AN ENDLESS WESTSIDE SUMMER: A DAY THROUGH CULVER CITY, MAR VISTA AND VENICE
It’s mid-August in Los Angeles, and summer is just heating up. While much of the U.S. looks ahead to sweaters and warm drinks, Angelenos are still chasing ocean breezes and dipping into the Pacific through late October.
For visitors and locals alike, there’s no better way to spend a warm day than on LA’s Westside. From culinary landmarks to coastal sunsets and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, here’s how to make the most of a perfect summer day across Culver City, Mar Vista, and Venice.
Morning in Culver City
Start your day with coffee and fresh-baked bread at Helms Bakery, a historic landmark in Culver City guided by Michelin-recognized Chef Sang Yoon. The newly opened bakery offers warm sourdough baguettes and in-house roasted coffee.
Next, make your way to Downtown Culver City, shopping is available at The Culver Steps or the Platform on Washington Boulevard. Here you’ll find Reformation, Kinn, Catbird and more.
For those who want to have an active morning, head over to the Culver Stairs a local favorite with over 280 steps and a breeze at the top. Bring your camera to capture panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin, the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains.
More Local Favorites:
- Pop-into The Culver Hotel, recently celebrating 100 years, for a classic American breakfast or elegant afternoon tea in the opulent living room.
- Schedule a facial at Formula Fig for a self-care boost
- Get your hands dirty at Bitter Root Pottery, nestled in Hayden Tract hub
- Refuel at Destroyer, a minimalist café blending artful plating with bold flavors.
Afternoon in Mar Vista
Just west along Venice Boulevard lies Mar Vista, a laid-back neighborhood balancing artistic spirit with culinary flair. Filled with multi-cultural restaurants, artist pop-ups, coffee shops and shopping, Mar Vista brings a new approach to the Westside.
If exploring has worked up an appetite, make it over to Saby’s, a family-owned modern Mexican cafe with creative lattes and classic burritos. Try the Channel Orange latte with a chipotle chicken burrito and grab a seat outdoors for prime people-watching.
Give back while shopping at Time Travel Mart, a funky gift shop where all proceeds go to 826LA, a non-profit organization dedicated to unlocking and cultivating the creative power of writing for students.
More Local Favorites:
- Visit the Mar Vista Farmer’s Market (Sundays), featuring tons of vendors and artisan goods
- Catch a wave at Saba Surf Cafe. This recently opened cafe is part coffee shop, part boardshop.
- California meets Italy at the new Beethoven Market. As Owner Jeremy Adler’s first solo- adventure, Beethoven Market is meant to feel like an extension of your own living room, ready to be filled with family & friends.
Evening in Venice Beach
As the sun begins to set, make your way to Venice Beach, where roller skaters, musicians, and artists embody the neighborhood’s free-spirit.
Wander through the hidden gem of Venice Walk Streets. Just steps from the beach, these pedestrian-only streets date back to the 1900s and were originally the vision of Abbot Kinney, who wanted to recreate the beautiful streets of Venice, Italy. For a fun photo stop, pop over to the Mosaic Tile House, covered head-to-toe in hand-laid tiles.
After admiring the colorful home, head over for drinks at Kassi Rooftop Venice Beach. Opened in June, Kassi Venice Beach sits atop Hotel Erwin and features Mediterranean cuisine. Grab an inventive cocktail like the Oracle of Delphi or Velvet Seafoam and catch the golden sunset along the Pacific Ocean. For the rest of the evening, it’s fair game. Whether you’re grabbing dinner, a sweet treat or soaking in the evening’s cool weather, there’s not a bad choice in Venice.
More Local Favorites:
- If you’re looking for a great dinner option, look no further than Dudley Market, RVR on Abbot Kinney, or Companion on Lincoln Boulevard
- Snap a photo beneath the iconic Venice sign
- Catch a live show at The Del Monte Speakeasy, Hinano’s Cafe or The Venice West
- Stay the night at Hotel Erwin or The Kinney for a full Westside experience
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MEDIA CONTACT
Ana-Gabriella Garcia
Manager, Global Communications
agarcia@latourism.org
ABOUT LOS ANGELES & LOS ANGELES TOURISM
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is the non-profit destination marketing and sales organization for the Los Angeles tourism industry and the ultimate resource for where to stay and play in the LA area. Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination – where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome. Discover the true LA by exploring its more than 30 culturally rich neighborhoods, each one offering a distinct vibe. LA is home to more than 300 days of warm sunshine, 75 miles of idyllic shoreline, more museums and performing arts venues than any other US city, and an innovative culinary scene led by influential tastemakers. A global creative capital and the epicenter of the sports universe, LA presents limitless possibilities for visitors from around the world. For more information, visit discoverlosangeles.com, follow at facebook.com/DiscoverLosAngeles, or @discoverLA on Instagram.
