Venice Beach: A Bohemian Rhapsody by the Sea
Experience the eclectic charm of Venice Beach: sun, sand, street performers, and a vibrant artistic spirit in Los Angeles' iconic seaside community.
Venice Beach, a world-renowned destination in Los Angeles, has a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere. Founded in 1905 by Abbot Kinney as "Venice of America," the area was designed to mimic Venice, Italy, complete with canals and gondolas. While the canals have diminished over time, the spirit of creativity and individuality remains strong. The heart of Venice Beach is its iconic Ocean Front Walk, a 2.5-mile pedestrian promenade bustling with street performers, vendors, and eclectic shops. Here, you can find everything from handmade jewelry to unique art pieces, and witness captivating performances from breakdancers to spray paint artists. Muscle Beach, a legendary outdoor gym, attracts bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, while the Venice Skate Park showcases impressive skateboarding skills. Beyond the boardwalk, Venice Beach offers a wide sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The Venice Canals provide a tranquil escape with charming homes and lush greenery. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a trendy street nearby, features upscale boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Venice Beach is a dynamic destination that captures the essence of Southern California's unique culture.
Local tips
- Bring cash for street performers and vendors, as many operate on a 'pay what you want' system.
- Visit during the weekdays or early mornings to avoid large crowds, especially on the boardwalk.
- Explore the Venice Canals for a peaceful escape from the bustling boardwalk.
- Check out Abbot Kinney Boulevard for upscale shopping and dining experiences.
- Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas, to ensure a safe visit.
A brief summary to Venice beach
- 1701 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, Venice, California, 90291, US
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Downtown Santa Monica, take the Metro bus 33 directly to Venice Beach. The bus ride is approximately 11 minutes and costs $1-2. The bus stops near Main Street and Venice Way, a short walk from the beach.
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Walking
From Abbot Kinney Boulevard, walk west towards the beach. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes, and you'll reach the heart of Venice Beach at the intersection of Windward Avenue and Ocean Front Walk.
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Taxi/Ride-share
From Santa Monica Pier, a taxi or ride-share to Venice Beach will take about 8 minutes, costing approximately $18-22. Request a drop-off at Ocean Front Walk for easy access to the boardwalk and beach.
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Parking
Several parking lots are available near Venice Beach, with prices ranging from $5 to $30 per day. Metered street parking is also available but can be challenging to find, especially during peak season. The Venice - Venice Blvd and Venice - Washington Blvd lots charge between $9 - $18 depending on the time of day. Be sure to check posted signs for rates and restrictions.
Attractions Nearby to Venice beach
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Muscle Beach Venice Gym
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Venice Beach Recreation Center
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1800 Ocean Front Walk
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Vintage Venice Reel to Real Tours
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Venice Canals Beach Access Path
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Windward Plaza
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Venice Canal Historic District
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Venice Canals
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Public Art "Touch of Venice"
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Cartel de Venice
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Public Art "Venice Kinesis"
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Venice Sign
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Venice Rainbow Path
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Venice Breakwater
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Venice Beach Skatepark
Landmarks nearby to Venice beach
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Venice beach
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Muscle Beach Venice Hall of Fame Betty Weider
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Venice Beach Parking
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Basketball Courts, Venice Beach
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Boardwalk Vintage
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Venice Public Art Walls
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Venice Beach Festival
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The Venice Beach House
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Venice Farmers' Market
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Venice Fishing-Pier
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Best of the Boardwalk
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Venice Historical Marker
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Marina Del Rey Sign
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Kinney-Tabor House
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Su Casa At Venice Beach