Venice is THE epitome of laid-back California vibes and world famous for its surf, skate and beach culture. I live in the heart of it all and I've curated the perfect 1-day itinerary for you to follow. I guide you through iconic landmarks, photo ops, best eats, shops, my favorite bars /nightlife and local hangs. 


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Venice Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA

California, USA

VENICE BEACH: 1-Day Itinerary + Food Recs

Make your way over to the famous outdoor Muscle Beach and watch bodybuilders workout. 

I hope you've enjoyed my personal local's guide to a day in Venice! If there's anything more specific you'd like to know, please feel free to reach out for me to create a custom itinerary for you :) 

 Are you coffee & quick bite kind of person? If so, then I recommend getting coffee at the local favorite, Menotti's Coffee, then getting a breakfast sandwich at Eggslut around the corner. 

If you prefer to have a sit down breakfast, then head over to Great White. 

Make your way through Winward plaza toward the beach to "Breakwater" to check out the local surfers in action! 

📸 Next, take photos with the iconic Venice Sign 

Take some photos at the Venice Public Art Walls then make your way over to the Venice Skatepark! 

Walk down the Venice Boardwalk toward Santa Monica and take in the vibrant mix of street performers, artists, and vendors. From here, the boardwalk is about a 1 mile / 1.6 kilometers and ends around The Waterfront Venice which is a popular place for drinks on weekends. 

The Venice Canals are a great place to watch the sunset. Here are some other options:

If you're a fan of bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno or  Franco Columbu - stop by the Original Gold's Gym where these legends trained. There is a big fenced outdoor area where you can spectate for free, or you can pay for a day pass but it can be upwards of $100 to enter. 

If you're getting hungry, Gjusta is a delicious NY style deli right across the street from Gold's Gym. Otherwise, save your appetite for Abbot Kinney which is up next! 

Make your way over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice's chic shopping district. Explore the boutiques, art galleries, and stylish shops that line this bohemian enclave. This street is a great area to eat lunch. 

Next, take a stroll through the beautiful Venice Canals. Built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney. Famous residents have included Julia Roberts, Kate Beckinsale and Nicolas Cage. 

A popular spot for brunch with a beautiful interior as well as outdoor seating. Known for healthy smoothies and big delicious salads. You wouldn't initially realize this restaurant is vegetarian with offerings like pizza, burgers and even pad thai.

Gjelina is one of my favorite places for lunch and known for their pizza and creative seasonal menu items. It also has a cool ambiance. If you're in a rush, their Gjelina-To-Go (GTA) is a quick and perfect option.

If you're familiar with pop-culture or social meme's then you've heard of Erewhon. It's an organic (expensive) grocery store where celebrities like to shop. But the hot bar is absolutely delicious. So, if you can't please everyone with 1 restaurant then pop into Erewhon for a range of delicious options to choose from. There's also patio seating on the side of the buidling.

Rise & Shine! First things first...Coffee. 

Pro tip: Since both locations are popular and can get busy, dIf you're with multiple people, order Eggslut first (get it to-go) and then meet the rest of your party at Menotti's because there is better outdoor seating.

If you have a sweet tooth or need to cool down from all the walking, then you must hit the local ice cream shop Salt & Straw. You'll find irresistible classics like salted caramel and unique flavors like blue cheese & pear.  

Casual and laid back venue with an upstairs outdoor patio facing the ocean. Enjoy a cold beer and the view!

VENICE BEACH: 1-Day Itinerary + Food Recs

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