Venice

 

Nestled in the Westside region of Los Angeles, this artsy city relaxes against the beach with a dynamic spirit. The city consists of eight neighborhoods and is bounded on the whole by other excellent cities, such as Santa Monica to the north. Intersected by stunning canals, Venice is a quirky, gorgeous city brimming with young professionals.

 

Founded in 1905 by conservationist Abbot Kinney, Venice began exclusively as a seaside resort town. After being annexed in the 1920s by Los Angeles, it weathered a lengthy period of neglect — iconic canals were paved over, and a lagoon was turned into a traffic circle. But the city of Venice was made stronger for it and became a haven for European immigrants — a significant portion fleeing the Nazis — and counterculture individuals, such as the Beat Generation. 

 

Today, this fascinating history is present all over Venice. Founded by an environmentalist, its connection to nature has held on through the years, even as it switched hands at the behest of local leaders. This created a wonderfully whimsical atmosphere. Replete with varied home architecture, the hipster vibe of the city touches every corner.

 

The city of Venice thrums with an off-beat, young atmosphere, aided by the countless local murals, skate parks, green spaces, beach living, and more. Known for its countercultural past and historical emphasis on green living, Venice is resplendent with a rich spirit. Boasting a population of 36,000, Venice offers an urban-suburban feel, and most residents rent their homes. Highly educated, most residents hold jobs in management, service, healthcare, entertainment, and other sectors — particularly the arts and technological industries. Jim Morrison famously founded The Doors in Venice, and in recent years, it has gained a new nickname: “Silicon Beach” due to its boom in tech sectors. Populated by young professionals, Venice appeals to those seeking a playful vibe amid beautiful streets with oceanside views.

 

A destination in its own right, Venice abounds with scrumptious eateries, top shopping options, and entertainment for all.

 

Stretching over two miles, the well-known Venice Boardwalk teems with hundreds of vendors and performers alike. For more options, take a stroll down Abbot Kinney Boulevard which is dotted by both top-tier restaurants and shops such as the popular Adidas or the locally-sourced clothing store All Things Fabulous. Rose Avenue is another shopping district brimming with high-end, stylish shops like Moon Juice, a contemporary health shop emblematic of Venice’s community. As if that weren’t enough, Main Street is awash with wonderful boutiques, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

 

Extend your evening on Abbot Kinney Boulevard by stopping by the innovative Gjelina restaurant, the tasteful vegetarian Butcher’s Daughter, or the upscale Italian eatery of Felix. On Rose Avenue, relax at the casually elegant Rose Cafe or make a reservation at American Beauty steakhouse, all before diving into a sweet ice cream cone from Jeni’s Ice Creams.

 

Venice is a one-stop-shop for all things activity and entertainment. The beachfront, boardwalk, and shopping scene make it a perfect amalgam of options sure to suit anyone.

 

First Friday whisks the always-charming Abbot Kinney Boulevard to a whole new world, propping up local food, arts, boutiques, and entertainment under sunny skies. Drawing over 100,000 festival-goers each year, the Abbot Kinney Festival is another must-visit event bursting with local flavor and entertainment.

 

Connected to Santa Monica via the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, Venice is home to a host of outdoor adventures. Chief among these are the characteristic skate parks and great surfing spots — namely, Venice Beach Skatepark. Beyond only those, Linnie Canal Park is an ideal spot to bring the kids, as the picturesque playground is nestled among shimmering canals.

 

Venice is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: