An artistic enclave by the sea gifted with golden beaches, cheerful shops, and a bevy of must-see attractions.
Taking its inspiration from the Italian city of fame, the effortlessly cool neighborhood of the Venice Canals dazzles with its man-made water canals and vivacious bohemian personality. Here, lush, green vegetation follows the picturesque waterways, a relaxing visual foil to the bustling swaths of hipster-chic, commercial areas.
Dive into the historic side of Venice by traversing the quiet Walk-Streets, a unique residential neighborhood boasting some of SoCal’s most expensive real estate. Verdant gardens and front doors that open onto pedestrian-only streets create a hidden, fairytale ambiance.
Abbot Kinney is where those hoping to be in the center of the action tend to take up residence, able to take advantage of the shops, restaurants, and coffee shops within walking distance of home.
Despite Venice’s affinity for kitschy fun and artistic expression, the neighborhood also remains rooted in luxury. Venice’s oceanfront estates are highly coveted and feature gorgeous panoramic views, often just steps from the beach, while single-family homes pressed against the canal are revered as multimillion-dollar oases designed with contemporary flair.
Buzzy and upbeat, Venice pairs the traditional laid-back warmth of a SoCal beach town with its own brand of quirkiness, evidenced in everything from lively street performers to stylish art galleries and foodie-approved cafes. And while the neighborhood draws in thousands of visitors each year, its locals are able to escape the bustle thanks to a plenitude of serene residential corridors and upscale communities.
Close enough to the beach to be saturated in salt-scented breezes, the mile-long stretch of Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the site of dozens of independent shops and mouth-watering eateries. Keeping locals up-to-date on the latest fashion trends, Guild is well-stocked in modern clothing and must-have accessories. Vintage lovers can find a range of items at Bazar, and shoppers in need of a distinctive gift will love the variety of specialty shops like Knock Knock.
The epicurean delights of Venice span far beyond the typical, and the vast scope of options means that there’s a perfect restaurant for every palate. The Butcher’s Daughter is a long-time Venice staple, catering to the plant-based diet with a range of nutritious comfort foods and organic juices. Taking a bite of the fluffy pastries at Blue Star Donuts & Coffee is a nearly transcendent experience, and some of the most popular unconventional flavors include those like the blueberry basil cake donut and the chocolate bergamot old-fashioned.
Venice is home to The Original Gold's Gym, the landmark destination where the world-famous Arnold Schwarzenegger started his career. Nicknamed the “Mecca,” for its historic status in the gym community, Gold’s Gym maintains equipment for every fitness need, with members sometimes lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Arnold himself working out.
Venice is also the location of Muscle Beach, an iconic outdoor gym that’s hosted major names in fitness like Lou Ferrigno, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Frank Zane. Looking to stay active but not a fan of the heavy weights? Venice Beach itself has more than 3 miles of scenic coastline, perfect for catching big waves or taking an evening stroll.
While Venice’s health and wellness scene might be revered, the neighborhood is also a popular destination for foodies thanks to spectacular events like First Friday. Held on the first Friday of each month, this engaging celebration brings in a slew of the area’s top food trucks, which line Abbot Kinney Boulevard to create an outdoor dining paradise.
Contact Megan Whalen to explore the real estate in Venice and the homes for sale in the area!
Whether buying, selling, or leasing, when you work with Megan Whalen, you benefit from having a team of dedicated professionals to support you every step of the way.