Venice Beach Tours

Venice Beach showcases vibrant activities under palm trees with an iconic sculpture in the background during a sunny day in California
Venice Beach showcases vibrant activities under palm trees with an iconic sculpture in the background during a sunny day in California
Venice Beach showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Venice Beach showing markets
Venice Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town


Bronze your body and rub shoulders with body builders and wacky performers at Los Angeles’ quirky urban shoreline, a colorful escape from the city.

Surf, sun and sand take a backseat to the loud and lively human carnival on parade along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. There’s never a dull moment for people-watching in this sun-drenched bohemian enclave of artists, musicians, poets, singers, skateboarders and jugglers. From chain-sawing acrobats to fire-breathing cyclists, you’ll find Los Angeles at its most ostentatious, eccentric and unrestrained. Just remember to tip performers if you watch most of their show or take their photograph.

While you make your way along the boardwalk’s 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) stretch, browse the stalls, shops and stands laden with souvenirs, trinkets, cheap sunglasses, T-shirts and sandals. Have your fortune read or get a temporary tattoo.

Further along the boardwalk is Muscle Beach, best known as the place where Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno (of Incredible Hulk fame) once flexed their pecs and biceps. At this outdoor gym you’ll see the toned and tanned pump iron while acrobats bend, twist and contort their bodies into eye-watering shapes. You can join them. Just buy a day pass (about $10) at the Venice Beach Recreations and Parks Office on Ocean Front Walk and then take your place to work out in front of the passing crowds.

Peel your eyes away from the vivid and flamboyant spectacles and head to the beach, a three-mile stretch of well-maintained and manicured sand. The water is patrolled during daylight hours, so you can dive in if you want to do more than soak up the rays on the sand. Rent surf or body boards and catch some waves, but be mindful of other riders.

LA’s Mediterranean climate makes Venice Beach a good place to be for most of the year however, it is incredibly crowded in the summer. It is around 19 miles (30 kilometers) from downtown LA on the coast between Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. There are plenty of city parking lots next to the beach.

Plan a trip to see Venice Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel
SIRTAJ - Beverly Hills
1 Hotel West Hollywood

Browse tours and tickets to explore Venice Beach

Tours & day trips

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Adventure & outdoor

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Classes & workshops

See all 11 activities

Reviews of Venice Beach

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1577
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
1358
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
482
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
118
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
63
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Venice Beach Not Much of a Fan of as I am ,Marina Del Rey & Santa Monica.... Worth the Trip

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Venice has changed over the years, homeless tent cities abound and there is pot everywhere, not terrible if that's your preference, but I was really uncomfortable and would be even more uncomfortable bringing my children there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

For those who may be a free spirit and enjoy being in an eclectic environment, Venice Beach is the place!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Rent a bike at Santa Monica Pier for a short ride to the beach.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

residential area is charming and quiet. Commercial area full of hustlers, graffiti "artists," homeless encampments. Sometimes a bit scary, and I am from NYC!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Good place to people watch. Big beach area.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Venice Beach

Venice Breeze Suites

Venice Breeze Suites

3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue Venice CA
Venice Breeze Suites
Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

4 out of 5
1697 Pacific Avenue Venice CA
Hotel Erwin Venice Beach
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

2 out of 5
25 Windward Ave Venice CA
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel
Venice V Hotel

Venice V Hotel

3 out of 5
5 Westminster Avenue, Suite 118 Venice CA
Venice V Hotel
Venice Suites

Venice Suites

3 out of 5
417 OceanFront Walk Venice CA
Venice Suites
Cute house a block to beach w/ two bikes pet friendly!

Cute house a block to beach w/ two bikes pet friendly!

Los Angeles CA
Cute house a block to beach w/ two bikes pet friendly!
Venice on the Beach Hotel

Venice on the Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2819 Ocean Front Walk Venice CA
Venice on the Beach Hotel
Air Venice on the Beach

Air Venice on the Beach

3 out of 5
5 Rose Avenue Venice CA
Air Venice on the Beach
South Venice Lodge

South Venice Lodge

2 out of 5
440 S Venice Blvd Venice CA
South Venice Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Venice Beach

Shopping

For unique souvenirs, visit Fisherman's Village, only 3.2km away, offering a charming atmosphere. Westfield Culver City Shopping Center, 8.0km away, features a variety of shops. If you're up for a drive, Westfield Century City, 9.7km away, boasts a bustling shopping scene with entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience the thrill at SoFi Stadium with its vibrant sports atmosphere, just 12.9km from Venice Beach. For a romantic evening, enjoy a show at the Dolby Theater, located 17.7km away, or catch a family-friendly film at the TCL Chinese Theatre, also 17.7km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at OnRope Consulting, located 3.2km from Venice Beach, where outdoor adventure awaits. For a scenic hike, explore the Nicholas Flat Trail, 4.8km away, offering stunning views. Dive into underwater sports at Eco Dive Center, situated 6.4km from the beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Venice Beach is vibrant and eclectic. For entertainment, check out Raleigh Studio Hollywood, located 17.7km away. Enjoy live performances, bars with craft cocktails, and the lively atmosphere that captures the essence of California's beach culture.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Venice Beach

Venice Beach, California, offers a vibrant mix of attractions for every traveler, from sun-soaked beaches to lively urban parks. Explore iconic sights, enjoy surfing, and visit the Venice Beach Recreation Area for family-friendly fun. Don't miss the bustling boardwalk and nearby tourist spots. For those seeking a broader adventure, Las Vegas is just a short trip away, adding a dash of excitement to your visit.

  • Santa Monica Beach: Enjoy the sun-soaked vibes of Santa Monica Beach, located 3.2km from Venice Beach. With its wide sandy stretches and stunning ocean views, it's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or beach volleyball, making it a quintessential Californian experience.
  • Santa Monica Pier: A vibrant hub of activity, Santa Monica Pier, also 3.2km away, features friendly people and thrilling attractions like the Ferris wheel and arcade games. Stroll along the pier, savor local treats, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
  • Venice Beach Boardwalk: Just 1.6km from Venice Beach, the Boardwalk is a bustling tourist precinct filled with street performers, shops, and eateries. Enjoy outdoor activities and family-friendly vibes, perfect for soaking in the unique culture of Venice.

Best time to go to Venice Beach

The best time to visit Venice Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Venice Beach

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Venice Beach during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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