Background

Venice Beach Basketball Courts: Where Streetball Legends are Made

Experience the legendary Venice Beach Basketball Courts, a vibrant hub of streetball culture on the iconic Ocean Front Walk in Venice, CA.

4.8

The Venice Beach Basketball Courts are a legendary set of courts on the iconic Ocean Front Walk. Renowned for their high level of streetball, the courts have been featured in movies like 'White Men Can't Jump' and 'American History X,' and have fostered a vibrant community of players from all walks of life.

A brief summary to Basketball Courts, Venice Beach

  • 1708-1798 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, Venice, California, 90291, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Bring your A-game! The competition can be fierce, with talented players of all levels showing off their skills.
  • Come early to secure a spot, especially on weekends and during the summer, as the courts are popular and can get crowded.
  • Check out a Venice Basketball League (VBL) game during the summer for high-flying action and a taste of the local streetball culture.
  • The Recreation & Parks office lends out basketballs for free with a valid ID as a deposit.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the basketball courts are easily accessible on foot. Simply walk along Ocean Front Walk, and you'll find the courts between 17th and 18th Avenue, north of the tennis courts and south of the skate park. No cost involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus, several Metro and Big Blue Bus lines stop near Venice Beach. From the nearest bus stop (e.g., Pacific Ave/N Venice Blvd), walk east towards Ocean Front Walk. The courts will be a short walk away. A single bus fare is typically $1-2. Alternatively, from Downtown Santa Monica, you can take the Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station, then transfer to the Big Blue Bus or a Metro bus to Venice Beach. The combined fare would be around $3.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in the area. A short ride from Santa Monica Pier to the Venice Beach Basketball Courts will cost approximately $16-$22 and take about 7-8 minutes, depending on traffic. Be aware of potential surge pricing during peak hours.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in several public and private lots near Venice Beach. The Venice Beach parking lot at 2100 Ocean Front Walk is a convenient option. Rates vary, but expect to pay around $5-$18 during the day, with higher rates on weekends and during the summer. Private lots can range from $5-$30 per day. Be sure to read parking signs carefully to avoid tickets.

Unlock the Best of Basketball Courts, Venice Beach

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Basketball Courts, Venice Beach

The Venice Beach Basketball Courts are more than just asphalt; they're a cultural institution and a vibrant hub of community life. Situated on the world-famous Ocean Front Walk, these courts have witnessed countless games, legendary matchups, and the rise of streetball icons. Founded in 1905, Venice became part of Los Angeles in 1926 and is known for its canals and Ocean Front Walk. The basketball courts are located north of the tennis courts and south of the skate park. The courts have four full-length courts, with one stadium-sized court. For decades, these courts have been a gathering place for players of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. From local legends honing their craft to NBA stars looking for a challenging pickup game, the courts have seen it all. The open-door policy and the welcoming atmosphere have fostered a unique sense of camaraderie, where anyone can step onto the court and test their mettle. The courts gained further notoriety through their appearances in popular films. "White Men Can't Jump," the iconic 1992 film starring Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes, showcased the courts' vibrant streetball scene to a global audience. The movie's depiction of the fast-paced games, the colorful characters, and the constant hustle perfectly captured the essence of Venice Beach basketball. Another film, "American History X," used the courts as a backdrop for a pivotal scene, further cementing their place in cinematic history. Today, the Venice Beach Basketball Courts continue to thrive as a vital part of the community. The Venice Basketball League (VBL), founded in 2006, organizes tournaments and events throughout the summer, drawing top talent from around the world.

Popular Experiences near Basketball Courts, Venice Beach

Popular Hotels near Basketball Courts, Venice Beach

Select Currency