Venice Beach Tours

Venice Beach which includes picnicing and a city as well as a large group of people
Venice Beach showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Photo provided by Matt Marriott/LA Tourism Marketing
Venice Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town
Venice Beach showing outdoor art


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

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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
Venice V Hotel

Venice V Hotel

3 out of 5
5 Westminster Avenue, Suite 118, Venice, CA
Venice V Hotel
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel

2 out of 5
25 Windward Ave, Venice, CA
Samesun Venice Beach - Hostel
Venice Suites

Venice Suites

3 out of 5
417 OceanFront Walk, Venice, CA
Venice Suites
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
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
The Inn at Venice Beach

The Inn at Venice Beach

3 out of 5
327 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA
The Inn at Venice Beach
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

Venice Beach, California, is a vibrant destination offering stunning sunsets, exciting rollerskating, and thrilling surfing opportunities. Visitors can explore the local art scene, featuring unique art galleries, or enjoy offsite aerobics. For a fun way to experience the beach, consider renting beach bikes to ride along the picturesque coastline. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Venice Beach has something for everyone.

Shopping

For shopping at Venice Beach, explore Abbot Kinney Boulevard, just 1.3km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Jadis, located 1.6km away, features unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit The Culver Studios, 8.0km away, for more family-friendly shopping options.

Recreation

Explore UCLA Marina Aquatic Center for family-friendly water activities and enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding. For a more athletic vibe, head to Riviera Country Club for a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes. SoFi Stadium offers an exciting sports atmosphere just a short drive away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of outdoor climbing at OnRope Consulting, located 3.2km from Venice Beach. For an underwater adventure, dive into the Eco Dive Center, 6.4km away, and explore the marine life. Enjoy the scenic beauty while hiking the Nicholas Flat Trail, 4.8km from the beach.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at TCL Chinese Theatre, where romance and entertainment come alive. Enjoy cultural performances at the Dolby Theatre, perfect for families and couples alike. For a unique vibe, visit Raleigh Studio Hollywood, an exciting venue that showcases the essence of Hollywood entertainment.

*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 type of traveler. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun on the beach, explore the lively streets filled with unique shops and street performers, or enjoy the green spaces of urban parks, there's something for everyone. With options catering to culture enthusiasts, families, and city explorers, your visit will be filled with memorable experiences.

  • Santa Monica Beach: Enjoy the quintessential California beach vibes at Santa Monica Beach, just 3.2km from Venice Beach. With its soft sands and stunning ocean views, it's perfect for sunbathing, beach sports, or leisurely strolls along the shore.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Located 3.2km from Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier is a lively jetty filled with friendly people. Experience the iconic Ferris wheel, arcade games, and local eateries, making it a great spot for family fun and relaxation.
  • Kia Forum: About 12.9km from Venice Beach, the Kia Forum is a premier entertainment venue. Enjoy concerts and events in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for families looking to create unforgettable memories together.

Best time to go to Venice Beach

The best time to visit Venice Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Venice Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Venice Beach falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low 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 RainSunnyAverageAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly 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 RainSunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Venice Beach

To save money on your trip to Venice Beach, consider visiting between November and January when prices are lower, and aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, which are more expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel options by filtering prices from lowest to highest, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Enjoy free activities like beach volleyball and exploring the boardwalk to keep costs down while experiencing the vibrant local culture.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Venice Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Venice Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Venice Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Venice Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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