Santa Monica
Last Updated on Jun 11, 2025
Venice Beach, California, is a vibrant and eclectic destination known for its lively boardwalk, artistic spirit, and unique coastal culture. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is the heart of the action, bustling with street performers, colorful murals, and vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to tasty treats. Fitness enthusiasts flock to the famous Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym where bodybuilders and acrobats showcase their skills.Art lovers can explore the Venice Canals Historic District, a serene network of man-made canals inspired by Italy’s Venice, perfect for a peaceful stroll. The Venice Skate Park attracts skateboarders from around the world, while the nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard offers trendy boutiques, cafes, and art galleries for a more upscale experience. With its blend of bohemian vibes, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife, Venice Beach provides a quintessentially unique Southern California experience.
Venice is known for its eclectic, artistic vibe and offers a range of upscale hotels with a relaxed beach atmosphere. Venice Beach House offers a boutique experience with cozy, intimate rooms, just steps away from the beach. The Shore Hotel is a sleek, modern hotel with eco-friendly features and stunning ocean views. Hotel Erwin is an upscale, bohemian-inspired hotel with a rooftop deck providing incredible views of the coastline. For a truly luxurious stay, The Venice Beach Suites & Hotel offers an elegant and convenient retreat for guests looking to experience the best of Venice.
Venice offers a trendy and upscale dining scene, particularly along the beach. Gjusta, though more casual, is renowned for its artisanal sandwiches, smoked fish, and baked goods. For more refined options, Osteria Bigoli brings rustic Italian flavors to life, and The Tasting Kitchen serves creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes in an elegant setting. Pizzana, with its Neapolitan-style pizza, has become a favorite for its elevated take on the classic dish. Crossroads Kitchen, an upscale vegan restaurant, offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a fine-dining twist.
Discover the best rooftop bars in Venice Beach, where you can unwind and soak in breathtaking ocean views. High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin offers a captivating seaside experience with craft cocktails, refreshing beers, and sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean. From the relaxed daytime ambiance to the vibrant energy of the evening, this rooftop oasis provides the perfect perch to witness the vibrant scene of Venice Beach. Meanwhile, The Venice Whaler, an iconic destination with a rich history, serves delectable margaritas and outstanding cuisine. With indoor and outdoor dining areas overlooking the ocean, enjoy world-famous fish tacos, brunch menus, and lively DJ sets as the bar seamlessly transitions into a nighttime venue. Whether you're a local seeking a new hotspot or a visitor exploring the area, these rooftop bars offer unforgettable experiences with panoramic ocean views and delicious drinks.
Venice Beach, CA, offers a vibrant and eclectic coastal experience packed with activities for every kind of beachgoer. Visitors can enjoy classic beach fun like swimming, sunbathing, and surfing the Pacific waves, while those looking for more adventure can try diving or fishing off the nearby Venice Pier. The beach is also home to a scenic Bike Path perfect for cruising along the coast, as well as designated areas for roller skating and blading. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the basketball and volleyball courts, or play handball and racquetball in the dedicated areas. Muscle Beach’s iconic outdoor weight-lifting area provides a one-of-a-kind workout spot with a lively atmosphere. With ample picnic areas, public restrooms, outdoor showers, and easy beach access, Venice Beach is a dynamic destination that blends recreation, fitness, and people-watching in a uniquely artistic environment.
The Venice Breakwater in Los Angeles is a renowned surfing spot that has been enjoyed by locals and tourists for over a century. Built by Abbot Kinney in 1905 to protect his amusement pier, the artificial barrier is located north of the Venice Pier and Lifeguard Headquarters, and south of the Santa Monica Pier. It is a unique location where waves break on both sides, offering an exciting surfing experience. With fairly consistent surf, this exposed beach/breakwaters break is best during winter when it receives distant groundswells and optimal swell angle from the west northwest. The beach breaks provide lefts and rights, and the sand is perfect for creating sand sculptures. However, surfers should beware of rocks, locals, and rips, and the spot can get crowded. Overall, Venice Breakwater is an iconic surf spot that should be on the list of any surf enthusiast visiting Los Angeles.
The Venice Beach Canals in Los Angeles County are a unique and beautiful attraction that offer visitors a glimpse into the history and charm of the area. Built in 1905 as part of the "Venice of America" plan, the canals were designed to recreate the appearance and feel of Venice, Italy. The canals originally covered a much larger area, but most of them were filled in during the 1920s to make room for paved roads. The remaining canals fell into disrepair for many years until they were restored in 1993. Visitors can now walk along the canals, which are lined with houses and bridges, to take in the views of this historic and picturesque area. The Venice Canal Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and continues to be a desirable residential section of the city.
Venice Beach, California, boasts a variety of parks that offer something for everyone, from larger green spaces to intimate recreational areas. Burton W. Chace Park and Glen Alla Park are among the city's larger parks, offering ample space for picnics, outdoor events, and relaxation. Smaller parks like the Venice Beach Children's Playground cater to families with young kids, while the Venice Beach Recreation Center features sports courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis. Oakwood Recreation Center is a community hub offering programs for all ages, and Westminster Dog Park is a popular spot for dog owners to let their pets socialize and play. Other parks such as Penmar Park, Linnie Canal Park, and Centennial Park add to the variety, each with its own distinctive character and amenities, making Venice Beach a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors seeking outdoor fun and relaxation.
Venice Beach Skatepark, located in Southern California, is a must-visit destination for skateboarding enthusiasts. This 16,000-square-foot skatepark opened in 2009 and features a variety of street skateboarding elements, including a concrete bowl that evokes the empty swimming pools where the legendary Z-Boys would skate and revolutionize skateboarding in the 1970s. With a variety of features like concrete stairs, snake runs, and deep pools, this 20,000 square-foot park is always packed with skateboarders young and old, rookie and seasoned. If you want to try your hand at skateboarding, just don’t forget your helmet! The park is free and open from 9 a.m. to sunset.
The Venice Beach Recreation Center, located just steps away from the famous Ocean Front Walk, offers a range of exciting activities for visitors and locals alike. From basketball and tennis courts to handball tournaments and paddle tennis, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Kids will love the dedicated play areas complete with gymnastics apparatus, while those looking for a challenge can test their strength and endurance at the renowned Muscle Beach Venice gym. Whether you're looking for a fun day out with the family or a place to work up a sweat, the Venice Beach Recreation Center is the perfect destination.
Discover the vibrant and iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Southern California, attracting over ten million visitors annually. Experience the unique vibe of Venice by strolling along the two-mile Ocean Front Walk, filled with specialty shops, restaurants, street performers, artists, and fortune tellers. Enjoy people-watching and soak in the creative energy of the colorful locals and visitors from around the world. Don't miss the opportunity to see amazing works of art, from spectacular sculptures to majestic murals, as you explore the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Abbott Kinney Boulevard, once a derelict strip of rundown beach cottages and empty industrial buildings called West Washington Boulevard, has become a principal attraction in Los Angeles. Located a few blocks from Venice Beach, the street is now a vibrant collection of boutiques, salons, galleries, restaurants and bars that attracts visitors from all over L.A. and beyond. In fact, GQ Magazine named Abbot Kinney "The Coolest Block in America" in its first-ever "Style Bible" issue. Community groups and property owners pushed for the renaming of the street in the late 1980s, which was widely considered as a marketing strategy to commercialize the area and bring new high-end businesses to the area. Today, Abbott Kinney Boulevard is a must-visit destination for shopaholics, art enthusiasts, and foodies.
Located in the heart of Venice, the Pacific Resident Theatre is a hidden gem in the world of theatre. Founded over three decades ago, this intimate venue is run by local actors who produce a range of shows, from classic productions to new plays by emerging playwrights. The theater is also involved in performing arts education, offering both a young actors conservatory and acting classes. With a calendar available on their website, the Pacific Resident Theatre provides an authentic experience for locals and visitors alike, showcasing the talents of up-and-coming actors in the Los Angeles area. Come discover this beloved venue, which sees few tourists but plenty of passion.
While Venice Beach is known for its sun, sand, and surf, it's also a destination for those who want to work up a sweat. One such spot is the Muscle Beach Venice Gym, where fitness enthusiasts can lift weights, practice yoga, or even participate in a calisthenics class. This outdoor gym has been a staple of Venice Beach since the 1950s and has been frequented by famous bodybuilders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno. Visitors can pay a daily fee to use the equipment or sign up for a membership to take advantage of the gym's classes and facilities.
Penmar Golf Course, located just a short distance from Venice Beach, is a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts. The nine-hole course has been consistently rated as one of the best in California, with six par 4s and three par 3s that challenge golfers to perfect their short game skills. The course is perfect for walking and provides a friendly, casual atmosphere for both competitive and leisurely play. Membership includes a USGA World Handicap and benefits from the Southern California Golf Association, making Penmar a great choice for golfers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking for a fun day out, Penmar Golf Course is a must-visit spot for any golf enthusiast.
The Venice Farmers Market is a beloved community institution that brings together locals and visitors alike for a morning of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and community bonding. Held every Saturday morning since 1987, the market offers a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and other edible treats, as well as handmade crafts and other unique items. Visitors can also enjoy live music and food trucks while they shop, and take a break for a cup of coffee or a delicious pastry. The market is a perfect representation of the laid-back, community-oriented vibe that makes Venice such a special place.
Experience the vibrant spirit of Venice Beach with our carefully curated selection of tours and activities for 2024. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures like surfing and skateboarding, or prefer to delve into the cultural richness of the area through guided art walks and historical explorations, we have something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of the boardwalk, discover hidden gems along the canals, or indulge in the eclectic cuisine of Abbot Kinney—whatever your interests, our Venice Beach tours promise unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of this iconic California destination. Book your adventure today and unlock the best of Venice Beach in 2024!