Venice shows a different side to
Los Angeles that's not necessarily glamorous, but fascinating nonetheless. Its famous eponymous beach alone has reached icon status with its free-spirit boutique-lined boardwalk, street performers, and that famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym. Then there are the scenic canals, reminiscent of its Italian city namesake, that flow through the district's more upscale residential corners. Despite how notorious Venice is as one of LA's sketchier areas, there's no doubt that the place itself is worth exploring. Who knows? You might even vibe with it better than any other parts of the city!
Where is Venice in Los Angeles?
Venice lies on LA's western coast. It's specifically on the westernmost region of the county, situated a fair distance away from the
central neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Venice used to be a separate city that's simply near LA, much like West Hollywood is now. American developer Abbot Kinney founded it as a resort town in 1905 on the West Coast, operating as an independent city. It wasn't until 1926 that the town was annexed to the larger Los Angeles. The neighborhood is not too far from other, fairly famous LA districts, namely Mar Vista, Del Rey, and Playa Vista, to name a few.
Is it Safe in Venice, Los Angeles?
The unfortunate thing about Venice is that it's widely considered among the sketchiest parts of Los Angeles. The place itself is not dangerous, per se, but it's the type of district that's worth avoiding at night. During the day, you can easily explore its famous beach, boardwalk, and canals in peace. Come nightfall, however, you'd do well to stay in the well-lit parts, preferably accompanied by locals who know the area, or maybe even avoid the neighborhood altogether. Sadly, Venice has among the highest
crime rates in LA; about 50.06 per 1,000 residents per year.
What's The Vibe in Venice, Los Angeles?
Eclectic, vibrant, urban, and a little bit grittier than the rest of the city. LA's signature Hollywood glamour may not necessarily permeate throughout this coastal district, but it's nonetheless exciting here. The street art and indie galleries show off the area's creative side, which champions local crafts more than mainstream brands and designers. Its international communities gave rise to a diverse culinary scene, offering all sorts of eateries of various cuisines. And of course, you can't forget the neighborhood's different subcultures, from the well-oiled gym rats lifting weights on Muscle Beach to the skaters and youths zooming through the skate parks.
Is it Expensive in Venice, Los Angeles?
The most ironic thing about Venice is that it's a fairly expensive neighborhood despite how gritty it tends to get. Many may forget about it when talking about
LA's high living costs, but it's undoubtedly part of the conversation. Take a look at how much rent costs here, for instance. The average rent in Venice is about $3,300.00 per month, considerably higher than the national average rent in the US. A meal here would also already cut you back about $16.00 per person, and that's already the cheapest option available. A typical inexpensive meal in Venice usually costs as much as $25.00 per person!
What to See in Venice, Los Angeles?
Venice remains underrated as one of the most fascinating parts of LA. It may not have as iconic a landmark as, say, the Hollywood sign or the grand Walk of Fame along
Hollywood Boulevard, but there are still many famous sights in town. The best example is the Venice Beach Boardwalk, emblematic of the neighborhood's eclectic vibes and diverse communities. From its funky indie shops to its fitness-crazy bodybuilders on Muscle Beach, America's fascinating subcultures are on full display here. Though they're arguably not as famous, you should check out the Venice Historic Canal District, too. Simply put, it's a West Coast version of the neighborhood's beloved Italian city namesake.
What to Do in Venice, Los Angeles
As mentioned again and again in this post, Venice is a great place to witness America's different subcultures firsthand. This single LA neighborhood proves that the US isn't a monolith, with people having various interests, hobbies, and more. The further you explore this fascinating district, the more you discover about what Americans like, think about, and embody. Hence, you can have all the fun in the world going through each and every part of Venice, perhaps even take part in their unique interests. Exercise with the gym rats on Muscle Beach, skate with the youth at the Venice Skatepark, get all hipster in the many shops along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and more!
The Best Restaurants in Venice, Los Angeles
Don't underestimate Venice's foodie scene just because it doesn't have any of
LA's Michelin-starred restaurants. What it may lack in such prestigious recognition, it more than makes up for with its diverse culinary offerings. On the famous Ocean Front Walk alone, there are hotspots like Fig Tree, a chic Latin-inspired eatery, and Fabios Pasta, a more affordable American-Italian diner. No matter your cravings, budget, and more, you're sure to find a place in Venice for you to dine and drink to your heart's content!
Discover Venice’s best places to eat:
- Belle’s Beach House on Windward Avenue
- Casablanca on Lincoln Boulevard
- Charcoal Venice on Washington Boulevard
- Fabios Pasta on Ocean Front Walk
- Fig Tree on Ocean Front Walk
- Felix Trattoria on Abbot Kinney Boulevard
- Hinano Cafe on Washington Boulevard
- Ospi Venice on Pacific Avenue
- Paloma Venice on S Venice Boulevard
- The Butcher's Daughter on Abbot Kinney Boulevard
What to Know About Renting in Venice, Los Angeles
As mentioned previously, the rent in Venice is fairly high. The average price here is about $3,300.00 per month, comparatively higher than the statewide average in California, which is $2,800.00, and the US national average, which is $1,553.00 per month. One of the main reasons is that Venice is mostly a suburb, with houses & lots dominating its real estate market. Though it still has many quality
luxury apartments in Los Angeles, they're far and few between. It's typically easier to get a full-blown house in Venice than a single flat that's just for you.
Though it’s a grittier part of Los Angeles, Venice still offers a fun and exhilarating side to the West Coast. Think muscles, funky street art, diverse eateries, skater culture, and an LA version of the world-famous Venetian canals!
