How to Spend a Weekend in Venice Beach

From acai bowls to street performers, skate parks and dreamy sunsets, Venice Beach is world-famous for all the right reasons. This bustling surfers haven calls to the artist in all of us and to get a true taste of Venice, you’ll want to spend your day wandering the area by foot or by renting a Bird scooter so you can soak up the people and places that make this quirky little area what it is. 

Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

What to see & do in Venice Beach

Venice Canals

Since 1905 the Venice Canalshave become an iconic part of this neighbourhood. Take a wander and weave your way around the canals and over the bridges at golden hour and you’re in for a sure treat.

Venice Canals

Walk the boardwalk

You can’t go past experiencing Venice Boardwalk and all the quirky arts and entertainment that goes on down this strip. In the late afternoon, you’ll find street performers of all sorts flooding the boardwalk along with visitors from all over the world.

1800 Ocean Front Walk

Hotel Erwin

Located right by the ocean, grab a drink at the rooftop bar or stay awhile at this centrally located hotel that’s right within reach of all that Venice has on offer.

1697 Pacific Ave

Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Wander up and down the palm-lined Abbot Kinney for some of LA’s best boutiques, cafes and bars. On the first Friday of each month, you can’t miss First Fridays on Abbot where you’ll find food trucks serving up ice cream, burritos, wood-fired pizzas, grilled cheese, churros and lobster rolls, just to name a few!

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

PLANTLAB

Offering a unique experience, PLANTLAB is a culinary school that teaches the art of plant-based cooking through teaching organic, unprocessed and vegan recipes to its students.

Take a one-week intensive here on raw desserts of the essentials of raw cooking or if you’ve got a bit more time to spare, check out their two-week fermentation and cheese workshops or one of their month-long fundamentals of raw cooking courses.

1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd

See the Street Art

Dotted all around the area, it’s hard to miss the colourful and creative murals tucked down nearly every side street off Abbot Kinney. It’s a feast for the eyes so grab a coffee and take a wander to spot them!

Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

Sunset at Venice Beach

Whether you enjoy it from a rooftop or down on the sand, don’t miss the golden hour at Venice Beach! You’ll see the sunset over the ocean and it’s always magical.

Farmers Market

On Fridays from 7 am -11 am down at Venice Boulevard, grab some seasonal produce at this open-air market filled with local vendors.

500 Venice Blvd

Butchers_Daughter_Venice

Where to eat in Venice Beach

Salt and Straw

This Portland-based ice cream store has taken Los Angeles by storm and right down on Abbot Kinney you’ll almost always find a queue of people waiting for a taste of this wait-worthy handmade ice cream. The Honey Lavender is an absolute favourite and they’ve also amazing vegan options like peach and vanilla bean crumble.

1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Butchers Daughter

Known for its plant-based menu and stunning Pinterest worthy interiors, this is the spot for a relaxed lunch or a healthy afternoon juice.

1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

Pressed Juicery

If you’re looking for a healthy treat, you can’t go past the Pressed Juicery Freeze- a vegan, gluten-free soft serve made from their juices. Choose from matcha, strawberry, vanilla or chocolate and top it off with granola, berries, nuts and cacao drizzle and you have yourself a guilt-free treat to cool off with.

1653 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

Roosterfish

Abbot Kinney’s long-standing and iconic gay bar is the place for a happy hour cocktail or the spot to take you well into the evening. Still standing after 40 years, you’ll find pool tables, jukebox tunes & local artwork spread throughout.

1302 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Dune

Pop in here for mezze plates, phenomenal falafel and a menu that uses organic, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.

9 Dudley Ave

Great White

Located right at the intersection of the Venice sign at Pacific Ave, Great White has got you covered for breaky and lunch. Think acai bowls, great coffee, avocado on toast and kale salads galore.

1604 Pacific Ave

Neighbor

With a year-around summer vibe, Neighbor serves up seasonal fare where you can sit in their outdoor patio and enjoy their farm to table menu.

1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd

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 Where to shop in Venice Beach

Burro gift store

With an extensive collection of cards, candles, women’s decor and stationery, it’s hard to walk out of this store empty-handed. They carry an eclectic, Californian inspired selection and if you’re seeking out a gift, you’re sure to find one here.

1409 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Gorjana

Housed in a fresh bohemian inspired space, Gorjana’s collection of dainty jewellery pieces are perfect for layering. The space also features an al fresco lounging area as well as an aura reading station.

1639 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Toms

At Tom’s flagship store on Abbot Kinney you’ll find a backyard patio complete with coffee shack and great tunes making it feel like you’re chilling out at a friends place. There’s wifi and cosy couches so extended stays are welcome.

1344 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Urbanic Paper Boutique

A specially curated paper store where you can even have your own custom invitations made, this enchanting store is any stationary lovers dream.

1644 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

The Piece Collective

This sun-drenched boutique is home to a Gypsy-inspired collection of women’s clothing and accessories like handcrafted bags, simple espadrilles and woven blankets sourced from all over the globe.

1629 Abbot Kinney Blvd

Mollusk

For all things surf-inspired, Mollusk is the boutique to go to for handmade products, surfboards and casual apparel.  

1600 Pacific Ave

Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

Animal House

Contemporary and vintage clothing with an impressive range of denim and printed 70’s shirts.

66 Windward Ave

Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST Guide to Venice California | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

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Sophie Chan
Sophie Chan

Hey! I’m Sophie, a kiwi fashion & lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles. When I’m not on the East Side of Los Angeles, you will likely find me navigating my way through an airport, New York City, or a new city living my best Euro life.

Find me on: Instagram

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Catty
3 years ago

We have never been to Venice Beach because some friends said they didn’t like it, but these pictures are lovely. May have to give it a try.