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The Venice Sign: A Beacon of Venice Beach

Experience the iconic Venice Sign, a symbol of Venice Beach's vibrant history and culture, offering a perfect photo opportunity and a glimpse into the heart of this eclectic community.

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The Venice Sign, a vibrant and iconic landmark, welcomes visitors to the eclectic Venice Beach area of Los Angeles. Spanning Windward Avenue at Pacific Avenue, this sign is a modern recreation of the original 1905 sign installed by Abbot Kinney, the founder of Venice. Serving as a symbol of Venice's unique blend of history, art, and beach culture, the sign is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Its bright lights and classic design evoke a sense of nostalgia and capture the spirit of this vibrant community. The Venice Sign is more than just a photo opportunity; it's a reminder of Venice's rich past and its enduring appeal as a destination for creativity and individuality. Whether you're strolling along the boardwalk or exploring the local shops and restaurants, the Venice Sign is a must-see landmark that embodies the essence of Venice Beach.

A brief summary to Venice Sign

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for the best lighting and photo opportunities with the Venice Sign.
  • Be mindful of traffic when taking photos in front of the sign, as it's located at a busy intersection.
  • Check the Venice Chamber of Commerce website for information on special events and lighting ceremonies at the sign.
  • Explore the nearby Venice Beach Boardwalk and Abbot Kinney Boulevard to fully experience the area's unique culture.
  • Look for metered parking on Windward Avenue or parking lots on Windward Avenue and Speedway, but arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Venice Beach Boardwalk, walk inland towards Windward Avenue. The Venice Sign is located directly above the intersection of Windward and Pacific Avenues, a few blocks from the beach. Look for the large traffic circle (Windward Circle) and head east; the sign will be visible spanning the street. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving via the Metro bus, several lines stop near Windward Avenue and Main Street, a short walk from the Venice Sign. From the bus stop, walk north on Main Street towards Windward Avenue. Turn left onto Windward Avenue and continue west towards Pacific Avenue. The Venice Sign will be visible overhead. A single Metro bus fare is $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Request a ride to the intersection of Windward Avenue and Pacific Avenue in Venice Beach. Most ride-share apps will recognize 'Venice Sign' as a destination. Expect to pay approximately $8-$15 for a short ride within Venice, depending on the distance and demand.

  • Driving

    Navigate to the intersection of Windward Avenue and Pacific Avenue in Venice Beach. Note that parking in this area can be challenging, especially during peak season. Metered parking is available on Windward Avenue, and parking lots are located on Windward Avenue and Speedway. Metered street parking typically costs $1-2 per hour. Parking lots can range from $5-$15 depending on the time of day and season. Be sure to read all signs carefully to avoid parking tickets.

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Discover more about Venice Sign

The Venice Sign, a dazzling display of lights and history, stands proudly over the intersection of Windward and Pacific Avenues, marking the entrance to the world-famous Venice Beach. More than just a sign, it represents the vibrant spirit, artistic soul, and storied past of this unique Los Angeles neighborhood. Originally erected in 1905 by Abbot Kinney, the visionary founder of Venice, the sign served as an invitation to potential homebuyers, beckoning them to discover the wonders of his seaside community. Kinney, inspired by the romantic canals of Venice, Italy, sought to create a similar atmosphere in Southern California, complete with gondolas, canals, and a lively boardwalk. The original sign, a beacon of progress and innovation, quickly became a symbol of the burgeoning Venice community. However, the original Venice Sign disappeared sometime in the 1950s, fading into the mists of time. For decades, the iconic landmark was lost, leaving a void in the heart of Venice. But the spirit of Abbot Kinney's vision never truly vanished, and in the early 2000s, a dedicated group of community members embarked on a mission to restore this cherished symbol. The Venice Sign Restoration Project, spearheaded by former Venice Heritage Museum president Todd von Hoffmann, meticulously recreated the original sign, using historical photographs and documents as a guide. In 2007, the new Venice Sign was unveiled, a stunning replica of its predecessor, complete with energy-efficient LED lights and a sturdy aluminum frame. The sign stretches 63 feet across Windward Avenue and is affixed to the original anchor points, a testament to the enduring legacy of Abbot Kinney's dream. The modern Venice Sign has become an even greater attraction than its predecessor, drawing visitors from around the globe. Its bright lights and classic design evoke a sense of nostalgia, while its prominent location makes it a perfect backdrop for photos and selfies. The sign is particularly popular at night, when its vibrant colors illuminate the intersection, creating a magical atmosphere. The Venice Sign is more than just a pretty picture; it's a symbol of community pride and resilience. The Venice Chamber of Commerce is responsible for the sign and for protecting its trademark. The Chamber runs an Adopt-A-Bulb program where patrons can pay to support the sign and have their names added to the Venice Sign Plaque. In addition, the Chamber has partnered with The Ave Venice to sell exclusive Venice Sign T-Shirts. It represents the enduring spirit of Venice, a place where art, culture, and individuality thrive. Visiting the Venice Sign is a must for anyone exploring Venice Beach. It's a chance to connect with the history of this iconic neighborhood, to capture a memorable photo, and to experience the vibrant energy that makes Venice so unique. Whether you're strolling along the boardwalk, browsing the quirky shops on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, the Venice Sign is a constant reminder of the magic and allure of Venice Beach. The sign also serves as a focal point for community events, including the annual Venice Sign Holiday Lighting, a festive celebration that brings together residents and visitors alike. During the holidays, the sign is adorned with colorful lights, creating a dazzling display that embodies the spirit of the season. The Venice Sign has been lit up in a multitude of different color schemes for different events and causes, including red white and blue, rainbow colors for LGBT pride, and red white and green for Christmas. One of the more popular variants was an “O'Venice” display for St. Patrick's Day. The Venice Sign is strategically located near other popular attractions, making it easy to incorporate into a day of exploring Venice Beach. Just steps away from the sign, you'll find the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk, a lively promenade filled with street performers, vendors, and colorful characters. The Muscle Beach Gym, a legendary outdoor fitness center, is also nearby, offering a glimpse into the area's fitness culture. And of course, the beach itself is just a short walk away, providing endless opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. As you stand beneath the Venice Sign, take a moment to appreciate the history and significance of this iconic landmark. It's a symbol of Venice's past, present, and future, a beacon of creativity and individuality that continues to inspire and delight visitors from around the world. The Venice Sign is a testament to the enduring spirit of Venice, and the people that make it thrive. As long as there's a Venice, the sign will be there to light the way.

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