Venice Beach, one of Los Angeles’ iconic tourist destinations, is an area where the free-spirited and hip West Coast culture thrives, with its beautiful coastline, street performances, and skate park. If you’re visiting, why not choose souvenirs that capture the true essence of LA, rather than just typical tourist fare?
This article introduces a carefully selected collection of genuinely stylish shops, loved by locals, scattered around Venice Beach (including Ocean Front Walk, Abbot Kinney Blvd, and Lincoln Blvd). From vintage clothing and meticulously crafted handmade goods to cutting-edge organic supermarkets, we bring you a deep shopping guide every traveler should know.
Venice Sign
📍 Address: Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, 1501 Main St #205, Venice, CA 90291 United States
Before you start your souvenir hunt, make a stop at the ‘Venice Sign,’ the symbol of Venice Beach. This neon sign, spanning the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Windward Avenue, is an immensely popular photo op for any trip to Los Angeles.
While taking photos under the vibrant daytime sky is great, we especially recommend visiting at night. The neon lights up brilliantly, creating a retro, movie-like beautiful scene. The surrounding area is dotted with stylish cafes and shops, and simply strolling around and watching the street performances will immerse you in California’s free-spirited atmosphere.
If you’re driving, be aware that parking fees in the area can vary. It’s smart to look for beach-authorized public parking or park a little further away and walk. Starting from this intersection will also give you smooth access to the shops we’ll introduce next.
Animal House
📍 Address: 62 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291 United States
Located right at the foot of the Venice Sign, ‘Animal House’ is a venerable vintage clothing store with a 40-year history. Known as ‘Venice’s best-kept secret,’ it’s a renowned spot where A-list celebrities and rock musicians, including Johnny Depp and Drew Barrymore, discretely shop.
Inside, the owner’s hand-picked selection of vintage band t-shirts, Levi’s denim, Carhartt workwear, and rare flight suits are packed wall-to-wall. What’s particularly noteworthy is their meticulous dedication, being the only store in Los Angeles to have ‘all vintage clothing professionally cleaned before being displayed.’ This is a huge plus for travelers, as you can shop without worrying about the typical smells or stains of used clothes, enjoying a like-new cleanliness.
While many shops around Venice Beach tend to open later (around 11 AM), Animal House opens at 10 AM, making it perfect for those who want to start their day of sightseeing early. If you’re looking for a special souvenir for a music or vintage clothing enthusiast, or want to find a unique piece for yourself, this spot is an absolute must-visit.
Tumbleweed & Dandelion
📍 Address: 1502 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 United States
Located on ‘Abbot Kinney Boulevard,’ dubbed America’s coolest street, ‘Tumbleweed & Dandelion’ is an interior and lifestyle boutique that has been cherished by locals since its opening in 1997.
Curated by interior designer Lizzie McGraw, the shop offers a sophisticated space themed ‘French California.’ Stepping inside, you’re enveloped in a wonderful fragrance, feeling as if you’ve been invited into the impeccably stylish home of a friend. Custom-made furniture crafted by Los Angeles artisans, beautiful cushions, and thoughtfully curated small items from around the world are artfully arranged, offering immense inspiration just by browsing.
Especially recommended as souvenirs for travelers are their original soy wax candles infused with essential oils, high-quality table linens, and small decorative items. While the price range is on the higher side, the quality is astonishingly high, making it the perfect place for a special gift for ‘that person who already has everything’ or to find items to elevate your own living space.
General Store
📍 Address: 1801 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 United States
The Venice branch of ‘General Store,’ a popular select shop that gained immense popularity in San Francisco, quietly stands along Lincoln Boulevard. This is a ‘general store for adults’ where you can discover daily necessities and art pieces crafted by Californian creators.
The store’s interior, with its impressive arched passageways and warm, wood-toned shelves, displays items primarily in natural, subdued earth tones. From handmade ceramic dishes and mugs that convey warmth, to sophisticated minimalist jewelry, comfortable linen apparel, and tastefully selected vintage clothing and organic skincare products—each item is something you’ll want to cherish and use for a long time.
The charm lies in its calm atmosphere, less bustling than the heart of Abbot Kinney, allowing you to quietly engage with each item. The staff are friendly and kind, making it a pleasant experience to discuss the background of each piece and get gift recommendations. This is a must-visit gem for anyone looking to incorporate LA’s local culture into their daily life.
Erewhon Venice
📍 Address: 585 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291 United States
If you’re visiting Los Angeles, a definite must-visit is ‘Erewhon,’ the ultra-high-end organic supermarket born in LA. This Venice branch is a hub of cutting-edge wellness trends, where health-conscious locals and celebrities shop daily.
The absolute highlight is their ‘smoothies,’ available at the tonic bar. In particular, the ‘Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie,’ a collaboration with Hailey Bieber, is packed with collagen and hyaluronic acid. Despite its astonishing price tag of around $20 (over 3,000 JPY), it’s a runaway hit that sells like hotcakes. While pricey, it’s rich and delicious, and worth trying once as a luxurious travel experience.
You’ll also find plenty of souvenir options. BPA-free and paraben-free organic cosmetics, beautifully packaged supplements you won’t find elsewhere, and high-quality nuts and dried fruits in jarred trail mixes are sure to be appreciated as gifts. Erewhon’s original eco-bags and tote bags featuring their logo are also very popular as LA-style souvenirs. The deli section inside the store is also exquisite, so we recommend grabbing a lunch box and enjoying it on the beach.
Tips for Successful Shopping in Venice Beach [Warning]
Along Venice Beach’s oceanfront promenade (Ocean Front Walk), souvenir shops selling tourist t-shirts and gifts line the street. While the colorful and lively atmosphere is enjoyable to walk through, a bit of caution is needed when shopping.
Some stores do not clearly display prices for their products. When you take items to the register, you might be charged significantly more than the market rate. There are also stores that employ deceptive sales tactics, such as luring customers with ‘buy two hoodies, get one t-shirt free,’ only to later add a high ‘printing fee’ and charge over $100. Many travelers only realize the exorbitant amount after paying with a credit card, leaving them with no recourse.
When buying souvenirs in Venice Beach, always confirm that ‘all products have clear price tags.’ Also, be wary of shops with overly aggressive hawkers or those that try to guide you to the back, claiming they’ll print a design on the spot. To safely acquire quality items, we strongly recommend choosing street-level shops highly rated by locals, like those introduced in this article, or select shops with clear price tags.
