Hotel Erwin
Your Comprehensive Venice Beach Summer Break Guide
Sun’s out, vibes up—summer is officially the best time to hit Venice Beach. With perfect weather, iconic sights, and that effortlessly cool energy, this is where summer break dreams come to life. Whether you’re here for boardwalk adventures, rooftop cocktails, or just some solid beach time, we’ve got the ultimate guide to doing summer right in Venice Beach. Let’s go!
Shop Like a Local
Go Shopping at Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the heartbeat of Venice Beach—a mile-long stretch where creativity and culture collide. Dubbed “The Coolest Block in America,” this vibrant avenue is a haven for shoppers and art enthusiasts. Explore boutique stores offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to avant-garde fashion and admire murals by local artists that add a splash of color to every corner.
Summer ushers in First Fridays, a monthly event where the street comes alive with food trucks, live music, and pop-up shops. Mark your calendar for the first Friday of each month to catch these lively gatherings.
Beyond shopping and events, Abbot Kinney boasts some of the best coffee shops and dessert spots in Los Angeles. Start your day at Intelligentsia Coffee, known for its meticulously brewed beans and hip ambiance. Craving something sweet? Salt & Straw offers artisanal ice cream with inventive flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. As you wander the boulevard, let the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods guide you to hidden gems, each offering a unique slice of Venice Beach’s culinary scene.
Whether you’re hunting for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, indulging in gourmet treats, or simply soaking in the eclectic atmosphere, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of Venice Beach.
Only in Venice Beach
Stroll Along the Venice Beach Boardwalk
If you haven’t strolled the Venice Beach Boardwalk, have you even been to Venice Beach? This place is a full-on sensory overload in the best way possible—street performers doing their thing, vendors selling everything from cheesy souvenirs to actual works of art, and Muscle Beach legends flexing like it’s their job. Grab a bite, people-watch like a pro, and soak up the one-of-a-kind chaos that makes this place iconic.
Venice Beach, Reimagined
Explore the Venice Beach Canals
Venice Beach isn’t just boardwalk buzz and ocean views—it’s got a quiet, almost-too-perfect side, too. Enter the Venice Beach Canals, where charming footbridges, dreamy waterfront homes, and postcard-worthy reflections make you feel like you just stepped into another world (or at least, another zip code). Take a slow stroll, snap some ridiculously aesthetic photos, and enjoy the very different vibe—because even Venice Beach knows how to chill.
For a truly unique way to experience the canals, Canal Pals offers picturesque canoe and kayak tours through Venice Beach’s historic canal district, allowing you to relax and unwind while observing local wildlife.
Golden Hour Goals
Catch the Sunset at Venice Skatepark
Summer sunsets in Venice Beach? Absolute magic—and the best seat in the house is absolutely the Venice Skatepark. Here, you’ve got skaters landing tricks, the Pacific glowing in shades of pink and gold, and that perfect mix of chaos and chill that makes Venice, Venice. Whether you’re snapping pics or just soaking it all in, this is the kind of moment that makes you really glad you showed up. Grab a slice from a nearby pizza spot, find a spot on the ledge, and let the street performers be your soundtrack. Golden hour doesn’t get more Venice Beach than this.
Pacific Playground
Hit the Waves and Surf the Pacific
Summertime in Venice Beach is the perfect opportunity to embrace the surf culture that defines this iconic locale. With mild temperatures and fewer crowds, it’s an ideal season for both seasoned surfers and newcomers to hit the waves. Local shops like Ray’s Rentals offer foam surfboards perfect for beginners, available for various rental durations.
If you’re seeking a more relaxed water adventure, consider paddleboarding or kayaking. Pro SUP Shop in nearby Marina del Rey provides top-quality paddleboard and kayak rentals, along with lessons and guided tours.
Taste the Coast
Indulge in California Coastal Cuisine
Venice Beach is a foodie’s playground, and summer is the perfect excuse to indulge in fresh, seasonal flavors under the sun. Start your day with brunch at Great White, our next door neighbor known for its laid-back Aussie vibes and legendary breakfast burrito (seriously, get it).
Craving a caffeine fix? Menotti’s is the move for a perfectly pulled cortado with a side of ocean breeze. For dinner, Abbot Kinney brings the heat with everything from trendy cafes to high-end dining. And of course, sunset cocktails at Kassi are non-negotiable—because nothing pairs better with ocean views than a perfectly made mezcal margarita.
Vitamin D, Please
Soak in the Sun on the Beach
Grab a book or your favorite podcast and let the California sun work its magic. Venice Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation and fun. It boasts several volleyball courts, perfect for a friendly game with friends or family. You’ll find courts between Venice Blvd and Washington Blvd, by Breeze Ave, and between Ozone Ave and Rose Ave. Or, if you’re more into people-watching than playing, there’s always a spot in the sand calling your name.
When you book at Hotel Erwin, you’ll enjoy complimentary beach essentials like chairs, towels, and even gear for basketball, volleyball, and more—so all you have to do is show up and soak it in.
Where Art Meets Attitude
Experience Local Venice Beach Art and Culture
Venice Beach is a haven for art lovers, especially in the summer when the local creative scene blossoms. Kick off your artistic adventure at the Mosaic Tile House, a 1940s home transformed into a vibrant masterpiece by artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran. Every inch is adorned with colorful tiles, glass, and ceramics, offering a kaleidoscope of visual delight.
Next, head to the Venice Art Walls at the beach, where graffiti artists showcase their talents on designated structures. The murals here change frequently, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit. It’s a dynamic canvas reflecting the community’s diverse artistic expressions.
Summer Break Starts Here
Relax at Hotel Erwin Venice Beach
After a day of chasing sunsets, cruising the boardwalk, and soaking up that Venice Beach energy, kick back at Hotel Erwin—where the vibes are as good as the views. Steps from the sand and stacked with everything you need (modern digs, killer rooftop cocktails, and a team that actually gets Venice), this is your HQ for summertime adventures. Private balcony? Check. Ocean breeze? Always. Plans for tomorrow? Let’s wing it.
Sun, Surf, Savings
Get Up To 25% Off
Summer in Venice Beach is basically begging you to come hang. From the buzz of the boardwalk to the laid-back charm of the canals, there’s no shortage of ways to make this summer break one for the books. Lock in your stay at Hotel Erwin Venice Beach, get 25% off, and let’s make some questionable-but-amazing decisions by the beach.
