Originally founded in 1905 as a beachfront resort, Venice Beach has become a modern cultural mecca just a short drive from downtown LA. Its man-made canals, filled with gondolas imported directly from Italy, evoke the city's elegant, laid-back vibe.
Venice is the best place to relax with the “crowd”, whether sunbathing, shopping or sightseeing – and you'll find everything from an amusement pier, miniature steam railway, boutiques, cafes, art galleries and a lot more.
Here's my guide to Venice Beach in a weekend!
Hotel Erwin
Book a few unforgettable nights at the lovely Hotel Erwin, just one block from the beach.
Each of the hotel's 119 rooms is unique, offering private balconies overlooking the sea or the city! All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, work desks, honor bar, and hypoallergenic linens available on request.
Some even have a sofa bed if you bring your girlfriends.
Explore Venice's canals
Not far from the hotel and the bustling beach are the canals, Venice Beach's homage to its European namesake.
These beautiful canals and walkways are perfect for a peaceful, beautiful morning or evening stroll. Stroll the walkways, admire charming houses and picturesque gardens.
Walk the Venice boardwalk
The Venice Boardwalk stretches along the coast to meet Santa Monica – so don't miss out on an afternoon of pier fun!
The boardwalk is one of the best in the world: filled with restaurants, spas, specialty shops, creative residences, gyms and cocktail bars.
Rain or shine, this is the place to be in Venice. Whether you're a street artist, celebrity, skater, artist, you're sure to end up on the boardwalk.
Take a yoga class
You will never have a hard time finding a yoga studio in the Los Angeles area. Be sure to take a class with my friend Caley Alyssa at one of the many amazing studios in the area: Power Yoga East, Love Yoga Venice, Yoga Works!
There's nothing like stretching with a little Kundalini or Hatha Yoga to make you feel refreshed and revitalized on your vacation.
Shop at Abbott Kinney
Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a vibrant strip of boutiques, lounges, restaurants and bars, dubbed “the coolest block in America” by none other than GQ Magazine.
Be sure to stop by Lemonade for a delicious lunch and of course lemonade!
If you're a shopaholic, this is the place to get your vintage dress, designer tee and eclectic art. Surf junkies will love vintage longboards from Surfing Cowboys, Art Deco fans will rave about rustic-chic apparel at the Bazaar, and Japanese should flock to Waraku, with the best of Japanese imports.
Schedule your visit with the first Friday of the month, when all Abbot Kinney merchants gather to showcase their latest artists, merchandise, drinks and music.
Coffee at Tom's or Intelligentsia
Grab a latte at TOMS, an eccentric shop that sells everything from shoes to eyewear and coffee. The atmosphere is relaxed and rustic, more like a friend's backyard than a retailer. Be sure to relax in one of the deck chairs in the back.
Across the street is Intelligentsia, roasters that pride themselves on their unique coffee system. It's more like a “cafe bar” than a coffee shop – there are no counters and no cash registers. You sit at a table and your own personal barista will come to take your order – and this is where you can go wild.
Doubleshot, pinch of cinnamon, hint of vanilla, what have you. You can even specify the brewing method: vacuum pot, French press, Chemex, Eva Solo, manual drip – or opt for a coffee flight to taste different beans!
Vegan Brunch at Café Gratidão
Whether you're vegan or not, Cafe Gratitude is a Venice Beach icon and a must on any visit. Its locally sourced organic menu includes savory options like tostada portobello, fall bruschetta, Asian kale and sea vegetable salad.
Stop by during brunch to enjoy their French toast, housemate granola, sprouted oatmeal, or any of their gluten-free breakfast options.
Happy hour
The High Rooftop Lounge is the only rooftop bar in all of Venice Beach and is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. The bartenders handpick each cocktail and mix it up, so whether you're craving a Blood Orange Julep or an ice-cold blonde beer, you're sure to be delighted.
With nightly drink specials, stunning ocean views and live DJs, it's easy to see why this is one of the best bars in the entire greater LA area!
Social Dinner in Wurstkuche
If you're with friends, the best place to satisfy your late-night cravings is Wurstkuche, a tasty German and Belgian brewery where the menu is all gourmet sausages, double-fried Belgian fries and twenty-four imported beers.
Sausages feature classics like Brats and Bocks, and wilder ones like mango jalapeño, duck and bacon, and even rattlesnake and rabbit. Don't forget the French fries – Belgian fries are thick, crispy and come with distinctive sauces like pesto mayonnaise, chipotle aioli and five different types of mustard!
Romantic Dinner at Gjelina
For a more romantic dinner, try Gjelina, which serves a wonderful menu on trendy Abbot Kinney Blvd. With its low lighting and chic vibe, it's a perfect place for a date.
Dishes are elegant and modern: mushroom pizza, pork belly, duck confit, pumpkin gnocchi, sashimi, vegetarian tapas and pizza. And what's a date without dessert? Don't miss the Pot of Sweet Caramel Cream and Chocolate Pistachio Pie.
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