 coffees. Locals may gripe about the traffic and the fast pace of change, but if one thing has been consistent throughout Venice’s history, it has been constant evolution. A refreshing focus on experimentation. The community’s friendly openness. It’s easy walkability.
A weekend will barely scratch the surface of the variety packed into Venice’s 3.2 square miles. But it is a great start.
Be Surprised
A simple walk along Ocean Front Walk is enough to surprise, shock and inspire. Often at the same moment. In less than an hour spent meandering the strand, it’s possible to encounter many of the sights that made Venice famous: body builders working out next to the beach, skateboarders throwing tricks with the ocean as a backdrop, and street musicians performing for coins.
Most of Venice’s best surprises are more subtle than its most famous section. It’s the binoculars building, located at 340 Main Street, now home to Google’s office, the Venice Flying Carousel (@419 Carroll Canal), an installation by a local artist, and the mix of tourists and locals bumping elbows over a beer or breakfast burrito at the Hinano (@ 15 Washington Blvd), or the not to be missed Venice Electric Light Parade (https://www.facebook.com/VeniceElectricLightParade/) which pedals off on Sunday evenings from Windward Plaza. The odd proliferation of trendy restaurants with G names: Gjelina, Gjusta, Ggiata
Eat & Drink
- Start the day off right with a properly made coffee from Menotti’s (https://menottis.com/pages/coffee-shop-venice-beach). Go early, if possible, to avoid the wait (still well worth it).
- To go with the coffee, grab a croissant from the nearby Gjusta Grocer (https://www.gjustagrocer.com/) or for a sit-down breakfast, visit Gjusta’s bakery and café at 340 E Sunset.
- The Australian-inspired Great White Café is a good breakfast, brunch of lunch stop located one block off the beach (https://www.greatwhite.cafe/menus).
- For a quick, inexpensive taco fix, hit up Teddy’s Red Taco (46 Windward Ave).
- If you’re planning to picnic on the beach, Ggiata makes excellent sandwiches and salads (https://www.ggiata.com/). It’s best to order in advance for pick-up as the wait can be long.
- One of LA’s best burgers can be found be found (lunch only) at The Win-Dow (https://www.thewin-dow.la/). The partially shaded garden seating at this location is magical.
- For a creative, live fire cooked dinner, try Charcoal (https://www.charcoalvenice.com/), which is also has an excellent cocktail menu and good-value daily happy hour.
- If Italian is more your style, OSPI is an excellent option (https://www.ospivenice.com/). Don’t miss tasting the spicy rigatoni.
- If you like to pair an incredible dinner with a high level of Instagram-ability, head to Si! Mon (https://www.si-mon.la/) to enjoy some Central American flavor.
- Dudley Market (https://www.dudleymarketvenice.com/), a seafood focused charmer located just off the beach, is arguably the best restaurant in Venice. But be prepared for a long wait, since this tiny spot doesn’t accept reservations.
Sleep
- For the perfect combination of local charm, history, and style, try the (https://www.venicebeachhouse.com/), which is located on a quiet street just steps from the nicest part of the beach.
- If you prefer a more bustling environment, Hotel Erwin is located in the heart of Venice (https://www.hotelerwin.com/) and has a popular rooftop bar.
- The larger rooms in this hotel work well for families or those who crave more space https://www.innatvenicebeach.com/venice-beach-accommodations). But note its located on a busy street.
- A bit further away in Marina del Rey, the Courtyard has a great waterfront location and lovely lobby (https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/laxci-courtyard-marina-del-rey/overview/)
- Los Angeles strictly limits short stay AirBnb to primary residences. If you’re looking for a more local feel and open to the quirks that come with staying in someone’s residence, there are some great finds on the site.
Do
- Rent a bike and peddle a section of the 22-mile Marvin Braude bike path (https://beaches.lacounty.gov/la-county-beach-bike-path/), which stretches South to Torrance Beach. Or head north along the path until you reach Will Rogers State Beach. While there are shops renting bikes along Oceanfront walk, the best quality bikes can be found at Spokes N’ Stuff on Washington Blvd. (http://www.pedalit.shop/)
- Walk or ride to Santa Monica to try your hand at beach tennis (https://olabeachtennis.com/)
- Take a volleyball lesson with the local legends at Venice Beach Volleyball (https://www.venicebeachvolleyballacademy.com/)
- Watch the sunset with your toes in the sand, or from the rooftop of Hotel Erwin (https://www.hotelerwin.com/)
- Find your next great read at longtime independent bookseller, Small World Books (https://www.smallworldbooks.com/)
- Shop the vintage, bohemian vibe at 1967 Supply (https://1967supply.com/)
- The Hinano (https://www.hinanocafevenice.com/) is a must stop for its combination of live music, local history, and boisterous crowd.
- Grab a drink at The Brig (https://thebrig.com/), if you want to soak up a bit of what Abbott Kinney was like 20+ years ago. It’s one of the few classic Abbott Kinney establishment’s that has survived the rapid pace of change on that historic street.
- Admire the quirky, resurgent area known as the Venice Canals (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice_Canal_Historic_District), where you can catch the odd outdoor movie at night or happen by a gondola-based musical performance.
- Walk the charming “walk streets”, where a few of the remaining classic beach bungalows are intermixed with contemporary and eclectic architecture. The best section is between the beach and Pacific Ave, north of Washington Blvd. and south of Venice Blvd.
- Check out some interesting architecture. The Norton Residence on Ocean Front Walk is Frank Gehry’s contribution to Venice’s unique architecture https://www.laconservancy.org/learn/historic-places/norton-residence/). The Oxford Triangle House (623 Oxford Avenue) is an industrial marvel and study of how to maximize the use of an oddly shaped lot. At 15 30th Ave, you can find a bed and breakfast located in a historic craftsman style bungalow. At 1223 Cabrillo Ave sits the oldest home in Venice, which is also included in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Take a self-guided walking tour of Venice’s famed street art https://urbankulturblog.com/2018/01/06/venice-beach-street-art-tour/
Additional useful websites
