FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Under $100: Venice Beach, Calif.

by Jenna Payesko

Jul 11, 2017

Surfer on Venice Beach, California © Mtsaride | Dreamstime

Under $100 / North America

Venice Beach, Calif., the famous playground by the sea for Southern Californians, is especially well known for its eclectic oceanfront boardwalk. It’s known for its characters and colorful culture, with street art at almost every corner. Whether you’re looking for fun in the sun, a unique experience or a sophisticated evening of art and music, Venice Beach has enough to keep a tourist entertained.

Begin your day at The Rose. If there’s a specific brunch experience you’re looking for, you should be able to find it at chef Jason Neroni’s complex on the corner of Rose Avenue. The restaurant is dotted with planters, wicker lamps and open seating, and the building stretches across several rooms with various nooks and crannies, both indoors and out. Order the avocado toast, $12, with fried duck egg, lemon, pickled fresno chillies and pistachios, or the roasted Brussels sprouts, $10, with kale pesto and two fried eggs. This is a revival of a restaurant that spent 36 years serving Venice, but most of it is brand new.

After breakfast, walk down the boardwalk and find a spot on the beach. Venice Beach offers prime surfing and sunbathing opportunities as well as recreational activities like beach volleyball, paddle tennis, bike trail access and much more. Spend the morning working off breakfast, relaxing in the sun or both. Head down to the famous skate park and you will see talented skaters taking on the pipes. Next to the skate park is the ever-changing art wall, where new or old artists feature their work and paint the town.

Head over to Jay’s Rentals and rent a beach cruiser for $6 an hour or roller skates for $8 an hour. The best way to get around this beach community is on wheels, whether that’s skates or a bike. Not only will you be going green, you’ll save time and money.

If you’re parched from the summer and need to refresh, stop by Menotti’s Coffee Stop. The hip destination is perfect to grab a light bite or cup of coffee and take in the funky, artsy atmosphere. The café offers fantastic views of the boardwalk and is a popular gathering spot. The shop serves organic and vegan coffee options and quality Four Barrel Coffee. Drinks range $3–6.

Cap off the night by taking an $8 Ferris wheel ride on the Santa Monica Pier, where you’ll get incredible, one-of-a-kind prime views of the ocean and the Los Angeles city lights.

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