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.
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Reviews of Venice Beach
4/5 - Good
Venice Beach Not Much of a Fan of as I am ,Marina Del Rey & Santa Monica.... Worth the Trip
1/5 - Terrible
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
For those who may be a free spirit and enjoy being in an eclectic environment, Venice Beach is the place!
5/5 - Excellent
Rent a bike at Santa Monica Pier for a short ride to the beach.
2/5 - Disappointing
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
Good place to people watch. Big beach 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 scene or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.
Muscle Beach Venice
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Muscle Beach Venice during your travels in Venice? Discover the beautiful sunsets in this walkable area, or enjoy its biking trails.
Venice Fishing Pier
Find out about the history of Los Angeles when you spend time 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 enjoy retail therapy at Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Discover the beautiful sunsets in this walkable area, or enjoy its biking trails.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Venice Beach Boardwalk during your travels in Los Angeles? Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.
Main Street Santa Monica
During your trip to Los Angeles, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Main Street Santa Monica. Stroll along this family-friendly area's beaches, or simply enjoy its restaurants.
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