Posted by JSFashionista on 21 Jun 2010 /
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Although I’m not a big LA fan since you have to drive 30 minutes to get anywhere, which bothers me) I LOVE the Venice and Santa Monica area. It feels like a totally different city, which is probably why I like it so much. My cousin moved there and I’ve been lucky enough to visit her a few times and get more familiar with this amazing place. Some of my favorite spots I’ve enjoyed during my past two visits include the following:
Where to Eat:
Via Veneto - I went here during my first Venice visit with my cousin who raved about how great this spot was. She was right; delicious Italian, great scenery with a nice intimate setting inside. I’d definitely go back with some girlfriends but it is also a nice date spot. 3009 Main Street. Santa Monica, CA. 310-399-1843.
Ghelina- This is the new HOTSPOT in Venice and it is amazing. The scene is super cool with a very tall loft-like interior dining room and a great outdoor patio (where we ate both of the meals we had here during our four-day Venice visit!) I highly suggest trying the salads, which are super fresh, flavorful and delicious. The pizzas are also great as are their veggie sides. Pretty much everything I tried during my two meals here was amazing. If you’re a dessert lover they have an amazing caramel toffee dessert. I normally only get excited about chocolate treats but this was to die for! 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA. 310-450-1429.
Abbot’s Habit - This is a great sandwich, smoothie, breakfast and coffee spot. It is a very healthy and somewhat of a hippie scene with amazing food, great coffee and lots of fresh options. 1401 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA. 310-399-1171.
The Shutter’s on the Beach Coast Restaurant - I had heard about the famous Shutter’s Hotel through various travel magazines and friends so it was only appropriate while in Santa Monica to check it out. It was definitely a popular hotspot, especially for brunch on Father’s Day! We had coffee at the bar while waiting then enjoyed a leisurely lunch outside on the terrace. The food was very good as was the atmosphere (hard not to be happy with the gorgeous ocean in the background) however the service was a bit slow and inattentive (maybe due to the Father’s Day crowds). I would definitely go back again either for another meal or a drink to enjoy the great views and gorgeous interior of the restaurant. One Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA. 310-458-0030.
Brickhouse - If you’re looking for a chill, well-priced restaurant this is a great spot. It’s super casual, good for lunch or brunch and they have a few outdoor tables (I’ve always eaten outside). They have great salads and good omelets too. 826 Hampton Drive. Venice, CA. 310-581-1639.
Intelligentsia Coffee - Although I didn’t get to try this spot (because the line snaked outside the door every time we walked by) I heard from a local that it’s great. And you know if customers are willing to wait in LONG lines it’s usually a good sign. I would definitely like to check this out on my next trip to Venice. 1331 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA. 310-399-1233.
Where to Shop:
ECookie - This is a great little boutique on Abbot Kinney Boulevard with cute, very well priced items. I bought two dresses when I walked in there, very feminine yet trendy fun options. 1639 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA. 310-393-2135.
Heist - I didn’t get a chance to shop here but I trust my cousin who said this store is amazing and highly recommends it!
Where to stay:
If you’re not as lucky as I am to have a great cousin you can stay with there are some great hotel options in the area including:
The Loews - There is a younger scene and I spent an afternoon at the pool, which was great. It overlooks the ocean with a lively crowd and a terrace where you can enjoy the gorgeous views and have a bite to eat or drink. This hotel is also a bit more reasonably priced vs. the Shutters a few doors down. 1700 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA. 310-458-6700.
The Shutter’s on the Beach - This is a very famous luxurious hotel on the beach with gorgeous views, amazing location, and outstanding accommodations. One Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA. 310-458-0030.
Other fun activities to do:
Santa Monica Farmer’s Market - This is a very fun activity to do on a Sunday morning/early afternoon. I did it on a previous visit to Venice with my cousin. There are a lot of vendors that sell fresh food. And there are also lots of families out with their children so it’s a nice activity on a Sunday morning. 2640 Main Street. Santa Monica, CA. Note Hours: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Studio U Pilate’s - While in Venice I did Pilate’s for the first time (the machines NOT the mat classes) which was awesome. It was not easy but it was a great workout and a different challenge from what I’m used to. This is a great cozy intimate studio (where everyone knew each other’s names) with an amazing instructor who was very patient and very easy to follow as a beginning student. 1027 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA. 310-452-1717.
Santa Monica/Venice Beaches - Obviously when you’re in Cali you want to enjoy the beaches. Venice and Santa Monica have great beaches with lots of activities, shopping and fun going on. I like to run along the beach since there are great sidewalk/paths making it very easy to be active. Nora and I did a great run on our first day in Venice ending up at the Shutters and Loews hotels and enjoying the great scenery.
