Dorothy and Dan were so welcoming and a wealth of local knowledge. The Mountains are such delightful hosts and I can't rate their guest apartment highly enough. Any closer to the beach and you'd get wet!
We are a family of 4 (our kids are 6 & 8) and there was plenty of room for all of us at Dorothy's place.
Venice is just wonderful - you can walk to the Venice Boardwalk where you'll find colourful street performers (beware the guys handing you their CD - you are obliged to buy if you take hold of it!). If you are driving, it's very close to Santa Monica (for the Pier and shopping), as well as easy access to major freeways.