Venice Beach Tours and Activities

Venice Beach featuring picnicking and a city as well as a large group of people
Venice Beach
Photo provided by Matt Marriott/LA Tourism Marketing
Venice Beach
Venice Beach


Bronze your body and rub shoulders with body builders and wacky performers at Los Angeles’ quirky urban shoreline, a colourful 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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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Venice Beach

Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

4 out of 5
1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA
Hotel Erwin Venice Beach
Venice Breeze Suites

Venice Breeze Suites

3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue, Venice, CA
Venice Breeze Suites
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
The Inn at Venice Beach

The Inn at Venice Beach

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

Air Venice on the Beach

3 out of 5
5 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA
Air Venice on the Beach
Venice Suites

Venice Suites

3 out of 5
417 OceanFront Walk, Venice, CA
Venice Suites
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
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

Venice Beach, California, is a perfect getaway for tourists seeking stunning sunsets, vibrant art galleries, and thrilling surf breaks. Visitors can enjoy rollerskating along the famous boardwalk or catch some waves in the ocean. This lively destination offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and artistic experiences, making it an ideal spot for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

Experience shopping in Venice Beach at The Grove and Farmers Market, both located 14.5km away, featuring a vibrant atmosphere with diverse shops and eateries. For a unique find, visit MOCA Pacific Design Center, located 12.9km away, showcasing design-focused retail.

Recreation

SoFi Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere with a focus on sports, perfect for those who enjoy a lively environment. Riviera Country Club provides a tranquil golf experience amid beautiful landscapes, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Meanwhile, UCLA Marina Aquatic Center is a family-friendly venue with aquatic activities for all ages.

Adventure

At OnRope Consulting, located 3.2km from Venice Beach, experience exhilarating outdoor climbing that challenges your skills amidst stunning views. Hike the scenic Nicholas Flat Trail, 4.8km away, where breathtaking landscapes await. For underwater adventures, the Eco Dive Center, 6.4km from the beach, offers thrilling diving experiences.

Nightlife

In Venice Beach, the Dolby Theatre and TCL Chinese Theatre offer captivating entertainment with a romantic flair, both located 17.7km away. For a lively gaming experience, the Hollywood Park Casino is only 12.9km away, blending casino excitement with vibrant city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Venice Beach

Venice Beach, California, offers a vibrant mix of attractions for tourists, including the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk and the beautiful beach itself. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy family-friendly activities, and explore the unique street scene. With a rich historical backdrop and a lively atmosphere, Venice Beach is perfect for those seeking a blend of city experience and outdoor fun.

  • Santa Monica Beach: Just 3.2km from Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach offers a quintessential Californian experience. With its soft sands, vibrant beach vibes, and stunning sunsets, it’s a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
  • Santa Monica Pier: Located 3.2km away, Santa Monica Pier is a lively jetty filled with friendly people and art vibes. Enjoy the amusement park rides, local artists, and picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean while embracing the festive spirit.
  • Kia Forum: Situated 12.9km from Venice Beach, Kia Forum is an entertainment hub that offers family-friendly events and concerts. Experience a variety of performances in a lively atmosphere that caters to all ages.

Best time to go to Venice Beach

Visitor numbers around Venice Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Venice Beach is dependant 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Venice Beach

To save money during your visit to Venice Beach, consider travelling between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Take advantage of free activities, such as Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, and the Boardwalk. Monday is typically the cheapest day to stay, while Saturday is the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to compare room rates, filter for eco-friendly hotels, and book packages that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to check for popular offers and cancellation policies to ensure the best deal.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel category—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Venice Beach with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.