When people think of Venice Beach, the boardwalk immediately comes to mind–with its scantily clad roller-skating ladies and souvenir shops. In Venice, there is a grittiness that both saddens and appeals. What people don’t know is how much art and world-class dining there is in this area. This Venice Beach Neighborhood guide will help to reveal the secrets locals have known for years.
This guide lists over 50 things to do in Los Angeles.
If you are traveling to Los Angeles for the first time or the first time in a while, here is all of my advice.
Table of Contents
Why tourists go to Venice Beach
The Venice Beach Boardwalk and Muscle Beach are big draws for tourists all over the world. Here, you can find tons of souvenir shops to bring Los Angeles things home with you. Tourists tend to stick in the area between the boardwalk and canals and do not venture into areas like Abbot Kinney. If you are in the touristy area, this is the post you should read for things to do and eat on or near the boardwalk.
Why is it called Venice? Learn more.
Why locals go to Venice Beach
- Venice Beach is the place to go if you are vegan or vegetarian and generally eat healthy.
- Head to Abbot Kinney for shopping.
- Visit celebrity and Top Chef restaurants like Scoppa Italian Roots, Felix, and Ospi.
- They live here. Yes, the beach real estate is the second most expensive in the city, but there are neighborhoods full of single-family homes.
This Ugly Beautiful City tip
Abbot Kinney is the place where online retailers have opened brick-and-mortar stores. If you want to test the quality and the sizing at Everlane, Warby Parker, Zadig & Voltaire, you should come here. You know you won’t send the stuff back in the mail; who are you kidding?
Top 5 things to do in Venice
One: Venice Beach Boardwalk [click here to read a post about it]
Two: Visit Galleries like LA. Louvre, the Mosaic Tile House, and Bright Moments [click here to read a post about it]
Three: Walk the Venice Canals [click here to read a post about it]
Four: Abbot Kinney First Fridays [click here to read a post about it]
Five: Eat–from Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs and food trucks all in one place.
My Venice Beach Favorites
My favorite place to get coffee: Menotti’s
My favorite restaurant: Gjelina
My favorite place to get a cocktail: Wallflower.
My self-guided itineraries that take place in Venice Beach
Los Angeles Hidden Gems Bingo
Exploring the local side of Los Angeles can be hard. What if you turned it into a game? Whether you’re a lifelong Angeleno or visiting from out of town, this clever game will turn you into an LA insider with an eye for the extraordinary. Stop just seeing the Hollywood Sign and finally experience the true hidden gems and under-the-radar hotspots of LA!
BIPOC and Women-owned Businesses to support in Venice
When I publish a guide I always include ways that you can spend your money intentionally. If you want to support local businesses, mom and pops, BIPOC, women-owned, and immigrant-owned companies these are a good place to start. All of the businesses information is in the corresponding post.
Eggslut–as mentioned in If You Are in Venice Beach
Huset–as mentioned in Where to Shop on Abbot Kinney
Mosaic Tile House–as mentioned in If You Are in Venice Beach
Salt & Straw–as mentioned in Where to Eat on Abbot Kinney.
Scopa Italian Roots–as mentioned in Where to Eat on Abbot Kinney.
Sweetfin poké–as mentioned in Where to Eat on Abbot Kinney.
Teddy’s Red Tacos–as mentioned in If You Are in Venice Beach
Getting around the neighborhood
Walkability score: 83
Areas along Venice Blvd and Abbot Kinney are very walkable, but I am pressed to think of a grocery store besides the very expensive Erewhon. I would say if you don’t worry about money, popping in for a smoothie or buying an expensive t-shirt is fine here. I would drive to save money.
Public transit options
Venice is well connected by the L.A. Metro and Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. This includes the more residential areas of Venice Beach.
What neighborhood(s) to explore next
Santa Monica
The first thing to know about Santa Monica is that it isn’t a Los Angeles neighborhood. Santa Monica is its own city with its own government, public library system, and those pesky red light cameras. It has eight neighborhoods within its city limits, including Downtown Santa Monica, Main Street, and Mid-City. The second thing to know is that it is more than the Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier.
Culver City
Explore the Heart of Screenland with its strange little museums, world-class food, and mom & pop shops.
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This Ugly Beautiful City is a 100% self-funded publication. If you have used any of the advice on these pages and would like to send a thank you, consider buying me a coffee.
