01
At a glance
Venice at a glance
A quick read on the setting, housing mix, and everyday rhythm of the neighborhood.
Neighborhoods in Venice
Daily life
What it's like to live in Venice
The daily rhythm blends beach walks, independent shops and restaurants, art, skate culture, and long-standing community life.
Interesting Facts About Venice
Venice Beach
Venice was first dubbed as the “Venice of America” when it was founded by tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney back in 1905. He envisioned it as a beachfront resort town attracting people from all over. Although his plans didn’t come to fruition as planned, it’s safe to say that Venice Beach still draws people in with its lively vibe and abundance of things to see and do.
The Beach
Venice Beach comprises three miles of beautiful coastline and arguably some of the best surfing. Breakwater Beach, in particular, is a local favorite for catching waves.
Grease
You might recognize Venice High School as the set for Rydell High in the beloved 1978 film Grease. The school has also been used as a set for many other films such as Nightmare on Elm Street, American History X, and several music videos including Britney Spears’ hit “Baby One More Time.”
Community Favorites
Venice Amusement Pier
The Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park wasn’t the only beachside amusement park in LA. Venice actually had its very own amusement pier which was built back in 1909. It featured an aquarium, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, an ostrich farm, a rollercoaster, a skating rink, and more. Sadly, it closed down in 1946.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
In 2012, GQ magazine named Abbot Kinney Boulevard the “coolest block in America” and it’s easy to see why. It’s filled with trendy, fun, and eclectic shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s undoubtedly one of Venice’s most popular destinations. We could literally spend all day here exploring.
Venice Beach Recreation Center
The Venice Beach Recreation Center is comprised of handball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts where many NBA players got their start. The courts are pretty famous too. They were featured in the 1992 film White Men Can’t Jump.
Drum Circle
A must-do for travelers and locals alike, the Venice drum circle is something really special. Tons of people from all over the globe gather on the beach every Saturday and Sunday afternoon to play their instruments and dance.
The Doors
Venice Beach is actually where the cult-favorite rock band The Doors was born. Many of their band photos from back in the day where also shot in Venice. The beach town now pays homage to the legends with a vibrant Jim Morrison mural.
Venice Canals
The famous Venice Canals is one of the most picturesque spots in the neighborhood. Developer Abbot Kinney created these gorgeous man-made canals over 100 years ago inspired by Venice, Italy. We love strolling through the dreamy walkways on a warm afternoon and taking in the beautiful views of the bridges, beach houses, and sparkling water.
The General Store
This hidden gem is brimming with boho chic and cool home goods, clothes, and jewelry. Consider the General Store your go-to retail therapy haven. The Instagram-worthy decor alone is reason enough to swing by.
Scopa Italian Roots
Italian food is always a good idea and even more so if you’re having it at Scopa Italian Roots. Chef Antonia Lofaso, a former Top Chef contestant, impresses with a scrumptious menu filled with pastas and antipasti (think eggplant parmesan, truffle egg, and stuffed mushroom).
TOMS Flagship Store
TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie, actually started the company from his Venice apartment in 2006 hence why the beach town is home to the brand’s flagship store. Located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the store provides a feel-good experience as your purchases help provide shoes, eyewear, and clean water to people in over 70 countries.
Intelligentsia
Intelligentsia is a far from traditional coffee experience, which is exactly why it’s our favorite coffee house in Venice. You’ll go for the luxurious coffee, but you’ll want to stay awhile for the cool, laid-back vibe.
The Rose
Opened in 1979, The Rose is a Venice icon. Chef Jason Neroni’s menu stars delicious dishes inspired by local cuisine with a global twist. Swing by for buttermilk blackberry pancakes for breakfast or a mushroom quinoa burger for lunch. We also love the indoor/outdoor design of the space—complete with a beer garden, a bakery, a Verve Coffee bar, and a cocktail bar.
High Lounge
Situated on the rooftop of Hotel Erwin, the High Lounge boasts views that seriously can’t be beat. Swing by after work to take in the awe-inspiring sunset views while you kick back with a cocktail. Our favorite drink is the aptly named “A Day at the Beach.”
Zinque
We can’t get enough of the brioche French toast from this charming French-inspired bistro and wine bar. If you pop in for dinner, start off with a charcuterie plate before diving into a grass beef burger, a whole grilled Branzino, or lasagna. End things on a sweet note with a warm brownie topped with ice cream.
Venice Beach Farmers Market
Located at Venice Boulevard and Venice Way, this farmers market is where you can catch us on Fridays between 7 and 11 stocking up on fresh organic produce.
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw has the best ice cream. They are always pushing the taste buds with creative new flavors each more fun and delicious than the last. Our favorite is a tie between the honey lavender and sea salt with caramel, but they constantly update their menu with seasonal flavors, so you’ll never get bored!
Casablanca
Inspired by the 1943 film, this Venice restaurant has one of the largest collections of Casablanca memorabilia ever that includes a life-size statue of Humphrey Bogart. But don’t get it twisted, the star of the show here is the food. The Mexican and seafood-centric menu features things like calamari steak and handmade tortillas. Their impressive selection of tequilas is also worth checking out as well as their tableside margaritas.
Fringe
Fringe has been one of the best hair salons on the Westside for over 15 years. From cuts to colors, they offer services for both men and women. You’ll always leave here feeling like your very best self. Just ask our very own CEO who gets her blowouts here.
Show Me Your Mumu
This whimsical and bohemian clothing boutique is our go-to for the cutest dresses, rompers, and breezy tops that are perfect for beach days and vacations.
Abbot’s Pizza
Open for over 20 years, this neighborhood pizza spot is one of our favorites. They have a range of fresh pizzas including classics like a thin crust pepperoni cheese and gourmet options like wild mushroom pizza. The menu also features salads, calzones, and chocolate chip scones for dessert.
Baby Blues BBQ
Baby Blues BBQ will satisfy your craving for authentic southern cuisine. Dig into pulled pork sandwiches, beef brisket, and baby back ribs smothered in their house BBQ sauce and served with sides like classic mac n’ cheese and banana pudding.
General Admission
From stylish flannel shirts to old school Vans sneakers, this hipster men’s boutique is filled with cool and unique finds from a curated assortment of brands as well as the boutique’s own label made right here in LA.
James Beach
Situated just a short walk from the beach, James Beach restaurant and bar serves classic comfort food we can’t get enough of. We highly recommend the fish tacos. The decor and laid-back ambiance oozes beachy Venice vibes and features art by local artists. You might even recognize the space from its cameo in the film I Love You Man starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel.
Muscle Beach Gym
Located in the heart of Venice Beach near the famous Venice boardwalk, Muscle Beach Gym is an outdoor weight room where bodybuilders go to work out. Even legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno have pumped iron here. Snag a day pass to try it out for yourself or just sit back and watch.
Gjelina
You’re in for a treat at Gjelina. Whether you pop in for some lemon buckwheat ricotta pancakes for breakfast or a mushroom pizza for dinner, this place doesn’t disappoint. Whatever you order, don’t miss the homemade gelato for dessert.
Local intelligence
What Pardee watches in Venice
Value in Venice is shaped by more than bed and bath count. We look at the home’s exact setting, condition, lot and outdoor usability, active competition, recent sales, likely buyer, and the small location differences that can change how a property performs. A useful buying or selling strategy begins with that context, not a broad neighborhood average alone.
For sale now
Homes for sale in Venice
Browse current homes for sale in Venice. When Pardee listings are available, they appear first; otherwise, this section shows active listings in the area through the MLS feed.
Buying & selling here
What to know before you make a move in Venice.
For buyers
Buying in Venice
For buyers, the goal is to compare the features that matter in Venice: exact setting, property condition, access, and the tradeoffs that distinguish one opportunity from another.
For sellers
Selling in Venice
For sellers, the strongest plan starts with a clear reading of the property’s individual story, then aligns preparation, pricing, photography, launch timing, and outreach to the right audience.
Locations are approximate and shown for orientation only.
Location
Connected to the Westside
Where Venice sits in relation to the places people move between most.
Good to know
Venice schools
School assignment and program information can change and may depend on a specific address. We can help buyers find current official resources and identify the questions to ask while evaluating a home.
Good to know
Venice questions, answered
Venice is a coastal LA neighborhood with several distinct pockets, from the canals and beach to Abbot Kinney and Oakwood. The day-to-day feel changes significantly by block and proximity to major destinations.
Local read
Want a local read
on Venice?
Whether you are buying, selling, or just starting to compare neighborhoods, we can help you understand what matters here.
Prefer to talk now? hello@pardeeproperties.com · (310) 861-7719
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