Leaving the breathtaking Hollywood Hills behind, I was filled with excitement as I set off on my next adventure: Venice Beach! This destination held a special place in my heart since my teenage years, when I fell in love with its vibrant atmosphere and unique charm. While I no longer proclaim it as the best beach in the world, it remains an incredibly cool beach and an area that never fails to captivate.
Cabo Cantina at Washington Boulevard
With a few hours to spare before the check-in time at my next Airbnb, I hopped on a bus from Hollywood to Venice Beach. Not only was it a budget-friendly option, but it also gave me the opportunity to take in the sights along the way. Upon arriving, I stumbled upon a place called Cabo Cantina on Washington Boulevard, and it turned out to be the perfect spot for lunch. Although it’s a chain restaurant, the one at Venice Beach is renowned for its unique location and vibrant atmosphere. As I made my way to the second floor, I was greeted with a delightful outdoor seating area where I could savor a refreshing Corona and indulge in some mouthwatering tacos while soaking in the picturesque view of Venice Beach. A wave of joy washed over me, and in that moment, I fell in love with Venice Beach all over again, deeper than ever before.
My Airbnb at Marina del Rey
My Airbnb, nestled between Marina del Rey and Venice Beach, came with its fair share of skepticism due to the negative reviews it had received. However, the significantly lower price piqued my curiosity, and I decided to give it a chance. Prior to my arrival, I was aware that it was a small apartment with a shared bathroom. Upon stepping inside, I was greeted by an unusual layout. The entrance led to the vanity area, complete with a sink and mirror, while a separate door on the left revealed the toilet and shower. Strangely enough, there was no door to the right, only a thick curtain that separated the vanity area from my bedroom. Despite this unconventional arrangement, my stay turned out to be surprisingly pleasant.
The host, an older sweet lady, was incredibly quiet, to the point where I almost felt sorry for her. It was as if she never used the bathroom at all. Additionally, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of guilt as it appeared that she was sleeping on the couch during my stay. The lady did not speak any English, which initially posed a challenge for communication. However, we managed to find a common language halfway between Russian and Polish since she was from Kazakhstan and spoke Russian. The apartment itself was impeccably clean, and the bed provided an unexpectedly comfortable sleep experience. Since my intention was to spend most of my time exploring the city and using the Airbnb solely for resting, it more than met my needs.
The apartment complex was quite impressive, boasting a beautiful pool that added to its allure. The lush palm trees and vibrant tropical plants that surrounded the complex created a delightful Caribbean resort-like ambiance. Yet, the true highlight of this place was its unbeatable location. Just a four-minute walk from the Airbnb brought me to the stunning shores of Venice Beach. Moreover, the street where the apartment was situated happened to be a hub of the trendiest restaurants and bars in the area, ensuring an exciting and vibrant atmosphere right at my doorstep.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach truly embodies the essence of a cool and vibrant atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the luxurious image often associated with LA. Here, you won’t find fancy beach clubs but rather a laid-back environment that encourages you to simply grab your towel and find a spot along the long and expansive beach, with the Venice Boulevard as your backdrop. The beach itself is a melting pot of diversity, attracting a wide array of people and offering a fascinating mix of experiences.
As you wander along the boulevard, you’ll be greeted by the towering palm trees, colorful graffiti walls, and an abundance of quaint souvenir shops. The streets are lined with charming bars and delightful takeaway joints, each radiating its own unique and inviting atmosphere. The walls adorned with stunning street art showcase the immense talent and creativity of the artists, making for a truly captivating sight that will leave you in awe. Everywhere you look, you’ll witness people engaging in various activities, from skating and surfing to working out and simply enjoying a leisurely walk while blasting music from their portable CD players. This eclectic combination truly defines the character of Venice Beach.
Oh, and let’s not forget the squirrels. They’re a common sight in the area, adding a touch of charm to the beach experience. For many Norwegians, Venice Beach holds a special place in their hearts due to its appearance in the TV show “Pacific Blue,” which was a summertime favorite for years. I’m fairly certain I know every episode of “Pacific Blue” by heart. As you explore the boulevard, it becomes an exciting trip down memory lane as you recognize familiar locations from the show, making the experience even more special.
During my stay, I dedicated a considerable amount of time to exploring the area on foot. Each morning, I would embark on leisurely walks along the lively Venice Boulevard, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and capturing the unique sights.
One particular morning, I decided to seize the opportunity for a memorable experience by booking a photoshoot with a talented photographer through an Airbnb experience. The photoshoot took place early in the morning, before the beach became crowded, allowing us to capture stunning shots against the serene backdrop of Venice Beach. The photographer’s skill and the affordability of the experience made it an exceptional addition to my time in Venice Beach.
Marina del Rey to Santa Monica
On one of the days, I embarked on a rather ambitious journey from Marina del Rey to Downtown Santa Monica and back. Little did I realize the distance was quite substantial: 7.5 km or 4.7 miles one way! While many Americans I encountered thought I was a bit crazy for attempting such a long walk, I found immense enjoyment in the experience. Renting an electric scooter did cross my mind for the return trip, but I soon discovered that they are required to navigate the regular roads alongside cars, which seemed a bit daunting. So, I decided to stick with walking, which still proved to be a better option.
Of course, I didn’t walk non-stop. Along the way, I made delightful pit stops to enhance the journey. At the Santa Monica Pier, I indulged in a leisurely brunch while observing the seals trying to snatch fish from the fishermen on the pier. Finding a perfect spot near the pier, I took some time to bask in the sun and relish the refreshing taste of fresh mango. Another highlight was Downtown Santa Monica, where I treated myself to oysters and wine, taking advantage of the beloved happy hour. Unlike the vibrant chaos of Venice Beach, Santa Monica offered a stark contrast with its trendy bars, upscale restaurants, and the pleasant pedestrian street—a rarity in the United States. Reflecting upon my experience, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret for not returning to explore Santa Monica’s vibrant nightlife.
Although I had hoped to experience the vibrant nightlife of Venice Beach, I noticed that many of the restaurants and bars around my apartment closed early, possibly due to the weekday or the post-Labor Day period. Undeterred, I decided to check out High, a rooftop bar known for its stunning view of Venice Beach and the boulevard. However, as a solo traveler, I found the setup less than ideal. The tables were strategically placed, hidden from one another, and there were no bar chairs for casual interaction. It was the first time on my trip that I felt a tinge of loneliness. Perhaps the atmosphere would be livelier on the weekends. I stayed for one drink and then made my way back to Washington Boulevard. With jet lag wreaking havoc on my sleep schedule, going to bed early seemed like a sensible choice. However, before calling it a night, I stumbled upon an incredible sushi spot called Enya Sushi. It turned out to be a gastronomic revelation, offering some of the best sushi I had ever tasted. Although the prices were on the higher side, the exceptional quality made it worth every penny.
It would be remiss of me to conclude this post without acknowledging the incredible people I had the opportunity to spend time with during my stay in Venice Beach. While I ventured out on most of my activities alone, I had the pleasure of meeting some truly amazing individuals along the way. One evening, I crossed paths with a group of lovely girls who had come from Huntington Beach to enjoy a night out. They graciously invited me to join them for drinks, although my jetlag unfortunately cut our time short. I also had the pleasure of reconnecting with my newfound friends from my previous post, whom I met at Chateau Marmont. They not only treated me to a delightful dinner in Marina del Rey but also took me to explore different parts of Los Angeles that I would have otherwise missed. Additionally, I had the chance to meet up with a friend I had connected with through Couchsurfing before my trip. We visited Marina del Rey beach and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Tony P’s, where the portion sizes were larger than I was accustomed to (a common trend in the United States). While I am not a fan of wasting food or relying on doggy bags, I appreciated the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and the scenic view of the marina with its impressive yachts.
These encounters and shared experiences added a special touch to my time in Venice Beach, reminding me of the wonderful connections and friendships that can be formed during travels.
Concluding my three-day stay at Venice Beach, I felt a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the experiences I had during my time in this vibrant coastal destination. From immersing myself in the diverse beach culture to savoring delightful meals and connecting with wonderful individuals, Venice Beach left a lasting impression on my journey. As I said my farewells and returned to Hollywood, I carried with me treasured memories and a deeper appreciation for the distinct charm and lively atmosphere of this captivating place.
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Anyah Mroz 