My meticulously curated travel guide for Venice Beach, California, includes local hotspots, under-the-radar restaurants, can’t-miss boutiques, and hip places.
Venice Beach is my favorite district in Los Angeles. If you are visiting for the day, download the TAP app and ride the Big Blue Bus from the LAX Bus Terminal to Venice.
Start your day with an authentic bulletproof coffee at Dave Asprey’s Upgrade Cafe, then walk or run along the beach.
For breakfast, I love the juices and smoothies at Moon Juice.
Venice has excellent shopping along Abbott Kenney Boulevard. My favorite shops are Cuyana and Christy Dawn.
Stop in Gjusta for an afternoon snack and caffeine fix.
For dinner, I recommend Gjelina. The lamb burger is outstanding, and the veggies are cooked to perfection.
Before returning to your hotel, pick up some snacks at Erehwon Market. The hot food bar is fantastic!
EAT
Rose Cafe: A popular spot for indoor or outdoor dining.
GTA (Gjelina Take Away): The sister restaurant to Gjusta, perfect for a quick lunch or afternoon snack. Pack a fantastic beach picnic lunch with many delicious mains and sides.
Gjusta: A bakery and lunch cafe serving excellent coffee. I recommend the olive oil cake. It’s part of the Gjelina family of restaurants.
Gjusto Grocery: Gjusto is the ideal spot to stop for beach snacks.
Plant Food and Wine: Locally sourced fare in a seasonally crafted menu enriched by an extensive wine list of organic and biodynamic varietals.
Fabio’s Pasta: The best pasta in Los Angeles.
GLUTEN-FREE:
401K Food and Wine: The entire menu is gluten-free.
Upgrade Cafe: Everything on the menu is gluten-free.
Moon Juice: Nutrient-rich cold-pressed organic juices.
Erewhon Market: The grocery stocks Sweet Laurel’s delicious cakes and baking mixes.
Plant Food and Wine: Locally sourced fare in a seasonally crafted menu enriched by an extensive wine list of organic and biodynamic varietals.
Saints and Sinners Desserts: Gluten-free cupcakes.
DRINK
Upgrade Cafe: Home of the original Bulletproof Coffee.
Gnarwhal: The cardamom latte is my favorite.
Moon Juice: Nutrient-rich cold-pressed organic juices.
Wallflower: A modern Indonesian spot serving signature cocktails.
Salt Air: Enjoy eating oysters and drinking rosé by the beach.
Sunny Spot: A popular spot for brunch.
Zinque: Terrific French-inspired food for sharing small plates and a bottle of wine.
The Tasting Kitchen: Getting a table here usually requires a reservation a few weeks in advance, so locals pick up in the bar area instead.
Venice Beach Wines: A great selection of natural and organic wines.
Wurstküche: Belgian beer and fries.
MARKETS:
Erewhon Market: I never miss an opportunity to stop in Erewhon. The takeaway food bar is so good. They also serve the best smoothies and juices.
SHOP
Christy Dawn: One of my favorite designers. I love this sweater.
Living Libations: One of my favorite beauty brands.
Parachute: Luxury bedding and linens
Heist: This carefully curated women’s clothing boutique is brimming with gorgeous, splurge-worthy clothing.
General Store: The LA outpost of this San Francisco store has a world-class mix of clothing, jewelry, and home goods. You’re sure to find something for everybody.
IRO: This place has the best leather, hands down.
Cuyana: My favorite bag and wallet.
Tortoise General Store: Chic homeware made by Japanese artists, books & cards.
A+R: This eclectic store carries objects from around the world.
Mona Moore: This place has the best shoes and bags for the days when you feel like shopping without a budget.
Mollusk Surf Shop: A very well-designed surfer’s paradise.
DO
Love Yoga: A boutique yoga studio
The Studio (MDR): The Lagree Fitness workout is a total-body program that combines Pilates, cardio training, and weights to create a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind exercise program.
Bike: Pick up a bike at Jay’s Rentals. Cruise the 22-mile oceanfront Bime Path.
Paddleboarding at the beach: There are many spots along Venice where you can rent a board and head to the beach.
Free Yoga at the Beach: Daily at 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM; Sunset 6:00 PM Monday-Thursday.
Studio Surya Yoga: Venice’s bright, airy studio is a local favorite.
Santa Monica Surf School: A fun way for people of all ages to learn how to catch a wave. They offer hourly lessons or packages.
Walk: Venice is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in LA. Stroll the Canals, walk down Abbot Kinney and Rose Avenue
Venice Canals: They’re only a 10-minute walk from my home, and meandering through the bridges and walking streets feels like you’ve escaped to another world.
STAY
Hotel Erwin: The rooftop at Hotel Erwin is worth a visit for the view.
GETTING AROUND:
From the LAX bus terminal, take the Big Blue Bus Santa Monica. Download the TAP app to pay with your mobile device. Cash is not accepted on the bus.
What else would you add if you’ve been to Venice Beach or lived there?
TRAVEL GUIDES:
Laurel // Waco // Jacksonville // Philadelphia // Austin // Richmond //Palm Springs
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