Venice Beach
Venice Beach
4
About
This lively beach close to Los Angeles draws crowds to its busy boardwalk, where street performers and colorful characters make an appearance. Surfers gather around the Venice Breakwater while bodybuilders flock to the open-air gym on Muscle Beach. Take your time to explore the countless cafes and souvenir shops that line the waterfront or bike along the 4-mile boardwalk that runs from the southern end of Venice Beach to the neighboring Santa Monica Beach. There are lifeguards on duty, so families with children can have a safe and enjoyable time in the water. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Venice
Venice has always danced to its own beat as the epicenter of bohemian culture in Los Angeles. Along the boardwalk there are street performers and local craftsmen selling their wares. Original paintings, souvenirs, and jewelry are on display. Crowds of visitors marvel at the sites while weightlifting enthusiasts pump iron in plain view, and skateboarders do their tricks around the skate park. All of it happens under the warm California sun with sprawling views of sand and sea. Heading east, the main drags of Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Main Street are lined with boutique shops, some major retail stores, art galleries and restaurants. Here the ambiance is more relaxed and upscale than the frenetic boardwalk area. Venice is a mostly walkable (and certainly bikeable) neighborhood, full of areas to explore.
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Restaurants
943 within 3 miles
Attractions
304 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- SpotTVMomAtlanta, Georgia353 contributionsTeens had a great time !We visited on the 4th of July. The beach was clean, some Characters as you would expect. That’s the charm. No one was scary or aggressive. We loved the weight lifters and there was a bodybuilder contest that was fun. Teens loved their run On the beach path. We also walked the canals which where beautiful. Great dining options and fun street of shops to see. My teens loved the Venice shops a few blocks away.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 16, 2023
- Ingrid HLos Angeles, California27 contributionsVenice beach pleasantIt was very pleasant! All that hype about how dangerous it is was way over the top! I know the City did clean up the encampments and there are still homeless, they are trying to make a dollar by selling stuff or by creating sand scapes. Loved the skatepark, people are friendly and no body bothers you…Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 9, 2023
- Osamu HHigashiizu-cho, Japan2 contributionsbest sunsetMy wife and I came here to unwind from life and had a wonderful time. I'll come back later. Having raised three children and now having three grandchildren, I was able to spend many happy days with such a wonderful family. I still have to work hard with my wife to watch our grandson grow up. Aiming for an even better familyVisited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 19, 2023
- Chris23 contributionsOk but won’t returnNice walk along the sea front to Santa Monica pier , very crowed near muscle beach and full of crappy tourist shops. Loads of homeless and smack heads about but didn’t bother anyone. It’s One to tick off the list but won’t returnVisited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 15, 2023
- FarAway499052342766 contributionsLots of very interesting people and sightsWe visited Venice Beach on a Saturday. There were to be honest alot of very interesting and colourful people there, unfortunately many were high on marijuana. There were many homeless people around and although we needed to use the toilets, they were so filthy that we probably would have needed a hepatitis shot afterwards, so we held on. There were nice areas and there were unclean areas. There were plenty off people selling things (some beautiful, some that a 2 year old could have done better) in the area where the shops were. For parking - park in the parks on the beach, not inland as the beach parking is $8 - $9 per day. The 'parking places' further inland are a rip off charging well over $10. If you're walking - stick to the beach or footpath, not the bike / scooter / Rollerblade path and you will be safe.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 18, 2023
- themaddog74299 contributionsAn interesting walk to do, but stay away at night.Venice Beach and the walk to Santa Monica Pier were interesting and the path is nice. You need to ensure that you stay off the bike path if you are walking. There are nice clean areas and there are unclean areas where the homeless people hang out. DO NOT USE THE TOILETS IN THIS AREA as they are filthy. There are alot of homeless people at Venice beach and area where they live are full of rubbish and offensive smells from urine and alcohol. There were many interesting people at Venice Beach and unfortunately alot of cannabis was also being smoked and this stench hung in the air in many places, particularly where people were selling things. Unfortunately Venice Beach is not as pretty as it is seen in films and pictures. I would not recommend visiting Venice Beach after dark. When parking, use the car parks on the beach that charge $8 - $9 per day rather than car parks further back that rip you off.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 21, 2023
- Lenny HAuckland, New Zealand773 contributionsVery bohemianA great place to visit during daylight hours. As soon as the sun went down the atmosphere changed and we didn’t feel particularly safe. Definitely not somewhere I’d bring small children. Looking somewhat run down, too.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 5, 2024
- SongbirdSpirtWalkerAlbuquerque, New Mexico123 contributionsVenice Beach 🏖️ Has CanalsI lived in the Los Angeles area for 16 years. During that time family would go to Venice Beach. I enjoyed the eclectic Oceanside shops and the “muscle men” pumping iron! I enjoyed watching the skaters and skateboarding antics! I got free food from the Hare Krishnas serving on the beach! I watched people from all walks of life hanging out on the beach. It’s been a few years since I had returned to the LA area and my daughter and I decided to visit several beaches. We parked more than 8 blocks away and walked! When we walked a wonderful thing happened! We discovered that there are canals to meander through! There are these quaint canals that allow for a good walk! We walked, visited open houses for homes selling between $3 to 6 million dollars!! My! We met cool people and found a rainbow walkway too! I’m thrilled to have discovered these canals at long last! We discovered that “Cold Stone” ice cream 🍨 now has a vegan option on the menu!! We visited restaurants, shopped with a vendor from Senegal 🇸🇳 and listened to music 🎶 coming from some establishments. We had a funky good time!Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 17, 2024
- Elise GHudson River Valley, New York1,279 contributionsA different slice of L.A.If you’re up for strolling while people watching, take a trip to Venice Beach. Our party of four meandered around the side streets, canals and along the beach itself. We paused to watch the muscle builders and skate boarders; both were a source of entertainment. Many shops including Tarot and Psychic Readings, Henna Tattoos, sunglasses and souvenirs provided beach goers with many options for remembering their visit. Since we spent an afternoon during early April there, it was not “beach weather”. No sunning or dipping in the ocean for us! There was no love lost there, as the time there was worthwhile in and of itself. We got a slice of a different part of L.A. culture.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 9, 2024
- Cavalier1994Bethesda, Maryland490 contributionsBeach with its own vibesThere is a certain chill vibe to this beach that is different from its neighbor Santa Monica beach to the north. Still at daytime it felt safe. Lots of people exercising or strolling, just doing their own thing. This beach is about acceptance and tolerance, as long as you go in thinking that way, you’ll enjoy it. For example, there’s a scent of cannabis lingering always. The retail stores (many of them renting bikes or motorized vehicles, incense, tattoo, etc) are eclectic and fun to see but not necessarily to buy. Funny that this is where Barbie and Ken arrived in the movie. The skate park is fun to watch the skills and creativeness in front of you especially when the sun sets. Within a block from the beach there are private parking lots - we paid $10 for 3 hour - but we prob could have found the public parking.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
10,914 reviews
Excellent
4,028
Very good
3,495
Average
1,821
Poor
873
Terrible
698
Mike S
Fort Lauderdale, FL35 contributions
Aug 2019
Venice is iconic and weird a the same time. Always something to see and do on the beach and boardwalk. Street performers are present all the time and artists present their wares. Rent a bicycle and follow the winding path north to Santa Monica Pier or head south for a more quiet experience. Work out on Muscle Beach which has just been remodeled and updated recently. The fee is about $12 bucks for a day pass. Overall an attraction that is purely Venice so go see it a few days to get the full view!
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland61,423 contributions
Oct 2019
Our first morning in LA we took an early bus from Downtown to this emblematic locale and had a marvellous few hours there.
All the images we had from movies, TV and media were there aplenty. Fitness and well-being pursued with early surfers and a few on Muscle Beach.
The skate park was tremendous and the sheer skill and exhilaration of the skaters most impressive. Much public art is to be seen, that includes the fine Declaration Sculpture.
Entertainers were fun to stop and engage with. We were particularly taken with a chap tuning-up a grand piano at the beach edge, evidently after towing it there and readying for a recital.
All the images we had from movies, TV and media were there aplenty. Fitness and well-being pursued with early surfers and a few on Muscle Beach.
The skate park was tremendous and the sheer skill and exhilaration of the skaters most impressive. Much public art is to be seen, that includes the fine Declaration Sculpture.
Entertainers were fun to stop and engage with. We were particularly taken with a chap tuning-up a grand piano at the beach edge, evidently after towing it there and readying for a recital.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
norman
Farnborough, UK428 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We enjoyed a walk down to Venice from Santa Monica on a beautiful sunny day and everything feels fine. There is a different world to see here along the Venice Boardwalk. It has become a large community of folks living and sleeping rough, many of who turn thier talents to entertaing the many tourists as well as selling some unusual art alongside the usual souvenier shops. Almost everone seems happy to be here. In the mix are various people just passing through, exercising, socialising - often there to be seen - so a great place to sit back and watch the world go by in one of the many bars or restaurants.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bx2L
Lexington, KY224 contributions
Nov 2019
Venice Beach is well known and offers plenty of beach with interesting shops. I visited during the middle of the day on a Friday and it wasn't too crowded. It can get busy quick not just the shops, but also just the general walking crowd. There are plenty of places to walk around, as well as activities on the beach, not to mention was eclectic stores to pop in and out of. It's worth a visit to say that you have walked Venice Beach. I'd plan to spend about a half day there.
Written April 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
88AVANTI
188 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
In the AM this time of year the beach is almost deserted, except for the dog walkers and the surfers, bobbing in the water, waiting for a decent wave. The beach is miles long, so if you're a sand runner or walker it's near perfect and the long pier is a people watching treat. There's a good public rest room building, which understandably attracts the homeless, but they don't bother anybody other than requesting spare change. The blocks leading to the beach are filled with souvenir and surf shops and restaurants of varied ilk and quality. All in all a good place for contemplation or exercise or to have a meal by the ocean.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jolie W
Santa Cruz, CA27 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Venice is interesting with lots to see and good people watching. The vendors are selling mostly low quality stuff that didn’t seem worth the prices. There were some good looking restaurants in the neighborhood near the beach, we went to Great White and it was very tasty but you pay more because of the location. The beach was a bit grungy, I didn’t feel comfortable letting my kids take their shoes off because I was worried about drug paraphernalia in the sand. It was an interesting visit but I don’t know if I’d ever be that inclined to return.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary M
Sydney, Australia275 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The world famous Venice Ocean Front Walk.The boardwalk is one of the best places in L.A. for people watching—everyone from colorful locals to visitors from around the globe.
There’s something for everyone on the concrete boardwalk: on one side there are specialty shops, restaurants and uniquely designed residences, and on the other a myriad of street performers, artists, fortune tellers and much more.
Stop by the outdoor weight room at Muscle Beach Gym, once the home turf of bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger , who later went on to become California’s governor.
Or head on over to check out the skate park and watch some very talented board riders doing their stuff.
Don't forget to check out the amazing murals around Venice, you won't be disappointed.
There’s something for everyone on the concrete boardwalk: on one side there are specialty shops, restaurants and uniquely designed residences, and on the other a myriad of street performers, artists, fortune tellers and much more.
Stop by the outdoor weight room at Muscle Beach Gym, once the home turf of bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger , who later went on to become California’s governor.
Or head on over to check out the skate park and watch some very talented board riders doing their stuff.
Don't forget to check out the amazing murals around Venice, you won't be disappointed.
Written June 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin S
Cleveland, Ohio755 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The beach is amazing and seems to go on forever. The people are active and great to watch. You will find some areas a bit crowded. Take a walk on the boardwalk and visit the little shops and see the locals selling there art and other items. Fun places to eat.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JulieFabris
Waunakee, WI775 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
I grew up in California in the late 70’s and early 80’s and wanted to show my adult daughter some of the beaches me and my friends used to go to “back in the day”.
I was last here when my younger brother was at UCLA in the 90’s and WOW what a change.
I was embarrased that I even brought her here two weeks ago.
It was dirty, broken down, and with homeless everywhere - either in tents or roaming around.
Gone are the days of shopping, outdoor cafes, bands and roller skating/roller blading.
Life and cities change and evolve, for sure, but all of the city leaders in Venice Beach should be fired for what happened here.
I feel sorry for the business owners and the home owners who pay taxes in a city completely ruined.
I was last here when my younger brother was at UCLA in the 90’s and WOW what a change.
I was embarrased that I even brought her here two weeks ago.
It was dirty, broken down, and with homeless everywhere - either in tents or roaming around.
Gone are the days of shopping, outdoor cafes, bands and roller skating/roller blading.
Life and cities change and evolve, for sure, but all of the city leaders in Venice Beach should be fired for what happened here.
I feel sorry for the business owners and the home owners who pay taxes in a city completely ruined.
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharlesBT
CharlesBT9 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
On the way to the airport we stopped to see Venice. Parked in a pay lot and walked up and down the disgusting 3rd world boardwalk. On the way back to the car a guy started following us talking nonsense so we walked faster. We all jumped in the car and locked the door and he stood in front of the car trying to block us from leaving. I backed out and as I was he ran around to the back of the car and he slammed his hands down on the trunk. I threw the car in drive and gave him a one finger salute as we drove off. This is what you get in liberal Venice where this behavior goes totally unchecked. Never ever again. Oh and this was 9 am on a Sunday morning.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you show me a picture of were are the restroom at please.
Gary M
Sydney, Australia275 contributions
Sorry I didn't take any holiday snaps of shitters, I suggest you try Google earth.
Kat S
Adelaide, Australia7 contributions
I would love to know what the skating here is like? My 18’ year old son is planning a trip with some mates in August 2020 for a week , purely to enjoy the skate parks. Any tips or advice from a concerned mum would be awesome 🙌
Simon J
Melbourne, Australia63 contributions
Skating be fine as plenty around but yep lots of homeless.... skate all day b fine tho & in summer many more people so normally ok...
sharvahuja
Edison, NJ
I am planning to visit LA in the beggining of april .. i would like to know if that is a good time to visit LA and specially hit the beach !
Nel A
Canton of Geneva, Switzerland72 contributions
LA is always nice to go. Sunny and always good weather. For swearing maybe a bit cold but it all depends on you. Lots to see and enjoy the ocean
julien b
1 contribution
Bonjour. Vous êtes vous faits agresser ou avez vous été témoins d'une agression? Je souhaiterais louer un appartement sur venice beach mais je souhaiterais aussi pouvoir sortir le soir...
Merci d'avance pour votre réponse.
Julien
William B
Pontoise, France270 contributions
Bonjour, la journée tout va bien les magasins sont ouverts et il y a beaucoup de monde par contre vers 18H00, les commerces ferment et les touristes désertent la plage. A 20H00, les SDF, les dealers et rappeurs noirs arrivent et foutent le bordel partout. Les toxicos agressent les blancs et les blessent ou plus, comme à Paris dans les quartiers Est !!!!!!!
892veronica
Cagliari, Italy11 contributions
Salve, vorrei sapere come poter arrivare a Venice Beach da Hollywood Boulevard. Io allogerò al Mama Shelter.
Grazie
daniela B
Prato, Italy758 contributions
Non so noi abbiamo noleggiato auto
yen70072
Marrero, LA63 contributions
Can anyone tell me around how long it takes to walk the boardwalk and see the sights at Venice Beach? My family plans on visiting both Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier and I'm wondering how much time it takes to do both.
968mmac
Southbury, CT88 contributions
You can rent bikes in Venice Beach and ride them to Santa Monica Pier. Depends on how much time you want to spend. If pure with small kids you may want to spend more time in Santa Monica Pier. But you can do both in half a day
Josh
Schaumburg, IL15 contributions
Where is my dog allowed to go around Venice Beach and Santa Monica? Are there no beach areas for the dogs to be on? I spoke to someone who said "anything goes" at Venice Beach but from what I'm reading dogs are only allowed on the walkways and grass areas.
L ..
Denver, CO251 contributions
As far as I read from signs, no you are not allowed to have dogs on the beach.
Frederic T
Carqueiranne, France2 contributions
bonjour est il possible de louer un vélo à une borne à santa Monica et le déposer à une autre borne à Venise Beach
merci pour votre repone
Christian H.
Pamplona, Spain6 contributions
In EEUU everything it's posible!!!!
There are a lot of places to rent a bicycle. But the distances between Santa Mónica to Venice beach if you,re walking it'll be only 2 hours more or leas...
Krystal G
Swift Current, Canada3 contributions
Looking for a parking lot to park an rv while visiting Venice beach boardwalk.
teddy214
San Luis Obispo County, CA52 contributions
Yes, there’s RV parking. The residents don’t like it but it’s not illegal. I’m not sure where you’re coming from but the main intersections are Lincoln Blvd & Washington Blvd. Drive West on Washington Blvd pass Abbot-Kinney, next light Oxford. From there on your left you’ll see RV’s parked. Most of them don’t move as they use it as their residency. PLEASE READ THE PARKING SIGNS. you may have luck parking on the right. Best time to get parking early morning 7 am. The traffic is HEAVY from morning to night. I don’t think Venice Pier has a RV parking but parking is expensive. Also watch out for those Bird Scooters, they’re everywhere and most riders don’t care. I grew up in MDR & my mom still lives there. Traffic is horrible & it’s the same in Santa Monica. I hope this helps.
Hi! I’m wondering if you can cycle from Malibu to Venice? And is it possible to rent a bike in one direction? I don’t want to back track to drop it off.
June D
Los Angeles, CA29 contributions
This is not a good idea. Once you reach the end of Santa Monica and are on Pacific Coast Highway is when the problems are very obvious. There is no special lane for bike riders. This is a tight, narrow, winding road with bumper to bumper traffic in both directions, not safe for the bike rider and of great concern to the motorists trying to avoid hitting you. There are occasional rocks that fall from the mountain side which drop dramatically from Santa Monica to PCH. These hillsides have always been unstable and have not changed with the passage of time, I should know having lived in this area since 1978 and have traveled this highway many many times, still do.
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