Venice, Calif., has a reputation that transcends continents.
The only other “famous” Venice besides the original one in Italy, the two places share little resemblance other than a series of canals and the ability to attract celebrities.
But there is much more to Venice than merely the skater-filled boardwalk or the body builders that line Muscle Beach.
The only Westside haven for the weird, Venice stands out on this side of town as the funky, younger cousin of preppy Brentwood and Santa Monica.
Venice is an amalgam of several cities. The chic homes that dot the canals seem a world away from the trendy boutiques of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and both stand in sharp contrast to the city’s boardwalk, with its vibrant street artists, henna tattoos and dozens of pipe shops. Venice is high-end, grungy – elite, but also very warm.
In effect, Venice is representative of Los Angeles as a whole – a mishmash of people, economic classes, desires and opportunities. In Venice, the Range Rover moms eat at the same mom-and-pop pizza joints as the surfer dudes.
As always, prime is here to offer you the best that this neighborhood enclave has to offer. Take a Sunday and explore – you won't be sorry.
No trip to Venice would be complete without visiting the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Take a stroll along the beach and watch rollerbladers, skaters and body builders enjoy the sun and the surf.
The Boardwalk itself is littered with small stands selling everything from postcards to dream catchers to paintings, though there are a few true stores.
Word to the wise: On the actual boardwalk, watch out for scamming street performers as well as people inviting you into medicinal marijuana doctor recommendation shops – they’re perfectly safe, but aggressive.
Another important stop is the Venice Canals. These narrow waterways, reminiscent of the original ones in Italy, are an inlet from the Pacific. They’re quite shallow and are dotted with homes, most of which have a little boat and dock in the yard for a watery jaunt. Take a walk along the banks or cross over one of the many bridges for a charming view. The Dell Avenue bridges are a good place to start.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the heart of trendy Venice, a collection of just-eclectic-enough boutiques and restaurants that the Westside rich can feel grungy without having to actually drive over to Silver Lake.
Bountiful is one such shop. While the inside is lined floor to ceiling (literally) with antique glassware and china that is priced out of any college student’s range, the sidewalk sale bins are a treasure trove. You’ll find colorful mason jars and other home goods on the cheap, stacked next to buckets of seashells, sold by the scoop.
Abbot Kinney also plays host to a number of high-end art galleries that are scattered along the busy street. Take a look inside C.A.V.E. Gallery if you have a minute to glance at some truly forward-thinking art, or just take a breather and sip your coffee in peace while enjoying something new.
One such brick-and-mortar highlight is Small World Books. Nestled next to The Sidewalk Café, near the back, Small World Books is a sight for sore eyes. As the number of independent bookstores continues to dwindle in Los Angeles, Small World Books is a relic of a time gone by. Quaint and jam-packed with everything from bestsellers to artsy 'zines, Small World is as charming as it is well-priced.
Even better, the bookstore houses a librarian cat – Conan – who can be spotted lounging in various parts of the store. With its coziness and charm, Small World Books is a welcome respite from the people-packed and intense boardwalk.
Intelligentsia Coffee, with locations across the city, has long been considered the best coffee in town, and that fact remains true at the Abbot Kinney location. However, it’s the store’s chic industrial ambience that makes it a catch, plus the wealth of seating. Order a cappuccino and a pastry, and sit down to write your screenplay like everyone else is pretending to.
Across the street and down the block from Intelligentsia is N’iceCream, a charming storefront selling freshly made gelato and sorbet. While the flavors change on a daily basis, standouts include the stracciatella and hazelnut (made with real Nutella). Stop by for a cone or a cup on a hot day and take a rest on the charming rustic benches inside.
The Italian-esque eatery is open and adorable, with edgy tile work and communal tables. While the food is top-notch regardless of what time of day you stop by, the brunch menu will afford the most bang for your buck.
We recommend the veggies and eggs (sunny-side up eggs, kale pesto, fingerling potatoes, broccolini, pecorino and caramelized onions, $16) or the potato and rosemary waffle (ham, poached egg and mornay, $14). If you’re looking for something particularly great, try the crispy French toast ($15). Made of brioche with a side of berries and chantilly cream, the French toast is sweet and crunchy, but it’s the unique texture of the side of buttered syrup that will take you by surprise.