Venice Anyone?  What was tobacco magnate Abbot Kinney smoking when he envisioned a seaside resort that was equal parts Venice, Italy, and Coney Island?  Whatever it was, like much of LA's glorious past, you had to have been there.  (And you could have taken a trolley!)  Today, Venice's canals remain and a more modern assortment of seaside attractions has evolved to entertain visitors: body builders, tattooed freaks, roller bladers, militant vegans, doggie hat vendors make for world-classic gawking along the boardwalk; while a generous supply of worth-the-visit shops, bars and restaurants - within minutes of the beach.  In short - it's the perfect spot to bring out-of-town guests, provided they're not your parents.  ["Drug shooting?" No, that's fireworks.] No trolley, but once you've found parking, Venice is a pedestrian's paradise.  (Toby Muller)

1) Sit Your Ashay Down and Eat:  Axe (1009 Abbot Kinney)

Please don't call it "Ax." It's "Ah-shay," baby. Schmancy pronunciations aside, Axe offers simple, seasonal organic fare in stark, hyper-industrial surroundings. The service is notoriously slow, but just think how long it took to grow that Heirloom Lettuce Salad you're eating or to bake your Chocolate Brownie Pudding. Sit back, relax, check for star sightings (fairly regular around here), and enjoy the anticipation.  When your farmer's market-fresh selections arrive, it'll be well worth the wait. (310) 664-9787

Tu-Th: 11:30am-3pm, 6pm-10pm; Fri: 11:30am-3pm, 6pm-10:30pm; Sa: 9am-3pm, 6pm-10:30pm; Sun: 9am-3pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm.  (Sasha Perl-Raver)

2) Nature Calls: Strange Invisible Perfumes (1138 Abbot Kinney Boulevard)

Strictly catering to the olfactory system, Strange Invisible Perfumes features an exclusive line of locally created botanical perfumes.  The process involves the science of botanical perfumery, which uses only natural and botanical ingredients without pesticides and toxins.  The signature collection features a smorgasbord of scents created by extractions from fascinating mixtures of flowers and trees from exotic locations around the globe.  For those whose nasal cavity yearns for more individuality than an "off the rack" perfume can offer, the shop will create a custom scent to optimize your aromatic potential.  Also selling a line of chemical-free face and body lotions, Strange Invisible Perfumes provides its customers with the luxury of sweet-smelling scents by simply bottling what nature has to offer.  http://www.siperfumes.com/ (Megan Karasch)

3) Your Own Private Venice Artwalk: Boardwalk/Altered Space Gallery (1221 Abbot Kinney)

Venice is known for its flavor, eccentricity and freedom of expression - a neighborhood that supports and celebrates a plethora of local artists in many forms. And here art lovers can get into the streets a bit more and out of the gallery.

The famous Venice Boardwalk, running below Pacific Ave. along the waterfront, is a perfect place to get started. You're sure to find a gem or two among the chaos. Of course, the Boardwalk is a work of performance art in itself, filled with notorious fixtures of expression and definitely worth checking out. Just make sure to look between the lines for some true local art.  Hint: Much of the non-commercial folks can be found towards the Rose end of the boardwalk.

On Abbot Kinney, you'll find worthwhile art offerings inside coffee shops as well as the Altered Space Gallery, which mixes contemporary functional and non-functional work on display from over 200 artists. A bit chi-chi but definitely fun, this gallery will surely round-out a day of art in Venice.  (Cate Nelson)

4) "Extreme Makeover" in a Store: A*D*H*D (1337 Abbot Kinney Blvd.)

Get your own Extreme Makeover courtesy of Ty Pennington's new design boutique, featuring furnishings of modern flair mixed with a tinge of 70's panache.  In a case of life imitating TV, Pennington recently opened A*D*H*D (art, design, home, decor) to take his inventive ideas and appealing furnishings from the small screen to the real reality.  A*D*H*D exhibits bold bedrooms, warm living areas and creative kitchenware.  Stepping behind the façade of brick and glass, aptly shaped like a home, everyone from the decoratively challenged to interior experts will find vibrant and hip finishing touches or entire ensembles here. W-Sa 10am-6pm. http://www.shopadhd.com/ (Megan Karasch)

5) Venezia in Venice: C & O Trattoria (31 Washington Blvd.)

Gluttons rejoice! Whether it's the insanely delicious pre-meal garlic knots, "That's Amore" sing-alongs, the on-your-honor wine system, C & O is all about the big-time good time! Bring friends (to clink glasses and belt out Dean Martin with) and a hearty appetite (the servings are Ginormous and the food, addictive).  Best bet: the Capellini with Shrimp, Artichoke Hearts, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes in a Garlic Butter White Wine sauce has had me coming back for over a decade. Whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, C & O has a monkey for everyone's back. Settle into the charmingly kitschy outdoor faux Italian palazzo and get ready to discover your new jones. Don't be ashamed. The first step is admitting you are powerless over the deliciousness...and digging in anyway! That IS Amore!!!! (310) 823-9491 www.cotrattoria.com M-Th 9am-10pm; F 9am-11pm; Sa 8am-11pm;Su 8am-10pm (Sasha Perl-Raver)

6) Beachside After Hours: James' Beach (60 North Venice Blvd.)

James' Beach is one of the most versatile hang-outs in Venice.  Literally a few yards from the beach and boardwalk, this restaurant turns into a bustling bar at night.  The food is great for a light lunch or an appetizer while you enjoy a midday drink, but you can skip the eating and just enjoy "The Beach," as it's known, as a great night spot.  The crowd on any given night is comprised of everyone imaginable, from local surfers and artists to entertainment industry insiders and the occasional celebrity. With three different bars in a relatively compact space, there is something for everyone; the bar in back is dim lit with a pool table, the closed-off main bar is quieter and more laid back, and the busy patio bar is an indoor/outdoor space where the last remaining smokers in L.A. can light up. Throw in an extensive wine collection, cocktail menu and quality import beers and this place really can't be beat for a drink after a day at the beach.  On the weekend, look for Gus tending bar and you'll be well taken care of.  (310)823-5397  (Chris Boyd)

ALSO VISIT OTHER EDITIONS OF LA2DAY COORDINATES:
SILVER LAKE
DOWNTOWN
OLD TOWN PASADENA
HOLLYWOOD