ITINERARYDine & Shop Like a Local on Abbot Kinney

For latte lovers, there’s nowhere better to find exceptional espresso or matcha creations. Find thoughtfully sourced and roasted coffee and table service in the stunning, loft-style Intelligentsia. Or, for a more minimalist, counter-style experience that only serves the highest quality coffees in the world, make a morning stop at Blue Bottle Coffee. 

Once you’ve secured your preferred pick-me-up, it’s worth sipping it alongside the legendary Venice Beach and soaking in the scenery of this vibrant and artistic area. On Saturdays, artisan market Artists & Fleas sets up shop with over 50 sellers and makers, from tastemakers to collectors and designers. 

This bustling stretch is dotted with renowned fashion brands, local labels, and plenty of boutiques displaying made-here gifts and goods. Stop into Burro for everything from candles to coffee table books, visit Grow Venice for Southern California-inspired treasures of all sorts, browse Huset for Scandinavian-inspired homeware, art, and knick-knacks, and explore Heist for a unique collection of designer brands. And if you really want to shop like a local, make a point of visiting the locally-loved antique shop Bazar.

Abbot Kinney is also the perfect place to pick up that special something you’ve been eyeing from a favorite brand. A stroll straight down with Boulevard will take you to the front steps of shops like Aesop, Everlane, Mejuri, Allbirds, and many more.

In this beachside neighborhood, it’s easy to stumble upon some of the freshest food imaginable. Consider Gjelina, a community staple and quintessential Venice restaurant serving a seasonal menu of wood-roasted vegetable dishes, pizzas, and smoked seafood ​​— all starring locally-sourced ingredients. Other culinary gems include the New American farm-to-table restaurant The Tasting Kitchen, garden bistro and cocktail bar Neighbor, and plant-based favorite The Butcher’s Daughter. 

Searching for something sweet before you make the short trip back to Santa Monica? Order a late-night scoop at Salt & Straw, a go-to ice cream shop for locals and visitors, thanks to their farm-to-cone philosophy and dozens of creative flavors.