The perfect weekend in Venice Beach

If Neverland were a place, it just might be the compact three square miles of Venice Beach, California, where the good times roll and no one is ever forced to grow up. Just ask locals like Lucy Jean Osinski, who credits her late-blooming love of skateboarding with the neighborhood’s playful vibes.

Growing up on the East Coast, Osinski thought skating was reserved for people like Tony Hawk, but when she stepped foot in Venice Beach more than six years ago, everything changed. “It's so much a part of the culture in Venice already that it feels infectious. It all feels way more accessible,” says Osinksi, the 30-something cofounder of GrlSwirl, a collective that brings people together through skating.

“I don't think GrlSwirl would be anywhere without the Venice community,” says Osinksi. Her mission to bring skateboarding to marginalized groups was inspired by the neighborhood that welcomed her with open arms. “I think there's a give and take, especially for someone who's not born and raised here. The gates were open because of the women before me coming into this space. It was really important to give as much as we took, so a lot of the work that we did from the beginning was raising money for local shelters.”

To Osinski, Venice’s good vibes are tangible. They’re found in the hundreds of people who show up for her community skates down the boardwalk and in her peaceful solo skates through Venice’s tiny alleyways and backstreets.

“It feels like home,” says Osinski, echoing the thoughts of many people who spend time in Venice, even just for a few days. The feeling, she says, is a reflection of Venice Beach’s welcoming spirit.

In this edition of the WeekEnder, we’re taking you to Venice Beach, for outdoor fun, laidback eateries, and hotels that feel more like a best friend’s beachside bungalow.

—Stacey Leasca, SoCal’s Senior WeekEnder Guide

Skate, surf, and stroll your way through the neighborhood

Watch members of GrlSwirl and other world-class talent from Los Angeles kick-flipping, backsiding, and generally getting steezy at Venice Skatepark. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but we’re partial to the early morning hours when the light is soft, and the crowds are thin enough to stake out a great view.

You could easily walk Venice’s most famous block and back in 30 minutes, but where’s the fun in that? With epic street art, delicious dining, and fantastic shopping, there are plenty of reasons to stick around. Try Bazar for men's and women’s fashion, Burro for kitschy souvenirs, and Le Labo for a new custom scent.

There’s no better physical representation of Venice’s quirky spirit than the Mosaic Tile House, created by artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran. For over a decade, the duo painstakingly transformed their home into a vision of mosaic tile, stone, and clay. Lucky for us, they open it up to the curious masses on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. Make sure to email and make a reservation first.

Skateboarding isn’t the only boarding that’s made a splash in Venice. A lesson with the beloved, long-standing Kapowui surf school will turn even the biggest land lovers into at least semi-decent surfers in under two hours.

Wait, which Venice? The Venice Canals were built in 1905 by Abbot Kinney (yes, the street is named after him, too) in an attempt to recreate a little piece of Italy right here in California. Though many of the original canals disappeared due to development, those that remain are so special that they were added to the National Register of Historic Places. In bustling, party-ready Venice Beach, it’s a perfect little oasis of peace and quiet. Walk around for free, but remember that people live here, so respect their privacy along the way.

Dive into Venice’s most delicious bites, from classic burgers to fresh-caught seafood

Sure, you could order your coffee black at Menotti’s, but why? This is the spot for a morning thrill—think the refreshing citrusy zip of an espresso tonic or the creamy delight of a Spanish latte crafted with condensed milk and cinnamon. Just steps away from the Venice Boardwalk and Skatepark, it’s the perfect pit stop before catching the morning skate scene.

This hole-in-the-wall cafe down the shoreline delivers delicious breakfasts ideal for refueling after a GrlSwirl skate sesh or Kapowi surf lesson. Grab an egg and cheese stacked with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo, or go for a hearty breakfast burrito with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and your choice of bacon, ham, or hot link.

It’s outdoor dining or bust at The Win-Dow, a burger shack that is, well, just a window. The pared-down menu has a cheeseburger, fried chicken sandwich, and veggie options like an impossible burger, grain bowl, and kale salad. Honestly, you can’t go wrong because everything is delicious. Add a side of perfectly salted fries for good measure. Bonus: it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from Venice’s main attractions.

With an extensive menu of local and international wines, the dimly lit Dudley Market is the perfect place to sit back with a bottle and slowly sip over a good conversation. Pair that with fresh-caught seafood reeled in from the restaurant's own boat, and your romantic dinner for two is complete.

Don’t go to bed before visiting Townhouse, the oldest bar in Venice. Dating back to 1915, this perennial favorite plays hosts to live music and comedy shows all week. Time it right, and you could catch LA’s latest and greatest up-and-coming act. Order essentially any cocktail on earth, or ask the bartender to whip up a surprise just for you.

Venice gems that make the neighborhood feel like home

Just a few blocks from the beach, this colorful hotel offers guests and day visitors alike 360-degree views of Venice from its appropriately named rooftop bar, High Rooftop. But the hotel is more than just its fabulous roof. Inside, guests will find colorful rooms with plush furniture and ocean-view balconies, and the hotel has beach amenities like cruiser bikes, coolers, and folding chairs at the ready.

Need to be even closer to the beach? With a patio sitting directly on the sand, The Venice On The Beach Hotel definitely delivers. Inside, serene natural hues are punctuated by pops of baby blue, just like the waves out front. It offers guests all the goodies they’d need for a day at the beach, including chairs, umbrellas, and even boogie boards.

It doesn’t get more local than Venice V, which sits in a 1915 landmark building right on the boardwalk, just steps away from the skatepark and shore. Airy, modern decor and exposed brick walls are honestly just a backdrop for the fantastic window views. For something extra special, book The Arbuckle Suite with direct views of the skatepark, a private patio, and a bar for entertaining.

Built in 1911, this estate house turned B&B is on the Register of Historic Places and offers the perfect blend of coziness and luxury—think button-tufted leather couches, wood beam ceilings, and tranquil breakfasts in the garden. All that, and it’s still just a block from the beach.

The best hotel amenity of all? Making new friends. The common spaces at Kinney Venice Beach are their own scene with ping-pong, a pool, a firepit, and loungers for catching LA rays. With oversized suites rocking living rooms, dining tables, and pull-out sofas, it’s the perfect place for traveling in a group.