VENICE

 

If you were allowed only one word to describe Venice, that word would be “bohemia.” It might be safe to say that never in the history of America has such a neighborhood been planned, grown, evolved, and moved forward with time and art. Starting as an ingenious idea by Abbot Kinney in 1905, Venice was to be an area of higher learning, but the people had other plans. Intellectual pursuit changed to an amusement park and carnival, to an oil boom town, to a bodybuilding mecca, to the hippies, artists, and musicians of the 1960s, to the punk rock movement, and then on to tech companies. Talk about a history!

 

Today, Venice is a fantastic, artsy, laid-back community that whispers of culture wherever you go. The area continues to change and evolve with the times, but it is undoubtedly known for its beach, with the 2.5-mile Venice Boardwalk (Ocean Front Walk), vendors, and performers. Venice also boasts many fine dining restaurants, quirky boutiques, independent shops, bars and lounges, and art galleries. The housing includes historic homes in Italian Renaissance style as well as spacious and exquisite newer single-family homes, lush condominiums, and gorgeous townhouses.

 

• Beautiful, sunshiny weather yearlong with short, cool winters
• The famous Venice Boardwalk and Muscle Beach Venice
• Shopper’s mecca with unusual boutiques and upscale shops
• Miles of coastline with great surfing and fishing
• Live music and jam sessions, performance art, and neighborhood murals
• Many parks, walking/biking trails, gyms, salons, restaurants, and bars

 

A day in the life: Wake up early, enjoy the sunshine, have a smoothie, and head for the beach, enjoying the murals and street art on your way. Go for the Muscle Beach section and the iconic Gold’s Gym Venice, where bodybuilding got its first real boost with famous members such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. Then head for a walk down Abbot Kinney Boulevard for First Fridays and the food trucks, live music, eclectic boutiques, and art shops celebration. Then party on into the evening.

 

For excellent Mexican and “gastropub” American food, head to Gjelina and try the Crispy Duck Confit. For inspired Italian food, an excellent wine list, and the perfect date night, Barrique Venice awaits. Order the Paccheri Alla Norma for a memorable evening. They’re serving excellent Mediterranean food at Gran Blanco, and the Lamb Riblets will keep you coming back for more. Great vegetarian food can be had at The Butcher’s Daughter, a juice bar and cafe with a classic Avocado Toast.

 

A shopper’s and fashionista’s paradise awaits on Abbot Kinney Boulevard with salons, boutiques, lounges, and art galleries. You’ll find everything from eclectic bohemian wear to exclusive designer clothing and home decor, bookstores, live music, and street attractions. Stop in Burro and check out their gifts, cards, candles, home decor, clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Or spend a day enjoying American and European contemporary art at L.A. Louver with their many collections and rotating exhibits.

 

Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center is a place you’ll return to again and again for its poetry readings, lectures, workshops, bookstore, art exhibits, and community events. Golf fanatics will love the Penmar Golf Club, teeing off on the 9-hole Penmar Municipal Golf Course with a fine meal and happy hour afterward at The Penmar.

 

Venice is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District and is notable for the following schools.