For all the years I’ve lived around the LA area, I had never been to Venice Beach. After being there, I cannot give you one good reason as to why. I loved everything about it – the atmosphere, the neighborhoods, the boardwalk. It’s a unique place that embodies so many different types of people.

We originally made our way up there for Gjusta, a spot that fuses Jewish and Italian deli styles. There’s nothing we love more than a place with great dishes, perfect coffee, and a killer design. Gjusta just so happens to have all three. We loved it so much that we ate there for both breakfast and lunch… there was just too much good food. If I’m being honest, we also ordered some of their meats and cheese by the pound for dinner that night. Seriously though, this spot is a 10 on the need-to-try scale.

In between meals, we walked along the boardwalk, ventured through the Venice Canals, and grabbed a quick coffee at Blue Bottle. Everything in that area is easily within walking distance, so we explored as much as our feet could take.

This day made me think of all the other local places I haven’t been. While I can’t wait to go back and see what else Venice has to offer, I also need to take advantage of where I live and explore. I’m going to make a promise to myself: go one new place a month. It doesn’t have to be far, or expensive, just new. I’m always up for somewhere new.