Venice Beach Guide
My Favorite Spots

The first time I discovered Venice Beach was in 2019, when I was working as an au pair in San Diego. I literally couldn’t wait to visit LA for the first time.

Funny enough, before visiting Venice Beach — which is one of the most touristy neighborhoods in LA — I first went to Griffith Park, and I completely fell in love with it.

My love for Venice Beach actually came a little later, thanks to my friend Anabelle Sadler who showed me the area. At the time (in 2022), she was living in Santa Monica and would take me to all her favorite spots around the neighborhood. Venice Beach quickly became one of them — especially Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

Today, my boyfriend has his studio in LA, right in the heart of Venice. The more time I spend here, the more it reminds me of Marseille and the lifestyle there: cute shops, great coffee spots, good people, and an overdose of sunshine ☀️ 🌞

So if you’re thinking about coming to LA and spending some time in Venice, I want to share a few places where I like to go, sit, relax and shop.

WHERE TO STAY

I’ve tried both Airbnbs and hotels around Venice, and I personally prefer hotels. Airbnbs here can sometimes be a little small or a bit random, and there aren’t that many good options (in my opinion).

The last hotel I stayed at was really close to everything fun in Venice.

It’s called The Kinney.

What I liked about it:

• They have a parking lot, which is really appreciated if you’re on a road trip. Just make sure to watch your belongings — petty theft can happen in the area.

• The rooms are nice and clean. It’s definitely not a five-star hotel, but I really liked the interior design. They clearly made an effort with the decor (very colorful).

• If you want to enjoy the sun or just relax, they also have a pool, a hot tub, and a chill outdoor area with hammocks.

It’s a great base if you want to explore Venice easily.

Other cool hotels in Venice I’d recommend:

• Hotel Erwin — one of the most iconic hotels in Venice, especially known for its rooftop bar with amazing sunset views over the ocean.

• The Venice V Hotel — a stylish boutique hotel located directly on the Venice Boardwalk, perfect if you want to wake up steps away from the beach.

• Palihouse Santa Monica — technically in Santa Monica but very close to Venice, with a beautiful European-style design and a quieter atmosphere.

WHERE I LIKE TO EAT

There are a few main streets in Venice where you really can’t go wrong with the food.

The most popular one is definitely Abbot Kinney Boulevard. That’s usually where I end up when I’m looking for something to eat.

I’m French, so food is very important to me. I can be a bit picky, so I always try to find places where the food is actually good — which can sometimes be a challenge in cities in America.

Here are a few places I enjoy:

Gjelina

This restaurant is one of the most famous in Venice and it’s known for its seasonal Californian cuisine and wood-fired dishes. The restaurant itself can be quite expensive, but here’s the trick: go to their takeaway spot next door.

You can order a slice of pizza for around $8 and it’s honestly delicious. Their salads and sandwiches are also very good.
It’s a great option if you want to try the famous Gjelina flavors without spending too much.

Erewhon Market

This is the easiest option when you don’t have time to sit down and need something to grab quickly. The food is always good and fresh.

It’s also kind of an experience — it’s known as one of the most expensive supermarkets in LA.
I usually stop by for a smoothie, a salad, or one of their ready-made healthy bowls.

The Butcher's Daughter

A very popular spot in Venice, especially for brunch. Everything is plant-based and the place has a very LA wellness vibe.
The interior is beautiful and bright, which makes it a really pleasant place to start the day.

Kreation Organic Juicery

I personally love their soups. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something healthy and quick.
They’re also known for their juices and wellness drinks.

Companion

A really nice spot on Lincoln Avenue with great coffee, brunch and simple but delicious dishes.
The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for a slow breakfast or lunch.

COFFEE PLACES I LIKE

Paisita

A great place for coffee with a retro vibe. The interior is a mix of wood and orange tones, and the atmosphere is really cool.

It’s the kind of place where you want to sit for a while and enjoy the neighborhood energy.

Kōwi by Owa (it’s actually a restaurant)

This is technically a Japanese restaurant on Abbot Kinney, but it’s also a great place to stop for coffee in the morning when it’s still quiet.

Their matcha is delicious. I tried an activated charcoal matcha latte and it was amazing. I also had a tamago kake gohan for breakfast — a simple Japanese dish made with rice and egg — and it was so tasty.
It’s a unique little spot if you want something different from the typical coffee shop.

Buck Mason

This shop has a coffee counter and a small second-hand book library in the back.
It’s a really nice place to grab a coffee and spend some time reading or working.

Cha Cha Matcha

Perfect for matcha lovers.

The place is very colorful and fun, and their iced matcha drinks are great on a hot Venice day.

Levain Bakery

For the best cookies in town. The bakery originally comes from New York but recently opened locations in LA. I did the taste test and I 100% approve.
Their cookies are huge, warm and perfect to share.

Hooked Venice

A nice casual coffee spot right on the Venice Boardwalk.
It’s a great stop if you’re walking along the beach and need a quick caffeine break. The barista can be a little “rude” sometimes (but it seems to be only with American dudes. If you’re from Europe, you’ll be FIIIINE).

WHERE I LIKE TO WALK AROUND

One of my favorite things to do in Venice is simply walking around.

• The beautiful Venice Canal Historic District — a peaceful area with charming bridges and houses that feels very different from the busy boardwalk.

• The iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk — lively, chaotic and full of street performers, skaters and artists.

• The small hidden streets around Abbot Kinney Boulevard — some of the residential streets here are surprisingly quiet and incredibly charming.

Some of the little walkways and residential streets there are really beautiful.

WHERE I LIKE TO SHOP

Mart Collective

A cool vintage store if you enjoy thrifting.
It’s definitely on the pricier side, but I mostly go there for inspiration.

Topdrawer

Perfect if you love pens, notebooks, watercolor supplies and beautiful stationery.
Everything is very minimal and well designed.

Burro

A great concept store with lots of unique gifts and California lifestyle items.
It’s a good place if you’re looking for something special to bring back home.

Small World Books

An iconic little bookstore on the Venice Boardwalk.
It’s a cozy place full of character with a great selection of books.

There are also many thrift stores in Venice. I listed a few of them, but honestly I wouldn’t necessarily recommend thrifting here — the prices can be very high.

VINTAGE & THRIFT STORES IN VENICE

If you enjoy vintage shopping, here are a few places you can check out:

• Animal House Venice — a well-known vintage shop with a great selection of curated pieces.

• Reformation Vintage — a small boutique that mixes vintage clothing with the brand’s signature California style.

• The Brig Vintage Mall — a vintage collective with different vendors and lots of unique finds.

• American Vintage — a classic thrift shop with affordable pieces if you enjoy digging for treasures.

• Wasteland (nearby in Santa Monica) — a popular second-hand shop with a mix of designer and everyday pieces.

WHERE TO EXERCISE

Open Yoga

Great yoga classes in a relaxed Venice atmosphere.

The studio has a welcoming vibe and a nice mix of classes.

Gold’s GYM

The most famous fitness gym in the world…Where everything started! For the record : Arnold Schwarzenegger used to train there.

F45 Training

If you like HIIT workouts, this is a very popular training concept with group sessions.
It’s intense but fun if you want a good sweat session.

I usually use CLASSPASS anytime I travel. It allows me to try a new place every day without having to join the club.

What to do in Venice Beach?

Venice Beach Guide My Favorite Spots