Venice Beach is renowned for its lively and entertaining sights. Walking along the Venice Beach Boardwalk you’ll see what can only be described as a human carnival. A heavy dose of vibrancy, colour and sheer life force is exuded by the people in this location. This most bohemian of areas will never leave you short people-watching opportunities, with street artists, musicians, poets, singers, skateboarders and jugglers all commonplace. There are some incredible sights to behold among the crowds here watch a cyclist breathing fire or an acrobat juggling chainsaws, anything’s possible here. This is LA at its inimitable, ostentatious, outrageous best.
The boardwalk stretches out for over 2.5 kilometres miles. Take a leisurely stroll and check out the stalls, shops and stands, which sell local fare, along with a selection of souvenirs, trinkets, cheap sunglasses, T-shirts and sandals.
Further along the boardwalk, you’ll encounter a different type of exhibitionism, in the form of Muscle Beach. This is the legendary outdoor gym at which some of the best beach bodies are put through their paces. This was where the likes of famous actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno of Incredible Hulk fame both worked out during trips to Los Angeles. If you fancy pumping some iron and want to join in, you can buy a day pass for $10 at the Venice Beach Recreations and Parks Office on Ocean Front Walk.
Venice Beach itself is five kilometres of scrupulously maintained golden sand that feels like paradise on earth. If you fancy a dip in the sea to cool off, you can do so in the knowledge that the beach is patrolled throughout daylight hours. There are also both surf and body boards to hire if you want to try your hand at a spot of surfing. Venice Beach has a Mediterranean climate and is a wonderful destination for anyone who wishes to soak up a bit of sun.
There is plenty of parking available nearby. Venice Beach is located around 30 kilometres from downtown LA on the coast between Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey.
Venice Beach Tours and Activities
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Cameo Beverly Hills
Reviewed on 17 May 2024
Tours & day trips
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Shopping & fashion
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Food, drink & nightlife
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Private & custom tours
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Water activities
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Reviews of Venice Beach
4/5 - Good
A room on the boardwalk is fantastic for views during the day but can be noisy at night and early morning!
1/5 - Terrible
Dirty and full of homeless people.
1/5 - Terrible
Lots of weird people on drugs. Beach ok. Not worth a visit.
3/5 - Okay
Hire bikes to ride along beach walk
2/5 - Disappointing
Having visited Venice about 25 years ago I was so disappointed to return and find it run down and dirty.
1/5 - Terrible
turned into a sleasy low life area with cheap shops selling touristy trinkets and supposedly sexy underwear on blow up dummies. Such a shame for what could otherwise be made into a lovely area considering the beach is lovely. The local Council needs to get their act together to raise the level of the area.
Popular places to visit
Venice Skate Park
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Venice Skate Park, a lovely green space in Venice. Experience the acclaimed art galleries or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.
Muscle Beach Venice
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Muscle Beach Venice during your travels in Venice? Discover the beautiful sunsets in this walkable area or enjoy its cycling trails.
Venice Fishing Pier
Find out about the history of Los Angeles with a stop at Venice Fishing Pier. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
During your trip to Venice, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Discover the beautiful sunsets in this walkable area or enjoy its cycling trails.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Venice Beach Boardwalk during your travels in Los Angeles? Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
Main Street Santa Monica
During your trip to Los Angeles, you can do some window-shopping at Main Street Santa Monica. Stroll along this family-friendly area's beaches or simply enjoy its restaurants.
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