Venice Beach

Okay, here we go with the different and unusual. What can I say about Venice Beach Boardwalk, been there done that and I lived thru the whole experience. Muscle men strutting their stuff, hippy dips doing their thing, skateboarders, roller skaters and yes, in bathing suits. We did the shops and then it was time to move on, eye opening to say the least. If you like the different and unusual, this is your place to stay for the day. As for us, we stopped for a few hours and then headed on to our next destination. Did not use the bathrooms

Venice Beach is so unique you have to see it. Colorful boardwalk area with street performers and kiosks with fun junk.
Skate bowl is so interesting to watch skillful skateboarders defy gravity. Rent a bike for 9 an hour and see it all! Oak in lot 9. And you don’t need to worry about tickets!

Well, I am a fan. Some pretty snobby reviews here. Let me put in my 2 cents…
Okay, so the beach itself is fine. Nothing fantastic BUT,
it’s the proximity to so much which is the draw for me and makes this beach special.
YES, there IS decent food nearby… On the boardwalk you have Venice Ale House which is loaded with great craft beers and local organic food. Grass-​fed burger are delicious. On the other opposite side you have Larry’s.
**In between** –entertainers, tourists, local skateboarders, stoners, little shops, massages (which are pretty good for the prices), smoke shops, etc. Restaurants in between are not worth dining at. Public bathroom are gross. Use a restaurant in which you drank/​ate.
–The people watching is epic. Sit at Venice Ale house and enjoy the show.
Spend a full day from one end to the other. Start out walking the beach, then lunch at VAH. Take a slow walk the length of the boardwalk while looking at all the junk (and art!) for sale. Enjoy a cocktail at the Townhouse speakeasy, then dinner at Larry’s. (The meat-lover’s pizza is to die.) Walk back to your car on the boardwalk, in the dark, and experience the locals here. Don’t be scared. Think of it as an adventure. One reviewer chose to say there are «bums» here. I prefer to call them people with a story.
So again, the beach itself is okay. It’s what’s close by that makes it cool. And as one reviewer mentioned, the drum circles are hard to resist.
PS– No smoking cigarettes on the boardwalk anymore. They hand out tickets if you’re caught.

Too many bums place smells like
Piss and everyone is high, gets stars because i come here to see the art vendors sell other than that place stinks

What an experience! I’ve never been to Venice Beach even though I’ve been to LA a million times. BF insisted because he watches «Californication» and wanted to see Hank Moody’s house (weirdo). So we indeed drove by his flat and took a few pictures outside. lol.
The beach itself was quite interesting. Tons of performers, tons of food vendors, tons of smoke shops, tons of art stands and tons of GREEN DOCTORS! I think that pretty much summarizes the beach! However, the bathroom was DISGUSTING! I dont even want to go into details, I still have nightmares about it.
It was a very entertaining place to just take a stroll and check out the variety of art they have on display and for sale. Also, you can get funnel cake, mexican fruit cups, BREAD PUDDING (i know, weird right?), hot dogs, pizza!
I did love the view, as we stayed for the sunset. It was absolutely beautiful! :)
Parking wasn’t too horrible. We just parked on the street a couple blocks away and walked over. We also stopped by Abbott Kinney Blvd after to check out the stores.
We will definitely be back =]

I loved this crazy mix of people.
You can go and relax on the huuuuuge beautiful soft sand beach, or watch the street performers.
Can be slightly over stimulating, (with all the random characters and everyone trying to handout their mix-​CDs) but we had fun.

Love the beach during summer the water is nice and fresh !
Want to check out some art… Walk the boardwalk and see some people with art souvenirs to take back if your a tourist.
Welcome to California !

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by what a laid back and wonderful experience I had staying in Venice Beach! Although, you must avoid the peer and beach after dark. It is beautiful beach, experience, yet keep your wallets close and treat it like. Big city. The homeless are a problem and may make some people uncomfortable, if so I would personally look at visiting
Santa Monica (minutes away).

Einer der schönsten Strände in den Staaten, viele coole Leute und Attraktionen, alles ist sehr schön sauber und in unmittelbarer Nähe hat man viele Bars, Restaurants und Unterkünfte.

There’s so many different ways to approach Venice Beach:
–Check out the people working out at Muscle Beach.
–Watch skaters doing their thing.
–Buy local art or other things from casual vendors.
–Build a sandcastle.
–Take a dip in the water.
–Walk the boardwalk.
–Buy some cheap T-​shirts.
If you’re visiting the LA area, you can’t miss Venice Beach. Spent the day here and at the nearby Santa Monica Pier and it was one of the best days in California. Also, while you’re here try to rent a bike– it’s the best way to experience the area.

I’m in love with this beach. The water is a little cold, but once you are inside you won’t feel it anymore. My friend wears leggings so she won’t be too cold. At least that is the excuse she gives me. Everyone else thinks she is crazy.
You can come swim and if you get tired you can go do a little shopping at the boardwalk. They have everything you need there. If you forgot something on your little trip to the beach you can also look for it there.
This beach gets really packed on the weekends. I try to avoid all that and come on the weekdays when it is nice and calm. FYI Summer time, always packed.
Please if you eat here do not leave your food behind. That attracts the seagulls and then they come back for more. Don’t throw food at them because they will not leave you alone.
My husband’s friend came here with us to surf, but I do not recommend it. It didn’t look like there was good enough waves for him to get on the board. He would just lay on it. Never mind, don’t listen to me. He was learning how to surf so maybe it wasn’t the waves at this beach.
There is a lot of parking lots and you have to pay. There are also meters on the street, but it’s better to park at a lot. If you find a meter parking make sure to read the sign twice to avoid any confusion and parking tickets.
Last time I came I found a spot in front of Ado Restaurant and we had to walk a few blocks. I came late so it was free meter parking.
If you love cold ocean water and you love to shop than hurry over here because it’s one of the best spots to do both!

Having just arrived in Los Angeles, after driving from Las Vegas, I was asked THREE times where I wanted to go.
My answer: Venice Beach. Venice Beach. Venice Beach.
I think my friend was hoping that I’d change my answer, but no…
I wanted to go here even though I was warned about the «colorful characters» that hang out at this beach.
Venice Beach is one of the most challenging Tourist Attractions maybe because of the parking. We were lucky and found a space on the street! We walked and walked. It seemed to go on forever… There’s a wide expanse of sand between the sidewalk and the ocean. So much open space — it’s amazing! The fresh air and beautiful views are… WOW!
I really enjoyed the street performers, the various sidewalk vendors, the interesting shops and restaurants, tourists, and other pedestrians. It was full of life and action! So much to do and see! We passed by Muscle Beach Venice (not the original Muscle Beach Santa Monica); looked at a guy who appeared to be floating on a Magic Carpet (he was suspended in mid-​air, attached to a pole); and used the restroom which wasn’t that bad!
I don’t think I would swim here, even though the water temperature wasn’t freezing. It’s not the same as a Hawaiian Beach! Venice Beach is just a cool place to visit — especially for tourists like me!

I love the festivities at this beach!
There’s something to do for everyone. There’s live entertainment, a skating arena, a muscle gym, street arts, food vendors and the beach itself. And if you enjoy people watching as much as I do, you’ll enjoy doing it here. Just make sure you’re wearing sunglasses while doing it.
I parked a few blocks from the beach, but the walk wasn’t bad at all. There are cafes and shops along the way.
Finding parking won’t be easy. the streets are extremely small. Just valet. It’ll save you time and the hassle of driving around.

There’s so much to see and do when you come down here. If you like to people watch, this would be the beach to come too. So many tourists come to this beach. Its the excitement of all the performers and vendors that sell their talented art work.
Parking is a mess down here. I would park your car on Westminster and main, its a school parking lot. The costs is $ 12.00 bucks for all day. Most of the parking spots around the beach are Only 2 hours and they really enforce the parking down here.
So different than other beach locations. Must kept that in mind as you walk around here. So yea for the ladies the muscle beach area. Watch the men work out. There’s so much to do down here.
The venice Beach café is a cool place to eat at. There is always a line. Ask to to set on the broad walk, you may have to wait a little longer.
For the must part must of the merchants prices are about the same. To rent a bike its about $ 6.00 bucks and hour. As you go north from Venice it will cost you a dollar more. Overall a pleasant day down here.
2015 Unilocal Challenge.106/100 and continuing.

So, I’ve been staying in Santa Monica for three weeks now, and I have visited Venice a couple of times. I know that the area is sketchy, especially by night, and as soon as you enter the Venice side the ambiance changes dramatically. You see a lot more of homeless people and their tents, and things are more worn down. The public restrooms are not so clean anymore, and so on.
I like Venice. It feels like Berlin, but with endless summer and a neverending beach. Hippies, hipsters, homeless people, ganja, beer, beach shops, artists and their art, happy tourists and happy locals. Skateboards. Bikes. Dogs. Beach. Sand. Waves.
We went here with a 7-​year old and skateboards, to skate in the park and watch the pro’s. We have gone bicykling here. We have gone shopping. It’s fantastic and relaxed.
You have to be ok with three things here tvough; 1. old hippies walking barefoot; 2.
homeless people; and 3. the smell of weed.
If not, you might hate the place. And oh, after dark it’s not the best place to hang out. Then go elsewhere.

Reminds me a lot like PB except nicer, bigger and more hipster. I belong here. Very chill and laid back. Friendly people. I love how real and blunt they are and no one gets offended. Drove around and spotted the canals — - so cute.
Would definitely come back to walk the streets vs. driving the streets.

I have never been able to park in the parking lot for this beach. I always end up on the street. I did get lucky to park under a big tree, shade thank goodness. The walk is actually quite nice. You see many different architectures of homes wondering who lives in them. You pass by many canals and bridges and gardens and see many people leaving or going to the beach as you. So gorgeous.
It is a hot day and good time to be at the beach. But, it shouldn’t be that busy because it is during work hours and school is still in session right? Wrong, this beach is busy with all kinds of people, many visiting, taking advantage of the wide expanse of sand to get that tan they can go home with to brag about. It’s the start of summer and people just want to get it going. There are several beaches here in SoCal, but Venice has always been interesting if you want to people watch all the weirdness California has to offer.
It’s a nice beach to swim, to sun bathe, to walk along the shops, watch street performers, eat, to watch the sunset and to people watch, roller skate, etc. Feel like taking a walk on the wild side, come here.

What’s not to love about Venice Beach! It is not only iconic from movies, but everyone is so friendly and laid back. The sunset here is just phenomenal. Breathtaking!
It was an awesome sight to see everyone being in their moment, soaking in all that energizing sunshine, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle (biking, running and walking). I finally got to see Muscle Beach, but there were hardly anyone working out because the sun was going down. There were also lots of new constructions going up, and looking at the signs, a handful of the condos were up for grabs as a vacation rental, right on the beach. There are plenty of food vendors on the beach (mostly small business owners), and a few souvenir shops. Surfing lessons are provided here, bikes as well as rental of skates.
I believe the attraction to Venice Beach is the laid back lifestyle, friendly locals, free access to an outdoor gym, basketball courts, skates, and best of all, the view and the all year round pleasant weather!
Until then, Cheers! ~ :p

I love Venice Beach! It’s so LA and its just one of those places you have to experience while visiting Los Angeles. First off stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk and check out all of the cool shops and restaurants. The shops are all overpriced of course but you are bound to find some sort of cool souvenir or t-​shirt for yourself in them. The boardwalk’s north end is roughly around Navy Street and its south end is at Washington Street.
While walking the boardwalk you will see all sorts of weird people which is really one of the best things about this place. The day I was here I saw a man wearing a bikini wrapping himself in fake rubber snakes, a man wearing an absolutely ridiculous outfit while roller blading and playing electric guitar, several musicians including two old men singing Johnny Cash songs, and some crazy old homeless guy that tried preaching to every person that walked past him while eating a sandwich and sitting on the ground with all of his junk. Other characters you may be likely to see are mimes, acrobats, and clowns to name a very select few. It sounds crazy (because it is) but it is such a fun, funny, and memorable experience.
While strolling do not forget to stop and check out Muscle Beach. This is one of the places that made Venice Beach famous and Arnold Schwarzenegger used to work out here back in the day. Its totally iconic and cool.
The scenery is really nice all around and the beach is really nice. Be sure to take some time to just enjoy your surroundings and wade in the Pacific Ocean.
Another thing that I really want to mention that a lot of people don’t realize is that there are actually canals at Venice Beach that you can walk along and this is how it actually got its name because it has canals like in Venice, Italy. To get to the canals walk on South Venice Blvd a few blocks away from the boardwalk and the entrance to them will be on your right. They are really nice to check out and they are sorrounded by lush tropical flora and million dollar homes.

Venice Beach is such an iconic place (with numerous of movies and shows to it’s cred) and a tourist hot spot (and locals alike). Who hasn’t heard of Venice Beach?
Venice Beach has not changed too much from 20+ years ago when I was here at a much younger age. Back then, you of course had your street entertainers (that never gets old), street vendors, bums (they seem harmless but it is best to try to stay away from them and don’t wear or bring expensive items when you come to this beach to prevent any unwanted attention. also want to mention that LAPD is on site in case of any problems), bikini/​swim trunk beach goers and so forth. I would have to say that one of the noticeable differences are all of the marijuana shops all popped up among the shops around (it goes without saying that the smell of such is also in the air). Also there seem to be more gangs patrolling the area as well for some reason.
And of course what surprised me was there is free WiFi (connect to Oh Ranger! when you get here, it is this beach’s official free WiFi), yay to that (I have a limited data plan so it’s nice not having to use it all up before the month is up). Also another highlight are some of the eateries around here (Schulzies Bread Pudding & Poke Poke are just a few worth mentioning) and of course the famous Muscle Beach.
Unfortunately parking can get a little expensive here, especially when there is a special event going on at the beach. On my most recent visit to Venice Beach (last night around 7 pm), American Ninja Warrior just began their taping of the season (which my husband and I had tickets for… and this is the start of the beginning of this amazing competition) and parking was pretty expensive. We saw that parking was anywhere from $ 15 – 30. But luckily we were able to find street parking in the residential area (we parked off of Grand & Riviera Ave and just walked a few blocks… make sure you drive here in a small compact car to parallel park because it would be harder to find parking for a large car).
By the way, 2 weeks prior to American Ninja Warrior films, the set begins to being built and assembled. And even if you do not have tickets, you are always welcome to stand and watch. It is best to stand near the projector screen so you can see everything though.
And one last thing to mention is that the restrooms here are not exactly the nicest… (this is the beach after all). Bring some toilet paper (if you have a purse, just add some with some paper towels/​napkins and some hand sanitizer while you are at it) as the restroom I used did not have any toilet paper (you better believe I was prepared and had toilet paper already in my pocket… I like to prepare ahead of time). But there was a sink with running water and soap, but no paper towels.

Sun. Waves. Ocean breeze.
Happy people. Excercise.
Boardwalk Venice Beach.
People watching fun.
Street performers. Skateboarders.
Park free on the street.

Aqui tem vida. Tanta vida que pode assustar os que forem mais religiosos ou até os que são mais fechados. Venha para Venice com sua mente aberta para ver, ouvir, sentir e cheirar (risos, isso mesmo que você entendeu — passivamente, ok?) coisas novas.
É um lugar diferente e bem interessante de se dar uma volta na sidewalk desde o seu inicio em Santa Monica até a Marina Del Rey. Uns 40 minutos de caminhada tranquila ou alguns minutos de bike são o suficiente para cruzar a praia toda alimentada pelas águas do pacifico.
Quando eu disse para ter a mente aberta é que você vai sim encontrar clinicas medicinais que vendem maconha para gente que é apta a isso — é liberado na California — e também pessoas dos mais estilos diferentes possíveis. Impressionado mesmo é com a diferença que essa área tem em relação à praia de Santa Monica que é justo ao lado.
Recomendo uma passagem de uma tarde por ali.

Einer der wichtigsten Pflichttermine für alle LA Besucher ist Venice Beach. Nach langer Busfahrt aus Downtown mitten an einer Kreuzung ausgestiegen und die Frage «Wo geht’s hier zum Strand?» noch nicht gestellt, schon sieht man das Meer auch hinter der nächsten Ecke hervorlugen. Als Österreicher bin ich natürlich gleich zu Muscle Beach, wo ja Good Old Arnie vor Jahrhunderten trainiert hat. Die erste Enttäuschung: Muscle Beach ist ein winziger Fitnessplatz am Strand, der außerdem komplett verwaist ist.
Auch ansonsten ist Venice nicht wahnsinnig beeindruckend. Eine hundertschaft an Ramschläden in denen medizinisches Marijuana und Räuchstäbchen verkauft wird sowie die typischen Imbissstände bieten wenig Abwechslung. Der Strand an sich ist aber wirklich schön, im Sommer ist es sicher ein toller Platz zum schwimmen.

Es la famosa playa de los tios forzudos haciendo pesas, y el paseo con la gente en bici y tias en bikini montando en patines, genuino.

Increible playa y tambien se puede dar una vuelta por su paseo donde encontraremos espectaculos callejeros, tiendas y casas estupendas