venice canals
The Venice Canals were built in 1905 specifically to imitate the canals of Venice, Italy, and to give the town a playground-for-adults vibe. Gondolas don’t skim along the water anymore, but a stroll through the mini- neighborhood takes you past some amazing-looking abodes. (Carroll Court & Eastern Canal Court, Venice)
copa d’oro
Ever had a salad spiked with booze? It sometimes seems as though Copa d’Oro is offering just that – deliciously, of course. This bar purchases all of their produce at the local farmers’ market, then lets guests pick their poison based on ingredient. “Pour me something peachy,” is all the direction they need. (217 Broadway, Santa Monica)
Find itthe counter
Build your own burger at The Counter, a casual, crowded place that will open your mind to previously unheard-of burger toppings: Cranberries? Corn and black bean salsa? Hard-boiled eggs? Probably not all together, but hey, it’s your burger. (4786 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey)
Find itmendocino farms
One of L.A.’s most beloved restaurants, and the lone Westside outpost is in Marina del Rey. Yes, it’s “only” a sandwich shop, but you’ve never had sandwiches like this. Each selection is available as a salad, too, if you’re low-carbing it. (4724 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey)
Find itmrs. winston
You think you know salad bars? Well, Mrs. Winston is here to school you. This almost entirely vegan (everything is clearly labeled) bar stretches almost as far as the eye can see and back again with greens, seeds, nuts, meat both fake and real, beans, tofus, fruit and seeds. (3150 Ocean Park Blvd., Ste A, Santa Monica, 310/452-1383)
south bay beach bicycle trail
After lunch, get the lay of the land by renting a bike and riding the South Bay Beach Bicycle Trail, which connects to the Santa Monica bike trail, creating about 20 miles of a (mostly) beachfront path. There are a ton of places to rent bikes along the way; Daniel’s is a neighborhood favorite. (13737 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey)
Find itnew york trapeze school
Don’t eat too much, though – or at least give yourself some time before the next activity, Trapeze School. Located right on the Santa Monica Pier, this is where to learn how to fly through the air with the greatest of ease, and look at least semi-graceful doing it, too. (370 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica)
Find itfruit gallery
Fortify yourself for a stroll along Venice Beach (yes, it’s as weird as you’ve heard) with a smoothie from Fruit Gallery, a mostly raw-vegan spot that fits Southern California stereotypes very nicely, thank you. Try a ginger shot instead of coffee to get your eyes opened in the morning. (1 Westminster Avenue, Venice, 310/452-3034)
