Guide to Venice

The palm-lined Venice Beach boardwalk — with its sidewalk vendors, street musicians, roller skaters and Muscle Beach bodybuilders — has become synonymous with Los Angeles. Venice Beach is a… city of exploration. Whether it be on foot or beach cruiser, its many coffee shops, art galleries, eateries and boutiques are easily within reach. To the west, the world famous Venice Beach Boardwalk brims with street musicians, vendors and Muscle Beach bodybuilders. The Strand cuts through the sand allows visitors to ride their bikes or walk until Playa Del Rey. Venice’s small-town, artsy atmosphere continues to Abbott Kinney Boulevard with art galleries, quality eateries and local clothing shops. During the immensely popular First Fridays monthly event, galleries stay open late and food trucks flock to the area. Topping off the quaint vibe of the neighborhood are the Venice Canals, a scenic place to relax and watch the ducks and boats inspired by the waterways of Venice, Italy. Just off the main drags are the narrow residential streets of Venice, a mix of lovingly restored bungalows, modest apartments and modernist architectural statements. Grass-lined streets, dog parks, recreational areas and well-tended gardens turn this densely populated neighborhood into a pleasant retreat. Photo by oneinchpunch / Shutterstock More