Venice Beach in West Los Angeles is a vibrant coastal town known for its eclectic vibe, bohemian spirit, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a well-loved destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of exciting activities and attractions. Here’s the ultimate guide for a fun-filled day in Venice Beach. 

Catch the Sunrise on the Beach and Grab Breakfast 

Begin your day with a relaxing walk on Venice Beach and soak in the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, palm trees, and Santa Monica Mountains in the distance. For breakfast, make your way to Eggslut, which is located just off the Venice Boardwalk. Eggslut is a well-loved eatery known for its delectable and creative egg sandwiches. Their food offerings mix comfort and innovation, through classic breakfast dishes with a twist. I love that this eatery uses only good quality ingredients, such as cage-free eggs, hardwood smoked bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese. At Eggslut, I recommend ordering the Fairfax Sandwich ($12), which features cage-free soft scrambled eggs, chives, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and sriracha mayo in a warm brioche bun, and the Fresh Orange Juice ($5.5). This sandwich was messy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying! 

Shopping at Abbot Kinney Boulevard

After a hearty breakfast, walk to Abbot Kinney Blvd, ​​​​a chic, mile-long street lined with cafes, art galleries, vintage clothing shops, and upscale boutiques. Spend the morning browsing through the trendy stores and taking in eye-catching murals. Named after Abbot Kinney, the founder of Venice, the street is a must-visit for those seeking a distinctive experience. I suggest checking out some of the boutiques featuring local and global brands. My favorites were Ananda Venice, an independently owned women’s clothing boutique retailing books, crystals, jewelry, hats, and art, Grow Venice showcasing designers who love the California outdoor lifestyle, and Made In Earth, a boutique selling unique gemstone jewelry. For a coffee break, go to Intelligentsia Coffee, a local favorite, renowned for its beans and inventive brewing methods.

Indulge in a Light Lunch

For lunch, check out Belles Beach House, a Hawaiian restaurant with a relaxed, tropical ambiance. Their menu combines Hawaiian-inspired dishes with Asian influences. Highlights from the menu include the Belles House Ramen, Huli Huli Chicken, Hawaiian Style Rib Eye, ​​Fried Chicken Sandwich, Crispy Rock Shrimp, The Tiki Chop, Teriyaki Cheeseburger, and the sushi rolls. I ordered the ​​Fried Chicken Sandwich ($16), which was served with pineapple, coleslaw, pickles, and spicy aioli, and the High Tide cocktail ($10) that was made with Vodka, lime, blueberry, shiso, and coconut. The cocktail was refreshing and the chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside.

Stroll Through the Venice Canals

As its name implies, the Venice Canals neighborhood boasts a series of picturesque canals. Inspired by Venice in Italy, developer Abbot Kinney envisioned a similar setting in 1905. It is a scenic neighborhood, with canals each roughly a quarter-mile long. The canals meander through a residential area with sidewalks and quaint wooden pedestrian bridges. The homes overlooking the canals showcase a range of architectural styles, adding to the area’s charm. In addition to enjoying a leisurely walk along the canals, visitors can also kayak or paddleboard on the canals. However, there are no rental shops close by, so you’ll have to bring your kayak or paddleboard. Also, it’s important to remember that the Venice Canals is mainly a residential neighborhood, so it’s advisable to be quiet, and respectful of the residents’ properties.

Explore the Venice Beach Boardwalk

No trip to Venice Beach is complete without a walk or bike ride down the famous boardwalk. This lively pedestrian walkway along the beach is bustling with street performers, artists retailing their works, and locals rollerblading, skateboarding, or biking. Stop by Muscle Beach, an outdoor weightlifting gym, the Venice Beach Skatepark, and the Venice sign for some photos and to take in the sights. 

Enjoy a Delightful Dinner

For dinner, get a reservation at Felix Trattoria, located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Felix Trattoria is an award-winning Italian eatery serving authentic Italian dishes in a stylish setting. The menu features regional Italian plates made using ingredients from California’s finest family farms. The Squash Blossoms, Cacio E Pepe, Margherita Pizza, Diavola Pizza, Pork Meatballs, Ragu Bolognese, and Arugula Salad are crowd favorites. I tried the Ragu Bolognese ($45) and Margherita Pizza ($25), and was not disappointed. The food was the best Italian food I’ve had outside of Italy. 

End the Day with Live Music

Winston House is a popular live music venue, eatery, and bar in Venice. They host a wide range of musical acts, including local and touring bands, and DJs. Opened in August 2021 at 23 Windward Avenue, the house serves as a community space for artists and music lovers. Winston House is open Wednesday-Saturday. 

Call it a Night at Hotel Erwin

From Winston House, you can walk to your room at Hotel Erwin. Established in 1975, Hotel Erwin is a contemporary boutique hotel steps away from the beach. The property’s guest rooms and suites are well-appointed with modern furnishings and offer panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean or the city. Don’t miss dining at the hotel’s glamorous rooftop eatery before checking out!

Photo by the author.