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.