Venice Beach

Written By Brian Jones

HIP, WEIRD MAGIC

Venice is a cultural hub amid a renaissance. New burgeoning pockets of creativity - like Winward Circle, Abbot Kinney and Rose st. - meet the historical, surf and skate town, carnival-feels of old and new. It has pride in being eclectic and with a little local insight it’s a really special part of the LA, westside experience.

For beaches, there are three primary areas where parking and restroom access merge: N. Venice Blvd, Rose Ave and the Venice Pier Lot.

WHERE TO GO:

VENICE PIER LOT
This is a contender for our favorite beach in LA. The Venice Pier Lot is at the end of Washington St, which is the boarder line between Venice and Marina Del Rey. We prefer the south end of the lot, where we offer set-ups at Driftwood St. or Galleon St.. Pair this with a walk through the Venice canals, Abbot Kinney or among the boats in the Marina and it’s a tough day to beat.

N. VENICE BLVD
The N. Venice Blvd lot is right in the heart of the action, as the main parking lot for the Venice Beach Rec Center, Muscle Beach, Venice Beach Skate Park, Venice Boardwalk and Winward Circle, where all the action and tourism is in full swing. We recommend grabbing food at Winward circle and walking or biking the boardwalk to Driftwood st. or Ocean Park (Santa Monica) for a more mellow, local beach spot.

ROSE ST.
Rose st. is a great street to crawl from shops to restaurants to the beach. We like to hit Vin on Rose and Gjusta for beach pickups before heading to the sand. We offer beach set-ups at Ocean Park, which is an easy walk, bike or ride, which you can reserve here.

FOOD / BEV RECS:

Pickup:
Gjusta (Bakery, deli, neighborhood institution)
Vin on Rose (natural wine, charcuterie)
Tocaya (bomb burritos and salads)
California Chicken Cafe (chicken, sides)
Flake (sandwiches)

Sit Down / Drinks:
Great White / Gran Blanco (hip mediterranean)
Gjelina / Tasting Kitchen (upscale, delicious)
Wabi on Rose / Hama Sushi (sushi with a vibe)
Dudley Market (seafood off boardwalk)
Waterfront (cocktails, party spot)

RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES:

  • Abbot Kinney to Venice Canals to Marina Beach Day

  • Rose St. food crawl to Ocean Park Beach Day

RESERVE

 
Brian Jones
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