Venice stands out as one of the most unique gems along the LA coast. Its iconic boardwalk is a hub of diverse activity filled with street performers, artists, and vendors who add so much vibrancy to the colorful California atmosphere. Venice is a huge go-to destination for locals and tourists because of its laid-back charm, artistic spirit, delicious restaurants, and elevated shopping. The day will go surprisingly fast considering everything there is to see and do here, but it’s the ultra chic things that really matter (they matter to us the most!). Keep scrolling because we found a lot of gems in this city. Yup, we searched all over the streets of Venice and found some amazing places to eat, see, and stop to stay a while. Here’s how you can spend a full day visiting Venice in LA.
Where To Shop
A few key places come to mind when we think about shopping in Venice. The first, is the obvious: Abbot Kinney Blvd. It’s a mainstay that attracts locals, celebrities and tourists from all over. The iconic street has a mile long list of popular shops and sophisticated boutiques (some located in century-old bungalows) with one of a kind pieces to buy. So let’s talk about what stores you can shop till you drop. First ( our favorite!) James Perse. Stock up on some quiet luxury basics here that emphasize elegance, comfort, and simplicity. Next, walk over to Shop LCD for some unique finds that are inspired by contemporary art and streetwear. We also love that SandCloud has a location here ( perfect stop before hitting the beach). Finally, Birdies, a women founded shoe company whose ballet flats can be paired with every #OOTD.
Rose Ave is also emerging as one of Venice’s small business gems. Upon entering the street you’ll find Rudy Jude, a timeless and sustainable clothing line for women, men and kids. It’s located in a 1920’s bungalow. There’s also Parachute Home, the jewelry boutique Goldish, and Yanapuma, an artisan shop that specializes in the preservation of Indigenous art. Just around the corner of Rose Ave. is Big Red Sun. It’s an artsy garden center that specializes in unique plants, succulents, and home goods. Be sure to also stop and visit the stores along Lincoln Blvd too. There’s a vintage store worth visiting called The Mart Collective that features 90 dealers of antique, vintage, modern, and contemporary goods. There’s also a cool French bodega ( next to Zinqué) called à côté (meaning next door in French). You can find highly curated and primarily European line of artisan & culinary goods, plus independent wines and coffees. Then there’s the New Bar. A shop of non-alcoholic beverages to pick up and take home. They’ll also give you some great education on how to be more intentional and mindful when it comes to drinking.
Where To Eat
Shopping can sure make us hungry. Luckily Venice is a knockout when it comes to dining. There’s a multitude of coffee shops, wine bars, vegan finds, and indulgent restaurants to fit anyone’s palette. First, Little Lunch, which is a block away from the beach, has carefully brewed coffee and delightful snacks for a beachside pick me up. For fresh, local cuisine with a coastal touch, Great White‘s all-day café combines Australian and West Coast influences in a vibrant setting perfect for a little culinary retreat. It’s also near the iconic Venice sign. Superba Food + Bread Venice ( they have us at bread), has lots of comfort staples and is an awesome place to go for breakfast. Gjusta is the cutest artisan bakery that has lunchtime staples like wraps, salads, and flatbread pizzas. If you want to go the veggie route, we highly suggest to visit The Butcher’s Daughter.
Rose Ave has a lot of places to eat too. You can’t go wrong with wherever you stop. The Rose Venice restaurant is a boho-chic eatery serving fresh Southern California cuisine with international flair. Chulita brings authentic Mexican flavors to Venice. They also have some of the best margaritas in town. A few blocks down, is Café Gratitude. Their signature vegan dishes include sensational salads and bountiful bowls. If you keep walking you’ll hit American Beauty, a neighborhood steakhouse that features wood grilled steaks, seafood, and creative and chef driven takes on a variety of vegetable forward dishes. The bar also takes a craftsman’s approach to cocktails, and boasts a wine list of over 200 selections from around the world. If you want something on the go, grab the best smashburgers EVER at The Win-Dow. Speaking of wine – hit up Venice Beach Wines. They’ve got great selections and you can pass the time fast with a bottle, a charcuterie board and a group of friends. Wabi on Rose offers an innovative twist on sushi, merging Japanese elegance with Venice’s laid-back lifestyle.
What To Do
Just walking up and down the lively Venice Beach Front Walk , there’s always something to entertain you. The ocean views are captivating, so are the street performances. If you love street art, be sure to locate the several graffiti walls…aka the Venice Art Walls…every weekend. If you’re in the mood for some self-care, check out OSEA’s skincare studios for an invigorating facial or get sugared at Sugared + Bronzed. They also do tanning if you need an extra dose of glow. Explore the Venice Canals, a tranquil Venice-inspired oasis in LA, with winding waterways and charming houses. The Mosaic Tile House is a vibrant masterpiece by Gonzalo Duran and Cheri Pann, celebrating art and life. For laughs, attend Double Rainbow Stand-Up Comedy at Aviator Nation every 3rd Friday and Saturday of the month. Bonus! Uncover literary gems at Small World Books, Venice Beach’s charming independent bookstore, with a carefully curated selection of literature. You can also always hit up a movie. LA’s Venice is a diverse and vibrant tapestry of experiences waiting to be savored. Like we said before, the day will go fast exploring what Venice has to offer.
Ready to see more in LA? Drive to Melrose Place and uncover some high end shops and places with killer views. Check out our full guide here.
