Another One of My Favorite Places

I actually recently came across this place and fell in love with it.  Last spring I came across this place while on a road trip with some friends.  I revisited it with my girlfriend over winter break and we stayed for a week.  In sunny and warm southern California, Venice Beach is my new go to "local" vacation spot.  We stayed at a place called Venice Suites (highly recommended!) that had us situated right in the middle of the beach walk.  In front of our hotel was the beach, it was just on the other side of the sidewalk.  It was fantastic.

There was always something going on at Venice Beach and that is why I loved it.  Everyday we would wake up and walk to somewhere new along the beach walk.  The beach walk is lined with little vendors, street performers, various restaurants and smoothie bars.  The place is alive and is mixed with all kinds of culture.  Along the beach walk, they have a skate park, an outdoor gym, playgrounds, volleyball courts, surf shops and clothing shops.  Artists would be on display painting the scene and selling their work, or you could find stunt men performing street stunts or magic shows.  It didn't matter which way you turned, there was something to look at and capture your attention.  

One of the other nice things about Venice Beach is that it is only a 2 mile walk to the Santa Monica Pier.  We took the ocean walk one night all the way over there and had a blast on the pier.  The pier has a roller coaster, huge Ferris wheel, giant arcade, bumper cars and lots of small carnival games.  

I felt that a week there was just the right amount of time. I am already planning on going down there again for Spring break in a few months. This time we may go visit Universal Studios since it is only a short 30 minute drive away from Venice Beach.

-Patrick Garrett