Watson and I are so excited to bring you to one of the dog-friendliest neighborhoods in LA, our hometown of Venice Beach! Venice has changed a lot in the past few years, but we still couldn’t be more proud to call it home. There’s so much to do in this neighborhood, especially with your pup!
There’s of course the beach itself, the muscle-tastic beachside gym, the oh-so-popular Abbot Kinney Blvd, tons of amazing brunch spots and MURALS GALORE. I mean, GALORE! Venice has always had a really vibrant art scene, and that translation to murals has exploded over the past 3 years. Now you pretty much can’t find a street in Venice without a mural!
Read on for my 10 favorite things to do, places to eat, and places to drink in Venice Beach with your dog!
TO DO
WALL CRAWL! As mentioned, the first thing you should do with your pup in Venice is go on a mural crawl. You can use my Google Map as a guide. You’ll want to start on Abbot Kinney and then make your way to the beach, weaving down Main Street on your way back through Windward Circle. You honestly can’t go wrong here, so just wander around!
Shop on Abbot Kinney: If you’re looking for upscale boutique shopping, Abbot Kinney is for you. Aesop, Warby Parker, Cuyana, Adidas, Sweaty Betty and the elusive new Apple Store of weed, MedMen, are all on this street, and all dog-friendly! Our personal fave is Urbanic, the card and party favor shop!
Hop on a Bird (with your dog in a K9 Sport Sack!) The best way to get around Venice fast is by Bird Scooter. And it’s FUN. Yes I know they are annoying when you aren’t on one, but wait until you ride one. Just please be careful of other cars, pedestrians, and general rules of the road. Oh and PS: you should probably wear a helmet, unlike me 😉
TO DRINK
Menotti’s: I’m a total coffee snob, and Menotti’s passes the bar! Really friendly baristas and incredible tasting coffee. I’m also pretty much obsessed with their cheddar bacon scones. The best part though is that dogs are allowed inside! Expect to find more than one furry friend here.
Deus Ex Machina: Deus is actually an Australian motorcycle company, and their Venice spot houses a mini shop for motorcycle accessories in addition to the cafe. They’ve got a really spacious indoor/outdoor area that’s perfect for working, and dogs are allowed everywhere. Their food menu is pretty great too, my go-to order flip flops between their bacon cheddar everything bagel sando (I mean can you go wrong with the bacon cheddar combo?!), and the granola berry parfait cup.
Tom’s: Not just a shoe store on Abbot Kinney, they’ve got a coffee shop and really cute outdoor patio for working and petting your pup! The staff here is extremely welcoming, and they’ll likely take a photo of your pup for their wall. Expect to see an ever-changing mural in their back patio as well!
The Lincoln: If you’re looking to get a little boozy with with your fluff, look no further than the Lincoln! Incredible hand crafted cocktails with a really nice Old World atmosphere and outdoor front patio. The only downside is there aren’t really food options, just hot dogs and popcorn. We’ve been to many events here during the day on the weekends though where dogs are welcome!
TO EAT
Great White: I’m OBSESSED with Great White!! As is every other person in town. It’s gorgeous inside, crisp white with beach vibes. And it’s situated smack dab staring at the Venice lights, one block from the beach. Your dog can sit right next to you inside or on their seating outside. Must have their charcoal latte and breakfast burrito!!
The Butcher’s Daughter: I’m not even mad that New York had her first, because she’s on Abbot Kinney now, and we love her. The Butcher’s Daughter is as if Pinterest decided to open a beautiful, bright, boho brunch spot: indigo dyed cloth & macrame hangs from the ceiling, the interior coffee bar has blue tile and white carrera marble tops. Pretty much my dream come true. The vegetarian-heavy food is also quite delicious, but anything would taste delicious in that atmosphere!
Rose Cafe: Still a somewhat recent reno-project in Venice, you’ll just want to live in Rose Cafe! We’ve been here for brunch and dinner and loved both. The cocktail and wine selection is also quite great. There’s a dog friendly patio out front, but make sure to call ahead as it fills up fast. It’s also pricey so beware before you go, but I think it’s more than worth it.
If you’re looking for more Venice Beach recommendations, check out my full post here or use my Google Map to walk around.
Do you have a favorite spot to take your pooch in Venice? Comment below!
We’re Watson & Michelle: BFFs from Venice Beach, taking on the world’s best dog-friendly spots one mural at a time. Watson is a bichon-maltese mix who loves bad pickup lines, fart jokes, twinning with walls & La Croix. He’s AKC Canine Good Citizen certified. Michelle is a Digital Producer and Content Creator, leading the charge at enso collaborative toward positive scalable impact in the world using technology and art.
One comment
I’m equal parts hungry and ready for a coffee with Nash after this post! And not to mention the wall murals. I mean, COME ON!!! Hello, gorgeous!