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.
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.
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.
A brief summary to Basketball Courts, Venice Beach
- 1708-1798 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, Venice, California, 90291, US
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Attractions Nearby to Basketball Courts, Venice Beach
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Venice Beach Recreation Center
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Windward Plaza
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Vintage Venice Reel to Real Tours
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Muscle Beach Venice Gym
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Public Art "Touch of Venice"
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Public Art "Venice Kinesis"
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Cartel de Venice
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Venice Sign
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Venice Beach Skatepark
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L.A. Louver
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Venice Breakwater
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Westminster Dog Park
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Venice Beach Drum Circle
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Venice Canals Beach Access Path
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Venice Canal Historic District
Landmarks nearby to Basketball Courts, Venice Beach
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Basketball Courts, Venice Beach
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Muscle Beach Venice Hall of Fame Betty Weider
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Boardwalk Vintage
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Venice Beach Festival
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Venice Public Art Walls
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Venice beach
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Venice Beach Parking
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Best of the Boardwalk
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Venice Farmers' Market
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The Venice Beach House
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Venice Historical Marker
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Kinney-Tabor House
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Su Casa At Venice Beach
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Venice Fishing-Pier
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Venice Ale House