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.
Venice Beach Tours and Activities
Visit Venice Beach
Plan a trip to see Venice Beach
Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel
Reviewed on Jun. 23, 2024
Fairmont Miramar Bungalows
Reviewed on Dec. 27, 2022
Attractions
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabLos Angeles: Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket
Tours & day trips
See all 134 activitiesOpens in new tabFull-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches & More!
Shopping & fashion
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabLos Angeles: City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 24 activitiesOpens in new tabMarina del Rey Premier Champagne Brunch Cruise
Private & custom tours
See all 40 activitiesOpens in new tabLos Angeles Street Art Photoshoot: Funky Venice with a Personal Photographe...
Reviews of Venice Beach
2/5 - Disappointing
Venice beach has so much potential to be a great location and place. However the homeless people is off putting and a sore eye. It is sad to see a good location and potential wasted like that.
2/5 - Disappointing
Muscle Beach was closed down for reno's. Lots of homeless. Smelled of feces and pot. Quite nasty! But that was on the boardwalk. The beach itself was gorgeous.
2/5 - Disappointing
Weather was a bit cool that day. Water is dirty, smelly and cold. Stayed a bit and left. Went around but souvenirs are very expensive. Restrooms are dark, filthy and smelly. Sad to see so many homeless people there and all over L.A.
4/5 - Good
Pretty trippy. Neat to see all the scooters. A bit too crowd for me. Talked to some great artists. And a very nice guy at the tshirt place.
4/5 - Good
Interesting to go there (in the day time) but pretty gross actually and a pain in the butt to find parking.
1/5 - Terrible
Dirty and full of drunks and crack heads. LA is going downhill it seems...or is it America? Not sure as we live in Canada. Coming to the US is starting to feel like going to a third world country.
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.
Best Lodging Options Near Venice Beach
Check availability on hotels close to Venice Beach
- Vacations and getaways similar to Venice Beach
- Other Hotels near Venice Beach, Los Angeles
- Hotels near popular Los Angeles Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Long Beach Cruise Terminal
- Los Angeles Convention Center
- Dodger Stadium
- University of Southern California
- Crypto.com Arena
- Santa Monica Beach
- Santa Monica Pier
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- SoFi Stadium
- World Cruise Center
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Kia Forum
- Universal CityWalk
- PodShare Venice - Hostel
- The Pierside Santa Monica
- Hilton Garden Inn Marina Del Rey
- Lincoln Inn
- Marriott Marina del Rey
- Foghorn Harbor Inn
- Jamaica Bay Inn Marina Del Rey,Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Sea Shore Motel
- The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
- Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
- The Kinney - Venice Beach
- Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica
- Hotels near Venice Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood
- Hotels near Los Angeles Convention Center
- Hotels near Crypto.com Arena
- Hotels near University of Southern California
- Hotels near Santa Monica Beach
- Hotels near SoFi Stadium
- Hotels near Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Hotels near Santa Monica Pier
- Hotels near Hollywood Boulevard
- Hotels near Kia Forum
- Hotels near Universal CityWalk
- Hotels near The Grove
- Hotels near University of California
- Hotels near Rodeo Drive
- Hotels near Sunset Strip
- Hotels near Hollywood Bowl
- Hotels near L.A. Live
- Hotels near Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
- Hotels near Melrose Avenue