(upbeat music)
- Venice is a chill
but quirky beachfront neighbourhood
in the west side of Los Angeles.
You've probably seen the beach
as the backdrop for films
and music videos, but it's got a whole lot more to offer,
and today we're teaming up with Booking.com
to take you through some of the best date spots
to visit when you're on a trip for two.
So, slight issue, this video was originally gonna be
about the top date spots in Venice, California,
but at the last minute,
my date could not make it.
So instead I'm gonna take you
through some of the best spots
to be alone in this neighbourhood,
because as great as it is
to be in a relationship,
it's also really important
to know how to spend time alone.
Problem solving.
I'm gonna take a shower
and then you and I are gonna get going.
If you're going on a trip, Booking.com has
a massive, diverse selection of properties
in over 230 countries.
And they don't just have hotels.
You'll find apartments, villas, home stays, and more.
There's something for every taste and budget
and with a Best Price Guarantee,
you really can't go wrong.
To save on your next stay, check out the link below.
If you're like me and it takes you forever
to decide on a place to stay,
Booking.com's passion search platform can help
you discover the perfect property based
on your interests and user recommendations.
That's actually how we found The Kinney-Venice Beach.
Stepping into the lobby of The Kinney, it's easy
to see why this was the perfect spot to stay
over the next couple days.
The Kinney has 68 guest rooms and suites
with a courtyard that has ping-pong tables,
lounge chairs, a fire pit, pool, and hot tub.
This hotel is unique and has personality.
It's colourful, funky, and centrally located
just a short walk from the major attractions
of Venice and, of course, the beach.
The room I'm staying in is retro chic and eclectic,
perfect for Instagram.
Check out this rotary phone and participation trophy.
The queen-sized bed was clean and comfortable
and lavender-peppermint scented C.O. Bigelow bath products
add a touch of luxury.
I had a great stay, but I'm not in Venice to sleep.
Heading down to the hotel restaurant,
you'll find a menu of smoothies and breakfast snacks.
I got the Nutella strawberry croissant, of course.
So part of being alone is knowing how
to eat alone, so we are gonna look
for some cafes and restaurants where you can do that
without looking like a big loner.
If you're looking for a spot to shop, dine,
or people watch, Abbot Kinney is one
of the coolest blocks in America to do just that.
You'll find a mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
If you're like me and you like dining
around other people but you don't necessarily want
to talk to them, check out Lemonade.
You can find this fresh and healthy restaurant chain
across California.
The first one I ever visited was in Venice.
This location has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating
and is pretty busy, so you'll never feel too alone.
If you're looking for something a little more unique
but still friendly for the solo traveler,
there's Gjelina, one of the hottest restaurants
on Abbot-Kinney with a special takeaway counter
that never seems to be without a line.
Abbot-Kinney also has a ton of cafes
to get work done or just people watch.
Take, for example, the Intlligentsia Coffee chain,
which is filled with other people hard at work.
For something with a more local flair
outside of Abbot-Kinney, you'll find Rose Cafe restaurant,
featuring South California cuisine.
It's a great spot to be alone
with ample seating inside and outside.
A few blocks away you'll find Gjusta,
an artisanal bakery, deli, and cafe.
They've got an impressive menu
of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options,
not to mention fresh-baked goods and coffee.
All right, got our coffee cake and a latte.
If you're looking to work off lunch
or just go for a stroll, Venice is home
to the Venice canals, based off the canals
that you'd find in Venice, Italy.
All right, it's time to head to the beach.
Along with the canals, the Venice Beach boardwalk is
probably the most famous attraction in Venice.
Sure, it's super touristy, but it's a great place to go
if you're looking for a distraction.
You'll find tons of performers, shops,
and food here and it's a great place to go
to get anything deep-fried.
All right, I'm at the beach.
Love the sound of the water,
love the breeze.
It's a little foggy today.
Nothing will remind you
of your solitude than being alone at the beach
and not being able to see more than one metre
in front of yourself.
The last spot to check out is High Rooftop Lounge
in Hotel Erwin.
If you're lucky, you can head up and find standing room,
but if you're with a group, you're better off
booking a reservation.
This place has the best rooftop sunset views
on the beach and after spending the day alone,
it's the perfect place to call up some friends
or make some new ones.
- Cheers.
- [Gunnarolla] So there you have it,
just a few of my pics for the best places in Venice
to be by yourself, if you so choose.
Let us know your favourites in the comments below
and don't forget to subscribe to gunnarolla
for more travel recommendations.
À la prochaine!