One of the most well known beach cities in California is Venice. It's changed a lot over the years, mostly for the better. It's turned into an artistic, hipster hub. While my good friend/videographer Chelsea Brady (whom I met on my Bali trip & visited San Francisco with) was in the states, I had the pleasure of showing her around! We saw many of the highlights of Venice Beach from the Canals to the Boardwalk to Abbot Kinney to the Venice sign itself. Chelsea also filmed our adventure, which you can check out below. If you ever find yourself in Venice, Ca, here is a list of places I highly recommend you visit!
Venice Canals
The canals have been on my bucket list for awhile, and I was so happy to finally explore them! Each bridge, house, and walkway is so unique, that I definitely recommend you stroll each canal. Chelsea and I played a fun game of "If you could own any house here, which one would you choose?" It was one of the toughest decisions ever! I think I've decided (on any of them honestly), but if I have to pick ONE, the green one below. It's such a dream with the big windows and balcony.
Where to Park
Like most places in California, parking is scarce and expensive! If you can find street parking and decipher the times that you can actually park there, you often only get 30 minutes to 2 hours. For a full day in Venice, I highly recommend parking in a lot and paying the fee. That way, you know your car will (most likely) be safe from prowlers and tow trucks, and you don't have to worry about how long you've been parked. Parking can range from $10 to $35. We found Ladot Lot 731, 2108 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291 and decided it looked decent. We got there around 10 AM, and it was already filling up. It was in the perfect location between the Canals and the Venice Beach Boardwalk and only $10. The rate fluctuates, and it is a few blocks to the beach. It was also right across the street from a stunning yellow house, decorated with black and white illustrations. Perfect photo op!
The Venice Sign
For any visitor to Venice Beach, the Venice sign is a must-see! It's best at dusk, when the lights are lit. We were in Venice all morning until about 4PM, so we weren't able to capture it at the photogenic, pivotal time. It was still so fun to see though! The sign is located at Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291.
Great White Cafe
Right across the street from the Venice sign is the Australian-inspired cafe called the Great White. The decor and menu are incredible. The seating is a bit tricky and competitive (Since it's a hotspot, it's often crowded.). We enjoyed some coffee, a croissant, curry fries, and a smoothy. Heads up, the pricing is the classic near-the-beach pricing (so a bit steep) but worth it. Each thing we tried was yummy! Fun fact, one of the cafe owners is married to the lady I worked for during my internship at Show Me Your Mumu. Small world!
Vintage Shopping
Just down the street from the Venice sign (towards the beach) is a slew of shops. I fell in love with the Animal House. I didn't buy anything (one of my personal goals is to not shop as much as possible) but I wanted to buy one of everything. Their selection of vintage Levi's is what dreams are made of. Somehow, I resisted temptation. I truly enjoyed looking around the shop and window shopping though!
Venice Beach
Last but not least, we walked along the Venice Beach and Boardwalk. If we had more time, we would have rented bikes and ridden down to the Santa Monica Pier and back. It's such a nice ride! Venice Beach is full of art, life, and culture. We saw live spray-painting and music. The beach is sunny and warm. Don't get me wrong, it's also filled with some crazies like most beaches, so be careful and enjoy!
Not photographed this trip but still on the list and highly recommended: Abbot Kinney, which a street filled with shops and cafes along with incredible street art. You can see previous posts which feature the street here and here. On a recent visit to CA, I went to the Farmers Market on Abbot Kinney, and it was the best! It was full of handcrafted shoes, succulents, and vintage clothes! I loved it, and the people were young, hip, and friendly. So there it is, my ultimate list of things to see in Venice, CA. Have you ever been to Venice Beach? What are you favorites places and recommends? Let me know in the comments below! Xoxo, Shelly
Looks like a great city!
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I love traveling, constantly learning something new, new people, places and culture. This is always very inspiring and energizing. Thanks for sharing!
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