Find Your Vibe in Venice

Exploring the Laid-Back Cool of Venice Beach: A Guide to Unforgettable Vibes

The funky little sister to Santa Monica, Venice Beach with its colorful boardwalk and great people-watching is second only to Disneyland as the largest tourist attraction in Southern California, attracting millions of young visitors each year. Surfers, skateboarders and artists alike find solace and inspiration in this eclectic oceanfront neighborhood.

Rent a bike and ride the 17-mile oceanfront bike path stretching from Palos Verdes to Pacific Palisades and don't forget to visit the Venice Canals, built in 1905 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

This plant-based all-day café serves excellent smoothies and hearty vegan meals that are both nutritious and delicious. At Café Gratitude you'll order with an affirmation – “I Am Dazzling” gets you a little gem Caesar salad with Brazil nut parmesan and shiitake bacon while “I Am Fortified” is a bowl of market vegetables sautéed over brown rice or quinoa, dressed with garlic tahini. The spacious patio is also a great spot to people watch.

OSEA Skincare Studio is a serene oasis in this busy neighborhood and the only brand-operated spa for this sustainable Malibu-based skincare brand that harnesses the power of seaweed to heal and nourish the skin. Estheticians lull you to sleep with gentle facial massage and layers of serums and masks ensure that you walk out radiant.

Most of the shops along Abbott Kinney Boulevard are big brand names, but Coutula is one of the few independent boutiques in a charming white-washed cottage. Shop for women's swimwear and beach accessories, all locally designed and produced in Los Angeles using fabrics from Brazil.

Even if you can't do a kickflip, the Venice Beach Skate Park is surrounded by sand and is a fun spot to watch local skaters cruise the halfpipe and practice tricks against a backdrop of palm trees and ocean views.

Husband-and-wife team Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran have opened their home and artist studios to the public at Mosaic Tile House. They're only open on Saturdays by reservation, and the artsy wonderland is covered inside and out in a kaleidoscope of splintered tile and glass mosaic.

This Aussie all-day café is just a couple blocks from the beach and a great place for work meetings and group hangouts. Come to Great White for the matcha scones, tahini croissants, and shaken iced lattes. Stay for the mezcal penne and wood-fired oven pizzas.

Arguably the best place in Venice to watch passionate sunsets that set the sky ablaze, High Rooftop Lounge is at the Hotel Erwin, but is popular with locals as well as with guests.