Exploring Venice

Venice Beach is known for its canals, beaches ocean front walk and of course Abott Kinney Boulevard. It has recently been voted the top place to visit in Los Angeles and # 2 in all of California just behind Disneyland.

Local things to do and see:

  • First Fridays on Abott Kinney. Businesses stay open late to entertain locals with live music. There are food trucks lined up and down the street with gourmet food.
  • Farmers Market on Venice Blvd. located at the library parking lot on Friday mornings.
  • Walk to the famous Venice Boardwalk to check out the incredible action.
  • The weekend drum circle at 4pm on the Boardwalk at Westminster Ave. Over 100 people gather in a circle in the sand and soothe the environment with incredible drum sounds.
  • Walk the Venice Canals.
  • Venice Pier with surrounded by shops and interesting restaurants.
  • Ocean side public tennis courts at Ocean Park and Barnard.
  • Golf course along Rose Avenue east of Lincoln.
  • Skate board park on the beach at 1800 Ocean Front Walk.
  • Surf the Venice Breakwater, an acclaimed local surf spot, located north of the Venice Pier and Lifeguard Headquarters

Restaurants we like:


Hals Bar and Grill
1349 Abott Kinney Blvd. (310) 396-3105
Lunch, Dinner and Brunch Live Jazz on Sunday/Monday nights

Joe’s Restaurant
1023 Abott Kinney Blvd. (310) 399-5811
Lunch, Dinner and great Brunch

Tlapazola Grill
636 Venice Blvd. (866) 377-7930 (Southern Mexican)
Lunch & Dinner Gourmet Mexican 120 tequilas

Piccolo
5 Dudley Avenue (310) 314-3222
Voted best Italian food in Los Angeles
Intimate Italian

Gjelina
1429 Abott Kinney (310) 450-1429 Contemporary American
Great Food. Lunch, Dinner and Brunch

The Tasting Room Kitchen
1633 Abott Kinney Blvd. 310-692-6644
Contemporary American with French Influence
Recommend Chef tasting menu of the night. Great experience

Venice Beach Wines
529 Rose Avenue (310) 606-2529
Lunch & Dinner Extensive wine list & Small plates, Cool Space

Primitivio Wine Bistro
1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd. (310) 396-5353 (Mediterranean Tapas)
Lunch & Dinner

James Beach
60 N. Venice Blvd.
Comfort food. Lunch & Dinner. Busy bar scene

Chaya Venice
110 Navy Street (310) 396-1179
Sushi bar and American. Dinner and late night happy hour

Lemonade
1661 Abott Kinney Blvd. (310) 452-6200
Lunch & Dinner Great Cafeteria style gourmet
comfort food