L.A.’s Best Day Trip

Contributing editor Carolynn Carreño takes us on a low-key “daycation” of strolling canals, bohemian shops, and gourmet cafés in her favorite neighborhood, Venice Beach.

Photographer Thomas J. Story, Text by Carolynn Carenno

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Stay Awhile

Venice doesn’t have a hotel, per se. For that, you have to go a couple miles to Santa Monica. For a unique lodging experience, check into the Eco Cottages (447 Grand Blvd.; 866/802-3110 or venicebeachecocottages.com). The three houses, each with its own decor, offer the amenities of home―an albeit tiny but adorable home. For a more traditional experience, go north a mile to Santa Monica, to the recently redone Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows (101 Wilshire Blvd.; 866/540-4470 or fairmont.com/santamonica) or the swanky Viceroy (1819 Ocean Ave.; 800/670-6185 or viceroysantamonica.com). Want to stay a little longer? Rent for a week or a month at the darling Venice Beach Cottages. (Weekly rates start at $1,595; vrbo.com/117220; can sleep up to six.) This would be my perfect daycation home.

Left: Eco Cottage rentals are solar-powered retreats four blocks from the beach.