Venice Beach Boardwalk: A SoCal Icon
Experience the vibrant chaos and creative energy of the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a legendary Southern California destination where street performers, artists, and beach culture collide.
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a vibrant, two-mile promenade that embodies the eclectic spirit of Southern California. A sensory explosion of street performers, artists, vendors, and sun-soaked beachgoers, the Boardwalk is a cultural melting pot unlike any other. From Muscle Beach's impressive displays of strength to the mesmerizing graffiti art at the Venice Art Walls, there's always something to captivate your attention. Whether you're people-watching, browsing unique crafts, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere, the Venice Beach Boardwalk offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Venice's free-spirited charm. Don't miss the chance to witness the vibrant energy and unique characters that make this iconic destination a must-see for any visitor to Los Angeles.
A brief summary to Venice Boardwalk
- Beach pavillion in, Los Angeles, Venice, CA, US
Local tips
- Visit early in the day, especially on weekends, to avoid the biggest crowds and find parking more easily.
- Bring cash for tipping street performers and purchasing unique items from vendors.
- Explore the side streets and alleys to discover hidden murals and local art.
- Check out the Venice Art Walls (Graffiti Walls) to see the latest creations by local and international street artists.
- Be aware of your surroundings and belongings, as the Boardwalk can get crowded and attract pickpockets.
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From Downtown Santa Monica, take the Big Blue Bus Line 1 or 8 south towards Venice. Exit at Main St & Venice Way. Walk west for two blocks to reach the Boardwalk. The bus fare is $1.25 per ride. A day pass costs $4, allowing unlimited rides.
-
Taxi/Ride-Share
From Santa Monica Pier, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to the Venice Beach Boardwalk will cost approximately $10-15, depending on traffic. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to specify 'Venice Beach Boardwalk' as your destination.
-
Driving
From the I-10 freeway, exit at Venice Boulevard and head west. Parking near the Boardwalk is limited and can be expensive. Public parking lots are available along Ocean Front Walk, but they fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Expect to pay $15-30 for parking during peak hours. Free 2 hour parking can be found further away from the boardwalk.
-
Walking
From the south end of Santa Monica Beach, you can walk south along the Ocean Front Walk (the paved path along the beach) to reach the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The walk is approximately 2 miles and takes about 40-60 minutes. Enjoy the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the beach along the way.
Discover more about Venice Boardwalk
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Best of the Boardwalk
0.1 km
Experience Venice Beach like a local with extended-stay apartments and hotels near the iconic boardwalk, offering comfort and convenience.
Su Casa At Venice Beach
0.3 km
Experience beachfront bliss at Su Casa Venice Beach, offering cozy rooms, vibrant culture, and easy access to LA's iconic attractions.
Venice Ale House
0.5 km
A Venice Beach gastropub offering fresh, local cuisine and craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere with boardwalk views and a commitment to sustainability.
Venice Public Art Walls
0.6 km
Explore the vibrant Venice Public Art Walls along Ocean Front Walk, where creativity and community come alive through stunning murals and expressive art.
Venice Beach Festival
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant Venice Beach Festival: a free celebration of music, art, dance, and community spirit at Windward Plaza Park!
Boardwalk Vintage
0.6 km
Venice Beach's retro treasure trove: discover curated vintage clothing, jewelry, posters & records on the iconic Ocean Front Walk.
Venice Beach Walking Tours
0.7 km
Discover the eclectic charm, stunning beaches, and vibrant art scene of Venice Beach with guided walking tours led by local experts.
Basketball Courts, Venice Beach
0.7 km
Experience the legendary Venice Beach Basketball Courts, a vibrant hub of streetball culture on the iconic Ocean Front Walk in Venice, CA.
Muscle Beach Venice Hall of Fame Betty Weider
0.8 km
Honoring bodybuilding legends on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Muscle Beach Hall of Fame celebrates fitness history and athletic achievement.
Parkhurst Building
0.9 km
Discover the architectural charm of the Parkhurst Building in Santa Monica, a 1927 landmark blending Mission and Spanish Revival styles, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Venice Beach Parking
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Venice Beach with convenient parking, beach access, and a gateway to local attractions in sunny California.
Venice beach
1.0 km
Experience the eclectic charm of Venice Beach: sun, sand, street performers, and a vibrant artistic spirit in Los Angeles' iconic seaside community.
Kinney-Tabor House
1.0 km
Discover the Kinney-Tabor House in Venice: A landmark of friendship, perseverance, and Venice's Black history.
Ocean View Park
1.1 km
Discover Ocean View Park in Santa Monica: a beachfront oasis offering recreation, relaxation, and stunning Pacific Ocean views, perfect for a coastal escape.
Venice Farmers' Market
1.1 km
A vibrant weekly market in Venice, CA, offering fresh produce, homemade goods, and a strong sense of community since 1987.
Unmissable attractions to see
Venice Beach Drum Circle
0.1 km
Experience the rhythmic soul of Venice Beach at the iconic Drum Circle: a vibrant, inclusive celebration of music, community, and self-expression every weekend at sunset.
Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower
0.2 km
A vibrant landmark on Venice Beach, the rainbow lifeguard tower symbolizes LGBTQ+ pride, acceptance, and the legacy of Bill Rosendahl.
Westminster Dog Park
0.4 km
A vibrant, community-focused dog park in the heart of Venice, offering a safe and fun space for pups to socialize and play.
Venice Beach Skatepark
0.5 km
Explore the iconic Venice Beach Skatepark, a vibrant hub for skateboarding enthusiasts and beach lovers alike in sunny California.
Public Art "Venice Kinesis"
0.5 km
Explore the vibrant Public Art Venice Kinesis, a stunning cultural landmark that captures the essence of creativity in California's artistic Venice neighborhood.
Public Art "Touch of Venice"
0.6 km
Explore the vibrant Public Art Touch of Venice, a cultural landmark showcasing stunning public artworks by local artists in the heart of California's artistic community.
Windward Plaza
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Venice Beach at Windward Plaza, where street performers, artists, and the iconic Venice Sign create an unforgettable sensory experience on the legendary boardwalk.
Venice Sign
0.6 km
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.
Cartel de Venice
0.6 km
Explore the Cartel de Venice, a vibrant museum in California's artistic district showcasing contemporary and historical art in an engaging setting.
Venice Breakwater
0.6 km
Experience the surf culture and coastal beauty of Venice Breakwater, a historic landmark offering consistent waves and stunning views of Venice Beach.
Vintage Venice Reel to Real Tours
0.7 km
Explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Venice, California with Vintage Venice Reel to Real Tours, a unique sightseeing experience for all travelers.
1800 Ocean Front Walk
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant energy of Venice Beach Boardwalk: a two-mile promenade of street performers, art, and eclectic shops on the iconic California coastline, a must-see destination.
Venice Beach Recreation Center
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Venice Beach Recreation Center, a hub of outdoor fun, sports, and cultural exploration on California's iconic coastline.
Muscle Beach Venice Gym
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant energy of Muscle Beach Venice, an iconic outdoor gym where fitness meets California beach culture.
Pedal or Not Electric Bike Tours
0.9 km
Discover the stunning Santa Monica coastline with guided electric bike tours, perfect for tourists seeking adventure and scenic views.
Essential places to dine
Surf N Turf Tacos Venice Beach
0.3 km
Experience flavorful tacos at Surf N Turf Tacos Venice Beach - where land meets sea in an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Fig Tree
0.3 km
Discover Fig Tree: A culinary oasis offering delicious American cuisine with stunning ocean views on Venice Beach.
Barrique Venice
0.4 km
Discover authentic Italian cuisine paired with exquisite wines at Barrique Venice—a culinary gem located in California's vibrant beach town.
El Huarique Venice
0.4 km
Discover authentic Peruvian cuisine at El Huarique Venice, where ocean views meet vibrant flavors in a casual beachside setting.
The Venice Beach Bar & Kitchen
0.4 km
Discover vibrant flavors and stunning ocean views at The Venice Beach Bar & Kitchen - your ultimate coastal dining experience.
The Sidewalk Cafe
0.4 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at The Sidewalk Cafe, where stunning ocean views meet delicious food on Venice Beach.
Reunion Venice Beach
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of California cuisine at Reunion Venice Beach - where every meal is an experience in itself.
Market
0.5 km
Discover authentic Italian cuisine in Venice Beach at Market - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and community.
Felix Trattoria
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Felix Trattoria in Venice; where every dish is crafted with passion and tradition.
The Waterfront Venice
0.6 km
Experience Californian cuisine at The Waterfront Venice while enjoying stunning ocean views and vibrant beachside vibes.
Mao's Kitchen
0.6 km
Experience authentic Chinese flavors at Mao's Kitchen in Venice - where every dish tells a story.
The Rose Venice
0.6 km
Experience exquisite American cuisine at The Rose Venice – where flavor meets coastal charm in California.
Belles Beach House
0.6 km
Experience the best of Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine at Belles Beach House in Venice, CA—where tropical flavors meet beachside charm.
Teddy’s Red Tacos Venice
0.6 km
Discover authentic flavors at Teddy’s Red Tacos in Venice – where every bite tells a story of tradition and taste.
Gran Blanco
0.6 km
Discover Gran Blanco in Venice: where exquisite Japanese cuisine meets a vibrant bar atmosphere, perfect for dining or unwinding.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Living Libations Venice Beach Boutique - Visit by appointment only
0.1 km
Experience the art of holistic beauty at Living Libations, Venice Beach's premier destination for natural health and beauty products.
Native American World ~ Indigenous
0.3 km
Discover Native American artistry at Native American World, where authentic crafts and cultural heritage meet in Venice Beach.
Titanic Boutique
0.4 km
Explore Titanic Boutique in Venice for unique fashion finds and local artisan treasures amidst the vibrant beach culture.
Venice Liberty
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish apparel at Venice Liberty, the quintessential shopping experience on Ocean Front Walk in Venice, CA.
Small World Books
0.4 km
Discover a treasure trove of literature at Small World Books, a beloved bookstore located on the iconic Venice Beach, California.
Art of Venice
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts and local art at Art of Venice, a charming gift shop along the iconic Ocean Front Walk in California.
Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at this charming souvenir shop along Venice's vibrant Ocean Front Walk, capturing the spirit of California's coast.
Gotta Have It
0.6 km
Explore a unique collection of vintage clothing and accessories at Gotta Have It in Venice, California, where every piece has a story.
Artists & Fleas Venice
0.6 km
Explore the eclectic charm of Artists & Fleas Venice, a vibrant market celebrating local artisans and unique vintage finds in the heart of California.
Animal House
0.6 km
Explore the eclectic vintage clothing offerings at Animal House in Venice, California, a treasure trove for unique fashion finds.
Yanapuma Shop
0.6 km
Explore Yanapuma Shop in Venice, CA, for unique art and fashion accessories that reflect the vibrant local culture.
Heist
0.6 km
Discover unique contemporary women's fashion at Heist in Venice, California, where style meets creativity in a vibrant boutique atmosphere.
Bazar
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage clothing, home goods, and jewelry at Bazar, the ultimate shopping destination in Venice, California.
Industry of All Nations
0.7 km
Discover ethical and unique fashion at the Industry of All Nations, a vibrant clothing store in Venice capturing global styles.
Green Goddess Collective
0.7 km
Explore the Green Goddess Collective, a premier cannabis store in Venice Beach, offering high-quality products and a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Winston House
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Winston House in Venice, CA, featuring live music, crafted cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Neighbor
0.6 km
Experience the best of New American cuisine at Neighbor, a trendy bistro in Venice, CA, known for its innovative dishes and craft cocktails.
The Del Monte Speakeasy
0.6 km
Discover the charm of The Del Monte Speakeasy, a live music bar in Venice, CA, where great food and captivating performances create unforgettable nights.
Townhouse Venice
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant ambiance and craft cocktails at Townhouse Venice, the ultimate bar experience in California's iconic coastal city.
High Rooftop Lounge
0.6 km
Experience breathtaking ocean views and vibrant atmosphere at High Rooftop Lounge, the ultimate destination for cocktails and relaxation in Venice, CA.
Roosterfish
0.9 km
Experience the lively cocktail culture of Venice at Roosterfish, where expertly crafted drinks meet a vibrant atmosphere.
Venice Beach Wines
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant charm of Venice Beach Wines, where exquisite wines meet laid-back California vibes.
JuneShine - Santa Monica
1.0 km
Experience the unique taste of hard kombucha in a vibrant bar atmosphere at JuneShine, Santa Monica's refreshing oasis for tourists.
Library Alehouse
1.0 km
Discover Library Alehouse in Santa Monica, where American cuisine meets a cozy brewpub atmosphere filled with craft beers and literary charm.
Tavern on Main SM
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Tavern on Main SM in Santa Monica, where delicious grill dishes and a lively bar atmosphere come together.
Jameson’s Pub
1.2 km
Discover the charm of Ireland at Jameson’s Pub in Santa Monica, where great food, drinks, and hospitality come together in a lively atmosphere.
The Brig
1.2 km
Discover The Brig, the ultimate bar in Venice, California, for craft cocktails, local brews, and a vibrant outdoor patio atmosphere.
Basement Tavern
1.3 km
Basement Tavern: A lively bar and American restaurant in Santa Monica, perfect for great food, drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
The Living Room
2.2 km
Experience the elegance of The Living Room in Santa Monica, where coastal charm meets culinary excellence and breathtaking ocean views.
The Little Friend
2.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Little Friend Bar in Venice, CA, where dance floors and craft cocktails create unforgettable memories.
