Welcome to Venice and Mar Vista
Bustling technology hub, a lively boardwalk, fun nightlife, and a thriving art scene
Venice is home to a lively and bustling boardwalk with musicians, dancers, and skaters performing for the public. Once an artist colony, Venice has expanded with remodeled bungalows, sleek modern homes, and world-class dining. New chic boutiques line Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Just southeast of Venice Boulevard and Pacific Avenue is the historic Venice Canals, a scenic network of waterways and bridges. Beautiful and historic houses set in lush greenery line the banks.
Mar Vista is a highly diverse, mix-use residential neighborhood. Large palm trees and charming post-war, single-family homes line the streets. This area is just five minutes from the beach and has incredible mountain views. Its main thoroughfare, Venice Boulevard, is dotted with trendy bars, upscale restaurants, and unique shops. Mar Vista and Venice are the centers of “Silicon Beach,” where large technology companies such as Google and Snapchat have set up offices.
What to Love
- Silicon Beach’s technology hub
- The famous Venice Boardwalk
- Vibrant art and culture scene
- Quick commute to LAX
- Fun and lively nightlife
Local Lifestyle
Venice and Mar Vista offer a mix of urban, suburban, and laid-back beach lifestyle appeal. It has retained much of its artistic charms, with murals filling the walls along the boardwalk. It’s bustling with crowds of tourists during the day and has a fun and social nightlife. Mar Vista is quieter, with technology industry professionals crowding the eateries for lunch.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Abbot Kinney has an eclectic selection of fine-dining restaurants, casual eateries, and healthy food spots. Felix Trattoria features pasta made right before your eyes. They pair authentic Italian dishes with a good selection of bottled wines. Gjelina serves globally-influenced cuisine. They have a casual dining area and counter-served option outdoors.
The Tasting Kitchen is a Mediterranean restaurant with creative dishes, popular brunches, and a bustling bar at night. The Butcher’s Daughter has a selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes and fresh fruit smoothies, plus cocktails and wine. Barrique Venice serves inspired Italian cuisine in a romantic, upscale atmosphere.
You’ll also find numerous chic storefronts lining up the street, including Birkenstock and Lululemon.
For seafood, Tangaroa Fish Market is a bustling restaurant and retail fish market with fresh seafood dishes and a raw bar. On Sundays, the Mar Vista Farmers’ Market sells prepared foods, locally-sourced produce, and craft items, and it also hosts live music.
Things to Do
The Venice Boardwalk is one of the best places for street performances and people-watching. There are colorful murals on the walls, a skate park, and an outdoor gym famously known as Muscle Beach. If you want some quiet time, the Venice Canals are perfect for strolling along the scenic waterways.
For live music, The Brig and Townhouse Venice host local musicians. Venice Beach is also home to some of the biggest festivals in Los Angeles. The Venice Beach Festival has live concerts, artists, designer vendors, and yoga classes on the sand. The annual Abbot Kinney Festival takes over a mile-long strip of the street for vendors, music, artists, and over 100,000 attendees.
