Discover Venice: 5 Hidden Treasures
Venice is one of the most popular and active beaches in Los Angeles. It brings a diverse range of people from all backgrounds that all love and want to experience the true culture of California. Venice brings out the hippies, the hip-hoppers; you name it, it can be found on Venice Beach. Because the culture here is so rich, there are many hidden treasures in and around the beach that you probably haven't visited yet, even if you are a California native.
Hotel Erwin
1697 Pacific Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 452-1111
www.hotelerwin.com
If you're familiar with Los Angeles and the L.A. vibe, then you know that the city is known for rooftops. Rooftops in L.A. are nice not only because you can see the landscape of the city, but the vibe of chilling on the rooftop, chillin' with your drink just rings of relaxation and vacation to the ears. Hotel Erwin is located on Pacific Avenue just 200 feet from the sand. You can enjoy the landscape of the beach and the festivities of the Venice boardwalk all while lounging back with a drink with your California shades on.
Venice Beach Recreation Center
1800 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-2775
www.laparks.org
Open from May 1 to Sept. 31 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from Oct. 1 to April 31 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Venice Beach Recreation Center is one to hangout at during the summer, especially while school is out. The rec center is one to spend those boring days at, plus you'll be staying in shape while being entertained. Some of the facilities that the center has include: several children's play areas with a gymnastics apparatus, handball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and of course the ever so popular outdoor basketball court. Each of these facilities can be found between Ocean Front Walk and the bike path, Horizon Ave. to the north, and N.Venice Blvd. to the south.
Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Abbot Kinney Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90291
abbotkinneyblvd.com
For those who love to shop, the Abbot Kinney Blvd. is located just a few blocks from Venice Beach and features an array of boutiques, salons, galleries, restaurants and bars. After loungin' on the beach, why not make the most of the day by grabbing a bite to eat and then walking the food off while browsing through some of the shops? Then to end the day, go have a nightcap at one of the bars or hit up the bar for happy hour for those that are on a budget but need a drink.
Related: 10 Best Bars In Venice
Venice Canals
Carroll Ct & Eastern Canal Court
Venice, CA 90293
venicecanalsassociation.org
On your way to the boardwalk at Venice Beach, most have probably passed by the Venice Canals. To some it may just look like a pond with boats to others they see it as a great backdrop for a photo opportunity. However, there is more to the Venice Canals then most of us would have thought. The Canal was built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his "Venice of America” plan. The Venice Canal Historic District is most known for its man-made canals. In 1929, most of the canals were filled to create the streets around the city, such as Windward Ave. and Market St. The leftover canals then fell into disrepair for years until the early 90s, (1993) after the Venice Canals were reconstructed and reopened. Today, patrons of the city can walk along the canals in the area located within South Venice Blvd., Pacific, Ocean Ave. and Washington Blvd. There are also a few festivities that are held throughout the year on the Canals.
Murals
685 Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 833-9560
venicebeach.com
Another opportunity to get in some great photos is by taking a Mural tour. Los Angeles is one of the world's capitals for street art and murals. At Venice, you can see them as you walk along the concrete barrier that divides the parking lot and the Venice Beach Boardwalk between Navy and Rose Ave. "Famed muralist Rip Cronk has created nearly a dozen Venice murals, including "Portrait of Abbot Kinney," "Venice on the Half Shell" and "Morning Shot," a portrait of Jim Morrison.