Westside
Venice Beach, which borders the bohemian, laid-back streets of Venice, is a natural draw for kids who want to listen to the Sunday afternoon drum circle or watch teenagers (and, um, grown men) practice skateboarding tricks. For an alternative to the boardwalk shops, check out the stretch of eclectic boutiques and healthy cafés on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, then head to the leafy enclave of Santa Monica—the pier has a lovely carousel and aquarium. The art and antiquities at the Getty Center, near Santa Monica, will please adults, while the steep approach to the museum on a computer-guided tram will delight kids. Or make a reservation to visit the newly renovated Getty Villa in Malibu, with its rare art, reflecting pools, and kids' room.
Eat
Shima
A hip indie crowd squeezes into this cheery eatery, which serves brown-rice sushi and fresh juices.
1432 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 314-0882
In a town not known for its slices, this pizzeria packs customers in three-deep at the counter. Kids will love watching the cooks toss the dough high into the air.
1407 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 396-7334
Shop
Pancia
This store's name means "belly" in Italian; go for the chic maternity jeans
and the Mama Mio stretch-mark oil.
1316½ Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 392-2867
Cool kids' items like stuffed monsters with sideburns, hand-knit sweaters, and metallic leather baby slippers.
1323½ Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 396-2787
Stylish Japanese and American tennis shoes for adults.
1225 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 452-5300
Do
The Getty Center
The clean, spare Richard Meier–designed compound houses late oil billionaire
J. Paul Getty's vast collection. Children will love the fountains, the footbridge, and the azalea maze in the gardens.
1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood, (310) 440-7300; closed Mondays
Set inland from the beach, this family favorite has a sandbox, a duck pond (yes, you can feed them), and streams with bridges.
Wilshire Blvd. and 25th St., Santa Monica
A 15-minute walk from Abbot Kinney Boulevard, this famous beach has skateboard, rollerblade, and bicycle rentals and an enclosed playground.
Next Page: Eastside
