Venice

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Gary Leonard/LA Tourism Marketing
Photo provided by Matt Marriott/La Tourism Marketing
Venice
Venice
Venice Beach featuring street scenes and outdoor eating as well as a large group of people

Sip on smoothies, stroll through a maze of canals and browse alternative shops at this Californian beach, famous for its boardwalk and quirky residents.

Venice is a colorful neighborhood with eclectic shops, organic cafés and a scenic beach in the Santa Monica region of Los Angeles County. It is home to Venice Beach and its adjoining pier and famous boardwalk. Explore independent shops, choose from an array of restaurants and watch street performances. 

Sunbathe or take a dip in the ocean at Venice Beach. It is also a popular surfing spot with gentle waves that suit beginners. Walk around the famous pier and play arcade games with the kids. Ride the Ferris wheel to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding Venice area. 

Venice attracts visitors from all over the world who come to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Walk along the iconic boardwalk and watch a variety of street performers, including stilt walkers, snake charmers and fortunetellers. Watch roller skaters and admire the unique hairstyles and outfits worn by locals. On most weekends, you can join in the Venice Beach Drum Circle and bang a bongo or chant and dance. 

Stop by Muscle Beach and watch the locals carry out their daily fitness regimes. Drink smoothies containing a blend of exotic fruit and vegetables from the organic juice bar. 

Make your way to the trendy haven of Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Palm trees and street art line the road, which is packed with sophisticated boutiques, art galleries, wine bars and restaurants. 

Take a romantic stroll through the canals. Venice’s founder, Abbot Kinney, built the system of canals in 1905 to pay tribute to the Italian city of the same name. The Venice Boardwalk was an important meeting point in the 1950s and early ’60s for poets from the Beat Generation, such as Jack Kerouac.

The Venice neighborhood sits in the south of the city of Santa Monica, on California’s Pacific coast. It is about 30 minutes by car from downtown Los Angeles, which could take around 45 minutes depending on the traffic. From many locations in Los Angeles County you can take the bus to Venice.

Where to stay in Venice

Venice Canals featuring a house and a river or creek

Venice Canals

5/5(1 area review)

Venice Canals might not have many top sights, but Venice Beach and Venice Beach Boardwalk are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Venice Canals
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
The price is CA $190 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
CA $190
CA $221 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,423 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is CA $208 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
CA $208
CA $242 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,941 reviews)
"Very close to the airport. Walked to In&Out and Taco truck"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
4 out of 5
6101 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is CA $197 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $197
CA $229 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,468 reviews)
"Clean bed and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
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.
Venice Breeze Suites
Venice Breeze Suites
3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue, Venice, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,669 reviews)
"Fantastic beach vacation stay"

Reviewed on Jun. 30, 2025

Venice Breeze Suites
Venice Suites
Venice Suites
3 out of 5
417 OceanFront Walk, Venice, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,252 reviews)
"It was a very nice stay for the price. Right on the beach. Will go again."

Reviewed on Jun. 11, 2025

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
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Venice. Enjoy a beach locale, a fitness center, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Venice Beach and Santa ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
Best location
"Awesome spot, beach vibes, great home. Had everything we needed for a couple nights of Venice fun! Thanks!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

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

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Venice

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
14
5 - Excellent 36%
4 - Good
21
4 - Good 54%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 5%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Like every other tourist town, every thing is at a premium. The homeless comes out after dark along the boardwalk, but they don’t seem to bother anyone.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Venice is Venice...be prepared for oddities and don’t judge :)

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It’s a lovely tourist trap. Of course there’s homeless people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I LOVE Venice. It has such an eclectic array of people, shops, restaurants, you name it. It's laid back and fun. Tons of rental bikes and scooters, too.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Venice is a unique cultural experience, I would recommend for adult only and older teenagers, not a place for young children. It has neet history, cool vibe and beautiful beaches

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Rent a Byrd scooter, and take a cruise down the beach! Spend time on abbot Kinney, it’s clean and there are a few super cute restaurants and shops.

Cities near Venice