VENICE CALIFORNIA: BEACH, CANAL, RESTAURANTS & SHOPS IN VENICE LOS ANGELES

Venice is a beach town in Los Angeles that pulls people who love water, seafood, and chic neighborhoods. Known for its canals that were constructed to look like canals in Venice, Italy, Venice California has remained one of the most visited areas in Los Angeles. Equally famous are the Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where most of the shops and restaurants are located, and Venice Beach and Boardwalk.

VENICE CANAL

Neighbourhood | Attraction

Venice Canals date back to 1905, yet they are still perfectly fine. Abbot Kinney, who was a tobacco executive, wished to recreate the feeling of being in the canals of Venice, Italy. Thus, he commissioned the building of these right in California and created a resort type area.

VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK

Beach | Shopping

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is free to the public and is full of interesting things to do. Street vendors, jugglers, and many roadside attractions can be found around the boardwalk, not to mention the many stores and attractions on the boardwalk itself. You can get shirts, souvenirs, fortune readings, and paintings, among many other things.

ABBOT KINNEY BOULEVARD

Shopping Street

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the main shopping street in Venice that is chic and attract the cool and hip people who are looking for cool places to eat, drink, as well as shop. The street is named after Abbot Kinney, the entrepreneur and a prominent California millionaire of the 19th century.

THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER

Cafe

The Butcher’s Daughter is a juice bar and cafe in Los Angeles. Being 100% vegetarian, this has always been quite popular in California since it moved here from the East coast. Most of their customers are vegan and eat gluten-free food—for those who eat meat, you will also enjoy the food here because their vegetable dishes are nowhere near boring.

THE PIECE COLLECTIVE

Shopping

The Piece Collective is a pretty looking boutique on Abbot Kinney Boulevard that was founded by a husband and wife. The shop is known for its chicness, both inside and outside. The yellow gold seating area is perfect for a chic Instagram snap.

BURRO

Shopping

For those who are looking for souvenirs from this area, Burro is the place for you. It has many items and supplies that are more native to the California area. It also has a children’s store next to it, where you can find smaller versions of all of your favorite California wear.

VENICE BEACH

Beach

This beach is around three miles long and the definition of style. There is beach volleyball, surfing, and even bodyboarding. The boards can be rented and there are lifeguards who comb the beach with safety as a priority. More on Venice Beach here.

MUSCLE BEACH

Outside Gym | Attraction

This beach prides itself on its outdoor weight lifting area. It was once the home of bodybuilding champions such as Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger. You can buy a day pass for just ten dollars if you would like to try it out while you’re passing through. It is also home to many events, so keep an eye out when you pass through!

RECREATION CENTER AT VENICE BEACH

Sports

This recreation center is home to bodybuilding contests, paddle ball tournaments, and daily activities of handball. There are also basketball courts, a gymnastics area, an area for kids, sand volleyball, and a fishing pier. There is pretty much something here for just about anyone who wants to visit.

VENICE MURALS

Attraction

Venice Beach is quite well known for its collection of murals. On the Venice boardwalk, you can find the “Tour of Venice Murals”, which will guide you to see all of the best murals that Venice Beach has to offer.

DUNE VENICE

Restaurant

This restaurant chain moved to Venice and when it arrived it thrived. Here you can enjoy amazing falafel with a wide variety of meze and sandwiches. 11 am to 10 pm is when you can expect to find this location open.

THE COW’S END CAFE

Restaurant

This popular spot at Venice Beach is known for its smoothies, espresso, all-day breakfast, and sidewalk patio. It is open 6 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 6 am to 8:30 pm on weekend days. Be sure to stop here if you ever visit Venice Beach in order to really understand the food of the area and its people.

HOTEL ERWIN

Hotel

Hotel Erwin is one of the most popular hotels on Venice beach. Here you can find its rooftop lounge, its ever-popular restaurant Barlo Kitchen, and many events. It is regularly home to many events from Google to Red Bull to Mattel to Facebook. There is always something interesting going on at this hotel.

Text by Alex Orr: Alex is from Bentonville, Arkansas. His favorite hobbies include reading novels and comics. He also loves to travel and would do so more often if it wasn’t so expensive.