The Ultimate Travel Guide To Venice Beach, California
Welcome to the Venice of America! This bohemian neighborhood had won my heart in less than 24 hours of my arrival.
Right next to the posher district of Santa Monica, Venice Beach has just the right amount of grunge and grooviness to keep my hippie heart happy.
For a week, I got to spend my time walking the palm tree-lined boardwalk, watching the skaters racing around the skatepark doing jumps and stunts and exploring the many beautiful shops, sipping amazing coffee and eating Poke Bowls.
Best Places to Eat in Venice Beach
I arrived late in the evening and decided to get dinner outside despite the drizzle. From my accommodation, I could reach a set of shops and have a meal at The Terrace Cafe, which is right on the beachfront and there are a few more restaurants on the same street. Make sure you give the Venice Whaler a go, it's an institution.
The Cow's End Cafe is also a great multi-level cafe to get that cup of caffeine and maybe work away for a few hours. I hear they do all-day breakfast too.
When walking out of Outsite Pacific and turning right along Pacific Avenue you will soon hit the center of Venice with more cafes and restaurants and the famous Venice sign.
My absolute favourite is the Great White Cafe, their coffee is awesome and be sure to get the Scramble Bowl and if Kombucha is your thing, you'll get it on tap here!
Other cafes & restaurants to check out around here:
- Menotti's Coffee Shop for specialty coffee, no food here
- Larry's, a nice little pub and great for happy hour
- Tocaya Organica, great clean Mexican bowls
From here it's an easy 10-15 minute walk to Abbot Kinney Blvd. Many would say this is the hippest street of Venice and while I like it too, be prepared to pay higher prices here as it is more upscale and non-mass-market brands. Browse the shops offering cute home decor, antiques, boho-chic clothes, shoes and jewellery.
The following cafes are also worth a try:
- Gjelina
- Tasting Kitchen
- Intelligentsia Coffee Bar
- Lemonade
- Tocaya Modern Mexican
- TOMS Flagship Store (yes, they not only sell shoes but serve good coffee in here too)
- Cafe Gratitude, a vegan cafe a little off Abbot Kinney
Getting Around Venice Beach
The following day it was time to explore. As suggested by the friendly staff at The Terrace Cafe the night before, I dedicated to giving the Bird a go.
Bird is an electric scooter-sharing startup based in Santa Monica. It only launched a few months ago, however, you won't have to walk far to find the next scooter as there are plenty around and you can unlock them with the mobile app.
It's helped me get around fast and smoothly between Venice and Santa Monica and I totally love the concept. Plus they are super affordable and hell yeah, fun too.
You need a driver's license to rent them which you upload once when you pick up your first ever Bird.
If you have an overseas license without a barcode you will have to contact support through the App and send them a photo of your license. My account was unlocked in less than 5 minutes, seems like their help team is onto it.
The bus is also very easy to take and there are stops a few hundred meters down the road.
Things To Do In Venice Beach
And apart from cafes and boutique shopping, what else is there to do in Venice you might be wondering?
Here are my suggestions for things to do:
- Walk, bike, skate along the Venice Beachwalk
- Shop knick-knacks and souvenirs at the Venice Boardwalk
- Explore the Venice Canals, so so beautiful
- Take a surf lesson or yoga class
- Watch the skaters at the oceanfront Venice Skate Park
- Get a fresh Poke Bowl at the walk-up window Poke-Poke
- Walk the Venice Beach pier, the more quiet alternative to Santa Monica Pier
- Take a snap at one of the beautiful Lifeguard Towers
- Visit the iconic Santa Monica Pier and enjoy yourself at Pacific Park amusement park
Exploring The Rest Of Los Angeles
If you want to explore Beverly Hills and around Hollywood, I can highly recommend the hop on hop off tour bus as it will give you a great overview and you can jump off and get a glimpse of the Hollywood sign from afar and the Walk of Fame and Chinese Theater.
There are lots of stops to get out. Some to consider are Rodeo Drive, Farmers Market & The Grove and of course, the Santa Monica Pier, where the bus into Beverly Hills starts.
I simply rode the Bird from Venice Beach along the beach to the pier and then took the hop on hop off bus from here into Beverly Hills. Easy peasy.
If you simply want to see how the rich and famous live in LA, you are better off taking a Hollywood & Celebrity Homes Tour as the hop on hop off bus doesn't get you that close!
One thing I have on my list for my next visit to LA is a helicopter flight over the city, gosh, wouldn't that be epic!!
There are actually many other hidden gems that let you get away from the crowds too.
Nightlife In Venice Beach
Come nighttime, the local former speakeasy bar, that definitely still has the vibe, called Townhouse is busy almost every night and if you are looking to get out and about, it's a hit. Wednesday you'll find free stand-up comedy and a burlesque show which is definitely something for the oldest bar in Venice,
If you want to get high in Venice, I mean in heights, try the High Rooftop Lounge on top of the Erwin Hotel and chill with a drink in hand taking in the stunning panoramic views. Abbott Kinney also has a few cool bars, try The Otherroom or The Brig.
Staying In A Coliving Space: Outsite Venice Beach
The place I stayed at was nothing short of amazing too. My week at the coliving house Outsite Pacific, located just one block from the beach and only a few footsteps to the beautiful Venice canals has exceeded all the expectations I had before arriving.
Glad I had little expectations but I got told LA wasn't actually the coolest or cleanest place to hang out at even though it's the celebrity capital of the world.
The Outsite Pacific House has five rooms and I shared my room while you can also book a single room. However, even sharing, the room was spacious and I had my own little area to spread out. The living room was equally big with a great table to work on, couches to hang and even Netflix.
Wi-Fi works wonderfully (as you would expect!) and if you are into cooking, the kitchen has every essential you would need to whip up a great meal. I also loved the garden with its typical Venice lights, plants, and chairs.
There are also a few small courtyards, one downstairs and another up on the side that have a BBQ which I think could be perfect for those breezy summer evenings.
I almost didn't make it to Los Angeles at all but I am actually so very glad I did come here and I had the chance to stay in Venice Beach. Will I be back? Most definitely!
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