Venice Beach, Southern California

1. Venice Beach

Venice Beach is a popular stretch of sand receiving millions of visitors each year and is known for being an eccentric and buzzing place. The beachfront includes a boardwalk that runs parallel to the ocean and many attractions line it, including paddle tennis courts, a skate dancing plaza, several beach volleyball courts, handball courts, a bike trail, and many interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The southern part of the beach has a 1,300-foot concrete fishing pier. Additionally, the Venice Breakwater on the north side of the pier is well known as a surfing spot. An eclectic variety of events are scheduled on Venice Beach throughout the year, not far from Los Angeles.

2. Electric Lodge Performing Arts

Electric Lodge Performing Arts Center is a theater and performing arts center and producing venue.

The space features a black box theater, a dance studio, a rehearsal space, and a commercial kitchen. The theater offers a robust calendar of performances and events. In addition, the Electric Lodge frequently hosts special workshops on acting, self-empowerment, and other topics.

They also offer affordable community classes in dance, music, art, and other subjects. The lobby of the center is used as gallery space and typically features art exhibits that change from time to time. Guests to the Electric Lodge can explore the artwork, watch a show, or participate in an educational class or workshop.

1416 Electric Avenue, Venice, CA 90291, Phone: 310-306-1854

3. Abbott Kinney Boulevard

Abbott Kinney Boulevard is home to an eclectic collection of restaurants, boutiques and galleries which are much loved by foodies, local celebrities, international visitors and the rather bohemian residents of Venice Beach.

This is definitely the place to see and be seen. The various establishments are housed in century-old Venice Beach cottages, which happily rub shoulders with modern steel and glass architectural gems.

The boulevard is named after Abbott Kinney, the eccentric 19th century father of Venice Beach, who spent most of his fortune creating the “Venice of America” which has become one of the most loved and visited cities in California.

4. Menotti's Coffee Stop

Menotti's Coffee Stop is a hip destination to grab a light bite or a cup of coffee and take in the funky, artsy atmosphere. The cafe offers fantastic views of the boardwalk at Venice Beach and is a popular gathering spot, not only for the views but also for the fantastic coffee.

The shop serves both organic and vegan coffee options and quality Four Barrel Coffee. The menu includes drink options such as espresso, flat white, cortado, Americano, and others. In addition to the coffee and views that have made Menotti's famous, the menu includes a small selection of food. A local favorite is the avocado poached eggs.

56 Windward Avenue, Venice, CA 90291, Phone: 310-392-7232

5. Pacific Resident Theatre

Pacific Resident Theatre is an intimate theater run by local actors. The theater produces classics, lesser-known dramas, and new plays and has been in business since 1985. The theater hosts a fairly full calendar of shows, which range in genre and include both well-known classical productions that have been re-done as well as new plays by emerging playwrights.

The calendar is available on the website as is information about each show and an online box office. The theater is also involved in performing arts education and offers both a young actors conservatory as well as acting classes.

703 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, Phone: 310-822-8392

6. Felix Trattoria

Located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice’s hippest street, Felix Trattoria is a temple to hand-made pasta, a laboratory in which chef Evan Funke makes his orecchiette, rigatoni, pappardelle, and everything else right in the middle of the restaurant in a glass-enclosed, air-conditioned space so you can watch your spaghetti being created. The traditional menu has a range of delicious antipasti, secondi, and vegetable contorni, but people come to the Felix Trattoria for the pasta. If you are not sure what to choose, try the simple but incredible trofie, bright green spirals with a basil pesto and loads of cheese. Don’t miss the incredible sfincione focaccia and cicoria salad with bitter chicory, pine nuts, dates, and a lot of cheese. Felix Trattoria is beautiful, comfortable, and elegant and the food is out of this world, so it quickly gets packed. Be prepared to wait or come early or late.

3386, 1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, Phone: 424-387-8622