BEST RESTAURANT DECOR

The cool, curvaceous dining room at Patria's has the sleek sophistication of modern art, with rich colors and metallic accents that fit perfectly with the pricey, cosmopolitan menu.

BEST REMINDER OF WHY YOU MOVED TO FLORIDA

Sunset at Venice Pier. The crowd is quiet-retirees, children, people fishing. Perch on a rock to watch dolphins frolicking, flying fish leaping and boats streaming home across the fiery orange and pink-splashed waves of a summer sunset.