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Getaway Guide To Ultra-Hip Abbot Kinney

Abbot Kinney header photo km
(credit: Kristi Marcelle)

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is several blocks of the newest and coolest shopping, dining and lounging areas on the Westside. It's a sensory overload full of young hipsters and tourists meandering about the crowded sidewalks, while occasionally dodging paparazzi hiding out in the bushes. Look beyond the social scene and you'll find that Abbot Kinney is one of the best places in L.A. to find unique and authentic gifts; however patience is required in this parking-challenged neighborhood.

Shop

Abbot Kinney A+R photo km
(credit: Kristi Marcelle)

A+R

1121-1 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 392-9128
aplusrstore.com

Named one of the most fashionable places on the left coast by Vogue, A+R has cutting-edge household items, furniture, jewelry and gifts for big ones and wee ones. Whether or not you need anything, the eye candy appeal of the colorful products will lure you in for a look.

Abbot Kinney Bountiful photo km
(credit: Kristi Marcelle)

Bountiful

1335 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 450-3620
www.bountifulhome.com

The vintage sign protruding from storefront façade says Brown's Hardware but the store name is Bountiful. The shop is crammed to the ceiling with cake stands, pillows, candles, vintage house wares and a little bit of everything else. It's a colorful must-see with narrow aisles and garage-sale hip inventory that scream Abbot Kinney.

AbbotKinney Le Labo photo km
(credit: Kristi Marcelle)

Le Labo

1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 581-2233
www.lelabofragrances.com

Le Labo is aesthetically minimalistic but this scent boutique is anything but simple. Freshly made perfumes line the tables and knowledgeable staff can answer all of your questions at the scent bar. If you've ever wanted your own customized scent, are tired of cloying perfumes or need a gift for someone that has everything, Le Labo formulates one-of-a-kind scents and has a variety of other scented products.

Abbot Kinney The Juicy Leaf photo km
(credit: Kristi Marcelle)

The Juicy Leaf

1140 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 907-5019
www.thejuicyleaf.com

Forget the flowers, check out the succulents. The Juicy Leaf bills itself as a plant and gift shop for the urban gardener but the succulent arrangements and other unique gifts like air plant kits are perfect for anyone. They also have choose-your-own-theme planting parties in their shop or at your house, which include all planting materials.

Eat

Abbot Kinney Local 1205 photo Local 1205
(credit: Local 1205)

Local 1205

1205 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 396-6663
More Info

When you're looking for a quick, healthy snack or casual meal, check out Local 1205. In the entrance, you'll find the juice and smoothie bar with refreshing combinations like ginger lemonade and Viva Brazil with acai and guarana. Inside there is a sandwich bar, oyster bar and wood-fired pizzas, and on the way out, pick up locally-grown, organic fruit and vegetables or a gourmet packaged treat.

Abbot Kinney Lemonade photo Lemonade
(credit: Lemonade)

Lemonade

1661 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 452-6200
lemonadela.com

This cafeteria-style restaurant serves just about everything except boring cafeteria food. The menu includes salads and sandwiches and heartier dishes like not-your-mother's pot roast and mac n' cheese. As their namesake implies, there are multiple lemonade concoctions including passion fruit pepper. There's no lamenting the loss of Jell-O cubes with whipped cream for dessert when your eyes feast upon the bite-sized cupcakes and other dessert offerings.

Stay and Play

Abbot Kinney Hotel Erwin photo Hotel Erwin
(credit: Hotel Erwin)

Hotel Erwin

1697 Pacific Avenue
Venice Beach, CA 90291
(310) 452-1111
www.hotelerwin.com

After a long day shopping on Abbot Kinney, head over to Hotel Erwin on Venice Beach and relax with a view of the ocean. Whether you're a tourist or local, Hotel Erwin's High rooftop lounge is the place to have a drink and hang out in Venice Beach. It's a scene that rivals the people watching on the boardwalk below.

Kristi Marcelle is a travel writer and regular contributor at Ciao Bambino and CBS Los Angeles . She loves planning travel adventures with her family, a good glass of wine at the whining hour and the Green Bay Packers. Follow her on Twitter @kristimarcelle.

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