Welcome to Venice
The bohemian-chic small town by the sea visited by millions of world travelers throughout the year
Venice (often referred to as Venice Beach) is a residential, commercial, and recreational beachfront neighborhood located on the Westside of Los Angeles. Venice, originally called "Venice of America," was founded by tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney in 1905 as a beach resort town. Today, Venice is known for its Canals, lively beachfront Boardwalk, charming residential walk streets, and vibrant restaurant scene along Abbot Kinney Blvd.
With a rich history of artist colonies, nonconformist culture and bohemian communities, "Keep Venice Weird" has become one of the neighborhood's mantras. Most recently, there has been an influx of tech companies which has created a high demand for the unique properties throughout this tight-knit neighborhood. Some refer to this area as part of the newly termed "Silicon Beach", which is now home to more than 500 technology companies.
Along with the influx of these new residents, Venice has seen more high-end boutiques and restaurants pop up throughout the small beachside town. From the wackiness of the Venice Boardwalk, with its street performers and vendors, to the luxury flagship stores on Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice has something for everyone.
What to Love
- Unique artistic & bohemian heritage
- Historic canals & walk streets steps from the beach
- Vibrant restaurant scene
- Tight-knit, diverse community of long-time & newer residents
People & Lifestyle
Venice is truly the mixing pot of the Westside. Its free-spirited, family-friendly and boho-chic vibe has made it one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Aside from being popular with locals, Venice is the 2nd-largest tourist attractions in Southern California after Disneyland. Whether you enjoy walking barefoot to the beach with only your surfboard and wetsuit in tow, strolling along the iconic Canals and walk streets, or dining out at some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, Venice has you covered.Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Abbot Kinney Blvd. has become a mecca for shopping and dining in Los Angeles. Gjelina is one of the most well-known restaurants in the area, and after opening in 2008, it helped pave the way for much of the Venice culinary scene. LA's own Evan Funke is executive chef of Felix Trattoria, bringing the old-world techniques of handmade pasta making to the Westside. Lincoln Blvd. has also emerged as a hot spot for diners with the old-school spots like Casablanca and everyone's new favorite Superba Food + Bread. Additional notable newcomers are SCOPA Italian Roots, Great White, Wurstküche and Portland translpant Salt & Straw ice cream.
The iconic street is also home to both boutique shops and flagship stores and draws millions of visitors from all over the world. Local dress maker Christy Dawn, known for her Farm-to-Closet collection is a local favorite and Burro remains one of the best places to find unique gifts for any occasion. Grab a coffee at Intelligentsia and a sweet treat at Blue Star Donuts before heading over to boutique shops Heist, Principessa and Gotta Have It.
Things to Do
The Abbot Kinney Festival is one of the most highly anticipated events in Venice year after year, drawing thousand of locals and visitors to the iconic street to celebrate the rich history and culture Venice has to offer. Live music, food trucks, carnival rides, games and over 350 vendors line the street and proceeds from the festival go to local nonprofits. You can't leave Venice without taking a walk through the Historic Venice Canal District down to the Venice Pier. The canals were originally intended to recreate the appearance and feel of Venice, Italy, in coastal Los Angeles County. On your way to the Venice Pier you can stop by any of the numerous restaurants and bars on Washington Blvd. and enjoy a cocktail with an ocean view. If you prefer biking to walking, you can rent a bike and hop on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail and cruise the coast from Manhattan Beach to Santa Monica.
A gondolier on the Venice Canals, 1909
Windward Avenue, 1913
