An Insider Guide To Exploring Venice Beach

Make yourself at home in Venice Beach with Plum Guide’s collection of vacation abodes…

This contemporary Venice Beach home, aptly named Champagne & Oysters, proffers a number of enthralling spots in a prime location (the beach is just a couple of minutes’ walk away). There’s the terrace with cityscape views, the glorious freestanding bathtub in the master suite, the reading corner and the indoor-outdoor pool – ideal for a tranquil dip after a day spent in the Californian sun.

For a stay that is close enough to enjoy the buzz of the beach (a five-minute drive or 30-minute walk away) but peaceful enough to escape the bustle, Modernist Calm is perfectly proportioned and well situated. It is flooded with natural light and was recently redesigned with sustainability in mind (it has solar power and an osmosis water-filtration system). Our favorite spots are the retro breakfast bar and the oasis of the dappled courtyard garden.

This impeccably designed, modern-meets-mid-century house (one block from Abbot Kinney Boulevard) is the picture of serenity. With a soothing sense of indoor-outdoor throughout, Amber & Sweet Orange has a pretty plant-filled backyard that also boasts a private sauna for a restorative spa session.

In a highly desirable location (Venice Beach and Abbot Kinney Boulevard are five- and ten-minute walks away), the extensive four-storey Fourth Dimension home is the epitome of modern luxury. The huge glass walls bring plenty of sunshine into the sleek interiors, but head straight up to the terrace for panoramic views stretching from the Getty Museum to the Hollywood Hills.

LA Louver, a low-key art gallery situated just off the beach, is a hub of creative talent and has a roster of exhibitions from renowned names as well as local artists.

The iconic Venice boardwalk promises the perfect setting for people-watching, stunning ocean views and lively bars. Walk from one end to the other while soaking up the SoCal sun.

Dedicated music lovers should venture into the city to catch a performance from up-and-coming artists at Zebulon, a tiny venue on Fletcher Drive in the Elysian Valley district. Alternatively, Harvelle’s is a speakeasy-style bar (established in 1931) in nearby Santa Monica, which offers live jazz music and where a good evening is guaranteed.

Six miles north of Santa Monica is The Getty Villa, modeled on a Roman seaside home, which houses an incredible collection of Greek and Roman art. It also has beautiful gardens to explore.

Finally, for a discovery of the LA art scene like no other, take a private tour with Art Muse Los Angeles, a community of historians, artists and educators who share their expertise as they guide you through galleries, studios and private collections.

For LA day (or night) trippers, Highland Park Bowl (in Northeast LA) is always worth a visit. The city’s oldest bowling alley has been recently renovated and has an incredible antique and steampunk feel. Go for the bowling, stay for the burgers.

Since Venice is on the water and Marina del Rey is very close, make sure to spend a day sailing. There are opportunities for whale-watching, but relaxing and enjoying the picturesque vista of Santa Monica Bay is also a completely idyllic pursuit.

Venice is known for its scenic canals, situated between the Boardwalk and Abbot Kinney, which are charming locales for a stroll. There are companies that offer private tours of the walkways, beaches and bridges to ensure you see the best of the mesmerizing views. Also well worth a wander are the pedestrian-only Venice Walk Streets, which give a sense of the neighborhood in times gone by – and its utopian beachside lifestyle.

Explore Plum Guide’s full collection of homes in Venice Beach

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